InterMat Staff

2x All-American Dakota Geer (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com; Graphic/Anna-Lee Marie) Welcome to a new recurring feature from InterMat as we lead into the 2021-22 collegiate season. We are about 50 days away from the start of the new season, so what better way to ring in the new year than to use that time to count down the top-50 current collegiate wrestlers. Each day a new wrestler will be released. These rankings have been compiled by members of the InterMat staff and used a combination of collegiate achievements, with 2021 accomplishments carrying more weight than past years, along with win-loss records and notable wins. While we are counting down the top-50 wrestlers based primarily on collegiate accomplishments, it is impossible to totally ignore achievements in the international settings, so they did factor in slightly, too. Before getting to the next wrestler on the list, look at the wrestlers previously profiled: #50 - Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) #49 - Ben Darmstadt (Cornell) Next is... #48 - Dakota Geer (Oklahoma State) Weight: 184 lbs Year: Senior Career Record: 106-30 Hometown: Franklin, Pennsylvania College Accomplishments: 2x NCAA All-American (5th/2021; 7th/2019), 2020 NWCA Honorable Mention All-American, 3x Big 12 3rd Place, 2017 EWL Champion 2021-22 Preseason Ranking: #7 at 184 lbs While wrestling on a high-profile team that has featured a handful of more recognizable names, Dakota Geer has quietly put together an excellent career wearing an Oklahoma State singlet. That wasn't always the case, though, as the Pennsylvania native initially chose to stay in-state and compete for the Edinboro Fighting Scots. Geer got the call for Edinboro, right out the shute, and responded with an excellent true freshman season. He was typical of the under-the-radar in-state recruits that Tim Flynn routinely pulled in a while at Edinboro. Dakota had his breakout effort at the 2017 Southern Scuffle when he finished fourth at a 184 lb weight class, ahead of notables like Drew Foster (Northern Iowa), Jacob Holschlag (Northern Iowa), and Chip Ness (North Carolina). In his first postseason, Geer controlled the rest of the EWL and coasted to a conference title, with a 6-3 win over Nick Corba (Cleveland State), being the closest bout of the tournament. Geer acquitted himself well at the 2017 NCAA Championships with a 2-2 showing. His two losses came to the eventual fourth-place finisher (Sam Brooks - Iowa) and the returning national champion, Myles Martin (Ohio State). He was able to avenge an early-season loss to Hunter Ritter (Wisconsin) and prevailed with a 3-0 shutout. Geer chose to redshirt the 2017-18 season and captured a title at the season-opening Clarion Open and won 16 of his 20 bouts on the year. Following the 2018 national tournament, Flynn was hired by West Virginia. That started a large exodus from Edinboro and Geer was among the notables who chose to finish their collegiate career elsewhere. Geer ended up with an excellent landing spot as he decided to transfer to Oklahoma State. The transition to the storied Cowboy program went smoothly on the mat, as Geer got his hand raised in his first 15 bouts in an OSU singlet. That span included a title at the Reno Tournament of Champions and the early rounds at the Southern Scuffle, where he'd go on to take fourth, again. The 2018-19 Oklahoma State lineup was undecided for the bulk of the year and as a result, Geer was asked to contribute at multiple weights. After competing at 184 for the first five events of the year, Geer moved up to 197 lbs for the remainder of the regular season. Even up a weight, Geer notched wins over the likes of Chris Weiler (Lehigh) and Noah Adams (West Virginia). Before the postseason, the Cowboy lineup shifted again and Geer was the guy at 184 lbs. At his first Big 12 Championships, Geer finished third, losing only to the eventual national champion, Foster. The lack of a 2018-19 body of work at 184 lbs left Geer with the 26th seed in Pittsburgh at the NCAA Championships. Right away, Geer demonstrated his true ability and shutout seventh-seeded Nick Reenan (NC State). After a Round of 16 loss to #10 Sam Colbray (Iowa State), Geer posted back-to-back wins to earn a berth in the bloodround. His second came over the 184 lb bracket's second seed, Shakur Rasheed (Penn State). Geer clinched his first set of All-American honors after a 6-0 win over Nino Bonaccorsi (Pittsburgh). His tournament would wrap up by edging third-seeded Zack Zavatsky (Virginia Tech), 5-4. Though he entered as the 26th seed, Geer had registered wins over three of the tournament's top-seven seeds. A trip on the podium was enough to lock in a place in the Cowboy lineup, right? Well, not exactly. Geer's first tournament in 2019-20 was at 184 lbs and he outclassed the field at the Oklahoma City Open. Following that event, he moved up to 197 lbs for the remainder of the year. For the third time, Geer got onto the podium at the Southern Scuffle; this time, he finished in fifth. The dual-only portion of the 2019-20 season proved to be challenging for Geer as the Big 12 was deep with young talent. Like the previous year, Geer would take third in the Big 12. That allowed Geer to receive the 14th seed at the ill-fated 2020 NCAA Championships. After the tournament was canceled, Geer was named an NWCA All-American based on his seeding. The abridged 2021 season saw Geer move back down to 184 lbs and put together an 11-2 regular season. Once again, he would take third at the conference meet. The third-place finish at the Big 12 Championships provided Geer with the 11th seed in St. Louis. There the Cowboy would only lose to a single opponent (twice), Rutgers freshman sensation, John Poznanski. Poznanski downed Geer in the Round of 16 and in the consolation semifinals. Along the way, Geer amassed quite the hit-list. He picked up wins over three of the top-eight seeds (#5 Hunter Bolen - Virginia Tech, #7 Brit Wilson - Northern Illinois, #8 Taylor Venz - Nebraska), en route to a fifth-place finish. Not only had Geer become a two-time All-American, but he also drastically outperformed his pretournament seeding for a second time. Strengths: Geer is a strong handfighter with heavy hands. These help with his normal baseline defense from his feet. Some of his best attacks are of the low-leg variety. On the mat, Geer is a very controlling rider. He tends to control wrists, while racking up riding time. Against high-level opponents, he may not always get turns, but can get riding time points. 2021-22 Outlook: Like most other weights this season, 184 is completely loaded. The top-three is expected to include both 2021 national finalists (Aaron Brooks - Penn State and Trent Hidlay - NC State), along with Olympic bronze medalist Myles Amine (Michigan). It may take a big upset or two for anyone to penetrate that top-three. Geer is certainly among that next group of contenders and has a shot at knocking off those favorites based on his abilities on the mat. If he can wear down an opponent on the mat and make it a one-takedown match, who knows? Geer has been in some deep Big 12 bracket and this year will be no different. Freshman sensation Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa), along with Tate Samuelson (Wyoming) and Jeremiah Kent (Missouri), could stand between him and that elusive conference title. 2x All-American Dakota Geer (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com)

2021 World Team Member Maya Nelson(Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Due to an extremely strong showing at the recent Olympics, the U.S. did not hold trials for multiple weights. Medalists from the Games could choose to return for the 2021 World Championships and many have made that decision. The rest of the representatives were decided at last weekend's World Team Trials. The following looks at the top statistical performance from that event. Points Against per Minute At this point, calling J'Den Cox the best defensive wrestler in the country might be an understatement. The multiple-time World medalist put his skill on display once again this past weekend at the 2021 World Team Trials. After missing out on a trip to the recent Olympics, he qualified for the upcoming World Championships without surrendering a single point. Cox was the only wrestler across all three styles to complete the tournament without giving up an individual match point. Nick Gwiazdowski, who will also be returning to the World stage, allowed three points or 0.13 points per minute, which was the second-lowest rate of points allowed. Max Nowry (0.15), Zain Retherford (0.16) and Ben Provisor (0.17) rounded out the top five in terms of points allowed per minute. Points per Minute In terms of offensive production, the tournament belonged to Xochitl Mota-Pettis. After making the finals of the 2020 Senior, U23 and Junior nationals, Mota-Pettis finished third this past weekend. She averaged 4.35 points per minute, and her only loss was the highest-scoring match of the tournament (more on that later). That scoring rate was far away tops for the tournament. Austin Morrow, who wrestled only two matches in the 77kg Greco bracket, finished second with 3.08 points per minute. The third highest point score was an interesting story. Current Maryland wrestler King Sandoval made an unlikely run to finish third at 60kg Greco. His only defeat came against 2020 Olympian Ildar Hafizov, and Sandoval averaged 2.96 points per minute. Along the way, he defeated Dylan Koontz (twice) and Aidan Nutter by a combined score of 19 to 2. Point Differential Mota-Pettis' dynamic scoring allowed her to bring home the highest point differential of the tournament. She allowed 22 points across her five matches with 20 coming in her only defeat against eventual champion Maya Nelson. This resulted in a 2.31 point differential (points per minute minus points allowed per minute). She edged out Sam Jones, who earned a spot on the Greco team at 63kg. He finished with a 2.20 differential and actually picked up two 9-0 superiority victories that eclipsed the 8-0 the threshold for match termination in the style. Zain Retherford had the fifth-highest point differential across all three styles and the highest in men's freestyle. He allowed only two points with both coming in his criteria loss against Jordan Oliver. The former Penn State national champion rolled in his other matches, scoring 21 points combined against Tyler Berger and Jarrett Jacques in under six total minutes. Highest Scoring Matches As previously stated, the Nelson vs. Mota-Pettis match was tied for the highest-scoring match of the tournament with 27 points. Even when losing by superiority, Mota-Pettis still managed to score seven points. Nelson opened the scoring with a two-point exposure in a scramble. However, Mota-Pettis quickly pulled ahead with a four-point throw along the edge. Nelson regained control and went to the break with a 10-7 lead. The second period was an entirely different story. Nelson dominated throughout. She scored a pair of four-pointers and threw in a two-point score to terminate the match. On the men's freestyle side, Carter Young and Seth Gross were able to equal Nelson and Mota-Pettis with a 27-point match of their own. While Gross has been known to find himself in high-scoring matches over the years, Young was a revelation in the tournament and bested Gross at his own game. The bout was the third-place match at 61kg, and unlike the Nelson vs. Mota-Pettis match, it was close throughout. Neither wrestler ever had more than a two-point lead in the first period. Young started the scoring in the second with an early stepout. However, Gross stormed back with a takedown, an exposure in a scramble and a trap-arm gut wrench. He nearly collected the touch fall on the gut wrench and appeared to be in control in the bout. Unfortunately for him, Young was not done. He got back into the match and eventually closed it out 15-12 with three-straight takedowns. Results by Style Women's freestyle had the highest percentage of matches to end via match termination. 65 of the 111 bouts (59%) ended prior to the full six minutes. The majority of Greco Roman matches also ended early as 62 of 112 (55%) came via match termination. Men's freestyle was the only style that saw VPO/VPO1 result as the most common. 74 of the 133 (56%) matches went the full time. Across all three styles, 176 of the 356 matches ended via match termination.

