Ella Pagel of Minnesota goes for the fall in the 2021 U16 National finals. Photo by Austin Bernard

USA Wrestling will post one preview each day, starting on Friday, July 8, for the six national tournaments that will be held at the USMC Junior and 16U National Championships in Fargo.

We started the previews on Friday, with a weight-by-weight review of the boys 16U Freestyle Nationals. Today, we take a deep dive into the 16U Women’s Nationals field.

16U Women’s field loaded

Historically, the Women’s 16U Nationals has been the smallest in size in Fargo, and often has young athletes who use the event to establish themselves on the national scene. This year’s event changes that theory dramatically. There are six returning 16U National champions, a U17 World medalist, 48 returning All-Americans, 77 nationally ranked athletes and a healthy 546 entries at this point. The first finals of Fargo week will showcase this talented field and should be highly competitive and entertaining.

94 pounds

Among the favorites for this weight class are U17 National runners-up Katey Valdez of Colorado and Analise Maralit of South Carolina. Maralit was second at 88 pounds and Valdez was second at 94.5 pounds. Valdez and Maralit won a gold medals at the U17 Pan American Championships this year. Valdez is the only nationally ranked wrestler in the weight class at No. 25 at 100 pounds. Valdez is also the highest returning 16U All-American, placing third at 94 last year.

The other returning 16U All-American in the weight class is Joely Slyter of Idaho, who was eighth at 94 pounds last summer. Slyter was third at two big national events this year, at the 16U Folkstyle Nationals and the U17 Freestyle Nationals. Kendall Moe of Indiana placed at two national freestyle events the same weekend, taking second at the U17 Nationals and fifth at the U17 Nationals. Perhaps the toughest hammer coming into Fargo for the first time in Caley Graber of Minnesota, a 2021 Preseason Nationals champion in the Middle School division, and a USA Wrestling national folkstyle champion in a number of age levels. This weight could be a proving ground for some new young talents looking to make a name for themselves.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Katey Valdez of Colorado (3rd at 94 in 16U), Joely Slyter of Idaho (8th at 94 in 16U)
Others separated: Kendall Moe of Indiana, Abigail Mendoza of Texas, Caley Graber of Minnesota, Annalise Maralit of South Carolina
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Katey Valdez (No. 25 at 100),

100 pounds

This weight class will be very competitive, with three returning All-Americans, six nationally-ranked high school stars and some talented challengers who could shake up the rankings. The highest returning All-American is Rianne Murphy of Indiana, who was fifth last year at 106 pounds at 16U. Murphy has wrestled at a number of weight classes in recent events, with 100 being the lightest. Gigi Bragg of Michigan, who was sixth last year at 94 pounds, brings a long resume. She won the Folkstyle Nationals at both the 16U and Junior levels earlier this year. The other returning All-American is Colorado’s Eyvori Jacquez, who was seventh at 94 last summer.

The highest ranked entry is Mary Manis of Florida, at No. 10 at 100, followed by Bragg at No. 12 at 100 and Murphy at No. 17 at 112. Since winning the Prep Nationals, Manis has place consistently high at national events, including going unbeaten in Junior Duals and placing second at U15 Nationals. Three other nationally ranked athletes are in the field, No. 26 Brooke Corrigan of Wisconsin, No. 27 Amelia Murphy of Indiana and No. 29 Jadyn Roller of Oklahoma.

Alicia Serratos of California placed second at the 16U Folkstyle Nationals. Among the other 16U Folkstyle National placers in the field are Aislin Kellner of New York, Jade Brundige of Missouri and Zoey Haney of Missouri. U15 Nationals All-Americans in the hunt are Athea Valenzuela of Arizona and Jaelle Cortez of California.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Rianne Murphy (5th at 106 in 16U), Gigi Bragg of Michigan (6th at 94 at 16U), Eyvori Jacquez of Colorado (7th at 94 in 16U),
Others separated: Aislin Kellner of New York, Jade Brundige of Missouri, Zoey Haney of Missouri, Mary Manis of Florida, Athea Valenzuela of Arizona, Jaelle Cortez of California, Alicia Serratos of California
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Mary Manis of Florida (No. 10 at 100), Gigi Bragg (No. 12 at 100), Rianne Murphy (No. 17 at 112), Brooke Corrigan of Wisconsin (No. 26 at 100), Amelia Murphy of Indiana (No. 27 at 100), Jadyn Roller of Oklahoma (No. 29 at 100),

