Junior Greco-Roman Preview: Returning champs Burton, Harris, Quintanilla, Voelker among stars in Fargo
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Ray Ray Harris of California in the 2021 Junior 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. Saturday, we posted the 16U Women’s Nationals field. On Sunday, we added the Junior Men’s Freestyle preview. Monday was the Junior Women’s preview. Tuesday, we looked at 16U Greco-Roman. We conclude the previews today with the Junior Greco-Roman update.
Junior Greco-Roman Nationals a mix of specialists and double talents
One of the best parts of the annual Junior Greco-Roman Nationals is to watch those young wrestlers who have already specialized in the Classic Style battle some great athletes who compete in multiple styles and have strong skills. The fun part is the specialists may not always win, especially in the finals with a stop sign trophy up for grabs.
Returing champions who have registered are Kolton Burton of Idaho (now at 106), Ray Ray Harris of California (now at 126), Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington (now at 145), Wyatt Voelker of Iowa (still at 195). It should be a strong field once again.
100 pounds
There is one returning Junior All-American competing this week at 100 pounds, Isaac Stewart of Montana, who was sixth last summer. Stewart was a Northwest Regional double champion this year, and placed second at the National High School Showcase. There are three 16U National Greco-Roman All-Americans also in the field, with runner-up Javaan Yarbrough of Ohio (also a 16U freestyle champion) leading the way, along with third-place Ezekiel Witt of Kansas and fourth-place Tyler Garvin of Maryland. Witt was a double Southern Plains champion this year and Garvin was a runner-up in both styles at the Northeast Regionals.
Add in 2022 National Recruiting Showcase champion Jayden Rinken of Iowa, who is still alive for the Junior Triple Crown. Rinken was a Northern Plains Junior Greco-Roman champion. Caden Smith of Virginia won the Northeast Junior title, and Caleb Jackson of Utah was a Western Junior Regional champion. Tyson Roach of Louisiana was fourth in the 2021 Junior Nationals in freestyle. Hunter Sanchez of Utah was a U17 Greco-Roman All-American earlier this season.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Isaac Stewart of Montana (6th at 100 in Junior),
Others separated: Brady Byrd of Indiana, Tyler Garvin of Maryland, Caden Smith of Virginia, Javaan Yarbrough of Ohio, Jayden Rinken of Iowa, Hunter Sanchez of Utah, Caleb Jackson of Utah, Ezekiel Witt of Kansas, Tyson Roach of Louisiana
Nationally ranked wrestlers: None
106
Kolter Burton of Idaho is a returning Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion, after claiming the title last summer at 100 pounds. Burton is the only returning Junior All-American in this field. He also won the Junior Open division at the Folkstyle Nationals in April. Among his top challengers is another Idahoan, Mack Mauger, who was a 16U Triple Crown winner last year. Mauger won the National Recruiting Showcase title, which makes him eligible for a Junior Triple crown this year. Mauger was second in the U17 Nationals this year in Greco-Roman, and is ranked No. 7 nationally by FloWrestling.
Two other 16U All-Americans from last year are competing in the Juniors here this year, fourth-place Cadyn Cole of Nebraska and fifth-place Gage Singleton of Oregon. Singleton, who is No. 19 ranked by FloWrestling, was fourth at the U17 Nationals this year. Also ranked at No. 14 nationally is Colyn Limbert of Ohio, who was a Junior double champion at the Central Regionals. A 2021 U17 National All-American, Brayten Casey of Wisconsin, is also in the hunt. Add in Southeast Junior Regional champion Cale Tucker of Alabama, Southern Plains Junior Regional champion Jason Goodin of Oklahoma and Western Junior Regional champion Daniel Rosales of Idaho. 2022 Junior Folkstyle All-Americans Robert Sherk of Minnesota and Damian Moreno of Arizona are also competing.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Kolter Burton of Idaho (1st at 100 at Juniors),
Others separated: Brayten Casey of Wisconsin, Colyn Limbert of Ohio, Jason Goodin of Oklahoma, Mack Mauger of Idaho, Daniel Rosales of Idaho, Robert Sherk of Minnesota, Gage Singleton of Oregon, Damian Moreno of Arizona, Cale Tucker of Alabama, Hank Kriegler of Nebraska, Cadyn Coyle of Nebraska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Mack Mauger of Idaho (No. 7 at 106), Colyn Limbert of Ohio (No. 14 at 106), Gage Singleton of Oregon (No. 19 at 106)
113 pounds
This weight class has an impressive four returning Junior All-Americans, with Jeremy Oani of California, the runner-up at 100 last year, in the field. The other returning Junior placers competing are Michael Longo of Connecticut (3rd at 106), Marco Tocci of Pennsylvania (7th at 106) and Tyler Washburn of Florida (8th at 106). Washburn was a Southeast Junior Regional champion this season.
Nathan Desmond of Pennsylvania is the only entry who is nationally ranked by FloWrestling, at No. 19 at 120 pounds. Desmond was sixth at the 2021 U16 Nationals in Greco-Roman. There are two 2021 16U Nationals Greco-Roman champions jumping up this year, Anthony Ruzic of Illinois, who claimed the 106 pounds title last summer, and Layne Kleimann of Utah, who won the 100-pound crown. Ruzic placed at the U17 Nationals this year, and Kleimann was a Western Regional double champion. There are four other U16 All-Americans from last year jumping into Juniors this year, Sloan Johannsen of South Dakota, Carter Nogle of Maryland, Sean Campbell of New York and Colin Martin of Virginia.
Everest Sutton won the Junior Open division at the Folkstyle Nationals this year. Others who were Folkstyle All-Americans include Blade Walden of Oklahoma, Jacob Chapa of Washington and Joshua Miller of North Carolina. Reid Spurley of Wisconsin was a U17 National placewinner this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Jeremy Oani of California (2nd at 100 in Juniors), Michael Longo of Connecticut (3rd at 106 in Juniors), Marco Tocci of Pennsylvania (7th at 106 in Juniors), Tyler Washburn of Florida (8th at 106 in Junior)
Others separated: Sean Campbell of New York, Tanner Tishner of Indiana, Jackson Heaston of Indiana, Carter Nogle of Maryland, Colin Martin of Virginia, Reid Spurley of Wisconsin, Blade Walden of Oklahoma, Jacob Chapa of Washington, Joshua Drake of Michigan, Nathan Desmond of Pennsylvania, Carson Wagner of Pennsylvania, Anthony Ruiz of Illinois, Lane Kleimann of Utah, Sloan Johannsen of South Dakota, Joshua Miller of North Carolina, Everett Sutton of Oregon
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Nathan Desmond of Pennsylvania (No. 19 at 120)
120 pounds
There are a pair of returning Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans in this weight this year, Alan Koehler of Minnesota, who was third at 113 pounds last summer, and Kenneth Hendricksen of Texas, who was fifth at 113 pounds. Koehle, who boasts a No. 14 FloWrestling national ranking, was a Northern Plains Junior Regional double champion this year, while Hendricksen was a Southern Plains double champion.