2018 All-American Ben Darmstadt (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com; Graphic/Anna-Lee Marie) Welcome to a new recurring feature from InterMat as we lead into the 2021-22 collegiate season. We are about 50 days away from the start of the new season, so what better way to ring in the new year than to use that time to count down the top-50 current collegiate wrestlers. Each day a new wrestler will be released. These rankings have been compiled by members of the InterMat staff and used a combination of collegiate achievements, with 2021 accomplishments carrying more weight than past years, along with win-loss records and notable wins. While we are counting down the top-50 wrestlers based primarily on collegiate accomplishments, it is impossible to totally ignore achievements in the international settings, so they did factor in slightly, too. Before getting to the next wrestler on the list, look at the wrestlers previously profiled: #50 - Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) Next is... #49 - Ben Darmstadt (Cornell) Weight: 197 lbs Year: Senior Career Record: 62-10 Hometown: Elyria, Ohio College Accomplishments: 2018 NCAA 6th Place; 2020 NWCA 1st Team All-American; 2x EIWA Champion 2021-22 Preseason Ranking: #6 at 197 lbs Even though he's only competed in one collegiate season since 2018-19, Ben Darmstadt has still done plenty to warrant his inclusion here amongst the top-50 in the nation. Like many Cornell wrestlers, Darmstadt took a greyshirt year to get acclimated to DI wrestling and gave plenty of hints that he could follow in the footsteps of Steve Bosak, Gabe Dean, and Cam Simaz as elite upperweights for the Big Red. During his year of unattached competition, Darmstadt split matches with Cornell's starter at 197 lbs, Ben Honis. He only dropped four of 22 bouts on the year, two of which came to Cornell teammates and another was via injury default. Though he wasn't always competing against top-level competition, Darmstadt did earn bonus points in over half of his matches and came away with five falls. The 2017-18 season saw Darmstadt claim the starting role for Cornell and he did so with authority. In his first official outing for Cornell, in mid-November, he fell via major decision to Penn's Frank Mattiace. That loss would be his only until the NCAA Tournament in March. He would get revenge on Mattiace twice during the season with major decision wins in their Ivy League dual meet and in the EIWA finals. During Darmstadt's 31-match winning streak, he claimed titles at the New York State Intercollegiate Championship and the Cleveland State Open. His fantastic run led to the number two seed at the 2018 NCAA Championships. In his home state, Darmstadt advanced to the NCAA semifinals before getting pinned by Jared Haught (Virginia Tech) and sliding to sixth place. When it was all said and done, Darmstadt had established a Cornell freshman pin record with 18 and was unblemished in dual competition. The following year, Darmstadt did not compete at all due to injury. In 2019-20, Darmstadt started at 184 lbs and had some uneven results, compared to the dominance of his freshman year. Within the first month of the season, Ben suffered a pair of losses to tough freshmen Louie DePrez (Binghamton) and Trent Hidlay (NC State). At the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, he was pinned twice and settled for seventh place. Once Darmstadt reemerged, at the South Beach Duals, he was back at 197 lbs. At his customary weight, Darmstadt won 11 of 13 matches, and one of those losses came via injury default. He managed to come away with his second conference crown, in as many tries, while competing in a deep EIWA weight class that saw six others qualify for nationals. A strong conference finish allowed Darmstadt to receive the fourth seed at the 2020 NCAA Championships. Of course, due to Covid, that tournament did not occur. He was slated to do battle on a top-half of the bracket that included #1 Kollin Moore (Ohio State), #5 Jacob Warner (Iowa), #8 Patrick Brucki (Princeton), and #9 Kordell Norfleet (Arizona State). Because of his high seed, Darmstadt was noted as a first-team All-American by the NWCA. Through two years of competition, Darmstadt has amassed a 62-10 record (49-6 at 197) and 32 falls. He is 27-2 in dual meets. Strengths: In a weight class that is typically filled with brawlers, Darmstadt is long and unorthodox. His combination of length, hips, and flexibility make him an excellent scrambler. There aren't many 197lbers that can come out on top of flurries with him. From the mat is where Ben really does his damage. He's a great leg rider and can get near-fall points from a variety of situations. Also, he is one of the wrestlers that made the “assassin” pinning combination popular. 2021-22 Outlook: It sounds strange to say for someone listed in the top-50, but Darmstadt could be in a bit of a fight for his starting role in the upcoming season. Cornell has Jacob Cardenas, who excelled in 2019-20, during his greyshirt season. At 24-4, with wins over three NCAA qualifiers, Cardenas should push the veteran, a bit. Darmstadt returns to a 197 lb weight class that is absolutely stacked. Aside from him, nine other past All-Americans are expected to compete at the weight. Both national finalists, along with 2019 runner-up and former teammate Max Dean (Penn State), are among the favorites. If healthy, Darmstadt will be a matchup nightmare for anyone at this weight, save for Dean's familiarity, and could win a title on his best day. Ben Darmstadt in the 2018 NCAA Quarterfinals (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com)

Jaydin Eierman and Nick Lee at the 2021 Big Ten Championships (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The Big Ten wrestling schedule is officially on the calendar, and this winter, like all winters, looks like it's going to be a boatload of fun. The 14-team league has 11 programs in InterMat's preseason dual meet rankings, including seven in the top-15 and five in the top-10. Not everybody will hit this year, as the Big Ten scheduled eight league duals for each team: four at home, four on the road. The Big Ten portion of the college wrestling season begins Jan. 7, and there are plenty of matchups worth watching this season. Here are some quick thoughts on each weekend of Big Ten wrestling: WEEK 1 Friday, Jan. 7 #15 Minnesota at #1 Iowa #22 Purdue at #9 Nebraska #18 Northwestern at #17 Wisconsin #4 Penn State at Maryland Indiana at #14 Rutgers #7 Ohio State at Michigan State* Sunday, Jan. 9 #22 Purdue at #1 Iowa #18 Northwestern at #15 Minnesota #14 Rutgers at #17 Wisconsin Indiana at Penn State Thoughts: Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson opens the Big Ten portion of his season at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Expect a large crowd for that one. The Purdue-Nebraska and Northwestern-Wisconsin matchups are going to be sneaky fun on Friday night. Brutal travel weekend for Rutgers: in Piscataway on Friday, Wisconsin on Sunday. After Wisconsin, Northwestern gets Minnesota. Fun opening weekend. Ohio State-Michigan State could be either Friday or Sunday, according to the Big Ten. WEEK 2 Friday, Jan. 14 #21 Illinois at #14 Rutgers #1 Iowa at #18 Northwestern #5 Michigan at #7 Ohio State #9 Nebraska at #15 Minnesota Saturday, Jan. 15 Michigan State at #22 Purdue Sunday, Jan. 16 #1 Iowa at #21 Illinois #17 Wisconsin at #15 Minnesota #14 Rutgers at #4 Penn State Monday, Jan. 17 Michigan State at Indiana Thoughts: Love the standalone duals on Saturday and Monday. Cool opportunity there for the Spartans. Minnesota gets two fun home duals, against Nebraska and Wisconsin, while Iowa has a road doubleheader. Illinois gets the funny travel schedule this weekend: at Piscataway on Friday, back home on Sunday. The Michigan-Ohio State dual is likely the highlight of the weekend, featuring Olympic bronze medalist Myles Amine, but don't sleep on Rutgers-Penn State, either. WEEK 3 Friday, Jan. 21 #4 Penn State at #5 Michigan #14 Rutgers at Michigan State #1 Iowa at #7 Ohio State #21 Illinois at #22 Purdue #9 Nebraska at #17 Wisconsin Maryland at Indiana Sunday, Jan. 23 #14 Rutgers at #5 Michigan #4 Penn State at Michigan State #9 Nebraska at #18 Northwestern Maryland at #7 Ohio State #17 Wisconsin at #22 Purdue Thoughts: Big Friday night here, with Penn State-Michigan and Iowa-Ohio State. Tons of fireworks in those duals. Illinois-Purdue will be all sorts of fun, too, and Nebraska-Wisconsin should be exciting. Rutgers and Penn State will both spend this weekend in Michigan. The Huskers go from Wisconsin to Northwestern, while Purdue gets two home duals. WEEK 4 Friday, Jan. 28 #4 Penn State at #1 Iowa #17 Wisconsin at Maryland #15 Minnesota at #5 Michigan Saturday, Jan. 29 #18 Northwestern at #21 Illinois #22 Purdue at Indiana Sunday, Jan. 30 #5 Michigan at Maryland Thoughts: Lighter schedule, but Friday night will be action-packed. Iowa-Penn State is always a big deal. The Nittany Lions are going back to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. That same night, Mason Parris gets another crack at Gable. Northwestern-Illinois and Purdue-Indiana will be a couple of fun intrastate battles on Saturday. After hosting Minnesota on Friday, the Wolverines head to Maryland on Sunday. WEEK 5 Friday, Feb. 4 #15 Minnesota at #21 Illinois Michigan State at Maryland #5 Michigan at #9 Nebraska #7 Ohio State at #4 Penn State Saturday, Feb. 5 #17 Wisconsin at #1 Iowa Sunday, Feb. 6 Indiana at #21 Illinois Maryland at #18 Northwestern #15 Minnesota at #22 Purdue #7 Ohio State at #14 Rutgers #9 Nebraska at #4 Penn State* Thoughts: Another standalone dual on Saturday that could be very, very fun. But it's sandwiched between two fun days of loaded wrestling. The Buckeyes travel to both Penn State and Rutgers while Nebraska wrestles Michigan at home, then, potentially, at the Nittany Lions (that dual could get flexed to Feb. 11, according to the Big Ten). Minnesota travels to both Illinois and Purdue. WEEK 6 Friday, Feb. 11 #5 Michigan at Indiana #18 Northwestern at Michigan State #7 Ohio State at #15 Minnesota #21 Illinois at #17 Wisconsin Saturday, Feb. 12 Maryland at #14 Rutgers Sunday, Feb. 13 Michigan State at #5 Michigan #21 Illinois at #9 Nebraska Indiana at #7 Ohio State Thoughts: Maryland-Rutgers could be a sneaky fun dual on that Saturday. Ohio State-Minnesota and Illinois-Wisconsin highlight a fun Friday night slate, then Illinois travels to Nebraska and we get another intrastate battle between the Spartans and Wolverines on Sunday. WEEK 7 Saturday, Feb. 19 #22 Purdue at #18 Northwestern Sunday, Feb. 20 #1 Iowa at #9 Nebraska Thoughts: Final weekend of Big Ten dual action features just two matchups: Purdue-Northwestern on Saturday, then the Hawkeyes at the Huskers on Sunday. Then everybody will head to Lincoln a couple weeks later for the Big Ten Championships. Giddy up.

