2019 U.S. Open Senior men’s freestyle preview
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
World medalist Thomas Gilman is among the stars in the U.S. Open men's freestyle field. Photo by Larry Slater.
The United States has put together two great performances at the World Championships during this Olympic four-year cycle, winning the World Team title in Paris in 2017 and placing a close second at the 2018 Worlds in Budapest in 2018. The USA won an amazing seven World medals at the 2018 World Championships. Those World medalists have qualified directly to Final X, and are not expected to compete at the U.S. Open, although many of them will be there to support teammates.
With that said, in the three weight classes where the USA did not medal in Budapest, 57 kg, 65 kg and 70 kg, the winner of the U.S. Open will advance to Final X. Those weight classes will be loaded in Las Vegas, with two-time World medalist James Green (70 kg) and 2017 World silver medalist Thomas Gilman (57 kg) among those registered.
A week ago, 2016 World champion Logan Stieber officially announced his retirement, leaving the sport as the No. 1 athlete on Team USA at 65 kg. This weight class is loaded with talent and depth, and Las Vegas will give an early preview of the kind of battles to expect on the road to the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
The men’s freestyle pre-seeds were announced on Monday, which gave fans a first opportunity to take a peek at the competition in men’s freestyle for this year’s U.S. Open. We give this weight-by-weight preview for your enjoyment.
57 kg/125.5 lbs.
National Team: 1. Thomas Gilman; 2. Daton Fix; 3. Tony Ramos
Gilman, a World silver medalist in 2017, who was also on the 2018 U.S. World Team, is registered for the U.S. Open and seeking to secure his spot in Final X once again. He could meet 2019 NCAA runner-up Daton Fix of Oklahoma State, who he defeated in Final X last year. Fix competed at 133 pounds in college but is down to his freestyle weight again.
Last year’s No. 3 on the National Team, two-time World Team member Tony Ramos, is registered at 61 kg. Two-time NCAA champion and two-time Junior World champion Spencer Lee is already qualified for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament and did not register here. That does not mean that Gilman and Fix will have a simple road to the finals. This weight has a ton of depth.
Zach Sanders and Frank Perrelli, veterans who have remained active on the national and international scene, are capable of a run to the finals. A pair of past NCAA champions, Nathan Tomasello and Darian Cruz, have been focused on freestyle and are looking to move up. Tomasello is a past Senior National Team member.
Talented college freshman Vito Arujau, a past Cadet World champion, is looking to make a move on the Senior level. Josh Rodriguez is fresh off a Pan American Championships gold medal. A two-time NCAA champion at Illinois, Jesse Delgado is seeking to rise in freestyle. Others expected to contend are Zane Richards, Nick Piccinnini, Eddie Klimara and Austin Assad. There will be some very good early round bouts at this weight class.
2018 U.S. Open results at 57 kg
1st - Tony Ramos (Sunkist Kids) dec. Daton Fix (Titan Mercury WC), 2-2
3rd - Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. Frank Perrelli (TMWC), 4-3
5th - David Terao (DCAC) tech. fall Brent Fleetwood (Bison WC), 10-0 3:15
7th - Edward Klimara (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Skyler Petry (Minnesota Storm), 10-0 0:19
61 kg/134 lbs.
Final X qualified – 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon
Rest of National Team: 1. Nahshon Garrett; 3. Nico Megaludis
This weight class will be very interesting. The top two stars from this weight class are not expected in the draw, 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon, and 2018 Final X champion Nahshon Garrett. Roll back a year, and Colon beat Garrett in a wild 2018 U.S. Open final. Garrett returned the favor at Final X, winning in three bouts. When a Garrett injury put Colon in the World Championships, Colon cashed in with a medal, and goes directly into Final X. Garrett has not entered the Open this year.
That leaves former NCAA champion Nico Megaludis as the only 2018 National Team member from this weight class, after taking third in the Trials process last year. Another 2018 National Team member at 57 kg, two-time World Team member Tony Ramos, is competing at 61 kg this year in Vegas. Tyler Graff, a past National Team member who was fourth at the 2018 U.S. Open, has the skill and experience to battle for a national title this year.
One of the most successful newcomers to this draw is Ben Whitford, who had a strong performance at the Dave Schultz Memorial, then won a gold medal at the Cerro Pelado in Cuba. Past NCAA champion Cory Clark has been competing often this year, back at full strength after recovering from his shoulder injury at the end of his college career. Cody Brewer, an NCAA champion who can score points by the bucket in freestyle, could get on a roll and challenge for a placement in the finals. Others who have received seeds and could fight for a placement are Daniel Deshazer, Johnny DiJulius, Sheldon Mack and Joey Palmer.
2018 U.S. Open results at 61 kg
1st - Joe Colon (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Nahshon Garrett (Sunkist Kids), 20-13
3rd - Nico Megaludis (Nittany Lion WC) tech. fall Tyler Graff (TMWC), 10-0 5:34
5th - Brandon Wright (New York AC/Indiana WC) inj. dft. Seth Gross (Sunkist Kids)
7th - Darrius Little (New York AC/LVWC) dec. Jens Lantz (University of Wisconsin), 5-4
65 kg/143 lbs.