106 pounds

The big favorite in the field is 2021 Cadet World bronze medalist Ava Ward of Missouri, who is ranked No. 2 nationally, and recently won a gold at the U17 Pan American Championships. Ward moved up to 106 this year and quickly became a dominant force. There are four returning 16U Nationals All-Americans in the field, led by Mikayla Garcia of California, who was the runner-up at 100 last summer. The other returning 16U All-Americans are Aspen Blasko of Minnesota, Angelina Cassioppi of Illinois and Heather Crull of Indiana. All are in the national rankings, with Cassioppi at No. 8, Blasko at No. 16 and Garcia at No. 21. Ward has wins over Blasko and Crull in major USA Wrestling events in the past. Cassioppi was a 2021 Preseason Nationals champion.

There are a ton of challengers who will push for a spot on the podium. Angelina Vargas of Missouri is No. 9 in the rankings, and won the 2021 Preseason Junior Nationals. No. 11 Avy Perez of California comes off a third place finish at the U17 Nationals. Others with national rankings are No. 22 Tiffany Stoshak of Pennsylvania and No. 28 Sky Langewicz of Michigan. U15 Nationals All-Americans Jayden Keller of Missouri and Noelani Lutz of Nevada are challengers along with 16U Folkstyle Nationals All-American Jillian Worthen of Iowa,.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Mikayla Garcia of California (2nd at 100 in 16U), Aspen Blasko of Minnesota (5th at 100 in 16U), Angelina Cassioppi (6th at 100 in 16U), Heather Crull of Indiana (7th at 106 in 16U),
Others separated: Jayden Keller of Missouri, Ava Ward of Missouri, Jillian Worthen of Iowa, Avy Perez of California, Noelani Lutz of Nevada
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Ava Ward (No. 2 at 106, No. 19 P-4-P), Angelina Cassioppi of Illinois (No. 8 at 100), Angelina Vargas of Missouri (No. 9 at 112), Avy Perez (No. 11 at 100), Heather Crull of Indiana (No. 14 at 106), Aspen Blasko of Minnesota (No. 16 at 100), Mikayla Garcia of California (No. 21 at 106), Tiffany Stoshak (No. 22 at 100), Sky Langewicz of Michigan (No. 28 at 106),

112 pounds

This weight is headlined by a returning 16U nationals champion, Cecilia Williams of Michigan, who was powerful on the way to the title at 112 pounds last summer in Fargo. Williams will not have an easy go with this field, as five other returning 16U Nationals All-Americans are in the field, and a breath-taking 11 nationally ranked competitors.

Currently the favorite could be No. 2 ranked Karlee Brooks of Arizona, who had a strong spring, winning the National High School Showcase and placing third at the U17 Nationals. Brooks was seventh at 106 in last summer’s 16U Nationals. Williams, who won at Who’s #1 in the fall, does not enter many major USA Wrestling events, and has not battled Brooks this season.

The other 2021 U16 Nationals All-Americans in the race are No. 30 ranked Calli Gilchrist of Connecticut, No. 11 ranked Ana Malovich of Pennsylvania, unranked Joy Cantu of Indiana and No. 16 Aubrey Krazer of Pennsylvania, all capable of making a run for the finals. But the ranked stars just keep coming here. Toss in No. 7 Bella Williams of Oklahoma, who has been strong all spring, plus No. 11 Libby Roberts of Washington, No. 12 Molly Allen of Iowa, No. 15 Sierra Chiesa of Pennsylvania, No. 19 Reanah Utterbach of Iowa and No. 28 Evelyn Holmes-Smith of Alabama, and you have a gauntlet of talent. Others to watch are Kaylin Taylor of Montana, Isabella Da Silva of Texas and Liz Donovan of Massachusetts. This weight class will be rugged, right from the opening whistle.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Cecilia Williams of Michigan (1st at 112 at 16U), Calli Gilchrist of Connecticut (3rd at 112 at 16U), Ana Malovich of Pennsylvania (5th at 106 at 16U), Karlee Brooks of Arizona (7th at 106 at 16U), Joy Cantu of Indiana (8th at 112 at 16U), Aubre Krazer of Pennsylvania (8th at 100 in 16U),
Others separated: Bella Williams of Oklahoma, Libby Roberts of Washington, Kaylin Taylor of Montana, Sierra Chiesa of Pennsylvania, Reanah Utterback of Iowa, Molly Allen of Iowa, Isabella Da Silva of Texas, Liz Donovan of Massachusetts
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Karlee Brooks of Arizona (No. 2 at 112, No. 20 P-4-P). Cecilia Williams of Michigan (No. 4 at 112), Bella Williams of Oklahoma (No. 7 at 112), Libby Roberts of Washington (No. 11 at 106), Ana Malovich (No. 11 at 112), Molly Allen of Iowa (No. 12 at 106), Sierra Chiesa of Pennsylvania (No. 15 at 106), Aubre Krazer of Pennsylvania (No. 16 at 106), Reanah Utterbach of Iowa (No. 19 at 112), Evelyn Holmes-Smith of Alabama (No. 28 at 112), Calli Gilchrist of Connecticut (No. 30 at 117)