2021 All-American Demetrius Romero (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) “Sports is what we do. Our parents taught us to be champions. They taught us to be winners. We don't make excuses. If you lose, you lose, but figure it out,” said Demetrius Romero, a redshirt senior at Utah Valley University. Demetrius, the oldest boy in a family of nine brothers and sisters, was born just outside of Boise, Idaho, where he attended Mountain View High School. As the oldest boy in the family, Demetrius knew that his success would soon be met, or surpassed, by a younger sibling looking to take the top spot. With a champions-like mentality, growing up in the Romero household was always grounds for competition. In his youth, Demetrius played football, basketball, and ran track, alongside his twin brothers Andre and Adrian; both of whom are currently on the track and field team at Utah Valley University. Right before freshman year, Demetrius moved to a new town, which meant being the “new kid” at his high school. Being familiar with football, he joined the football team and made plenty of friends; some of which were on the wrestling team and spotted his double leg takedown during multiple football games. He tried out for the wrestling team, and the rest is history. As a senior, Demetrius captured the 152-pound Idaho State Championship title, while wrestling for Head Coach Kevin Wood. He earned first-team all-state and first-team All-Southern Idaho Conference accolades during his senior campaign, posting a 47-3 record. Demetrius said, “Wrestling was the first sport I did where I didn't take to it right away. It was the one sport that I had to really work to get good at it. That's ultimately why I chose to wrestle in college, instead of playing football. I like to be the guy that's in control. If I win, it's because of me. If I lose, it's because of me.” When it came time to make a college decision, Demetrius targeted four schools: Utah Valley University, Boise State, The University of North Carolina, and Oregon State. “In the end, it came down to Boise State and Utah Valley University. A big part of why I didn't come to Utah Valley originally was to support my family, and my younger brothers who were still in high school,” Demetrius stated. Thus, Demetrius attended Boise State from 2015-2017, being forced to transfer when he learned that the wrestling program was being cut. Throughout his time at Boise State, Demetrius heard rumors of the program being in jeopardy, but it wasn't until he was in the car with his father, where he learned that his college had finalized the long-awaited decision. Demetrius said, “I heard it on the radio (KTIK: The Ticket) before we were even told by our athletic department; before our coaches even had the opportunity to tell us. It wasn't the way I wanted to find out, but at the time, there was nothing I could do.” With Boise State in his rearview mirror, it was time to get back to the drawing board and set his sights on a new wrestling program. This time around, Demetrius was looking for a program that would enable him to become the best version of himself, on and off the mat. Time after time, Utah Valley University was at the top of Demetrius' list. After speaking with Utah Valley University's Head Coach, Greg Williams, and expressing his desire to compete at a higher level, Demetrius made the decision to commit to Utah Valley University. “I called Utah Valley and talked with Coach Williams. He already knew that my brothers were out there, and I would be attending school there anyway. He also knew that I liked Associate Head Coach Ethen Lofthouse a lot, and I had an unbreakable bond with him. I reassured both Coach Williams and Coach Lofthouse that even if I went on recruiting trips, I would still be attending Utah Valley University,” Demetrius said. When asked about Demetrius' recruiting process, Coach Williams said, “We were watching him early on in high school. Ethen and I went to the Tournament of Champions, and we watched Demetrius there. Ethen noticed him, and we saw some things about him that we really liked. After Boise State dropped their program, they allowed their team the chance to transfer. As soon as Boise State announced they dropped their program, I received a text from Demetrius' father asking if we were still interested. So, transfer portal? Not really. They dropped the program, so it was an open season. The transfer portal is not the main source of information. I was first notified because we recruited him previously, and his dad wanted to know if we were still interested in him. We were.” Coach Williams went on to say, “And, not to mention, Ethen has always been Demetrius' guy. That trust was there, and the bond that they have on the mat is special.” When asked about that special bond, Demetrius said, “Coach Lofthouse has always been an influential person throughout my wrestling career. He has a lot of qualities that my high school coach, Kevin Wood, had. It drew me in. He had given me a lot of guidance. And now, I've connected with him, not only on an athlete-coach level or wrestling level, but as a human being.” A few months later, Demetrius was on campus, and ready to set his sights on becoming the best version of himself, on and off the mat. Luckily for him, throughout his first few years at Utah Valley University, Demetrius and his teammates had the opportunity to play a crucial role in a “renovation” plan, devised by Coach Williams and his coaching staff. After the coaches and wrestlers reflected upon previous seasons, they agreed that a renovation plan was just what they needed. One team. One goal. 100% buy-in. Coach Williams stated, “We needed a culture change. We needed everyone on the team to buy-in.” Utah Valley head coach Greg Williams (right) (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) First, Coach Williams and his staff displayed four words in their facility: Goals. Attitude. Ownership. And, Grit. These four words would become the cornerstone to Utah Valley University's wrestling program. Coach Williams summarized the following, “Goals are the “why” behind every student-athlete that walks into the wrestling room. Why do you want to be a wrestler? Why do you want to be a champion? Why? Attitude encompasses a wrestler's eating habits, sleeping habits, utilizing a journal to write down one's goals, being efficient in practice, being efficient in the classroom, being efficient in your personal life, etc. Attitude is reflected in each and every wrestler's behavior throughout daily tasks, and their ability to effectively complete them. Ownership is buying into and realizing that 90% of one's success is on them, and 10% is due to family, friends, and surroundings. When you take ownership of something, you ask yourself, “Who is the first person that I should be looking at?” Myself. Wrestlers must self-evaluate on a consistent basis to ensure their goals are being met. When we decide to self-evaluate, we stop blaming. We stop whining. If what you're doing at that point is trying to solve the problem, you're probably on the right track. If what you're doing is not going to solve the problem, you're expending energy in the wrong places. Finally, Grit. If you want to know what grit looks like, don't look any further than this right here [Demetrius].” Although Demetrius, and his teammates, played a crucial role in the wrestling program's new renovation plan, there wasn't always 100% buy-in. Over time, and through a lot of trial and error, Demetrius understood the importance of this culture change, and was willing to look within to be the best leader for his team that he could be. Coach Williams stated, “Demetrius still struggled at first to understand the complete role he could play in the growth of the program. The new words and theme helped with unity, and Demetrius, by sincerely trying to implement these ideas into his own goals and daily process. He has grown more this past year as a leader than we could have ever hoped for.” Second, Coach Williams and his staff instilled a theme that would course through every wrestler's veins. “Next Point.” Coach Williams explained, ““Next Point” is your next opportunity. Your next opportunity to grow, or do better, or be better. I want my wrestlers to think, “If I'm losing 9-1 and I feel like the match is out of my hands, and I don't have anything to hold on to, I have to make the most of every single moment. I have to score. I have to create the next opportunity. I have to create the next point, regardless of my position on the mat.” This applies to school. This applies to our personal life. I want my wrestlers to think, “It's my chance to create the next opportunity.” Luckily, Demetrius is an opportunity guy. Fortunately, Demetrius made the most of his “next point” and became an All-American for Utah Valley University after placing sixth at 174 pounds at the 2021 NCAA Championships. Prior to that, he won his second Big 12 title, going 4-0 at the Big 12 Championships. Demetrius earned both NWCA Scholar All-American and First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors. In addition, Demetrius earned the highest national seed in Utah Valley University's wrestling program history, as he entered the NCAA Championships in 2021 as the No. 2 seed in his weight class. Demetrius capitalized on and bought into Coach Williams' program renovation. At the NCAA Championship tournament, Coach Williams was impressed by Demetrius, and his counterpart, Taylor Lamont, Utah Valley University's 125-pounder after becoming All-Americans for the first time, following their quarterfinal bouts. Coach Williams said, “It was the first time Demetrius and Taylor were All-Americans. They walked off the mat the exact same way that they normally walk off the mat, because it wasn't about that match. If they had won nationals, it would have been different because that was the end goal. They didn't reach that end goal. But in the moment, there was no overexcitement. They both acknowledged their families in the stands, paying tribute to the roles both of their families played in their success and went back into the locker room the same way they always do. That's exactly where we wanted their mindset to be. It's one thing to say that you believe in our programs' culture change, but in that type of a moment, you can't fake that they truly believed it. We have needed that from the top end, and from our younger guys. I want them to think, “If I'm not the starter now, I'm going to be. In the next moment. In the next opportunity. In the next point.”” 