National Team: 1. Logan Stieber; 2. Joseph McKenna; 3. Jaydin Eierman
2016 World champion Logan Stieber, who also competed at the 2017 and 2018 World Championships, announced his retirement, taking a top star out of this field. However, there is so much depth and talent at 65 kg that there is little doubt that this weight class will provide some of the best entertainment in Las Vegas. A spot in Final X goes to the winner of this wide open battle.
Looking strong in recent competition is Jordan Oliver, who has made numerous Freestyle National Teams but has yet to reach a World Championships. Oliver missed a year because of a positive test, but it ended up being two World Team Trials due to the timing of his return from suspension. A two-time NCAA champion, he is highly motivated to win the Open, win Final X and show the world what he can do.
2017 World Team member Zain Retherford, a three-time NCAA champion, chose not to compete in the 2018 Trials process. A past Cadet World champion, Retherford has competed internationally this year at the World Cup and is looking to come into Vegas in top form. He had a wild match with Oliver in an AWL pro bout earlier this year.
Joey McKenna, the 2018 U.S. Open champion and the Final X runner-up behind Stieber, just finished his college career and is now a full-time freestyler. McKenna boasts Junior and U23 World medals. Add in 2016 Olympian Frank Molinaro, who was fifth in the 2016 Rio Games and now back at 65 kg. Molinaro was able to make the National Team at 70 kg, but is looking to re-take control of this Olympic weight division.
World champion Yianni Diakomihalis, who believes he is ready for Senior-level success. Add in
The college ranks are giving us two-time NCAA champion and past Cadet Jayden Eierman, second in the 2018 U.S. Open and third on the Senior National Team, and you have another athlete capable of winning a title. Dominick Demas, who has been successful in both Greco-Roman and freestyle, takes a run at freestyle at this Open.
Sometimes overlooked by the media, but never by his opponents, is B.J. Futrell, who has made past National Team and has extensive international experience. The depth beyond Futrell is very impressive. Past NCAA champions Jayson Ness and Dean Heil are in the draw. Brandon Wright, who was second at the U.S. Open a few seasons ago, got the No. 14 preseed. Others seeking to qualify for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament are Bryce Meredith, Nick Dardanes, Colton McCrystal, Evan Henderson and Mitch McKee. Just making the top eight in this field will be a great achievement.
2018 U.S. Open results at 65 kg
1st - Joseph McKenna (OSC-unattached) dec. Jaydin Eierman (Missouri Wrestling RTC), 7-3
3rd - Logan Stieber (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Nicholas Dardanes (Titan Mercury WC), 13-2 4:07
5th - Jayson Ness (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Evan Henderson (Titan Mercury WC), 10-0 1:44
7th - John Simmons (New York AC/MWC) tech. fall Robbie Mathers (Sunkist Kids), 10-0 1:02
70 kg/154 lbs.
National Team: 1. James Green; 2. Jason Chamberlain; 3. Frank Molinaro
Two-time World medalist James Green, who boasts a 2017 World silver and a 2015 World bronze medal, fell short of the medals at the 2018 World Championships in Budapest. He has entered the U.S. Open seeking to qualify for Final X right off the bat. He will be favored here, but will need to be at his best to come home as national champion.
Jason Chamberlain, the veteran star who won the 2018 U.S. Open, fell to former workout partner Green in Final X. Chamberlain has extensive experience, and seems to be wrestling at his best in recent seasons. In his first full season on the Senior level, former Iowa star Brandon Sorensen bagged the No. 3 pre-seed based upon success in a number of international events in recent months.
Now with his college career in the books, with three NCAA titles, Jason Nolf takes the next big step with a full-time freestyle focus. Nolf made the Senior National Team at this weight a few seasons ago at this weight, and will be expected to make immediate impact. Moving down from 74 kg, where he was No. 3 on the National Team last year, is Nazar Kulchytskyy, a talented freestyler. Add in another young talent who completed his freestyle career, past Junior World Team member Alec Pantaleo in the mix. Pantaleo was third at last year’s U.S. Open.
Junior World medalist Ryan Deakin, another college star, should be competitive, as will Lavion Mayes, who has improved in freestyle since finishing college a year ago. Veterans Mario Mason, Dylan Ness and Anthony Collica bring depth, and could make a move in the brackets.
2018 U.S. Open results at 70 kg
1st - Jason Chamberlain (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Hayden Hidlay (Wolfpack WC), 4-1
3rd - Alec Pantaleo (Michigan RTC) dec. Dylan Ness (Minnesota Storm), 8-2
5th - Ryan Deakin (Northwestern) inj. dft. Frank Molinaro (Titan Mercury WC)
7th - Griffin Parriott (Boilermaker RTC) VPO1 Josh Reyes (Orange Crush WC), 2-1
74 kg/163 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World bronze medalist Jordan Burroughs
Rest of National Team: 2. Isaiah Martinez; 3. Nazar Kulchytskyy
Jordan Burroughs won a World bronze medal last year, his seventh World or Olympic medal, moving him directly into Final X. The defending U.S. Open champion is Isaiah Martinez, who Burroughs beat at Final X last year. Martinez has competed overseas a number of times since their last battle, and comes into Las Vegas as the favorite.