117 pounds

The top star in this weight class is the only returning 16U All-American in the field, Persaeus Gomez of Colorado, who placed third last year at 106 pounds. Since then, she has risen to a No. 3 national ranking, with some really big finishes, winning the National High School Showcase and the U17 Pan American Championships, with a runner-up finish at the U17 Nationals. Gomez is one of just four nationally ranked athletes registered to compete at 117, with No. 7 Isabella Marie Gonzales of California, No. 17 Ashley Naranjo of Washington and No. 29 Kira Cole of Ohio.

Gonzales has been a rising talent all year, taking second at the California state meet, winning the Junior Folkstyle Nationals, winning the U15 Nationals, placing fifth at the U17 Nationals and going unbeaten at the Junior Duals. Naranjo was third at the U16 Folkstyle Nationals. Cole had a 6-2 record at the Junior Duals, with three ranked wins. This should be a really wide open race for spots on the podium. Athletes who earned separation status based upon their finishes at other USA Wrestling events include Margaret Buurma of Michigan, Sophia Smith of Arizona, Shayla Gallegos of Colorado, Natalie Klavetter of Wisconsin, Leah Edwards of North Carolina, Melanie Val of Tennessee, Sophia Shultz of Nebraska, Aubrie Pehrson of Nebraska and Zoey Barber of Nebraska. Many of these athletes will have a chance to show their stuff, and possibly earn a national ranking for the new season in the fall.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Persaeus Gomez of Colorado (3rd at 106 at 16U),
Others separated: Ashley Naranjo of Washington, Margaret Buurma of Michigan, Sophia Smith of Arizona, Shayla Gallegos of Colorado, Natalie Klavetter of Wisconsin, Isabella Marie Gonzales of California, Leah Edwards of North Carolina, Melanie Val of Tennessee, Sophia Shultz of Nebraska, Aubrie Pehrson of Nebraska, Zoey Barber of Nebraska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Persaeus Gomez of Colorado (No. 3 at 117), Isabella Marie Gonzales of California (No. 7 at 117), Ashley Naranjo of Washington (No. 17 at 117), Kira Cole of Ohio (No. 29 at 117)

122 pounds

This is an intriguing weight class, with some balance and talent, but no individual athlete who stands out as a strong favorite. With four returning 16U All-Americans and six nationally ranked wrestlers, there are clear candidates for the title. Fargo this year will be the proving ground to see who is ready to make the next step.

The highest placing returning All-American is Hayle Jaffe of Pennsylvania, who was third at 122 pounds last year and brings a No. 9 national ranking with her. The highest ranked athlete is No. 3 Savannah Witt, who placed fifth at 122 pounds in last year’s 16U Nationals. An intriguing challenger is No. 8 Alejandra Valdiviezo of California, who was fourth at 122 last year. Add in No. 26 Brenya Crahan, who was seventh at 132 last summer, and you have a strong mix at the top of the weight class. In last year’s 16U tournament, Jaffe beat Valdiviezo twice, and also had a win over Witt. Since then, all of them have been competing at a high level at the major events.