2021 All-American Demetrius Romero (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) When asked about Demetrius' role on the team, Coach Williams said, “Demetrius has a great grasp of what the team's goals are, and not just his own. He understands the big picture. They see him as an example because he is doing everything right. He has grown on the mat. He has grown off the mat. He has grown as a leader. He gets it. He knows how to be a leader in every aspect of his life; school, on the mat, and in his personal life.” Demetrius went on to say, “My role on Utah Valley University's wrestling team is to be a leader for my teammates, but also to be a positive role model in the community. Within the community, there is a mentor program. You always have to give back. We're in positions where younger children are looking up to us and expect us to be role models. I've realized that it's not about an image; it's about the children. I want to be a leader for my community, and the children.” Demetrius went on to say, “I'll admit, I've struggled at being a leader in the past, but with the culture change at Utah Valley University, I've been able to step outside of my comfort zone and really learn to accept other people's perspectives and opinions. My main goal is to help the culture and build a winning dynasty. I've been able to communicate openly with our coaches, and they've allowed Taylor and I to participate in making decisions for the team. This has helped me grow immensely and allowed our team's goals to be unified.” Upon reflection, and after a record-breaking program season, and many successful individual wins, Demetrius attributes his success to a variety of contributing factors. Demetrius said, “There are a lot of reasons why I've been so successful. I attribute that success to how our team was on the same page, alongside our coaches. There has been a huge culture change, which was much needed, even for me. In previous years, we've had a lot of talent, but everyone had their own agenda. This season, the team was all firing off the same cylinder, with the same mindset that we must buy in 100%. I contribute that success to my workout partners. They pushed me every day in the wrestling room, and beyond. I attribute that success to my family. Our dad taught us to make sacrifices and to recognize what is important to us. My family's athletic success is due to my parents. They've always put us in a good athletic position and gave us access to the best resources. My parents know how good I can be, and they've always pushed me to accomplish my goals. Lastly, I attribute my success to Coach Williams, and my relationship with Coach Lofthouse. He is the guy who sits down and watches my film, over and over again. He doesn't teach me to wrestle like him. Instead, he gives me the individualized tools that I need to be successful on the mat with the resources and abilities I have. He is always in my corner, and I have faith that he will lead me towards the most successful path as possible.” Looking ahead into his final season as a Wolverine, Demetrius said the following, “Obviously, I want to become a national champion. I know that I'm there. I will win the Big 12's. It's only a stepping stone. Beyond that, I want to build the team here at Utah Valley University, where I can leave a mark on it. I want people to know that this is Utah Valley University wrestling. This is what we do. We know where we want to go. We are a Top 10 team. I want Utah Valley University to be a Top 10 team. I want to look good. I want my teammates to look good. I want Utah Valley University to look good.” In closing remarks, Coach Williams said, “After implementing this culture change and shifted mindset, the buy-in was so good that at the end of the season, we had 34 end-of-year interviews, and not one person was blaming anybody for their lack of success in reaching their individual and team goals. It's not about blame. It's about improvement. It's about using what I have now and being able to correctly use those resources to make use of my next point. It's about communicating one's needs as an individual, and as an athlete. At the end of the day, if my athletes' goals are not to be on the podium or to become a national champion, then they shouldn't be in our program. That is our program. That is our culture change. It's not to simply be on the team. It's not to be a starter. What matters is that you've made progress and you're trying your best to be the best that you can be, reaching every day to accomplish those champion-like goals. Control what you can control. Your process. Your decisions. Your actions. Finally, as a coaching staff, we feel that the results at nationals, the growth and attitude of all the guys on and off the mat, and the exit interviews were a result of the implementation of these words and themes into their daily process' and the buy-in and leadership on the team.” Beyond Demetrius' success on the mat, he has worked tirelessly to capitalize on the new NCAA rule changes that went into effect on July 1st, 2021. Athletes are now provided with varying degrees of new protections and opportunities to obtain earnings based on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Demetrius has partnered with Cumulus Sport to provide a signature collection of kneepads and knee sleeves. In addition, he has partnered with Dash Sport Apparel to create a signature collection clothing line. If you'd like to stay up to date with all of Demetrius' partnerships, you can follow him on Twitter (@DemetriusR97) and Instagram (@dmo_1997). Lastly, Demetrius will be hosting an All-American Camp at Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah on September 24th (4:30pm-7:00pm) and September 25th (9:00am-3:00pm). This includes one lunch break, where pizza will be provided. Cost of attendance is $75. You can sign up on myschoolfees.com found in public items under Bruin Wrestling Club. 2021 All-American Demetrius Romero (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com)

The 2021 Big Ten Championships (Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference office announced the dates and opponents for the 2021-22 wrestling season Wednesday. The schedule features eight conference duals for each of the 14 Big Ten programs and concludes with the 2022 Big Ten Wrestling Championships, to be held over the first weekend in March at Nebraska. All 14 teams will open Big Ten action Jan. 7-17. On opening night, Jan. 7, reigning Big Ten Champion Iowa will play host to Minnesota, while Big Ten Dual Meet Co-Champion Penn State will travel to Maryland. Indiana will open its conference slate against Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J., Northwestern will visit Wisconsin, and Purdue will travel to Nebraska. The following weekend (Jan. 14-17), Illinois and Michigan will make their conference season debuts by traveling to Rutgers and Ohio State, respectively. The final regular-season dual will take place Feb. 20, with Nebraska hosting the defending Big Ten Dual Meet Co-Champion Iowa. The 108th Big Ten Wrestling Championships will be held March 5-6, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., with Nebraska playing host to the event for the first time. All 14 conference schools will participate in the championships, which begins Saturday, March 5, with the first-round, quarterfinal, semifinal and wrestleback matches taking place during Sessions I and II. Action continues Sunday, March 6, with consolation semifinals and seventh-place matches getting underway during Session III and the first-, third- and fifth-place matches highlighting Session IV. The 2021-22 Big Ten wrestling schedule can be found in the link above. Times and television designations will be announced at a later date. DAY DATE MATCHUP Friday January 7: Minnesota at Iowa Friday January 7: Penn State at Maryland Friday January 7: Purdue at Nebraska Friday January 7: Indiana at Rutgers Friday January 7: Northwestern at Wisconsin Sunday January 9: Purdue at Iowa Sunday January 9: Northwestern at Minnesota Sunday January 9: Indiana at Penn State Sunday January 9: Rutgers at Wisconsin TBD January 7-9: Ohio State at Michigan State Friday January 14: Illinois at Rutgers Friday January 14: Iowa at Northwestern Friday January 14: Michigan at Ohio State Friday January 14: Nebraska at Minnesota Saturday January 15: Michigan State at Purdue Sunday January 16: Iowa at Illinois Sunday January 16: Wisconsin at Minnesota Sunday January 16: Rutgers at Penn State Monday January 17: Michigan State at Indiana Friday January 21: Maryland at Indiana Friday January 21: Penn State at Michigan Friday January 21: Rutgers at Michigan State Friday January 21: Iowa at Ohio State Friday January 21: Illinois at Purdue Friday January 21: Nebraska at Wisconsin Sunday January 23: Rutgers at Michigan Sunday January 23: Penn State at Michigan State Sunday January 23: Nebraska at Northwestern Sunday January 23: Maryland at Ohio State Sunday January 23: Wisconsin at Purdue Friday January 28: Penn State at Iowa Friday January 28: Wisconsin at Maryland Friday January 28: Minnesota at Michigan Saturday January 29: Northwestern at Illinois Saturday January 29: Purdue at Indiana Sunday January 30: Michigan at Maryland Friday February 4: Minnesota at Illinois Friday February 4: Michigan State at Maryland Friday February 4: Michigan at Nebraska Friday February 4: Ohio State at Penn State Saturday February 5: Wisconsin at Iowa Sunday February 6: Indiana at Illinois Sunday February 6: Maryland at Northwestern Sunday February 6: Minnesota at Purdue Sunday February 6: Ohio State at Rutgers TBD February 6 or 11: Nebraska at Penn State Friday February 11: Michigan at Indiana Friday February 11: Northwestern at Michigan State Friday February 11: Ohio State at Minnesota Friday February 11: Illinois at Wisconsin Saturday February 12: Maryland at Rutgers Sunday February 13: Michigan State at Michigan Sunday February 13: Illinois at Nebraska Sunday February 13: Indiana at Ohio State Saturday February 19: Purdue at Northwestern Sunday February 20: Iowa at Nebraska

The 2021 Pac-12 Championships (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Preseason in Pac-12 Country As September draws the summer to a warm conclusion, teams across the Pac-12 begin their preparation for the forthcoming -- and very much welcome -- season of wrestling. We at InterMat published our preseason rankings two days into the month, as many teams began their return to the mat, setting the stage for the months ahead.