With Nazar Kulchytskyy, who was No. 3 on National Team dropping to 70 kg, there is a lot of opportunity here for the rest of the field. Tommy Gantt, who was a Bill Farrell International champion and who has been competing overseas often, is a rising talent here. College star Evan Wick, fifth at last year’s U.S. Open, has shown excellent freestyle skills during his development. Quinton Godley, who has been a U.S. Open All-American a number of times, is always a tough opponent at this event. Dan Vallimont, the 2018 U.S. Open runner-up, is also capable of another run at the finals.
A surprise name in the draw is 2012 Olympian Jared Frayer, who coaches at Virginia Tech but has always been a freestyle master. Frayer is up in weight from his Olympic days but will be a challenge. Looking to come back after time away is Anthony Valencia, who has made Junior World Teams. Also from the Arizona State/Sunkist stable is Josh Shields. College star Logan Massa has been a consistent freestyle threat, making the 2016 Olympic Trials and placing on the Senior level often. Chase Pami is a proven veteran and Joey Lavallee has shown improvement as he competes on the freestyle circuit.
2018 U.S. Open results at 74 kg
1st - Isaiah Martinez (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Dan Vallimont (New York AC/Penn RTC), 10-0
3rd - Jake Sueflohn (Boilermaker RTC) tech. fall Quinton Godley (Wolfpack WC), 11-0
5th - Evan Wick (Titan Mercury WC/ Univ. of Wisconsin) tech. fall Carson Brolsma (Minnesota Storm), 10-0, 1:59
7th -Taleb Rahmani (Pittsburgh WC) tech. fall Nicholas Bonomo (Warhawk WC), 13-2 3:23
79 kg/174 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World champion Kyle Dake
Rest of National Team: 2. Zahid Valencia; 3. Alex Dieringer
With World champion Kyle Dake taking his Final X spot at this weight class, and two-time NCAA champion Zahid Valencia advancing to the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament after winning the NCAA title in Pittsburgh, the only National Team member in the draw is Alex Dieringer, who sits at No. 3. Dieringer has been tearing up the international circuit, proving his ability to beat top foreign stars. He lost 5-5 to Dake in the 2018 U.S. Open finals, but was bested by Valencia in the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament last spring.
The pre-seeding committee chose to only seed three from this field, with Chance Marsteller, a longtime freestyle talent getting No. 2 and Nathan Jackson coming in at No. 3. Marsteller just finished his college career, and has signed on with the Lehigh Valley WC for his freestyle home. Jackson, fifth at last year’s U.S. Open, is making progress on the freestyle scene. Ben Harvey, who was sixth at the U.S. Open last year, Stacey Davis, who was seventh, and Michael Thelen, who was eighth, are the only other returning U.S. Open placers from last year. Athletes who could emerge include graduated collegian Joe Smith of Oklahoma State, plus Duke star Matthew Finesilver. We may see some new talent emerge in Vegas this year.
2018 U.S. Open results at 79 kg
1st - Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Alex Dieringer (Titan Mercury WC), 5-5
3rd - Joshua Asper (Navy-Marine Corps RTC) dec. Michael Evans (Buies Creek RTC), 6-1
5th - Nathan Jackson (NJRTC) tech. fall Ben Harvey (Army West Point), 10-0 4:30
7th - Stacey Davis (Wolfpack WC) tech. fall Michael Thelen (Western Colorado WC), 11-0 1:18
86 kg/189 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World champion David Taylor
Rest of National Team: 2. Nick Reenan; 3. Richard Perry
At this time, no members of the 2018-19 Freestyle National Team are registered to compete. World champion David Taylor has accepted his Final X berth. Final X runner-up Nick Reenan battled injuries during the college season for NC State and is not entered. No. 3 Richard Perry is inspiring the world with his recovery from last summer’s accident and is not competing.
The top pre-seed goes to former Iowa star Sammy Brooks, who has been effective in a number of international events going back to the start of this season. Myles Martin, a past NCAA champion with a long history of age-group freestyle success, claimed the No. 2 seed. Pat Downey, who was seventh in last year’s Open and is a past Junior World silver medalist, comes in at No. 3. Watch out for past National Team member Nick Heflin, who has competed up at 92 kg recently, but can truly make a championship run back down at this weight class. Some fans still remember the throw he had on David Taylor a few years ago at the World Team Trials.
Josh Asper, who was third at the 2018 U.S. Open at 79 kg, returns to 86 kg where he is expected to be a big factor. Improving steadily in freestyle are Brett Pfarr and Kenneth Courts, both who have been entering events and scoring placements. The college scene brings Max Dean and Nino Bonaccorsi into the mix here, both talented wrestlers with a huge freestyle upside and strong RTC coaching.
2018 U.S. Open results at 86 kg
1st - David Taylor (Nittany Lion WC) dec. Richard Perry (New York AC/Penn RTC), 8-0
3rd - Nick Reenan (Wolfpack WC) tech. fall Timothy Dudley (Sunkist Kids), 10-0, 1:45
5th - Austin Coburn (Predator) inj. dft. Ryan McWatters (Unattached)
7th - Pat Downey (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Brandon Supernaw (Western Colorado WC), 10-0 0:26
92 kg/202.5 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World champion J’den Cox
Rest of National Team: 2. Hayden Zillmer; 3. Deron Winn
With World champion J’den Cox moving on to Final X, the man he beat last year to make the World Team comes in as the favorite, Hayden Zillmer. He was able to make the National Team in both freestyle and Greco-Roman two seasons ago, but chose to focus mostly on freestyle this past season. If Zillmer wins the U.S. Open, he still needs to claim the title at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament, which could make a run in both styles still difficult for him. Zillmer reached the finals of the U.S. Open last year and seeks his first national title.