There are two 2021 16U Nationals champions jumping up to Junior this year, Kael Lauridsen of Nebraska, who won at 120 last year and Austin Laudenbach of Minnesota, the 113 pound 16U champion. Lauridsen, who boasts a No. 6 ranking by FloWrestling, was third in the U17 Nationals this year, and has won six age-group Pan American Championships medals, three in each style. Laudenbach was a runner-up at the U17 Nationals this year. Five other 2021 16U All-Americans are entered, Marcello Milani of Michigan, Noah Nininger of Virginia, Wyatt Skebba of Washington, Miles Anderson of Nebraska and Treygen Morin of Idaho. Among the other contenders are 2022 U20 Nationals placer Israel Gonzalez of Utah, 2022 Junior Folkstyle nationals champion Garret Rinkin of Iowa, and 2021 Junior Nationals freestyle All-American Daniel Guanajuato of Arizona.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Alan Koehler of Minnesota (3rd at 113 in Junior), Kenneth Hendriksen of Texas (5th at 113 in Junior),
Others separated: Noah Nininger of Virginia, Wyatt Skebba of Wisconsin, William Chambers of Georgia, Garret Rinken of Iowa, Marcello Milani of Michigan, Logan Sallot of Pennsylvania, Massey Odiotti of Illinois, Israel Gonzalez of Utah, Treygen Morin of Idaho, Austin Laudenbach of Minnesota, Jaxson Taber of California, Daniel Guanajuato of Arizona, Miles Anderson of Nebraska, Kael Lauridsen of Nebraska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Kael Lauridsen of Nebraska (No. 6 at 120), Alan Koehler of Minnesota (No. 14 at 120),
126 pounds
Leading the pack of five returning Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans in Ray Ray Harris of California, the 106-pound champion who has jumped all the way up to 126 this year. Harris is joined by Gable Porter of Iowa, a runner-up at 126 last year who holds a No. 10 national ranking from FloWrestling. The other returning All-Americans are Kyison Garcia of Utah (4th at 113), Teegan Vasquez of Montana (5th at 126) and Mitchell Neiner of Washington (8th at 120).
Three other nationally ranked wrestlers are in the field, led by No. 7 Mason Gibson of Pennsylvania, who was a 16U Nationals Greco-Roman champion last year at 126. No. 9 ranked Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin won the 16U Nationals in Greco-Roman way back in 2019. Add in No. 19 Adrian Meza of Arizona, who was sixth in the 16U Nationals in Greco-Roman and won the 16U freestyle title last summer also. Add in two other 16U National All-Americans, Tanner Frothinger of Idaho, the runner-up and 120, and JJ McComas-Rogers of Oklahoma, who was sixth at 132. You can’t overlook Otto Black of Colorado, who was fourth at both the U17 Nationals and the U20 Nationals this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Ray Ray Harris of California (1st at 106 in Junior), Gable Porter of Iowa (2nd in 126 in Junior), Kyison Garcia of Utah (4th at 113 at Junior), Teegan Vasquez of Montana (5th at 126 in Junior), Mitchell Neiner of Washington (8th in 120 at Junior),
Others separated: Coleman Nogle of Maryland, Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin, JJ McComas-Rogers of Oklahoma, Eli Kirk of Oklahoma, Mason Gibson of Pennsylvania, Otto Black of Colorado, Tanner Frothinger of Idaho, Kanin Hable of Minnesota, Damien Landreth of North Carolina, Adrian Meza of Arizona
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Mason Gibson of Pennsylvania (No. 7 at 120), Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin (No. 9 at 126), Gable Porter of Iowa (No. 10 at 126), Adrian Meza of Arizona (No. 19 at 126)
132 pounds
Even though there are six returning Junior All-Americans from last year, the favorite in this weight did not wrestle in Fargo last summer. Land won a silver medal at 55 kg at the 2021 U17 World Championships. Land is ranked No. 3 nationally by FloWrestling, and won the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award this year. Anthony Aniciete of Nevada was the Junior Nationals runner-up at 132 last year and was second at the U20 Nationals this year.
The other returning Junior All-Americans are Kannon Webster of Illinois (3rd at 120), Nash Singleton of Oregon (5th at 132), Paul Kelly of California (6th at 120), Tristan Bremer of Idaho (7th at 126 and Kyle Rice of Idaho (8th at 126). Webster has a No. 3 FloWrestling ranking and Singleton is ranked at No. 18. Webster was also U16 National freestyle champ last year. Singleton was third at the U20 Nationals this year. Rice was second in the National Recruiting Showcase. You can add in a pair of 2019 Junior Nationals placewinners, Kaleb Casey of Wisconsin and Cael Keck of Missouri.
The depth here is considerable. U16 Nationals runner-up Aaron Lucio of Michigan is joined by other U16 National placers to include Ayson Rice of South Dakota, Daniel Zepeda of California, Grigor Cholakyan of California and Rhett Koenig of Wisconsin. With a No. 4 FloWrestling ranking, Vincent Robinson of Illinois was a Junior All-American last year in freestyle. Rhett Peak of Oklahoma was a U20 National All-American this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Anthony Aniciete of Nevada (2nd at 132 in Junior), Kannon Webster of Illinois (3rd at 120 in Junior), Nash Singleton of Oregon (5th at 132 in Junior), Paul Kelly of California (6th at 120 in Junior), Tristan Bremer of Idaho (7th at 126 in Junior), Kyle Rice of Idaho (8th at 126 in Junior),
Others separated: Kaleb Casey of Wisconsin, Rhett Koenig of Wisconsin, Ruben Laorenzana of Ohio, Rhett Peak of Oklahoma, Matthew Beem of Iowa, Cael Keck of Missouri, Aaron Lucio of Michigan, Vincent Robinson of Illinois, Landon Drury of Colorado, Aysen Rice of South Dakota, Daniel Zepeda of California, Grigor Chalakyan of California, Avery Buonocore of North Carolina, Isaiah Powe of Alabama, Cory Land of Alabama
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Cory Land of Alabama (No. 3 at 126), Kannon Webster of Illinois (No. 3 at 132), Vincent Robinson of Illinois (No. 4 at 132), Nash Singleton of Oregon (No. 18 at 132),
138 pounds
The three Junior National All-Americans in the weight are Christopher Martino of Idaho, Walker Bents of Minnesota and Elijah Paulson of Minnesota. Martino was fourth in the U20 Nationals this year. Paulson was the Northern Plains Junior champion this year, beating Bents in the finals. Also watch for 2021 U16 Nationals champion Pierson Manville of Pennsylvania, who won it at 145 pounds. Other returning U16 All-Americans in the field are Casper Stewart of New York, Joshua Neiwert of Washington, Alex Mentzer of South Dakota and Yannis Charles of South Carolina.
The only athlete ranked by FloWrestling in the weight is Emilio Ysaguirre of Arizona, who is No. 7 at 132. Ysaguirre won the National Recruiting Showcase this year, making him eligible for the Triple Crown. Four 2022 U20 All-Americans at the weight include Gunnar Hamre of Wisconsin, Dominic Hargrove of Colorado, Keith Smith of Nebraska and Colton Parduhn of Alaska. Smokey McClure of Washington was a U20 Nationals All-American.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Christopher Martino of Idaho (6th at 132 in Junior), Walker Bents of Minnesota (7th at 132 in Junior), Elijah Paulson of Minnesota (8th at 132 in Junior)
Others separated: Casper Stewart of New York, Gunnar Hamre of Wisconsin, Chase Fiser of Iowa, Smokey McClure of Washington, Joshua Niewert of Washington, Josh Allen of Michigan, Pierson Manville of Pennsylvania, Dominic Hargrove of Colorado, Alex Mentzer of South Dakota, Cael Alderman of Kansas, Tucker Cell of Kansas, DJ Gillett of Oregon, Emilio Ysaguirre of Arizona, Yannis Charles of South Carolina, Keith Smith of Nebraska, Colton Parduhn of Alaska.