#50 Greg Kerkvliet (Original Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com/Graphic Courtesy of Anna-Lee Marie) Welcome to a new recurring feature from InterMat as we lead into the 2021-22 collegiate season. We are about 50 days away from the start of the new season, so what better way to ring in the new year than to use that time to count down the top-50 current collegiate wrestlers. Each day a new wrestler will be released. These rankings have been compiled by members of the InterMat staff and used a combination of collegiate achievements, with 2021 accomplishments carrying more weight than past years, along with win-loss records and notable wins. While we are counting down the top-50 wrestlers based primarily on collegiate accomplishments, it is impossible to totally ignore achievements in the international settings, so they did factor in slightly, too. Let's get it started! #50 - Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) Weight: 285 lbs Year: Freshman Career Record: 10-4 Hometown: Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota College Accomplishments: 2021 NCAA 7th Place; 2021 Big Ten 4th Place 2021-22 Preseason Ranking: #5 at 285 lbs A phenom on the age-group level, Greg Kerkvliet came into State College with sky-high expectations after being labeled the top recruit in the high school Class of 2019. Those were earned by a Cadet world championship in 2017 and a silver medal the following year. The opponent that defeated Kerkvliet at the 2018 Cadet World Championships was Amir Zare (Iran), who recently claimed an Olympic bronze medal. That year, Kerkvliet also earned a place on the Junior world team but had to pull out due to an injury. His replacement, Zach Elam, went on to take silver. Kerkvliet's recruitment and journey to Penn State was one of the most unusual ones in recent memory. At one point, Kerkvliet committed to staying in-state and wrestle for Minnesota, before switching over to Oklahoma State. After decommitting from the Cowboys, Kerkvliet signed with Ohio State. He only would spend a semester in Columbus before transferring to Penn State. During his redshirt season, Kerkvliet went 9-0 competing unattached at Penn State. He would capture bonus points in six of those contests and claimed titles at the Shorty Hitchcock Classic and the Mat-Town Open. Kerkvliet's best win that year came over fellow unattached stud Lewis Fernandes (Cornell), 6-4. Kerkvliet's 2021 season is one that almost didn't happen. On February 10th, Nittany Lion head coach Cael Sanderson publicly stated that his 285 lber would be out for the year due to an injury. After the NCAA Tournament, Kerkvliet gave some explanation regarding the uncertainty surrounding his season. A staph infection, followed by two blood clots, prevented him from any physical activity for two months. Miraculously, he was able to get cleared for Penn State's dual with Maryland on February 21st and picked up two wins via fall. Kerkvliet's Big Ten Tournament could be looked at through two different lenses. His lack of mat time, obviously took its toll on him as he was majored by two of the top contenders, Mason Parris (Michigan) and Tony Cassioppi (Iowa). On the other hand, Greg still finished fourth in the conference and racked up a win against returning All-American Trent Hillger (Wisconsin) and rankings-mainstay Christian Lance (Nebraska). Two weeks later, in St. Louis, Kerkvliet was closer to top form. As the ninth-seed, he faced fellow Minnesota big-man, Gable Steveson and fell, 9-4. Though he lost, it was only one of two regular decisions on the year for the future Olympic gold medalist. Just to get to Steveson, Kerkvliet had to down past All-American Jordan Wood (Lehigh), which he did to the tune of a 12-2 major decision. To secure a place among the top-eight, Kerkvliet majored Austin Harris (Oklahoma State), 13-5. He would fall in his next match to another world-level opponent, Cohlton Schultz (Arizona State), 14-8. Kerkvliet finished seventh after an 11-3 major decision win over Tate Orndorff (Ohio State). Strengths: Variety of leg attacks from his feet. Tall, long, athletic build, which can outclass the majority of his opponents. Big-match international experience. 2021-22 Outlook: Based on ability and potential, Kerkvliet could finish much higher if this list were compiled after the upcoming season. With last week's announcement that Steveson will return at 285 lbs next season, winning a title will be a monumental, uphill task for anyone else in the field. That being said, with a full, healthy offseason, it's not unreasonable to think that Kerkvliet might be able to unseat a couple of opponents that finished ahead of him in 2021. While it's not a complete apples-to-apples comparison, he did log a 4-4 win on criteria over Parris at the Olympic Trials in early April. #50 Greg Kerkvliet at the 2021 Big Ten Championships (Original Photo/Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com)

Jordan Burroughs (left) Cohlton Schultz (center), Jenna Burkert (right) (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhotos.com) LINCOLN, Neb. - Of course, Jordan Burroughs made another fantastic wrestling memory here, in Lincoln, the place where he's made so many fantastic wrestling memories. Inside Pinnacle Bank Arena, home of the 2021 U.S. World Team Trials, all Burroughs saw was gold again. The 33-year-old USA Wrestling legend made his 10th world or Olympic team this weekend, this time at 79 kilograms. Burroughs went 5-0, running through a field of some of the most talented wrestlers competing in the U.S. today. On Saturday, he beat Hayden Hidlay, 7-3; Chance Marsteller, 4-1; and Jason Nolf, 5-3, to make the finals. On Sunday, he swept Alex Dieringer by scores of 10-5 and 4-3 to secure his world team spot. It was a stark reminder that Burroughs, after all this time and even at a new weight, has also secured his place as one of the best wrestlers in U.S. history. He's won eight medals in his previous nine trips to the world championships or Olympic Games. He was not surprised by what he accomplished this weekend. None of us should be. Much of what we saw was vintage Jordan Burroughs, the same one that won two NCAA titles at Nebraska, then stuck around to train and won five world and Olympic gold medals. The blast double was fierce, his motion quick, his attacks explosive. He was gritty when he needed to be. He was, as always, clutch, finding ways to score late in periods against Hidlay, against Nolf, and twice against Dieringer. In the first match of the championship finals, Burroughs opened with a vicious double out of bounds for a 4-0 lead, but Dieringer hit a lefty-dump to take a 4-4 criteria lead. Burroughs used his speed to connect on a takedown with two seconds left in the first period, and turned that 6-4 advantage into a 10-5 first-match win. In the second match, he did it again, a takedown with two seconds left in the first period to lead 4-0 at the break. Dieringer made adjustments between both matches and scored three points in the final minute, but could not complete the rally. What will Norway bring? Hard to say, but Burroughs is excited for the opportunities that await - less weight-cutting, more challenges, new opponents, all of it. For so long, he held off one American opponent after another, keeping some of the country's best wrestlers off the world team and forcing others to permanently switch weights. When Kyle Dake finally upended Burroughs at the U.S. Olympic Trials in April, Burroughs was calm in his immediate response. He called the loss "part of the process" and that he needed to "dig deep, dust (himself) off, rebuild, then come back and try again." He ended with five poignant words: "It's not over for me." On Sunday, he showed us all that he meant it. Jordan Burroughs isn't going anywhere - not now, and