The wildcard in the field is No. 8 Carley Ceshker of Wisconsin, wrestling in her first Fargo. Ceshker won the 16U Folkstyle Nationals and the Journeymen World Classis, and was eighth at the U17 Nationals. Another improving talent is No. 30 Audrey Rogotzke of Minnesota, another first time Fargo entry, who was 6-1 at Junior Duals. 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion Everest Leydecker of Arizona is someone to watch. Add in U15 Nationals runner-up Peyton Hellman of South Dakota, and U15 All-American Ella Gahl, along with 16U Folkstyle All-American Neelie Parker of Texas, and you see the depth in the field.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Haylie Jaffe of Pennsylvania (3rd at 122 at 16U), Alejandro Valdiviezo of California (4th at 122 at 16U), Savannah Witt of Pennsylvania (5th at 122 at 16U), Brenya Crahan of Missouri (7th at 132 at 16U)
Others separated: Ella Gahl of Indiana, Everest Leydecker of Arizona, Carley Ceshker of Wisconsin, Peyton Hellman of South Dakota, Neelie Parker of Texas, Audrey Rogotzke of Minnesota
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Savannah Witt of Pennsylvania (No. 3 at 122), Alejandro Valdiviezo of California (No. 8 at 122), Carley Ceshker of Wisconsin (No. 8 at 117), Haylie Jaffe of Pennsylvania (No. 9 at 127), Brenya Crahan of Missouri (No. 26 at 127), Audrey Rogotzke of Minnesota (No. 30 at 122)

127 pounds

This final could be a battle of 2021 16U National champions, both who are among the top ranked wrestlers in the nation. No. 4 ranked Skylar Little Soldier of Minnesota won the 16U Nationals last year at this weight class, while No. 6 Cadence Diduch of Illinois won the title at 117 pounds. Diduch moved up in weight this year, taking third at the U17 Nationals and going undefeated at the Junior Duals. Little Soldier was second at the U17 Nationals and won a silver medal at the U17 Pan American Championships. These two haven’t met in a major USA Wrestling event.

The only other returning U16 All-American is Regan Retell of New York, who was third at 127 last year. She holds a No. 30 national ranking coming in. Others with national rankings are No. 14 Alicen Dillard of Texas, No. 23 Jordyn Fouse of Pennsylvania, No. 29 Ciara Riner of West Virginia and No. 30 Isis France of Arizona. Dillard, a Texas state runner-up, went 8-1 at the Junior Duals and was a U15 Nationals champion in 2021. France won the U15 Nationals this year, beating Fouse in the finals. Nebraska’s Regan Rosseter has been in the national rankings in the past. Emma Chacon of Arizona was a 2021 14U national champion and was fourth at the 16U Folkstyle Nationals. Others with achievements that earned them separation are Belicia Manuel of Michigan, Dealya Collins of Wisconsin and Kennedie Snow of North Carolina.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Cadence Diduch (1st at 117 in 16U), Skylar Little Soldier of Minnesota (1st at 127 in 16U), Ragan Retell of New York (3rd at 127 at 16U),
Others separated: Belicia Manuel of Michigan, Jordyn Fouse of Pennsylvania, Emma Chacon of Arizona, Isis France of Arizona, Dealya Collins of Wisconsin, Alicen Dillard of Texas, Kennedie Snow of North Carolina, Regan Rosseter of Nebraska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Skylar Little Soldier of Minnesota (No. 4 at 127), Cadence Diduch (No. 6 at 127), Alicen Dillard of Texas (No. 14 at 138), Jordyn Fouse of Pennsylvania (No. 23 at 132), Ciara Riner of West Virginia (No. 28 at 127), Ragan Retell of New York (No. 30 at 132), Isis France of Arizona (No. 30 at 138)

132 pounds

This weight class seems to be wide open for the taking. Only three returning 16U All-Americans are in the field, Gianna Debenedetto of California, who was sixth at 122, Nicole Redmond of Kansas, who was sixth at 127 and Daniella Nugent of Massachusetts, who was seventh at 117. Their national rankings go like this: Dibenedetto at No. 11, Nugent at No. 20 and Redmond at No. 24. Dibenedetto comes off a second place at the High School Showcase.