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Emilio Ysaguirre of Arizona (No. 7 at 132)
145 pounds
A returning Junior Nationals champion is Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington, who won his title at 138 last summer. Quintanilla has a No. 11 ranking from FloWrestling. He is joined by two other returning All-Americans, Weston Dalton of Colorado (3rd at 138) and Alec Peralta of California (8th at 138). Peralta was fifth at the U20 Nationals this year. The field also includes a 2021 U16 Nationals champion Zach Henson of Minnesota, who won the title at 132 pounds.
The other athlete here in the FloWrestling rankings is No. 11 Beau Mantanona of California, a runner-up in the CIF California states this year. Mantanona was a 16U Nationals All-American back in 2019. 2021 16U Nationals runner-up Brady Collins is in the weight, as are Noah Manuel of Illinois (3rd at 1138) and Layton Schnieder of Oklahoma (6th at 145). Austin Hibler of New Jersey was a U17 Nationals All-American this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington (1st at 138 in Junior), Weston Dalton of Colorado (3rd at 138 in Junior), Alec Peralta of California (8th at 138 in Junior)
Others separated: Corbin Ramos of Wisconain, Layton Schneider of Oklahoma, Brennan Van Hoecke of Florida, August Hibler of New Jersey, Jayden Colon of Illinois, Jaydon Robinson of Illinois, Manuel Tapia of Illinois, Brady Collins of Colorado, Kayd Craig of Idaho, Zach Hanson of Minnesota, Trason Oehme of South Dakota, Beau Mantanona of California, Owen Eck of Kansas, Colin Dupill of Tennessee
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington (No. 11 at 138), Beau Mantanona of California (No. 11 at 152)
152 pounds
Richard Fedalen of Maryland won the U20 Nationals title this year at 72 kg, and placed seventh at the 2021 Junior Nationals. FloWrestling has Fedalen ranked at No. 13 this year. The highest ranked wrestler in the weight class by FloWrestling is No. 2 Cody Chittum of Tennessee, who is also No. 4 in their Pound-For-Pound rankings. Chittum was third in the U20 Freestyle Nationals this year and was a U16 Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up in 2019. Another returning Junior Nationals All-American is Jude Swisher of Pennsylvania, who was fifth at 138 last summer.
Watch out for Braden Stauffenberg of Illinois, who was a strong second at the U20 World Team Trials this year. Brett Back of Wisconsin is the highest placing 2021 U16 Nationals All-Americans who are jumping to Juniors this year, after placing second at 145 last summer. Back was third at the U17 Nationals this year. Dylan Evans of Pennsylvania was third at 145 at the 2021 U16 Nationals. KJ Evans of Oklahoma, ranked No. 9 by FloWrestling, was fourth in last year’s Junior Greco-Roman event at 152. Evans was fourth in the U17 Greco-Roman Nationals this year. Other returning 16U All-Americans going Junior are Brandon Cody of Florida, Laird Root of California and Cade White of Idaho.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Jude Swisher of Pennsylvania (5th at 138 at Junior), Richard Fedalen of Maryland (7th at 145 in Junior),
Others separated: Brett Back of Wisconsin, KJ Evans of Oklahoma, Brandon Cody of Florida, Israel Moreno of Montana, Gabriel Belga of Pennsylvania, Noah Rice of Pennsylvania, Dylan Evans of Pennsylvania, Braden Stauffenberg of Illinois, Javani Majoor of Colorado, Patrick Brackett of Colorado, Cade White of Idaho, Laird Root of California, Jaden New of Alabama, Cody Chittum of Tennessee
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Cody Chittum of Tennessee (No. 2 at 152, No. 4 P-4-P), KJ Evans of Oklahoma (No. 9 at 152), Richard Fedalen of Maryland (No. 13 at 152)
160 pounds
One of the most talented Greco-Roman specialists in the entire field is Jadon Skellenger of Idaho, who was a U17 World Team member last year. Skellenger was third in the 2022 U20 World Team Trials and second in the U20 Nationals this year. He will be challenged by a pair of returning Junior Nationals All-Americans, Thor Michaelson of Washington, who was fifth at 152 last year, and Ashton Meiss of Wisconsin, who was seventh at 138 last year. Michaelson has a No. 16 ranking from FloWrestling and was a 2022 Northwest Junior Regionals double champion. Ashton Miess of Washington, seventh at 138 last year, was second in the 2022 U20 World Team Trials.
Liam Scrivanich of Pennsylvania was a U16 Nationals champion last year at 160 pounds, and Jed Wester of Minnesota placed second behind Scrivanich at that weight class and is also a top contender. Other 2021 U16 Nationals All-Americans in the field are Gavin Fernandez of California and Erik McCown of California. Other age-group All-Americans this year who are competing are U20 Nationals placewinners Jeremy Paradice of Georgia and Benjamin Shvartsman of Illinois, plus U17 Nationals placer Cordell White of Florida.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Thor Michaelson (5th at 152 in Junior), Ashton Miess of Wisconsin (7th at 138 in Junior),
Others separated: Jeremy Paradice of Georgia, Mateo de la Pena of Washington, Brendon Abdon of Florida, Cordell White of Florida, Liam Scrivanich of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Shvartsman of Illinois, Jadon Skellenger of Idaho, Jed Wester of Minnesota, Leonard Tukhylnovych of Minnesota, Nicco Ruiz of California, Gavin Fernandez of California, Erik McCown of California, Dylan D Elmore of Kansas,
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Nicco Ruiz of California (No. 4 at 160), Brendon Abdon of Florida (No. 10 at 160), Thor Michaelson of Washington (No. 16 at 170)
170 pounds
There are a pair of returning Junior All-Americans competing this year, Caden Young of Wisconsin who was second at 160 pounds and Bradley Gillum of Illinois, who was seventh at 170 pounds. CJ Hanblin of Washington, who was second at the U20 Nationals this year in Greco-Roman, is another athlete to watch. This weight class has no nationally ranked athletes by FloWrestling, which means it could be as wide open as any in the tournament.
There are nine 16U Nationals All-Americans making the jump to Juniors this year, all who are seeking a spot on the Junior podium. The highest placewinner is Nicholas Fox of Iowa, who was the 16U runner-up at 152 pounds. There are two 16U third-place finishers in the draw, Zachary Eliszewski of Wisconsin at 152 last year and Roman Garcia of Florida at 160 last year. Rounding out the U16 All-Americans moving up to Juniors are Talon McCollum of Oklahoma, Lars Michaelson of Washington, Gavin Ricketts of Kentucky and Maximus Hanson of Minnesota. Other age group placers in the mix are U20 Nationals placer Jake Jones of Pennsylvania and U17 National placer Omaury Alvarez of Georgia.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Caden Young of Wisconsin (2nd at 160 in Junior), Bradley Gillum of Illinois (7th at 170 in Junior)
Others separated: Zachary Eliszewski of Wisconsin, David Malin of Wisconsin, Omaury Alvarez of Georgia, Talon McCollom of Oklahoma, Nicholas Fox of Iowa, Lars Michaelson of Washinngton, CJ Hamlin of Washington, Roman Garcia of Florida, Brayden Gautreau of Michigan, Holden Garcia of Pennsylvania, Jake Jones of Pennsylvania, Gavin Ricketts of Kentucky, Maximus Hanson of Minnesota, Travis Smith of Minnesota
Nationally ranked wrestlers: None
182 pounds
The big name in this weight class is Michael Altomer of New York, who was a U20 National champion this year, and was the Junior Nationals runner-up at 182 pounds last summer in Fargo. Altomer lost in the finals of the U20 World Team Trials this year as well. He is the only returning Junior Greco-Roman All-American in this weight from last year.