perhaps, he suggested, not until after 2024. He dug deep, dusted himself off, rebuilt himself, came back, and prevailed again. The ride with one of the best ever continues. Yianni's Time Has Arrived At long last, Yianni Diakomihalis is headed to the Senior world championships. Yianni defeated Joey McKenna, two matches to one, to earn the world team spot at 65 kilos. After McKenna's late-match heroics gave him an 8-7 win in match one (more on this below), Yianni won the second, 5-2, then closed the series with an emphatic 12-2 first-period technical fall in the third. Now the two-time NCAA champion from Cornell will attempt to do something no U.S. wrestler has been able to do - win a Senior world medal at 65 kilograms. No American wrestler has won a world medal at 65-kg since United World Wrestling expanded to 10 weight classes for the world championships in 2014. The last U.S. wrestler to win a medal at that weight or an equivalent was in 2007, when Bill Zadick won a world title at 66 kilos. Now Zadick is USA Wrestling's men's freestyle world team coach, and he'll get the opportunity to guide Yianni in Norway next month. Kylie Welker's Year Just Keeps Getting Better Is anybody having a better year than Kylie Welker? Maybe Gable Steveson or Tamyra Mensah-Stock or David Taylor, but Welker ain't far behind. In March, she qualified for the Olympic Trials. The next week, up a weight, she made the Olympic Trials finals. A month later, she made both the Junior and U23 world teams. In July, she won a Junior national title. In August, she won a Junior world title. Any one of those single accomplishments would make for a great year for any normal wrestler, but Kylie Welker is not a normal wrestler. She offered more evidence of that this weekend, as she went 4-0 and made her first Senior world team at 72 kilograms. Welker dominated her way through the tournament: two pins on Saturday to make the finals, then she swept Kennedy Blades, another Junior world champ and young women's freestyle star, in the championship series, winning match one, 4-4 on criteria, and winning match two via injury default. By the way, she is just 17 years old. Put another way: Buckle up and enjoy this ride, too, because Kylie Welker is going to be doing this for a while. The Cohltrain Is Headed To Norway Much like Yianni, Cohlton Schultz is getting his long-awaited chance at the Senior world championships this year, too. Schultz, the All-American heavyweight from Arizona State, made the Greco-Roman world team this weekend. A few months removed from falling in the finals at the Olympic Trials, Schultz flashed his mettle in defeating Jacob Mitchell, two matches to one, in the best-of-three finals at 130 kilos. After losing the first finals match, 4-2, Schultz settled in and won the next two in convincing fashion: an 8-0 technical fall, then 6-0 in the winner-take-all third bout to secure his first Senior world team berth. Schultz has a lengthy Greco résumé: Cadet world champion in 2017, Junior world bronze in 2018, Junior world silver in 2019, six total age-level world teams, two Senior national titles, a Final X appearance and Olympic Trials finalist. He turns 21 on September 27, and heads to Norway to try for Senior world gold that same week. In Case You Forgot, Gwiz Is Still (Very) Good Hopefully you didn't forget that Nick Gwiazdowski, a two-time world bronze medalist and now a four-time Senior world team member, is still very good at wrestling, but in case you did, he offered a masterclass of a reminder this weekend. Big Gwiz stormed to first at 125 kilos, going 4-0 and outscoring his opponents 35-3. After beating both Demetrius Thomas and Jordan Wood on Saturday, Gwiazdowski dominated Michigan heavyweight Mason Parris, 8-0 and 10-3, to sweep the best-of-three championship finals. It's probably easy to forget how good Gwiazdowski has been for the United States because of the mainstream fanfare brought on by Steveson's gold-medal run at the Olympics. Even Gwiazdowski himself gave Steveson major public kudos for his performance in Tokyo. But the spot belongs to Gwiz again, and if he wrestles in Norway the same way he wrestled here, he should be considered a gold-medal contender. Clutch Gene James Green James Green is back on the Senior world team, too, after sweeping Northwestern All-American Ryan Deakin in the finals at 70 kilos. Before a Nebraska-heavy crowd, the former Husker used some last-second offense to win not one, but both matches. In the first match, Deakin surged ahead 6-2 in the final minute of the second period. But Green scored 2 with 33 seconds left, then another 2 with eight seconds remaining for a 6-6 criteria victory. In the second match, Deakin again led late, this time 2-2 on criteria, but Green forced a step-out with five seconds left for a 3-2 lead. Deakin's corner challenged, but the call stood, so Green won, 4-2. The crowd broke out in a "Go Big Red" chant, and Green took in the moment with a smile. He won the spot in 2015, one year after UWW expanded to 10 weights, and has manned that weight ever since. He's now a six-time Senior world team member. Speaking of Team Clutch … There were 10 matches in the best-of-three championship finals that were decided on points scored in the final minute. In addition to Green's two wins, there were also these: Trailing 7-4, Joey McKenna scored a step-out with 8 seconds left, then an exposure with 2 seconds left (which stood after a challenge) to beat Yianni Diakomihalis, 8-7, in the first match at 65 kilos. The entire women's freestyle 55-kg final series was one huge fire emoji. In the first match, Jenna Burkert scored a 4-point throw at the gun to beat Jacarra Winchester, 6-6 on criteria. In match two, Jacarra got revenge, scoring a 2-point exposure with four seconds left to win 9-8 and force a third match. Jenna actually led 6-0 and 8-3, then Jacarra stormed back with six points in the final minute to win. In the third match, Jenna scored a takedown with 10 seconds left to win, 4-3, and secure her spot on the world team. That came after Jacarra evaded a takedown and scored a step-out point to lead 3-2 with 55 seconds left. Maya Nelson scored 2 with 23 seconds left to beat Megan Black, 5-4, in the first match at 59 kilos. (Nelson then pinned Black in the second match to make the team.) Kayla Miracle scored 2 with 47 seconds left to beat Mallory Velte, 5-3, in the first match at 62 kilos. (Miracle then won the second match, 10-2, to make the team.) Forrest Molinari scored 2 with 48 seconds left to beat Emma Bruntil, 4-3, in the first match at 65 kilos. (Forrest then won the second match, 9-0, to make the team.) Dalton Roberts scored 2 with 16 seconds left (plus another after a failed challenge) to beat Ildar Hafizov, 5-3, in the second match at 60 kilos, forcing a winner-take-all third match (more on that next). Made for a very, very entertaining afternoon of wrestling. Omania, Roberts Dethrone Olympians Peyton Omania and Dalton Roberts both defeated Olympians to make this year's Greco world team. Roberts, a decorated age-level Greco wrestler who last made the world team in 2018, beat Ildar Hafizov, two matches to one, to win the spot at 60 kilos. After dropping the first match, 3-3, Roberts scored his clutch points in the second match, then recorded a 9-0 technical fall in the winner-take-all match to knock off Ildar and win the spot. Omania, currently a Michigan State wrestler, swept Alejandro Sancho to earn the spot at 67 kilos. Omania won twice on Saturday as the 6-seed with identical 9-0 wins over Hayden Tuma and Jesse Thielke, a 2016 Olympian, to meet Sancho in Sunday's final. There, Omania won 6-3 and 3-2 to make his first-ever Senior world team. Daton Fix: Up A Weight, On The Team (Again) Omania was not the only current college wrestler to make this year's world team. Daton Fix, a two-time NCAA finalist for Oklahoma State, made his second Senior world team by storming to first at 61 kilos. Fix made his first Senior world team in 2019, but at 57 kilos. He beat Thomas Gilman, two matches to one, at Final X that year. Then Gilman made the Olympic team in April and won a medal in Tokyo, securing his spot at 57 kilos for Norway next month. That meant Fix and every other 57-kg wrestler had to bump up. This wasn't much of a problem for Fix, who normally wrestles 133 for the Cowboys, and it showed this weekend, as he went 5-0 with wins over Carter Young, Seth Gross, Tyler Graff and twice over Nathan Tomasello, 8-3 and 7-0, to punch his ticket to Norway. 