The highest ranked wrestler in the field is Lauren Walton of Kentucky at No. 9. Walton won the NHSCA Nationals, placed second in the Journeymen World Classic and third at the High School Showcase. Another talent to watch is No. 14 Carina Giangeruso of New Jersey, who attends Wyoming Seminary, and No. 18 May Prado of Georgia. Prado lost to Walton in the NHSCA finals, and also went 6-1 at the Junior Duals. Among the other contenders is Morgan Lucio of Arizona, who was second at the 16U Folkstyle Nationals, Northeast Junior Regional champion Mia Collins of New York and 2021 U15 Nationals runner-up Kristen Schellenberg of Nebraska. Don’t be shocked if somebody who is not well known makes a big run in this weight class.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Gianna Dibenedetto of California (6th at 122 at 16U), Nicole Redmond of Kansas (6th at 127 at 16U), Daniella Nugent of Massachusetts (7th at 117 at 16U),
Others separated: Mia Collins of New York, Carina Giangeruso of New Jersey, Morgan Lucio of Arizona, Lauren Walton of Kentucky, Kristen Schellenberg of Nebraska,
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Lauren Walton of Kentucky (No. 9 at 132), Gianna Dibenedetto of California (No. 11 at 132), Carina Giangeruso of New Jersey (No. 14 at 132), May Prado of Georgia (No. 18 at 132), Nicole Redmond of Kansas (No. 24 at 132), Daniella Nugent of Massachusetts (No. 20 at 132),

138 pounds

This is also an intriguing weight class, with just three returning 16U All-Americans in the mix. No. 12 Faith Bartoszek of Wisconsin was fifth last year at 144. No. 6 Marissa Rumsey was eighth at 117 in 2021. Unranked Julia Fongaro of New Jersey was eighth at 127 last summer. Rumsey is coming in on a hot streak, taking second at the U17 Nationals and willing a silver medal at the U17 Pan American Championships. Bartoszek was also fifth at the 2021 Junior Nationals, leaving Fargo with two medals around her neck.

Three other nationally ranked wrestlers will take a shot at this weight class, No. 13 Sarah Henckel of Connecticut, No. 17 Amitria McNack of Missouri and No. 28 Ashley Dehney of Massachusetts. Henckel was fourth at the U17 Nationals, with a loss to Bartoszek and a win over Dehney. McNack went 6-1 at the Junior Duals, and was fourth at the Junior Folkstyle Nationals. Dehney placed eighth at the U17 Nationals, with losses to both Henckel and Bartoszek. Aubrey Molina was third and Josie Newby of Idaho was fourth at 16U Folkstyle Nationals. Others earning separation status were Josie Hause of Indiana, Camryn Scott of Colorado, Gabriella Ocasio of Kentucky and Annabelle Davis of Texas.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Faith Bartoszek of Wisconsin (5th at 144 in 16U, 5th at 144 in Juniors), Marissa Rumsey of Pennsylvania (8th at 117 in 16U), Julia Fongaro of New Jersey (8th at 127 in 16U),
Others separated: Josie Hause of Indiana, Amitria McNack of Missouri, Sarah Henckel of Connecticut, Camryn Scott of Colorado, Gabriella Ocasio of Kentucky, Josie Newby of Idaho, Aubrie Molina of Nevada, Annabelle Davis of Texas, Ashley Dehney of Massachusetts
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Marissa Rumsey of Pennsylvania (No. 6 at 132), Faith Bartoszek of Wisconsin (No. 12 at 144), Sarah Henckel of Connecticut (No. 13 at 144), Amitria McNack of Missouri (No. 17 at 138), Ashley Dehney of Massachusetts (No. 28 at 138)

144 pounds

There are three returning 16U All-Americans who are all hammers and will be top contenders for the title. Returning 16U Nationals champion Nebi Tsarni of Maryland won this weight class last summer, and comes in with a No. 17 national ranking. Sydney Perry, who was second at the 16U Nationals at 132 last year, has a No. 5 national ranking. Mishell Rebisch of Michigan, who was fourth at 132 last year, has the highest national ranking at No. 4. Rebisch was second at the U17 Nationals this year at 152, then won a silver medal at the U17 Pan American Championships. Perry was second at the U17 Nationals at 144 this year, then also added a silver medal at that weight at the U17 Pan American Championships.