The weight has a pair of athletes in the FloWrestling national rankings, No. 3 Ryder Rogtozke of Minnesota and No. 8 Tate Naaktgeboren of Iowa. Rogotzke won the U17 Nationals this year and was eighth in the U20 Nationals. Naaktgeboren won the High School National Showcase, which makes him eligible for the Triple Crown. His last big Greco-Roman achievement was a fourth in the 14U Nationals back in 2018. There are just three 16U Nationals placers making the jump to Junior this year, all at 170 last year: runner-up Toby Schoffstall of Virginia, third-place Noah Poe-Hatten of Montana and fourth-place Hoke Poe at 170 pounds. Justin Rademacher of Oregon placed in this year’s U17 Nationals. Hunter Jones of Alabama won the High School Open title at 182 at the Folkstyle Nationals this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Michael Altomer of New York (2nd at 182 in Junior),
Others separated: Codei Khawaja of Indiana, Toby Schoffstall of Virginia, Hoke Poe of Georgia, Garrett Wells of Oklahoma, Tate Naaktgeboren of Iowa, Noah Poe-Hatten of Montana, Aidan McCain of Illinois, Ryder Rogotzke of Minnesota, Nathan Fury of Kansas, Justin Rademacher of Oregon, Hunter Jones of Alabama
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Ryder Rogotzke of Minnesota (No. 3 at 182), Tate Naaktgeboren of Iowa (No. 8 at 182)
195 pounds
This weight class is jammed with national champions. Leading the pack is Iowa’s Wyatt Voelker, who was the Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion at this weight last summer. Voelker, ranked No. 6 by FloWrestling, also won the High School Recruiting Showcase this year, making him a Triple Crown candidate. Voelker also was second in the U20 World Team Trials this spring. He is the only returning Junior All-American.
There are actually three 16U National Greco-Roman champions which have landed in this weight, Oscar Williams of Oklahoma, who won at 170 pounds, Cody Merrill of California, who won at 182 pounds and Sawyer Bartell of Florida, who won at 195 pounds. Bartelt owns a No. 14 national ranking from FloWrestling. Robert Plympton of Oregon won the 2022 U20 Nationals and was second in the U20 World Team Trials. The other national champion in the mix is Jack Darrah of Missouri, who won the U20 Nationals title way back in 2020. Darrah, ranked No. 10 by FloWrestling, was third at both the U20 Nationals and U20 World Team Trials this season.
Beyond all of those champions, four other 16U All-Americans from 2021 make the jump to the Juniors, runner-up William McCleary of Utah, plus Kingley Menifee of Virginia, Ian Smith of Wisconsin and Nick Nosler of Illinois. Keep an eye on Nathan Wenstrom of Illinois, who was third at the U20 Nationals this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Wyatt Voelker of Iowa (1st at 195 in Junior),
Others separated: Connor Barket of Indiana, Kingsley Menifee of Virginia, Ryder Depies of Wisconsin, Ian Smith of Wisconsin, Oscar Williams of Oklahoma, Jackson Dewald of Iowa, Jack Darrah of Missouri, Sawyer Bartelt of Florida, Michael Gibson of Michigan, Nick Nosler of Illinois, Nathan Wemstrom of Illinois, William McCleary of Utah, Soren Herzog of Minnesota, Anthony Tuttle of Minnesota, Gabriel Taylor of California, Cody Merrill of California, Benjamin Vega Sanchez of California, Robert Plympton of Oregon
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Wyatt Voelker of Iowa (No. 6 at 195), Jack Darrah of Missouri (No. 10 at 220), Sawyer Bartelt of Florida (No. 14 at 195),
220 pounds
Expect some new names to emerge at 220 this year, as there are no returning Junior All-Americans in the draw, and no FloWrestling nationally ranked wrestlers. There are only two 16U Greco-Roman All-Americans from last year moving into the Junior division, Max Agresti of Delaware (4th at 195) and Samuel Murphy of Missouri (sixth at 220). Another athlete to watch is Daniel Eubanks of Nevada, who was seventh at the U20 Nationals this spring.
Who else might emerge? U17 Nationals placewinner Noah Wenzel of Illinois has ability, and U17 Nationals All-American Peter Talon Macchione of Alaska is also in the hunt. Junior Regional champions Ryan Stein of New York (Northeast), Caden Ferris of Michigan (Central) and Max Ballow of Minnesota (Northern Plains) could also emerge.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: None
Others separated: Ryan Stein of New York, Max Ramberg of Wisconsin, Samuel Murphy of Missouri, Max Agresti of Delaware, Caden Ferris of Michigan, Noah Wenzel of Illinois, Max Balow of Minnesota, Nolan Frank of California, Daniel Eubanks of Nevada, Sean Carroll of Kansas, Peter Talon Macchione of Alaska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: None
285 pounds
There are some pretty talented heavyweights battling for top honors this year. Aden Attao of Idaho, the Junior runner-up last year, won the U20 Nationals and the U20 World Team Trials this season, and was also a strong third at the U20 World Team Trials in freestyle. Attao has a No. 11 FloWrestling ranking. Matthew Moore of Colorado, who was third at the Junior Nationals last year and is ranked No. 13 by FloWrestling, is another title hopeful. Moore was third at the U20 Nationals this year also. The other returning Junior All-American is Hayden Simpson of Oklahoma, who placed seventh.
Looking back to last year’s U16 Nationals, four All-Americans move up to Juniors this year, Sebastian Lopez of Kansas, Aidan Fockler of Ohio, Wyatt Smith of Iowa and Cameron Groncki of New York. Smith was second at the High School Recruiting Showcase. Groncki was sixth at the U20 Nationals this year. Others with recent age-group achievements are U20 Nationals All-American Noah Curtis of Alaska, plus U17 National placers Dominic Burgett of Indiana, Cameron Geuther of Iowa and Dirk Morley of Colorado.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Aden Attao of Idaho (2nd at 285 in Junior), Matthew Moore of Colorado (3rd at 285 in Junior), Hayden Simpson (7th at 285 in Junior)
Others separated: Cameron Groncki of New York, Dominic Burgett of Indiana, Bruce Wagers of Ohio, Aiden Fockler of Ohio, Cameron Geuther of Iowa, Wyatt Smith of Iowa, Ethan Vergara of Florida, Alex Hamrick of Illinois, Dirk Morley of Colorado, Jamikael Lytle of California, Sebastian Lopez of Kansas, Ryan Smith of Tennessee, Noah Curtis of Alaska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Aden Attao of Idaho (No. 11 at 285), Matthew Moore of Colorado (No. 13 at 285),
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. Saturday, we posted the 16U Women’s Nationals field. On Sunday, we added the Junior Men’s Freestyle preview. Monday was the Junior Women’s preview. Tuesday, we looked at 16U Greco-Roman. We conclude the previews today with the Junior Greco-Roman update.