No. 3 on the National Team ladder is Deron Winn, who has retired from wrestling to focus on his MMA career, including an upcoming debut in the UFC. Fans are excited that three-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal is entered to make his first run at Senior freestyle. Nickal made age-group World Teams coming up in the system but has not tested himself at this level yet. 2018 NCAA champion Michael Macchiavello has been competing in many freestyle events the last year and is capable of reaching the Open finals. Throw in Kollin Moore, who owns Junior World and U23 World medals, and you have another athlete with the ability to reach the finals here.
Timothy McCall, who was sixth at the U.S. Open last year, continues to add to his freestyle record. Timothy Dudley was fourth in the 2018 U.S. Open at 86 kg, and moves up to 92 kg this year. Nikko Reyes, fifth at last year’s U.S. Open, has experience and talent. Add in Scottie Boykin and Riley Lefever, both who are now active on the Senior circuit, and there should be some great action at this weight class. Lefever won four NCAA Div. III title, and is learning his freestyle craft in the Nittany Lion stable.
2018 U.S. Open results at 92 kg
1st - J’den Cox (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Hayden Zillmer (Minnesota Storm), 2-0
3rd - Enock Francois (New York AC/FLWC) pin Deron Winn (Titan Mercury WC), 1:32
5th - Nikko Reyes (Valley RTC) inj. dft. Timmy McCall (Titan Mercury WC)
7th - Cody Walters (Bulldog Elite WC) tech. fall Jeremiah Imonode (Army West Point), 10-0 2:05
97 kg/213 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World silver medalist Kyle Snyder
Rest of National Team: 2. Kyven Gadson; 3. Ty Walz
With Olympic and World champion Kyle Snyder already advancing to Final X after his World silver medal last year, the big star in this event is Kyven Gadson, No. 2 on the National Team after falling to Snyder in Final X last year. Gadson has been second behind Snyder at this weight the last two years. He won the U.S. Open in 2017, and has been third two times, coming in confidence this year.
Ty Walz won a U23 World bronze medal in 2017 and reached No. 3 on the National Team last year. He lost to Austin Shafer in the 2018 U.S. Open finals and seeks his first Open title this year. Schafer has not been competing this year. Cornell’s Ben Honis was fifth in last year’s U.S. Open and returns this year. Blaize Cabell, eighth at the Open last year and active on the national circuit, is another challenger for the finals.
Focusing on freestyle after his college career ended, Kevin Beazley is a past National Team member in Greco-Roman who is training with the Cliff Keen WC and working on his freestyle game. Wynn Michalak, a 2016 U.S. Open champion who has been focusing on his coaching career at Michigan State, makes his return to the mat in Las Vegas.
2018 U.S. Open results at 97 kg
1st - Austin Schafer (New York AC/FLWC) dec. Ty Walz (Titan Mercury WC), 14-7
3rd - Kyven Gadson (Sunkist Kids) dec. Nathan Burak (Titan Mercury WC), 3-2
5th - Ben Honis (Cornell University) dec. Ross Larson (Viking WC), 13-11
7th - Braden Atwood (Sunkist Kids) inj. dft. Blaize Cabell (Valley RTC)
125 kg/275 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski
Rest of National Team: 2. Adam Coon; 3. Anthony Nelson
With two-time World bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski moving on to Final X, 2018 U.S. Open champion and Final X runner-up Adam Coon is the favorite again. Last year, Coon wrestled in both styles at the Open, winning in freestyle and taking second in Greco-Roman. That reversed in the Trials process, taking first in Greco-Roman and second to Gwizz in freestyle. His World silver medal in Greco-Roman featured Coon pinning his way to the finals. Coon is already in Final X in Greco, and won’t do the classic style in Vegas. After winning the Pan Am Championships in Greco last weekend, Coon is now working on the process to qualify for Final X in freestyle again this year.
Olympic champion Jake Varner was second to Coon at the Open last year, but is not entered this time. No. 3 on the National team is Tony Nelson, who has been competing internationally often and becoming a force. Past U.S. Open champion and multiple National Team member Dom Bradley comes in with a strong resume and championship talent.
Tanner Hall, sixth in the U.S. Open last year, has extensive freestyle success and is capable of challenging for the finals. Two college heavyweights, NCAA runner-up Derek White of Oklahoma State and multiple All-American Yousif Hemida of Maryland are looking to take a big step on the Senior level. Hemida was a U23 World silver medalist last year. Others who were in the pre-seeds are Ceron Francisco and Garrett Ryan. The Nevill brothers, Nick of Penn State and A.J. of Fresno State, are both entered and seeking a high placement.
2018 U.S. Open results at 125 kg
1st - Adam Coon (NYAC/MWC) dec. Jake Varner (Nittany Lion WC), 3-1
3rd - Dom Bradley (Sunkist Kids) dec. Gable Steveson (Minnesota Storm), 2-2
5th - Anthony Nelson (Minnesota Storm) dec. Tanner Hall (Arizona State), 6-4
7th - Michael Kosoy (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Shawn Streck (Boilermaker RTC), 10-0 0:59
The United States has put together two great performances at the World Championships during this Olympic four-year cycle, winning the World Team title in Paris in 2017 and placing a close second at the 2018 Worlds in Budapest in 2018. The USA won an amazing seven World medals at the 2018 World Championships. Those World medalists have qualified directly to Final X, and are not expected to compete at the U.S. Open, although many of them will be there to support teammates.