There are no other nationally ranked wrestlers in this field, but a few who have been in the national discussion. Skylar Slade of Iowa comes to her first Fargo with a long resume, including a third place at the U15 Nationals and a fifth place at the Preseason Nationals. Emma Peach of Iowa won the 16U Folkstyle Nationals, beating Elly Janovsky of Indiana in the finals, with both expecting big things in Fargo. Sandilynn Tuinei of Nevada was second in the U15 Nationals this year. 16U Folkstyle Nationals All-Americans Summer Schellinger of Oregon and Kohanna Renner of Tennessee are also worth paying attention to.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Nebi Tsarni of Maryland (1st at 144 in 16U, 8th at 144 in Junior), Sydney Perry of Illinois (2nd at 132 in 16U), Mishell Rebisch of Michigan (4th at 132 in 16U for Alaska),
Others separated: Elly Janovsky of Indiana, Skylar Slade of Iowa, Emma Peach of Iowa, Summer Schellinger of Oregon, Sandilynn Tuinei of Nevada, Kohana Renner of Tennessee
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Mishell Rebisch of Michigan (No. 4 at 152), Sydney Perry of Illinois (No. 5 at 144), Nebi Tsarni of Maryland (No. 17 at 144)

152 pounds

With five returning 16U All-Americans, this weight should also be fun to watch, since there is no overwhelming favorites. Those who placed last summer in Fargo included Genevieve An of Georgia (fifth at 138), Skylur Lewis of Arkansas (6th at 152), Kaylee Davis of Oklahoma (7th at 164), Lexi Ritchie of Illinois (7th at 152) and Gianna Falise of Colorado (8th at 152). Three have national rankings, An at No. 21 and Davis at No. 29. An was third at the U17 Nationals this year.

The other ranked wrestler coming in is No. 24 Cali Dupree of Missouri, who went 7-1 at the Junior Duals and was a Missouri state runner-up. The other wrestler with separation criteria is Zoe Fries of Idaho, who was third at the 16U Folkstyle Nationals. This weight has a lot of opportunity for a young newcomer to step up and make themselves a name at the national level.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Genevieve An of Georgia (5th at 138 in 16U), Skylur Lewis of Arkansas (6th at 152 in 16U), Kaylee Davis of Oklahoma (7th at 164 in 16U), Lexi Ritchie of Illinois (7th at 152 in 16U), Gianna Falise of Colorado (8th at 152 in 16U)
Others separated: Zoe Fries of Idaho
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Genevieve An of Georgia (No. 21 at 144), Cali Dupree of Missouri (No. 24 at 152), Kaylee Davis of Oklahoma (No. 29 at 152),

164 pounds

With seven returning 16U All-Americans, including the returning national champion, this weight should be full of fireworks, especially in the later rounds. The defending champion is No. 10 Ella Pagel of Minnesota, who won Super 32 this fall, placed second at the Junior Folkstyle Nationals and was unbeaten in the Junior Duals. No. 17 Olivia Stean of Kansas was third at this weight last year, and also placed sixth at the Junior Nationals. Pagel beat Steen in the 16U National semifinals last year. Steen went on to defeat No. 27 Jael Miller of Pennsylvania in the third-place match last summer at this weight class.

Right now, the highest ranked wrestler in the field is No. 3 Piper Fowler of Tennessee, who has had a fantastic season. Fowler won the 16U Folkstyle Nationals, and was second at the Junior Folkstyle Nationals, the National Recruiting Showcase and the 17U Nationals. Fowler beat Pagel at the U17 Nationals.