2021 U.S. Senior World Team Men's Freestyle 57: Thomas Gilman* 61: Daton Fix 65: Yianni Diakomihalis 70: James Green 74: Kyle Dake* 79: Jordan Burroughs 86: David Taylor* 92: J'den Cox 97: Kyle Snyder* 125: Nick Gwiazdowski Women's Freestyle 50: Sarah Hildebrandt* 53: Amy Fearnside 55: Jenna Burkert 57: Helen Maroulis* 59: Maya Nelson 62: Kayla Miracle 65: Forrest Molinari 68: Tamyra Mensah-Stock* 72: Kylie Welker 76: Adeline Gray* Greco-Roman 55: Max Nowry 60: Dalton Roberts 63: Sam Jones 67: Peyton Omania 72: Patrick Smith 77: Jesse Porter 82: Ben Provisor 87: Alan Vera 97: G'Angelo Hancock 130: Cohlton Schultz *Indicates 2020 Olympic medalist

Max Nowry (Photo/University of Central Florida athletics) The Big 12 announced on Friday they were adding four new schools to the conference, so I thought I'd take a quick look at the history of some of the programs, their connection to the sport, and the potential that they "might" add new wrestling programs. Central Florida-Central Florida is in Orlando and in one of a few states with no Division 1 wrestling programs. That has a bit of a natural appeal when marketing a program to a school, as they have no real competition for recruits. They would immediately be the big dog on the block and have an edge in-state with recruiting and pretty much all wrestling fans across the state of Florida would quickly jump on board with the program. The negative piece with that is the school doesn't have any competition to schedule in-state. Geographically they would likely have to schedule what they can with the SOCON and ACC and, of course, make a trip out to Big 12 country a few times a year for conference meets. UCF once had a program from 1970-1985. It was started by Gerry Gergley, and you can read a nice synopsis of the program on their website. What's interesting is with the help of Rouse and others, they have become one of the top club programs in the entire country. According to our friends over at Wikipedia, they have won three NCWA National Titles, crowned thirteen individual National Champions, and 111 All-Americans! Does any of that translate to D1 level talent? Probably not, but it does mean there is some built-in support, a fanbase of former wrestlers, and some other things that could help push to gain a foothold and convert their already established club team into a D1 program. Houston-Houston, in many ways, mirrors the UCF scenario. They're in a state with no D1 wrestling, they've had a program before and they have club support. What's unique between Houston and UCF though is the power that is women's wrestling in Texas. Wrestling in Texas has had some stars on the men's side with Brandon Slay, Bo Nickal, and now AJ Ferrari, but they are legitimately one of the top states around for women's wrestling. If Houston adds both a men's and women's team, or even just a women's team, they'll have plenty of competition in state and be ahead of the curve when it comes to women's D1 wrestling. They would be a powerhouse in no time. And where is the biggest current superstar in all of women's wrestling from? Tamyra Mensah-Stock is from Katy, a suburb just outside of Houston. You want to make some noise in the wrestling world? Announce a new program at Houston with the women's team to be led by an Olympic Gold Medalist. BYU-BYU had a wrestling program up until the year 2000, when it and its gymnastics program were cut. At the time, Olympic gold medalist and three-time NCAA Champion Mark Schultz was the head coach. In their final season, they were able to grab one All-American with Aaron Holker. They have a decent club program with a few conference titles, but unlike Houston or UCF, they wouldn't be the only show in town as Utah already has a D1 program with Utah Valley. That does have some advantages, though, as they could quickly build up a rivalry that would certainly draw fans. Unlike Houston and UCF, they would have a bit better geographic situation for wrestling. They would be a reasonable commuting distance from Utah Valley, Wyoming, Air Force and Northern Colorado and could even schedule some duals further west with Oregon State, Cal Baptist, and others. Cincinnati-Cincinnati is unique in this discussion compared to the three other schools. They're similar in that they have club teams, they have some history in the sport and once sponsored D1 programs, but what's unique about them compared to the others is they are in Ohio, which is a hotbed for the sport. Ohio is one of the top wrestling states in the country. They push out a high volume of D1 recruits every year and that alone could help make Cincinnati competitive very quickly. But the state does already have four established programs which creates battles for talent in the state but also makes for easy scheduling and competition. In all likelihood, without a grassroots push from donors or fans for one of these schools, it's hard to see them suddenly adding a wrestling program. But all have some history in the sport and some success that could potentially give a bit of a baseline to work off and build and start something, if that's the direction they decide to go.

Jesse Porter (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Finals Results 55KG M1: Max Nowry, WCAP def. Brady Koontz, TMWC, 2-1 M2: Max Nowry, WCAP def. Brady Koontz, TMWC, 3-1 60KG M1: Ildar Hafizov, WCAP def. Dalton Roberts, WCAP, 3-3 M2: Dalton Roberts, WCAP def. Ildar Hafizov, WCAP, 5-3 M3: Dalton Roberts, WCAP tf. Ildar Hafizov, WCAP, 9-0 63KG M1: Sammy Jones, NYAC tf. David Stepanian, NYAC, 9-0 M2: Sammy Jones, NYAC def. David Stepanian, NYAC, 10-6 67KG M1: Peyton Omania, NYAC def. Alejandro Sancho, WCAP, 6-3 M2: Peyton Omania, NYAC def. Alejandro Sancho, WCAP, 3-2 72KG M1: Patrick Smith, MNST def. Benjamin Peak, Sunkist, 3-3 M2: Patrick Smith, MNST def. Benjamin Peak, Sunkist, 6-4 77KG M1: Jesse Porter, NYAC tf. Fritz Schierl, TMWC, 9-0 M2: Jesse Porter, NYAC def. Fritz Schierl, TMWC, 9-7 82KG M1: Ben Provisor, NYAC def. Spencer Woods, WCAP, 7-1 M2: Ben Provisor, NYAC def. Spencer Woods, WCAP, 4-2 87KG M1: Alan Vera, NYAC tf. Ryan Epps MNStorm, 9-0 M2: Alan Vera, NYAC tf. Ryan Epps MNStorm, 8-0 97KG M1: G'Angelo Hancock, Sunkist def. Nicholas Boykin, Sunkist, 8-2 M2: G'Angelo Hancock, Sunkist def. Nicholas Boykin, Sunkist, 5-0 130KG M1: Jacob Mitchell, WCAP def. Cohlton Schultz, Sunkist, 4-2 M2: Cohlton Schultz, Sunkist tf. Jacob Mitchell, WCAP, 8-0 M3: Cohlton Schultz, Sunkist def. Jacob Mitchell, WCAP, 6-0 Semifinal Results 55: Max Nowry, WCAP tf. Dalton Duffield, WCAP, 8-0 55: Brady Koontz, TMWC tf. Billy Sullivan LOGLV, 8-0 60: Ildar Hafizov, WCAP tf. King Sandoval, Bandits, 10-0 60: Dalton Roberts, WCAP def. Randon Miranda, Rise, 9-5 63: Sammy Jones, NYAC tf. We Rachal, ILLRTC, 9-0 63: David Stepanian, NYAC def. Dylan Gregerson, Brunson RTC, 4-4 67: Alejandro Sancho, WCAP def. Alston Nutter, Sunkist, 6-5 67: Peyton Omania, NYAC tf. Jesse Thielke, WCAP, 9-0 72: Patrick Smith, MNST def. Michael Hooker, WCAP, 4-0 72: Benjamin Peak, Sunkist tf. Jamel Johnson, Marines, 8-0 77: Jesse Porter, NYAC def. Alec Ortiz MNST, 6-5 77: Fritz Schierl, TMWC def. Zachary Grimes, NYAC, 4-0 82: Ben