Junior Greco-Roman Nationals a mix of specialists and double talents
One of the best parts of the annual Junior Greco-Roman Nationals is to watch those young wrestlers who have already specialized in the Classic Style battle some great athletes who compete in multiple styles and have strong skills. The fun part is the specialists may not always win, especially in the finals with a stop sign trophy up for grabs.
Returing champions who have registered are Kolton Burton of Idaho (now at 106), Ray Ray Harris of California (now at 126), Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington (now at 145), Wyatt Voelker of Iowa (still at 195). It should be a strong field once again.
100 pounds
There is one returning Junior All-American competing this week at 100 pounds, Isaac Stewart of Montana, who was sixth last summer. Stewart was a Northwest Regional double champion this year, and placed second at the National High School Showcase. There are three 16U National Greco-Roman All-Americans also in the field, with runner-up Javaan Yarbrough of Ohio (also a 16U freestyle champion) leading the way, along with third-place Ezekiel Witt of Kansas and fourth-place Tyler Garvin of Maryland. Witt was a double Southern Plains champion this year and Garvin was a runner-up in both styles at the Northeast Regionals.
Add in 2022 National Recruiting Showcase champion Jayden Rinken of Iowa, who is still alive for the Junior Triple Crown. Rinken was a Northern Plains Junior Greco-Roman champion. Caden Smith of Virginia won the Northeast Junior title, and Caleb Jackson of Utah was a Western Junior Regional champion. Tyson Roach of Louisiana was fourth in the 2021 Junior Nationals in freestyle. Hunter Sanchez of Utah was a U17 Greco-Roman All-American earlier this season.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Isaac Stewart of Montana (6th at 100 in Junior),
Others separated: Brady Byrd of Indiana, Tyler Garvin of Maryland, Caden Smith of Virginia, Javaan Yarbrough of Ohio, Jayden Rinken of Iowa, Hunter Sanchez of Utah, Caleb Jackson of Utah, Ezekiel Witt of Kansas, Tyson Roach of Louisiana
Nationally ranked wrestlers: None
106
Kolter Burton of Idaho is a returning Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion, after claiming the title last summer at 100 pounds. Burton is the only returning Junior All-American in this field. He also won the Junior Open division at the Folkstyle Nationals in April. Among his top challengers is another Idahoan, Mack Mauger, who was a 16U Triple Crown winner last year. Mauger won the National Recruiting Showcase title, which makes him eligible for a Junior Triple crown this year. Mauger was second in the U17 Nationals this year in Greco-Roman, and is ranked No. 7 nationally by FloWrestling.
Two other 16U All-Americans from last year are competing in the Juniors here this year, fourth-place Cadyn Cole of Nebraska and fifth-place Gage Singleton of Oregon. Singleton, who is No. 19 ranked by FloWrestling, was fourth at the U17 Nationals this year. Also ranked at No. 14 nationally is Colyn Limbert of Ohio, who was a Junior double champion at the Central Regionals. A 2021 U17 National All-American, Brayten Casey of Wisconsin, is also in the hunt. Add in Southeast Junior Regional champion Cale Tucker of Alabama, Southern Plains Junior Regional champion Jason Goodin of Oklahoma and Western Junior Regional champion Daniel Rosales of Idaho. 2022 Junior Folkstyle All-Americans Robert Sherk of Minnesota and Damian Moreno of Arizona are also competing.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Kolter Burton of Idaho (1st at 100 at Juniors),
Others separated: Brayten Casey of Wisconsin, Colyn Limbert of Ohio, Jason Goodin of Oklahoma, Mack Mauger of Idaho, Daniel Rosales of Idaho, Robert Sherk of Minnesota, Gage Singleton of Oregon, Damian Moreno of Arizona, Cale Tucker of Alabama, Hank Kriegler of Nebraska, Cadyn Coyle of Nebraska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Mack Mauger of Idaho (No. 7 at 106), Colyn Limbert of Ohio (No. 14 at 106), Gage Singleton of Oregon (No. 19 at 106)
113 pounds
This weight class has an impressive four returning Junior All-Americans, with Jeremy Oani of California, the runner-up at 100 last year, in the field. The other returning Junior placers competing are Michael Longo of Connecticut (3rd at 106), Marco Tocci of Pennsylvania (7th at 106) and Tyler Washburn of Florida (8th at 106). Washburn was a Southeast Junior Regional champion this season.
Nathan Desmond of Pennsylvania is the only entry who is nationally ranked by FloWrestling, at No. 19 at 120 pounds. Desmond was sixth at the 2021 U16 Nationals in Greco-Roman. There are two 2021 16U Nationals Greco-Roman champions jumping up this year, Anthony Ruzic of Illinois, who claimed the 106 pounds title last summer, and Layne Kleimann of Utah, who won the 100-pound crown. Ruzic placed at the U17 Nationals this year, and Kleimann was a Western Regional double champion. There are four other U16 All-Americans from last year jumping into Juniors this year, Sloan Johannsen of South Dakota, Carter Nogle of Maryland, Sean Campbell of New York and Colin Martin of Virginia.
Everest Sutton won the Junior Open division at the Folkstyle Nationals this year. Others who were Folkstyle All-Americans include Blade Walden of Oklahoma, Jacob Chapa of Washington and Joshua Miller of North Carolina. Reid Spurley of Wisconsin was a U17 National placewinner this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Jeremy Oani of California (2nd at 100 in Juniors), Michael Longo of Connecticut (3rd at 106 in Juniors), Marco Tocci of Pennsylvania (7th at 106 in Juniors), Tyler Washburn of Florida (8th at 106 in Junior)
Others separated: Sean Campbell of New York, Tanner Tishner of Indiana, Jackson Heaston of Indiana, Carter Nogle of Maryland, Colin Martin of Virginia, Reid Spurley of Wisconsin, Blade Walden of Oklahoma, Jacob Chapa of Washington, Joshua Drake of Michigan, Nathan Desmond of Pennsylvania, Carson Wagner of Pennsylvania, Anthony Ruiz of Illinois, Lane Kleimann of Utah, Sloan Johannsen of South Dakota, Joshua Miller of North Carolina, Everett Sutton of Oregon
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Nathan Desmond of Pennsylvania (No. 19 at 120)
120 pounds
There are a pair of returning Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans in this weight this year, Alan Koehler of Minnesota, who was third at 113 pounds last summer, and Kenneth Hendricksen of Texas, who was fifth at 113 pounds. Koehle, who boasts a No. 14 FloWrestling national ranking, was a Northern Plains Junior Regional double champion this year, while Hendricksen was a Southern Plains double champion.