With that said, in the three weight classes where the USA did not medal in Budapest, 57 kg, 65 kg and 70 kg, the winner of the U.S. Open will advance to Final X. Those weight classes will be loaded in Las Vegas, with two-time World medalist James Green (70 kg) and 2017 World silver medalist Thomas Gilman (57 kg) among those registered.
A week ago, 2016 World champion Logan Stieber officially announced his retirement, leaving the sport as the No. 1 athlete on Team USA at 65 kg. This weight class is loaded with talent and depth, and Las Vegas will give an early preview of the kind of battles to expect on the road to the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
The men’s freestyle pre-seeds were announced on Monday, which gave fans a first opportunity to take a peek at the competition in men’s freestyle for this year’s U.S. Open. We give this weight-by-weight preview for your enjoyment.
57 kg/125.5 lbs.
National Team: 1. Thomas Gilman; 2. Daton Fix; 3. Tony Ramos
Gilman, a World silver medalist in 2017, who was also on the 2018 U.S. World Team, is registered for the U.S. Open and seeking to secure his spot in Final X once again. He could meet 2019 NCAA runner-up Daton Fix of Oklahoma State, who he defeated in Final X last year. Fix competed at 133 pounds in college but is down to his freestyle weight again.
Last year’s No. 3 on the National Team, two-time World Team member Tony Ramos, is registered at 61 kg. Two-time NCAA champion and two-time Junior World champion Spencer Lee is already qualified for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament and did not register here. That does not mean that Gilman and Fix will have a simple road to the finals. This weight has a ton of depth.
Zach Sanders and Frank Perrelli, veterans who have remained active on the national and international scene, are capable of a run to the finals. A pair of past NCAA champions, Nathan Tomasello and Darian Cruz, have been focused on freestyle and are looking to move up. Tomasello is a past Senior National Team member.
Talented college freshman Vito Arujau, a past Cadet World champion, is looking to make a move on the Senior level. Josh Rodriguez is fresh off a Pan American Championships gold medal. A two-time NCAA champion at Illinois, Jesse Delgado is seeking to rise in freestyle. Others expected to contend are Zane Richards, Nick Piccinnini, Eddie Klimara and Austin Assad. There will be some very good early round bouts at this weight class.
2018 U.S. Open results at 57 kg
1st - Tony Ramos (Sunkist Kids) dec. Daton Fix (Titan Mercury WC), 2-2
3rd - Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. Frank Perrelli (TMWC), 4-3
5th - David Terao (DCAC) tech. fall Brent Fleetwood (Bison WC), 10-0 3:15
7th - Edward Klimara (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Skyler Petry (Minnesota Storm), 10-0 0:19
61 kg/134 lbs.
Final X qualified – 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon
Rest of National Team: 1. Nahshon Garrett; 3. Nico Megaludis
This weight class will be very interesting. The top two stars from this weight class are not expected in the draw, 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon, and 2018 Final X champion Nahshon Garrett. Roll back a year, and Colon beat Garrett in a wild 2018 U.S. Open final. Garrett returned the favor at Final X, winning in three bouts. When a Garrett injury put Colon in the World Championships, Colon cashed in with a medal, and goes directly into Final X. Garrett has not entered the Open this year.
That leaves former NCAA champion Nico Megaludis as the only 2018 National Team member from this weight class, after taking third in the Trials process last year. Another 2018 National Team member at 57 kg, two-time World Team member Tony Ramos, is competing at 61 kg this year in Vegas. Tyler Graff, a past National Team member who was fourth at the 2018 U.S. Open, has the skill and experience to battle for a national title this year.
One of the most successful newcomers to this draw is Ben Whitford, who had a strong performance at the Dave Schultz Memorial, then won a gold medal at the Cerro Pelado in Cuba. Past NCAA champion Cory Clark has been competing often this year, back at full strength after recovering from his shoulder injury at the end of his college career. Cody Brewer, an NCAA champion who can score points by the bucket in freestyle, could get on a roll and challenge for a placement in the finals. Others who have received seeds and could fight for a placement are Daniel Deshazer, Johnny DiJulius, Sheldon Mack and Joey Palmer.
2018 U.S. Open results at 61 kg
1st - Joe Colon (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Nahshon Garrett (Sunkist Kids), 20-13
3rd - Nico Megaludis (Nittany Lion WC) tech. fall Tyler Graff (TMWC), 10-0 5:34
5th - Brandon Wright (New York AC/Indiana WC) inj. dft. Seth Gross (Sunkist Kids)
7th - Darrius Little (New York AC/LVWC) dec. Jens Lantz (University of Wisconsin), 5-4
65 kg/143 lbs.
National Team: 1. Logan Stieber; 2. Joseph McKenna; 3. Jaydin Eierman
2016 World champion Logan Stieber, who also competed at the 2017 and 2018 World Championships, announced his retirement, taking a top star out of this field. However, there is so much depth and talent at 65 kg that there is little doubt that this weight class will provide some of the best entertainment in Las Vegas. A spot in Final X goes to the winner of this wide open battle.