The other returning All-Americans are Alison Evans of Colorado (4th at 152), Bella Porcelli of Iowa (5th at 164), Grace Johns of Kansas (6th at 180) and Archer Jones of Arkansas (8th at 164). None of these four are in the current national rankings. Two other ranked athletes are entered, No. 13 Naomi Simon of Iowa and No. 16 Taylor Waddy of Virginia. Simon beat Porcelli in the Iowa state finals, went 7-1 at the Junior Duals and was sixth at the U17 Nationals. Waddy was third at the NHSCA Nationals. Also watch out for Rachel Schauer of Wisconsin, who has been nationally ranked during her high school career.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Ella Pagel (1st at 164 at 16U), Olivia Stean (3rd at 164 at 16U, 6th at 164 at Junior), Jael Miller of Pennsylvania (4th at 164 at 16U), Alison Evans of Colorado (4th at 152 at 16U), Bella Porcelli of Iowa (5th at 164 at 16U), Grace Johns of Kansas (6th at 180 at 16U), Archer Jones of Arkansas (8th at 164 at 16U),
Others separated: Rachel Schauer of Wisconsin, Naomi Simon of Iowa, Piper Fowler of Tennessee, Taylor Waddy of Virginia
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Piper Fowler of Tennessee (No. 3 at 152), Ella Pagel (No. 10 at 164), Naomi Simon of Iowa (No. 13 at 164), Taylor Waddy of Virginia (No. 16 at 180), Olivia Stean (No. 17 at 164), Jael Miller of Pennsylvania (No. 27 at 164),

180 pounds

Can anybody challenge No. 1 ranked Sabrina Nauss of Michigan in Fargo this year? Nauss is the defending 16U Nationals champion at 180 and placed third at the 2021 Junior Nationals at 180, bringing two medals home from Fargo. There is no other entry at this weight class who was a Fargo All-American last year. Nauss showed her toughness at Junior Duals, when the No. 1 at 200, Sam Calkins of California, came down to 180 and Nauss beat her handily.

There are three other nationally ranked athletes in the field who hope to knock off Nauss, No. 17 Symphony Veloz of Oklahoma, No. 20 Tirza Twoteeth of Montana and No. 27 Kali Hayden of Oklahoma. Veloz is fresh off a 6-2 effort at Junior Duals. Twoteeth won the 16U Folkstyle Nationals and placed at the Junior Folkstyle Nationals. Hayden, an Oklahoma state champion, was third at the Preseason Nationals. Another athlete to watch is AvaLyn Mosconi of Indiana, a state champion and also runner-up at the 16U Folkstyle Nationals.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Sabrina Nauss of Michigan (1st at 180 at 16U, 3rd at 180 at Junior)
Others separated: Avalyn Mosconi of Indiana, Symphony Veloz of Oklahoma, Tirza Twoteeth of Montana
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Sabrina Nauss of Michigan (No. 1 at 180, No. 15 P-4-P), Symphony Veloz of Oklahoma (No. 17 at 180), Tirza Twoteeth of Montana (No. 20 at 200), Kali Hayden of Oklahoma (No. 27 at 180)

200 pounds

This weight is pretty tough, with three returning All-Americans and six nationally ranked athletes in the field. Last year, Mariyah Brumley was second in the 16U Nationals and fifth at the Junior Nationals at this weight class. She carries a No. 7 national ranking with her to Fargo. Savannah Isaac of Ohio, who was third at 180 in last years’a 16U Nationals, is ranked No. 4 in the nation. Isaac was recently 8-0 at the Junior Duals. The other returning 16U All-American is Colorado’s Blythe Cayko, fourth at 180 last summer. Cayko is ranked No. 8 at this time. Isaac beat Cayko twice last summer in Fargo, including in the bronze-medal match.

Three other nationally ranked wrestlers are No. 22 Cheyenne Cruce of Florida, No. 27 Savannah Sistad of Iowa and No. 29 Tilisa Matakaiongo of Utah. Cruce and Sistad were 16U Folkstyle All-Americans this year, and Sistad won the Iowa state high school title. Matakaiongo is a Utah state champion. There will be opportunities for some new athletes to step up this year at this weight class.

Returning 2021 Fargo All-Americans: Mariyah Brumley of Missouri (2nd at 200 in 16U, 5th at 200 in Juniors), Savannah Isaac of Ohio (3rd at 180 in 16U), Blythe Cayko of Colorado (4th at 180 in 16U),
Others separated: Cheyenne Cruce of Florida, Savannah Sistad of Iowa
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Savannah Isaac of Ohio (No. 4 at 200), Mariyah Brumley of Missouri (No. 7 at 180), Blythe Cayko of Colorado (No. 8 at 200), Cheyenne Cruce of Florida (No. 22 at 200), Savannah Sistad of Iowa (No. 27 at 200), Tilisa Matakaiongo of Utah (No. 29 at 180)

16U Women’s Freestyle Preview: Strong field features six returning 16U champions and 48 All-Americans

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