There are two 2021 16U Nationals champions jumping up to Junior this year, Kael Lauridsen of Nebraska, who won at 120 last year and Austin Laudenbach of Minnesota, the 113 pound 16U champion. Lauridsen, who boasts a No. 6 ranking by FloWrestling, was third in the U17 Nationals this year, and has won six age-group Pan American Championships medals, three in each style. Laudenbach was a runner-up at the U17 Nationals this year. Five other 2021 16U All-Americans are entered, Marcello Milani of Michigan, Noah Nininger of Virginia, Wyatt Skebba of Washington, Miles Anderson of Nebraska and Treygen Morin of Idaho. Among the other contenders are 2022 U20 Nationals placer Israel Gonzalez of Utah, 2022 Junior Folkstyle nationals champion Garret Rinkin of Iowa, and 2021 Junior Nationals freestyle All-American Daniel Guanajuato of Arizona.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Alan Koehler of Minnesota (3rd at 113 in Junior), Kenneth Hendriksen of Texas (5th at 113 in Junior),
Others separated: Noah Nininger of Virginia, Wyatt Skebba of Wisconsin, William Chambers of Georgia, Garret Rinken of Iowa, Marcello Milani of Michigan, Logan Sallot of Pennsylvania, Massey Odiotti of Illinois, Israel Gonzalez of Utah, Treygen Morin of Idaho, Austin Laudenbach of Minnesota, Jaxson Taber of California, Daniel Guanajuato of Arizona, Miles Anderson of Nebraska, Kael Lauridsen of Nebraska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Kael Lauridsen of Nebraska (No. 6 at 120), Alan Koehler of Minnesota (No. 14 at 120),
126 pounds
Leading the pack of five returning Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans in Ray Ray Harris of California, the 106-pound champion who has jumped all the way up to 126 this year. Harris is joined by Gable Porter of Iowa, a runner-up at 126 last year who holds a No. 10 national ranking from FloWrestling. The other returning All-Americans are Kyison Garcia of Utah (4th at 113), Teegan Vasquez of Montana (5th at 126) and Mitchell Neiner of Washington (8th at 120).
Three other nationally ranked wrestlers are in the field, led by No. 7 Mason Gibson of Pennsylvania, who was a 16U Nationals Greco-Roman champion last year at 126. No. 9 ranked Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin won the 16U Nationals in Greco-Roman way back in 2019. Add in No. 19 Adrian Meza of Arizona, who was sixth in the 16U Nationals in Greco-Roman and won the 16U freestyle title last summer also. Add in two other 16U National All-Americans, Tanner Frothinger of Idaho, the runner-up and 120, and JJ McComas-Rogers of Oklahoma, who was sixth at 132. You can’t overlook Otto Black of Colorado, who was fourth at both the U17 Nationals and the U20 Nationals this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Ray Ray Harris of California (1st at 106 in Junior), Gable Porter of Iowa (2nd in 126 in Junior), Kyison Garcia of Utah (4th at 113 at Junior), Teegan Vasquez of Montana (5th at 126 in Junior), Mitchell Neiner of Washington (8th in 120 at Junior),
Others separated: Coleman Nogle of Maryland, Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin, JJ McComas-Rogers of Oklahoma, Eli Kirk of Oklahoma, Mason Gibson of Pennsylvania, Otto Black of Colorado, Tanner Frothinger of Idaho, Kanin Hable of Minnesota, Damien Landreth of North Carolina, Adrian Meza of Arizona
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Mason Gibson of Pennsylvania (No. 7 at 120), Nicolar Rivera of Wisconsin (No. 9 at 126), Gable Porter of Iowa (No. 10 at 126), Adrian Meza of Arizona (No. 19 at 126)
132 pounds
Even though there are six returning Junior All-Americans from last year, the favorite in this weight did not wrestle in Fargo last summer. Land won a silver medal at 55 kg at the 2021 U17 World Championships. Land is ranked No. 3 nationally by FloWrestling, and won the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award this year. Anthony Aniciete of Nevada was the Junior Nationals runner-up at 132 last year and was second at the U20 Nationals this year.
The other returning Junior All-Americans are Kannon Webster of Illinois (3rd at 120), Nash Singleton of Oregon (5th at 132), Paul Kelly of California (6th at 120), Tristan Bremer of Idaho (7th at 126 and Kyle Rice of Idaho (8th at 126). Webster has a No. 3 FloWrestling ranking and Singleton is ranked at No. 18. Webster was also U16 National freestyle champ last year. Singleton was third at the U20 Nationals this year. Rice was second in the National Recruiting Showcase. You can add in a pair of 2019 Junior Nationals placewinners, Kaleb Casey of Wisconsin and Cael Keck of Missouri.
The depth here is considerable. U16 Nationals runner-up Aaron Lucio of Michigan is joined by other U16 National placers to include Ayson Rice of South Dakota, Daniel Zepeda of California, Grigor Cholakyan of California and Rhett Koenig of Wisconsin. With a No. 4 FloWrestling ranking, Vincent Robinson of Illinois was a Junior All-American last year in freestyle. Rhett Peak of Oklahoma was a U20 National All-American this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Anthony Aniciete of Nevada (2nd at 132 in Junior), Kannon Webster of Illinois (3rd at 120 in Junior), Nash Singleton of Oregon (5th at 132 in Junior), Paul Kelly of California (6th at 120 in Junior), Tristan Bremer of Idaho (7th at 126 in Junior), Kyle Rice of Idaho (8th at 126 in Junior),
Others separated: Kaleb Casey of Wisconsin, Rhett Koenig of Wisconsin, Ruben Laorenzana of Ohio, Rhett Peak of Oklahoma, Matthew Beem of Iowa, Cael Keck of Missouri, Aaron Lucio of Michigan, Vincent Robinson of Illinois, Landon Drury of Colorado, Aysen Rice of South Dakota, Daniel Zepeda of California, Grigor Chalakyan of California, Avery Buonocore of North Carolina, Isaiah Powe of Alabama, Cory Land of Alabama
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Cory Land of Alabama (No. 3 at 126), Kannon Webster of Illinois (No. 3 at 132), Vincent Robinson of Illinois (No. 4 at 132), Nash Singleton of Oregon (No. 18 at 132),
138 pounds
The three Junior National All-Americans in the weight are Christopher Martino of Idaho, Walker Bents of Minnesota and Elijah Paulson of Minnesota. Martino was fourth in the U20 Nationals this year. Paulson was the Northern Plains Junior champion this year, beating Bents in the finals. Also watch for 2021 U16 Nationals champion Pierson Manville of Pennsylvania, who won it at 145 pounds. Other returning U16 All-Americans in the field are Casper Stewart of New York, Joshua Neiwert of Washington, Alex Mentzer of South Dakota and Yannis Charles of South Carolina.
The only athlete ranked by FloWrestling in the weight is Emilio Ysaguirre of Arizona, who is No. 7 at 132. Ysaguirre won the National Recruiting Showcase this year, making him eligible for the Triple Crown. Four 2022 U20 All-Americans at the weight include Gunnar Hamre of Wisconsin, Dominic Hargrove of Colorado, Keith Smith of Nebraska and Colton Parduhn of Alaska. Smokey McClure of Washington was a U20 Nationals All-American.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Christopher Martino of Idaho (6th at 132 in Junior), Walker Bents of Minnesota (7th at 132 in Junior), Elijah Paulson of Minnesota (8th at 132 in Junior)
Others separated: Casper Stewart of New York, Gunnar Hamre of Wisconsin, Chase Fiser of Iowa, Smokey McClure of Washington, Joshua Niewert of Washington, Josh Allen of Michigan, Pierson Manville of Pennsylvania, Dominic Hargrove of Colorado, Alex Mentzer of South Dakota, Cael Alderman of Kansas, Tucker Cell of Kansas, DJ Gillett of Oregon, Emilio Ysaguirre of Arizona, Yannis Charles of South Carolina, Keith Smith of Nebraska, Colton Parduhn of Alaska.