Looking strong in recent competition is Jordan Oliver, who has made numerous Freestyle National Teams but has yet to reach a World Championships. Oliver missed a year because of a positive test, but it ended up being two World Team Trials due to the timing of his return from suspension. A two-time NCAA champion, he is highly motivated to win the Open, win Final X and show the world what he can do.
2017 World Team member Zain Retherford, a three-time NCAA champion, chose not to compete in the 2018 Trials process. A past Cadet World champion, Retherford has competed internationally this year at the World Cup and is looking to come into Vegas in top form. He had a wild match with Oliver in an AWL pro bout earlier this year.
Joey McKenna, the 2018 U.S. Open champion and the Final X runner-up behind Stieber, just finished his college career and is now a full-time freestyler. McKenna boasts Junior and U23 World medals. Add in 2016 Olympian Frank Molinaro, who was fifth in the 2016 Rio Games and now back at 65 kg. Molinaro was able to make the National Team at 70 kg, but is looking to re-take control of this Olympic weight division.
World champion Yianni Diakomihalis, who believes he is ready for Senior-level success. Add in
The college ranks are giving us two-time NCAA champion and past Cadet Jayden Eierman, second in the 2018 U.S. Open and third on the Senior National Team, and you have another athlete capable of winning a title. Dominick Demas, who has been successful in both Greco-Roman and freestyle, takes a run at freestyle at this Open.
Sometimes overlooked by the media, but never by his opponents, is B.J. Futrell, who has made past National Team and has extensive international experience. The depth beyond Futrell is very impressive. Past NCAA champions Jayson Ness and Dean Heil are in the draw. Brandon Wright, who was second at the U.S. Open a few seasons ago, got the No. 14 preseed. Others seeking to qualify for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament are Bryce Meredith, Nick Dardanes, Colton McCrystal, Evan Henderson and Mitch McKee. Just making the top eight in this field will be a great achievement.
2018 U.S. Open results at 65 kg
1st - Joseph McKenna (OSC-unattached) dec. Jaydin Eierman (Missouri Wrestling RTC), 7-3
3rd - Logan Stieber (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Nicholas Dardanes (Titan Mercury WC), 13-2 4:07
5th - Jayson Ness (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Evan Henderson (Titan Mercury WC), 10-0 1:44
7th - John Simmons (New York AC/MWC) tech. fall Robbie Mathers (Sunkist Kids), 10-0 1:02
70 kg/154 lbs.
National Team: 1. James Green; 2. Jason Chamberlain; 3. Frank Molinaro
Two-time World medalist James Green, who boasts a 2017 World silver and a 2015 World bronze medal, fell short of the medals at the 2018 World Championships in Budapest. He has entered the U.S. Open seeking to qualify for Final X right off the bat. He will be favored here, but will need to be at his best to come home as national champion.
Jason Chamberlain, the veteran star who won the 2018 U.S. Open, fell to former workout partner Green in Final X. Chamberlain has extensive experience, and seems to be wrestling at his best in recent seasons. In his first full season on the Senior level, former Iowa star Brandon Sorensen bagged the No. 3 pre-seed based upon success in a number of international events in recent months.
Now with his college career in the books, with three NCAA titles, Jason Nolf takes the next big step with a full-time freestyle focus. Nolf made the Senior National Team at this weight a few seasons ago at this weight, and will be expected to make immediate impact. Moving down from 74 kg, where he was No. 3 on the National Team last year, is Nazar Kulchytskyy, a talented freestyler. Add in another young talent who completed his freestyle career, past Junior World Team member Alec Pantaleo in the mix. Pantaleo was third at last year’s U.S. Open.
Junior World medalist Ryan Deakin, another college star, should be competitive, as will Lavion Mayes, who has improved in freestyle since finishing college a year ago. Veterans Mario Mason, Dylan Ness and Anthony Collica bring depth, and could make a move in the brackets.
2018 U.S. Open results at 70 kg
1st - Jason Chamberlain (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Hayden Hidlay (Wolfpack WC), 4-1
3rd - Alec Pantaleo (Michigan RTC) dec. Dylan Ness (Minnesota Storm), 8-2
5th - Ryan Deakin (Northwestern) inj. dft. Frank Molinaro (Titan Mercury WC)
7th - Griffin Parriott (Boilermaker RTC) VPO1 Josh Reyes (Orange Crush WC), 2-1
74 kg/163 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World bronze medalist Jordan Burroughs
Rest of National Team: 2. Isaiah Martinez; 3. Nazar Kulchytskyy
Jordan Burroughs won a World bronze medal last year, his seventh World or Olympic medal, moving him directly into Final X. The defending U.S. Open champion is Isaiah Martinez, who Burroughs beat at Final X last year. Martinez has competed overseas a number of times since their last battle, and comes into Las Vegas as the favorite.
With Nazar Kulchytskyy, who was No. 3 on National Team dropping to 70 kg, there is a lot of opportunity here for the rest of the field. Tommy Gantt, who was a Bill Farrell International champion and who has been competing overseas often, is a rising talent here. College star Evan Wick, fifth at last year’s U.S. Open, has shown excellent freestyle skills during his development. Quinton Godley, who has been a U.S. Open All-American a number of times, is always a tough opponent at this event. Dan Vallimont, the 2018 U.S. Open runner-up, is also capable of another run at the finals.
