James Green lifts Jason Nolf in their semifinal match at the U.S. Open (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Two years ago, Thomas Gilman and James Green landed spots in the finals of the World Championships in Paris.
Gilman and Green continue to wrestle at a high level, but both now face challenging roads to make this year's world team after being upset in last month's U.S. Open finals.
That's how deep the United States is in men's freestyle wrestling right now.
Gilman and Green will be among the top competitors taking the mat for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament on May 17-19 in Raleigh, N.C.
The winners in Raleigh earn berths into next month's Final X. The Final X champions will represent the U.S. at the 2019 World Championships in Kazakhstan.
Here is a look at some of the most anticipated possible matchups I'm looking forward to seeing at the challenge tournament in Raleigh:
70 kilograms: James Green vs. Jason Nolf
These guys squared off in a highly anticipated match in the U.S. Open with Green winning an exciting match while pulling out a hard-fought victory. Green was then upset in the finals by Ryan Deakin while Nolf came back to place third. Green likely will need to beat Nolf again to earn another shot at Deakin in the Final X.
Zahid Valencia scored with a double leg on Alex Dieringer at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)79 kilograms: Alex Dieringer vs. Zahid Valencia
This has the potential to be a heck of a battle between Junior world silver medalists. Dieringer has had an outstanding season on the Senior level while Valencia just won his second NCAA title. Valencia swept Dieringer 7-0 and 5-1 in the finals of this event last year so it will be interesting to see how a possible rematch plays out between two top-notch competitors.
65 kilograms: Zain Retherford vs. Jordan Oliver
These guys were supposed to meet in the U.S. Open finals before two-time NCAA champion Yianni Diakomihalis knocked both of them off en route to capturing the title. Retherford and Oliver have had some high-scoring and entertaining bouts in the past and this would be another one you won't want to miss.
74 kilograms: Isaiah Martinez vs. Mekhi Lewis
This is a bout everyone would love to see among two young and dynamic wrestlers with bright futures ahead on the Senior level. Imar has made a U23 world team and made the Final X last year before being swept by Jordan Burroughs. Lewis has had an incredible last 12 months where he won a Junior world title before capturing an NCAA crown as a freshman.
79 kilograms: Mark Hall vs. Zahid Valencia
No doubt, Hall is eager for a shot at Valencia after falling to him in the NCAA finals again. Hall is one of the best age-group wrestlers the U.S. has ever had after winning multiple world freestyle titles. Valencia is a Junior world medalist who is also very good at freestyle. This shapes up to be a tremendous match.
61 kilograms: Nahshon Garrett vs. Cody Brewer
Garrett looked like a legitimate world medal contender last year before being injured in training. He's been off the mat for nearly a year, but Garrett is a huge talent with enormous potential. Brewer looked strong in winning the U.S. Open and he's very good on his feet as well. This match could see plenty of points go on the scoreboard.
125 kilograms: Adam Coon vs. Gable Steveson
As a fan of wrestling, let's hope this match happens between two age-group world champions. Coon already owns a Senior world silver medal in Greco-Roman, but he also just won the U.S. Open in freestyle. Steveson is a mobile and athletic big man whose style could be a challenge for the powerful Coon.
Thomas Gilman topped Nathan Tomasello in the U.S. Open semifinals (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)57 kilograms: Thomas Gilman vs. Nathan Tomasello
These two guys battled at the age-group levels before continuing their rivalry in college. Gilman won the most recent match at the U.S. Open, but you know Tomasello will be determined to come back strong. Gilman also will be motivated after falling to Junior world champion Daton Fix at the Open.
70 kilograms: Jason Nolf vs. Hayden Hidlay
This would be a rematch of their much-talked about NCAA tournament bout where Nolf escaped with a close win before going on to win his third national title. This could be another tight and entertaining battle if it happens in Raleigh.
65 kilograms: Zain Retherford vs. Frank Molinaro
These two former Penn State standouts could provide their share of fireworks if they square off in Raleigh. Retherford is a Cadet world champion who was a member of the 2017 U.S. squad that won the world team title. Molinaro is looking to return to the level he was at when he placed fifth at the 2016 Olympic Games.
61 kilograms: Nahshon Garrett vs. Nick Suriano
This would be an intriguing bout if it happens. Both of these guys have defeated Joe Colon, a returning world medalist who replaced an injured Garrett at the 2018 worlds. Suriano knocked off Colon at the Beat the Streets event this month in New York City. Nico Megaludis also will be in the mix to win the title at 61 kilograms.
86 kilograms: Pat Downey vs. Myles Martin
Downey's matches are never boring and the past Junior world medalist proved that by winning the Open. Martin is a guy who has tremendous potential and could be a handful for anyone he squares off against. This would be a fun one to watch if it happens.
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