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Emilio Ysaguirre of Arizona (No. 7 at 132)
145 pounds
A returning Junior Nationals champion is Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington, who won his title at 138 last summer. Quintanilla has a No. 11 ranking from FloWrestling. He is joined by two other returning All-Americans, Weston Dalton of Colorado (3rd at 138) and Alec Peralta of California (8th at 138). Peralta was fifth at the U20 Nationals this year. The field also includes a 2021 U16 Nationals champion Zach Henson of Minnesota, who won the title at 132 pounds.
The other athlete here in the FloWrestling rankings is No. 11 Beau Mantanona of California, a runner-up in the CIF California states this year. Mantanona was a 16U Nationals All-American back in 2019. 2021 16U Nationals runner-up Brady Collins is in the weight, as are Noah Manuel of Illinois (3rd at 1138) and Layton Schnieder of Oklahoma (6th at 145). Austin Hibler of New Jersey was a U17 Nationals All-American this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington (1st at 138 in Junior), Weston Dalton of Colorado (3rd at 138 in Junior), Alec Peralta of California (8th at 138 in Junior)
Others separated: Corbin Ramos of Wisconain, Layton Schneider of Oklahoma, Brennan Van Hoecke of Florida, August Hibler of New Jersey, Jayden Colon of Illinois, Jaydon Robinson of Illinois, Manuel Tapia of Illinois, Brady Collins of Colorado, Kayd Craig of Idaho, Zach Hanson of Minnesota, Trason Oehme of South Dakota, Beau Mantanona of California, Owen Eck of Kansas, Colin Dupill of Tennessee
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Q’veli Quintanilla of Washington (No. 11 at 138), Beau Mantanona of California (No. 11 at 152)
152 pounds
Richard Fedalen of Maryland won the U20 Nationals title this year at 72 kg, and placed seventh at the 2021 Junior Nationals. FloWrestling has Fedalen ranked at No. 13 this year. The highest ranked wrestler in the weight class by FloWrestling is No. 2 Cody Chittum of Tennessee, who is also No. 4 in their Pound-For-Pound rankings. Chittum was third in the U20 Freestyle Nationals this year and was a U16 Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up in 2019. Another returning Junior Nationals All-American is Jude Swisher of Pennsylvania, who was fifth at 138 last summer.
Watch out for Braden Stauffenberg of Illinois, who was a strong second at the U20 World Team Trials this year. Brett Back of Wisconsin is the highest placing 2021 U16 Nationals All-Americans who are jumping to Juniors this year, after placing second at 145 last summer. Back was third at the U17 Nationals this year. Dylan Evans of Pennsylvania was third at 145 at the 2021 U16 Nationals. KJ Evans of Oklahoma, ranked No. 9 by FloWrestling, was fourth in last year’s Junior Greco-Roman event at 152. Evans was fourth in the U17 Greco-Roman Nationals this year. Other returning 16U All-Americans going Junior are Brandon Cody of Florida, Laird Root of California and Cade White of Idaho.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Jude Swisher of Pennsylvania (5th at 138 at Junior), Richard Fedalen of Maryland (7th at 145 in Junior),
Others separated: Brett Back of Wisconsin, KJ Evans of Oklahoma, Brandon Cody of Florida, Israel Moreno of Montana, Gabriel Belga of Pennsylvania, Noah Rice of Pennsylvania, Dylan Evans of Pennsylvania, Braden Stauffenberg of Illinois, Javani Majoor of Colorado, Patrick Brackett of Colorado, Cade White of Idaho, Laird Root of California, Jaden New of Alabama, Cody Chittum of Tennessee
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Cody Chittum of Tennessee (No. 2 at 152, No. 4 P-4-P), KJ Evans of Oklahoma (No. 9 at 152), Richard Fedalen of Maryland (No. 13 at 152)
160 pounds
One of the most talented Greco-Roman specialists in the entire field is Jadon Skellenger of Idaho, who was a U17 World Team member last year. Skellenger was third in the 2022 U20 World Team Trials and second in the U20 Nationals this year. He will be challenged by a pair of returning Junior Nationals All-Americans, Thor Michaelson of Washington, who was fifth at 152 last year, and Ashton Meiss of Wisconsin, who was seventh at 138 last year. Michaelson has a No. 16 ranking from FloWrestling and was a 2022 Northwest Junior Regionals double champion. Ashton Miess of Washington, seventh at 138 last year, was second in the 2022 U20 World Team Trials.
Liam Scrivanich of Pennsylvania was a U16 Nationals champion last year at 160 pounds, and Jed Wester of Minnesota placed second behind Scrivanich at that weight class and is also a top contender. Other 2021 U16 Nationals All-Americans in the field are Gavin Fernandez of California and Erik McCown of California. Other age-group All-Americans this year who are competing are U20 Nationals placewinners Jeremy Paradice of Georgia and Benjamin Shvartsman of Illinois, plus U17 Nationals placer Cordell White of Florida.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Thor Michaelson (5th at 152 in Junior), Ashton Miess of Wisconsin (7th at 138 in Junior),
Others separated: Jeremy Paradice of Georgia, Mateo de la Pena of Washington, Brendon Abdon of Florida, Cordell White of Florida, Liam Scrivanich of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Shvartsman of Illinois, Jadon Skellenger of Idaho, Jed Wester of Minnesota, Leonard Tukhylnovych of Minnesota, Nicco Ruiz of California, Gavin Fernandez of California, Erik McCown of California, Dylan D Elmore of Kansas,
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Nicco Ruiz of California (No. 4 at 160), Brendon Abdon of Florida (No. 10 at 160), Thor Michaelson of Washington (No. 16 at 170)
170 pounds
There are a pair of returning Junior All-Americans competing this year, Caden Young of Wisconsin who was second at 160 pounds and Bradley Gillum of Illinois, who was seventh at 170 pounds. CJ Hanblin of Washington, who was second at the U20 Nationals this year in Greco-Roman, is another athlete to watch. This weight class has no nationally ranked athletes by FloWrestling, which means it could be as wide open as any in the tournament.
There are nine 16U Nationals All-Americans making the jump to Juniors this year, all who are seeking a spot on the Junior podium. The highest placewinner is Nicholas Fox of Iowa, who was the 16U runner-up at 152 pounds. There are two 16U third-place finishers in the draw, Zachary Eliszewski of Wisconsin at 152 last year and Roman Garcia of Florida at 160 last year. Rounding out the U16 All-Americans moving up to Juniors are Talon McCollum of Oklahoma, Lars Michaelson of Washington, Gavin Ricketts of Kentucky and Maximus Hanson of Minnesota. Other age group placers in the mix are U20 Nationals placer Jake Jones of Pennsylvania and U17 National placer Omaury Alvarez of Georgia.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Caden Young of Wisconsin (2nd at 160 in Junior), Bradley Gillum of Illinois (7th at 170 in Junior)
Others separated: Zachary Eliszewski of Wisconsin, David Malin of Wisconsin, Omaury Alvarez of Georgia, Talon McCollom of Oklahoma, Nicholas Fox of Iowa, Lars Michaelson of Washinngton, CJ Hamlin of Washington, Roman Garcia of Florida, Brayden Gautreau of Michigan, Holden Garcia of Pennsylvania, Jake Jones of Pennsylvania, Gavin Ricketts of Kentucky, Maximus Hanson of Minnesota, Travis Smith of Minnesota
Nationally ranked wrestlers: None
182 pounds
The big name in this weight class is Michael Altomer of New York, who was a U20 National champion this year, and was the Junior Nationals runner-up at 182 pounds last summer in Fargo. Altomer lost in the finals of the U20 World Team Trials this year as well. He is the only returning Junior Greco-Roman All-American in this weight from last year.