A surprise name in the draw is 2012 Olympian Jared Frayer, who coaches at Virginia Tech but has always been a freestyle master. Frayer is up in weight from his Olympic days but will be a challenge. Looking to come back after time away is Anthony Valencia, who has made Junior World Teams. Also from the Arizona State/Sunkist stable is Josh Shields. College star Logan Massa has been a consistent freestyle threat, making the 2016 Olympic Trials and placing on the Senior level often. Chase Pami is a proven veteran and Joey Lavallee has shown improvement as he competes on the freestyle circuit.
2018 U.S. Open results at 74 kg
1st - Isaiah Martinez (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Dan Vallimont (New York AC/Penn RTC), 10-0
3rd - Jake Sueflohn (Boilermaker RTC) tech. fall Quinton Godley (Wolfpack WC), 11-0
5th - Evan Wick (Titan Mercury WC/ Univ. of Wisconsin) tech. fall Carson Brolsma (Minnesota Storm), 10-0, 1:59
7th -Taleb Rahmani (Pittsburgh WC) tech. fall Nicholas Bonomo (Warhawk WC), 13-2 3:23
79 kg/174 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World champion Kyle Dake
Rest of National Team: 2. Zahid Valencia; 3. Alex Dieringer
With World champion Kyle Dake taking his Final X spot at this weight class, and two-time NCAA champion Zahid Valencia advancing to the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament after winning the NCAA title in Pittsburgh, the only National Team member in the draw is Alex Dieringer, who sits at No. 3. Dieringer has been tearing up the international circuit, proving his ability to beat top foreign stars. He lost 5-5 to Dake in the 2018 U.S. Open finals, but was bested by Valencia in the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament last spring.
The pre-seeding committee chose to only seed three from this field, with Chance Marsteller, a longtime freestyle talent getting No. 2 and Nathan Jackson coming in at No. 3. Marsteller just finished his college career, and has signed on with the Lehigh Valley WC for his freestyle home. Jackson, fifth at last year’s U.S. Open, is making progress on the freestyle scene. Ben Harvey, who was sixth at the U.S. Open last year, Stacey Davis, who was seventh, and Michael Thelen, who was eighth, are the only other returning U.S. Open placers from last year. Athletes who could emerge include graduated collegian Joe Smith of Oklahoma State, plus Duke star Matthew Finesilver. We may see some new talent emerge in Vegas this year.
2018 U.S. Open results at 79 kg
1st - Kyle Dake (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Alex Dieringer (Titan Mercury WC), 5-5
3rd - Joshua Asper (Navy-Marine Corps RTC) dec. Michael Evans (Buies Creek RTC), 6-1
5th - Nathan Jackson (NJRTC) tech. fall Ben Harvey (Army West Point), 10-0 4:30
7th - Stacey Davis (Wolfpack WC) tech. fall Michael Thelen (Western Colorado WC), 11-0 1:18
86 kg/189 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World champion David Taylor
Rest of National Team: 2. Nick Reenan; 3. Richard Perry
At this time, no members of the 2018-19 Freestyle National Team are registered to compete. World champion David Taylor has accepted his Final X berth. Final X runner-up Nick Reenan battled injuries during the college season for NC State and is not entered. No. 3 Richard Perry is inspiring the world with his recovery from last summer’s accident and is not competing.
The top pre-seed goes to former Iowa star Sammy Brooks, who has been effective in a number of international events going back to the start of this season. Myles Martin, a past NCAA champion with a long history of age-group freestyle success, claimed the No. 2 seed. Pat Downey, who was seventh in last year’s Open and is a past Junior World silver medalist, comes in at No. 3. Watch out for past National Team member Nick Heflin, who has competed up at 92 kg recently, but can truly make a championship run back down at this weight class. Some fans still remember the throw he had on David Taylor a few years ago at the World Team Trials.
Josh Asper, who was third at the 2018 U.S. Open at 79 kg, returns to 86 kg where he is expected to be a big factor. Improving steadily in freestyle are Brett Pfarr and Kenneth Courts, both who have been entering events and scoring placements. The college scene brings Max Dean and Nino Bonaccorsi into the mix here, both talented wrestlers with a huge freestyle upside and strong RTC coaching.
2018 U.S. Open results at 86 kg
1st - David Taylor (Nittany Lion WC) dec. Richard Perry (New York AC/Penn RTC), 8-0
3rd - Nick Reenan (Wolfpack WC) tech. fall Timothy Dudley (Sunkist Kids), 10-0, 1:45
5th - Austin Coburn (Predator) inj. dft. Ryan McWatters (Unattached)
7th - Pat Downey (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Brandon Supernaw (Western Colorado WC), 10-0 0:26
92 kg/202.5 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World champion J’den Cox
Rest of National Team: 2. Hayden Zillmer; 3. Deron Winn
With World champion J’den Cox moving on to Final X, the man he beat last year to make the World Team comes in as the favorite, Hayden Zillmer. He was able to make the National Team in both freestyle and Greco-Roman two seasons ago, but chose to focus mostly on freestyle this past season. If Zillmer wins the U.S. Open, he still needs to claim the title at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament, which could make a run in both styles still difficult for him. Zillmer reached the finals of the U.S. Open last year and seeks his first national title.
No. 3 on the National Team ladder is Deron Winn, who has retired from wrestling to focus on his MMA career, including an upcoming debut in the UFC. Fans are excited that three-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal is entered to make his first run at Senior freestyle. Nickal made age-group World Teams coming up in the system but has not tested himself at this level yet. 2018 NCAA champion Michael Macchiavello has been competing in many freestyle events the last year and is capable of reaching the Open finals. Throw in Kollin Moore, who owns Junior World and U23 World medals, and you have another athlete with the ability to reach the finals here.
Timothy McCall, who was sixth at the U.S. Open last year, continues to add to his freestyle record. Timothy Dudley was fourth in the 2018 U.S. Open at 86 kg, and moves up to 92 kg this year. Nikko Reyes, fifth at last year’s U.S. Open, has experience and talent. Add in Scottie Boykin and Riley Lefever, both who are now active on the Senior circuit, and there should be some great action at this weight class. Lefever won four NCAA Div. III title, and is learning his freestyle craft in the Nittany Lion stable.
2018 U.S. Open results at 92 kg
1st - J’den Cox (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Hayden Zillmer (Minnesota Storm), 2-0
3rd - Enock Francois (New York AC/FLWC) pin Deron Winn (Titan Mercury WC), 1:32
5th - Nikko Reyes (Valley RTC) inj. dft. Timmy McCall (Titan Mercury WC)
7th - Cody Walters (Bulldog Elite WC) tech. fall Jeremiah Imonode (Army West Point), 10-0 2:05
97 kg/213 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World silver medalist Kyle Snyder
Rest of National Team: 2. Kyven Gadson; 3. Ty Walz
With Olympic and World champion Kyle Snyder already advancing to Final X after his World silver medal last year, the big star in this event is Kyven Gadson, No. 2 on the National Team after falling to Snyder in Final X last year. Gadson has been second behind Snyder at this weight the last two years. He won the U.S. Open in 2017, and has been third two times, coming in confidence this year.
Ty Walz won a U23 World bronze medal in 2017 and reached No. 3 on the National Team last year. He lost to Austin Shafer in the 2018 U.S. Open finals and seeks his first Open title this year. Schafer has not been competing this year. Cornell’s Ben Honis was fifth in last year’s U.S. Open and returns this year. Blaize Cabell, eighth at the Open last year and active on the national circuit, is another challenger for the finals.
Focusing on freestyle after his college career ended, Kevin Beazley is a past National Team member in Greco-Roman who is training with the Cliff Keen WC and working on his freestyle game. Wynn Michalak, a 2016 U.S. Open champion who has been focusing on his coaching career at Michigan State, makes his return to the mat in Las Vegas.
2018 U.S. Open results at 97 kg
1st - Austin Schafer (New York AC/FLWC) dec. Ty Walz (Titan Mercury WC), 14-7
3rd - Kyven Gadson (Sunkist Kids) dec. Nathan Burak (Titan Mercury WC), 3-2
5th - Ben Honis (Cornell University) dec. Ross Larson (Viking WC), 13-11
7th - Braden Atwood (Sunkist Kids) inj. dft. Blaize Cabell (Valley RTC)
125 kg/275 lbs.
Final X eligible – 2018 World bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski
Rest of National Team: 2. Adam Coon; 3. Anthony Nelson
With two-time World bronze medalist Nick Gwiazdowski moving on to Final X, 2018 U.S. Open champion and Final X runner-up Adam Coon is the favorite again. Last year, Coon wrestled in both styles at the Open, winning in freestyle and taking second in Greco-Roman. That reversed in the Trials process, taking first in Greco-Roman and second to Gwizz in freestyle. His World silver medal in Greco-Roman featured Coon pinning his way to the finals. Coon is already in Final X in Greco, and won’t do the classic style in Vegas. After winning the Pan Am Championships in Greco last weekend, Coon is now working on the process to qualify for Final X in freestyle again this year.
Olympic champion Jake Varner was second to Coon at the Open last year, but is not entered this time. No. 3 on the National team is Tony Nelson, who has been competing internationally often and becoming a force. Past U.S. Open champion and multiple National Team member Dom Bradley comes in with a strong resume and championship talent.
Tanner Hall, sixth in the U.S. Open last year, has extensive freestyle success and is capable of challenging for the finals. Two college heavyweights, NCAA runner-up Derek White of Oklahoma State and multiple All-American Yousif Hemida of Maryland are looking to take a big step on the Senior level. Hemida was a U23 World silver medalist last year. Others who were in the pre-seeds are Ceron Francisco and Garrett Ryan. The Nevill brothers, Nick of Penn State and A.J. of Fresno State, are both entered and seeking a high placement.
2018 U.S. Open results at 125 kg
1st - Adam Coon (NYAC/MWC) dec. Jake Varner (Nittany Lion WC), 3-1
3rd - Dom Bradley (Sunkist Kids) dec. Gable Steveson (Minnesota Storm), 2-2
5th - Anthony Nelson (Minnesota Storm) dec. Tanner Hall (Arizona State), 6-4
7th - Michael Kosoy (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Shawn Streck (Boilermaker RTC), 10-0 0:59
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