The weight has a pair of athletes in the FloWrestling national rankings, No. 3 Ryder Rogtozke of Minnesota and No. 8 Tate Naaktgeboren of Iowa. Rogotzke won the U17 Nationals this year and was eighth in the U20 Nationals. Naaktgeboren won the High School National Showcase, which makes him eligible for the Triple Crown. His last big Greco-Roman achievement was a fourth in the 14U Nationals back in 2018. There are just three 16U Nationals placers making the jump to Junior this year, all at 170 last year: runner-up Toby Schoffstall of Virginia, third-place Noah Poe-Hatten of Montana and fourth-place Hoke Poe at 170 pounds. Justin Rademacher of Oregon placed in this year’s U17 Nationals. Hunter Jones of Alabama won the High School Open title at 182 at the Folkstyle Nationals this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Michael Altomer of New York (2nd at 182 in Junior),
Others separated: Codei Khawaja of Indiana, Toby Schoffstall of Virginia, Hoke Poe of Georgia, Garrett Wells of Oklahoma, Tate Naaktgeboren of Iowa, Noah Poe-Hatten of Montana, Aidan McCain of Illinois, Ryder Rogotzke of Minnesota, Nathan Fury of Kansas, Justin Rademacher of Oregon, Hunter Jones of Alabama
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Ryder Rogotzke of Minnesota (No. 3 at 182), Tate Naaktgeboren of Iowa (No. 8 at 182)
195 pounds
This weight class is jammed with national champions. Leading the pack is Iowa’s Wyatt Voelker, who was the Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion at this weight last summer. Voelker, ranked No. 6 by FloWrestling, also won the High School Recruiting Showcase this year, making him a Triple Crown candidate. Voelker also was second in the U20 World Team Trials this spring. He is the only returning Junior All-American.
There are actually three 16U National Greco-Roman champions which have landed in this weight, Oscar Williams of Oklahoma, who won at 170 pounds, Cody Merrill of California, who won at 182 pounds and Sawyer Bartell of Florida, who won at 195 pounds. Bartelt owns a No. 14 national ranking from FloWrestling. Robert Plympton of Oregon won the 2022 U20 Nationals and was second in the U20 World Team Trials. The other national champion in the mix is Jack Darrah of Missouri, who won the U20 Nationals title way back in 2020. Darrah, ranked No. 10 by FloWrestling, was third at both the U20 Nationals and U20 World Team Trials this season.
Beyond all of those champions, four other 16U All-Americans from 2021 make the jump to the Juniors, runner-up William McCleary of Utah, plus Kingley Menifee of Virginia, Ian Smith of Wisconsin and Nick Nosler of Illinois. Keep an eye on Nathan Wenstrom of Illinois, who was third at the U20 Nationals this year.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Wyatt Voelker of Iowa (1st at 195 in Junior),
Others separated: Connor Barket of Indiana, Kingsley Menifee of Virginia, Ryder Depies of Wisconsin, Ian Smith of Wisconsin, Oscar Williams of Oklahoma, Jackson Dewald of Iowa, Jack Darrah of Missouri, Sawyer Bartelt of Florida, Michael Gibson of Michigan, Nick Nosler of Illinois, Nathan Wemstrom of Illinois, William McCleary of Utah, Soren Herzog of Minnesota, Anthony Tuttle of Minnesota, Gabriel Taylor of California, Cody Merrill of California, Benjamin Vega Sanchez of California, Robert Plympton of Oregon
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Wyatt Voelker of Iowa (No. 6 at 195), Jack Darrah of Missouri (No. 10 at 220), Sawyer Bartelt of Florida (No. 14 at 195),
220 pounds
Expect some new names to emerge at 220 this year, as there are no returning Junior All-Americans in the draw, and no FloWrestling nationally ranked wrestlers. There are only two 16U Greco-Roman All-Americans from last year moving into the Junior division, Max Agresti of Delaware (4th at 195) and Samuel Murphy of Missouri (sixth at 220). Another athlete to watch is Daniel Eubanks of Nevada, who was seventh at the U20 Nationals this spring.
Who else might emerge? U17 Nationals placewinner Noah Wenzel of Illinois has ability, and U17 Nationals All-American Peter Talon Macchione of Alaska is also in the hunt. Junior Regional champions Ryan Stein of New York (Northeast), Caden Ferris of Michigan (Central) and Max Ballow of Minnesota (Northern Plains) could also emerge.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: None
Others separated: Ryan Stein of New York, Max Ramberg of Wisconsin, Samuel Murphy of Missouri, Max Agresti of Delaware, Caden Ferris of Michigan, Noah Wenzel of Illinois, Max Balow of Minnesota, Nolan Frank of California, Daniel Eubanks of Nevada, Sean Carroll of Kansas, Peter Talon Macchione of Alaska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: None
285 pounds
There are some pretty talented heavyweights battling for top honors this year. Aden Attao of Idaho, the Junior runner-up last year, won the U20 Nationals and the U20 World Team Trials this season, and was also a strong third at the U20 World Team Trials in freestyle. Attao has a No. 11 FloWrestling ranking. Matthew Moore of Colorado, who was third at the Junior Nationals last year and is ranked No. 13 by FloWrestling, is another title hopeful. Moore was third at the U20 Nationals this year also. The other returning Junior All-American is Hayden Simpson of Oklahoma, who placed seventh.
Looking back to last year’s U16 Nationals, four All-Americans move up to Juniors this year, Sebastian Lopez of Kansas, Aidan Fockler of Ohio, Wyatt Smith of Iowa and Cameron Groncki of New York. Smith was second at the High School Recruiting Showcase. Groncki was sixth at the U20 Nationals this year. Others with recent age-group achievements are U20 Nationals All-American Noah Curtis of Alaska, plus U17 National placers Dominic Burgett of Indiana, Cameron Geuther of Iowa and Dirk Morley of Colorado.
Returning 2021 Fargo Junior All-Americans: Aden Attao of Idaho (2nd at 285 in Junior), Matthew Moore of Colorado (3rd at 285 in Junior), Hayden Simpson (7th at 285 in Junior)
Others separated: Cameron Groncki of New York, Dominic Burgett of Indiana, Bruce Wagers of Ohio, Aiden Fockler of Ohio, Cameron Geuther of Iowa, Wyatt Smith of Iowa, Ethan Vergara of Florida, Alex Hamrick of Illinois, Dirk Morley of Colorado, Jamikael Lytle of California, Sebastian Lopez of Kansas, Ryan Smith of Tennessee, Noah Curtis of Alaska
Nationally ranked wrestlers: Aden Attao of Idaho (No. 11 at 285), Matthew Moore of Colorado (No. 13 at 285),
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