Provisor, NYAC tf. Richard Carlson MNStorm, 9-0 82: Tommy Brackett, Gator tf. Spencer Woods, WCAP, 9-0 87: Alan Vera, NYAC vs. Dan Olsen, Combat 87: Ryan Epps MNStorm vs. George Sikes, NYAC 97: G'Angelo Hancock, Sunkist def. Khymba Johnson, NYAC, 7-3 97: Nicholas Boykin, Sunkist def. Lucas Sheridan, WCAP, 5-3 130: Cohlton Schultz, Sunkist def. Tanner Farmer, NYAC, 5-0 130: Jacob Mitchell, WCAP dec. Donny Longendyke MNStorm, 4-1 Quarterfinal Results 55: Dalton Duffield OK (Army (WCAP)) VSU1 Jacob Cochran FL (Florida), 14-5 4:15 55: Billy Sullivan NV (Legends of Gold Las Vegas) VSU Gabriel Gray TX (Texas Panhandle Wrestling Club), 10-0 0:34 60: King Sandoval DC (Bandits Wrestling Club) VFA Dylan Koontz WI (Titan Mercury Wrestling Club), 3-2 2:10 60: Randon Miranda CA (Rise RTC) VSU Aidan Nutter WI (NMU-National Training Center), 9-0 1:50 63: We Rachal IL (Illinois Regional Training Center/Illini WC) VPO1 Corbin Nirschl NE (MWC Wrestling Academy), 5-1 63: Dylan Gregerson UT (Brunson UVRTC) VSU Mason Lewis PA (Pennsylvania), 8-0 2:08 67: Alejandro Sancho CO (Army (WCAP)) VPO1 Morgan Flaharty CO (New York Athletic Club), 8-2 67: Alston Nutter WI (Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club) VSU1 Calvin Germinaro MN (Minnesota Storm), 12-1 2:03 67: Peyton Omania CA (New York Athletic Club) VSU Hayden Tuma ID (Suples Wrestling Club), 9-0 2:39 67: Jesse Thielke CO (Army (WCAP)) VSU Jessy Williams NY (TMWC / Spartan Combat RTC), 9-0 2:00 72: Patrick Smith MN (Minnesota Storm) VFA Griffin Parriott MN (Minnesota), 9-0 4:25 72: Michael Hooker CO (Army (WCAP)) VSU Payton Jacobson WI (Wisconsin), 9-0 1:50 72: Jamel Johnson NC (Marines) VSU Justus Scott NV (Legends of Gold Las Vegas), 8-0 0:37 72: Benjamin Peak WI (Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club) VSU Brandon Mueller CO (505 Wrestling Club), 9-0 0:49 77: Jesse Porter NY (New York Athletic Club) VSU Quentin Perez MD (Navy-Marine Corps Mat Club), 11-0 2:21 77: Alec Ortiz MN (Minnesota Storm) VPO1 Britton Holmes CO (Army (WCAP)), 9-4 77: Fritz Schierl WI (Titan Mercury Wrestling Club) VFA Austin Morrow WA (New York Athletic Club), 4-4 1:18 77: Zachary Grimes CO (New York Athletic Club) VSU1 Peyton Walsh NC (Marines), 10-1 4:37 82: Richard Carlson MN (Minnesota Storm) VFA Tyler Cunningham NE (MWC Wrestling Academy), 5-1 4:58 82: Tommy Brackett TN (Gator Wrestling Club) VSU John Hagey NM (505 Wrestling Club), 8-0 0:52 87: Ryan Epps MN (Minnesota Storm) VPO1 Tyler Hannah WI (Combat W.C. School of Wrestling), 9-4 97: Khymba Johnson MI (New York Athletic Club) VPO1 James Souza WA (Army (WCAP)), 3-1 97: Nicholas Boykin TN (Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club) VSU Chad Porter AZ (Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club), 8-0 4:39 97: Lucas Sheridan CO (Army (WCAP)) VSU1 Macaron Kukowski MN (Minnesota Storm), 13-2 3:00 130: Cohlton Schultz CO (Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club) VPO1 Brandon Metz ND (Bison Wrestling Club), 6-1 130: Tanner Farmer IL (New York Athletic Club) VCA Malcolm Allen SD (Legends of Gold), 8-0 130: Donny Longendyke MN (Minnesota) VSU Lee Herrington NE (Nebraska Golden Eagles Wrestling Club), 9-0 2:25 130: Jacob Mitchell CO (Army (WCAP)) VSU Keaton Fanning MI (NMU-National Training Center), 8-0 1:08

Forrest Molinari (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Finals Results 53KG M1: Amy Fearnside, TMWC def. Ronna Heaton, SK, 5-3 M2: Amy Fearnside, TMWC fall. Ronna Heaton, SK, 3:29 55KG M1: Jenna Burkert, WCAP def. Jacarra Winchester, TMWC, 7-6 M2: Jacarra Winchester, TMWC def. Jenna Burkert, WCAP, 9-8 M3: Jenna Burkert, WCAP def. Jacarra Winchester, TMWC, 4-3 59KG M1: Maya Nelson, SK def. Megan Black, WCAP, 5-4 M2: Maya Nelson, SK fall. Megan Black, WCAP, 5:13 62KG M1: Kayla Miracle, SK def. Mallory Velte, TMWC, 5-3 M2: Kayla Miracle, SK def. Mallory Velte, TMWC, 10-2 65KG M1: Forrest Molinari, SK def. Emma Bruntil, TMWC, 4-3 M2: Forrest Molinari, SK def. Emma Bruntil, TMWC, 9-0 72KG M1: Kylee Welker, TMWC def. Kennedy Blades, SK, 4-4 M2: Kylee Welker, TMWC default Kennedy Blades, SK Results 53KG Quarterfinals Ronna Heaton, SK fall. Emily Shilson, TMWC, 5:05 Areana Villaescusa, WCAP def. Alex Hedrick, TMWC, 6-4 Alyssa Lampe, SK def. Alisha Howk, SK, 8-4 Amy Fearnside, TMWC def. Dominique Parrish, SK, 6-1 53KG Semifinals Ronna Heaton, SK tf. Areana Villaescusa, WCAP, 10-0 Amy Fearnside, TMWC def. Alyssa Lampe, SK, 4-3 55KG Quarterfinals Jenna Burkert, WCAP def. Lauren Mason, UVRTC, 7-2 Marissa Gallegos, CO Mesa def. Melanie Mendoza, Tornado, 4-2 Amanda Martinez, Cardinal tf. Ngao Whitehorn, Twin Cities, 12-2 Samantha Klingel, WCAP fall. Cheyenne Sisenstein, Tornado, 2:23 55KG Semifinals Jenna Burkert, WCAP tf. Marissa Gallegos, CO Mesa, 14-4 Amanda Martinez, Cardinal tf. Samantha Klingel, WCAP, 10-0 59KG Quarterfinals Maya Nelson, SK fall. Claire Dicugno, TD Express, 1:49 Xochitl Mota-Pettis, Rise tf. Brenda Reyna, TMWC, 10-0 Megan Black, WCAP fall. Cam Guerin, TMWC, 5:59 Michaela Beck, SK tf. Esther Han, Utah, 12-2 59KG Semifinals Maya Nelson, SK tf. Xochitl Mota-Pettis, Rise, 20-7 Megan Black, WCAP def. Michaela Beck, SK, 5-3 62KG Quarterfinals Kayla Miracle, SK fall. Sierra Brown Ton, Twin Cities, :20 Gracie Figueroa, TMWC def. Ana Luciano, Osceola, 4-0 Jennifer Page, TMWC tf. Desiree Zavala, Washington, 11-0 Mallory Velte, TMWC tf. Zoe Nowicki, Bulldog, 10-0 62KG Semifinals Kayla Miracle, SK fall. Gracie Figueroa, TMWC, 1:43 Mallory Velte, TMWC def. Jennifer Page, TMWC, 8-1 65KG Quarterfinals Forrest Molinari, SK def. Alara Boyd, McKendree, 8-2 Skyler Grote, NYAC Ashlynn Ortega, CO Solin Piearcy, Menlon dec. Julia Salata, NYAC, 10-8 Emma Bruntil, TMWC tf. Marisol Nugent, SK, 10-0 65KG Semifinals Forrest Molinari, SK tf. Skyler Grote, NYAC, 12-2 Emma Bruntil, TMWC tf. Solin Piearcy, Menlon, 10-0 72KG Quarterfinals Kennedy Blades, SK tf. Aury Naylor, Georgia, 10-0 Dymond Guiliford, TMWC def. Alyvia Fiske, TMWC, 8-4 Yelena Makoyed, Cardinal tf. Niahela Magee, WCAP, 10-0 Kylee Welker, TMWC fall. Marlynne Deede, Twin Cities, :37 72KG Semifinals Kennedy Blades, SK fall. Dymond Guiliford, TMWC, 4:27 Kylee Welker, TMWC fall. Yelena Makoyed, Cardinal, :39

James Green (Photo/Sam Janicki; sjanickiphoto.com) Finals Results 61KG M1: Daton Fix, TMWC def. Nathan Tomasello, TMWC, 8-3 M2: Daton Fix, TMWC def. Nathan Tomasello, TMWC, 7-0 65KG M1: Joey McKenna, TMWC def. Yianni Diakomihalis, TMWC, 8-7 M2: Yianni Diakomihalis, TMWC def. Joey McKenna, TMWC, 5-2 M3: Yianni Diakomihalis, TMWC tf. Joey McKenna, TMWC, 12-2 70KG M1: James Green, TMWC def. Ryan Deakin, TMWC, 6-6 M2: James Green, TMWC def. Ryan Deakin, TMWC, 4-2 79KG M1: Jordan Burroughs, Sunkist def. Alex Dieringer, TMWC, 10-5 M2: Jordan Burroughs, Sunkist def. Alex Dieringer, TMWC, 4-3 92KG M1: J'den Cox, TMWC def. Kollin Moore, TMWC, 5-0 M2: J'den Cox, TMWC def. Kollin Moore, TMWC, 4-0 125KG M1: Nick Gwiazdowski, NYAC def. Mason Parris, CKWC, 6-0 M2: Nick Gwiazdowski, NYAC def. Mason Parris, CKWC, 10-3 Day I Results & Notes With four Tokyo medalists taking their spots for the 2021 World Championships in Norway, six weights were up for grabs at World Team Trials. After Saturday's wrestling, twelve Men are left standing in tomorrow's best-of-three finals. And the matchups are fire. At 61kg, Daton Fix blew through Seth Gross in the quarters before upending 2019 World 5th placer Tyler Graff 2-0. On the other side of the bracket, Nathan Tomasello looked to be in peak form after beating Nick Suriano and teching 2018 World Bronze medalist Joe Colon. Hometown duo James Green and Jordan Burroughs had the crowd's full support. Green got out to a big 6-0 lead in the first period in a semifinal victory over Olympic Trials Champ Jordan Oliver, while Burroughs edged PSU star Jason Nolf. Burroughs will face Alex Dieringer who had a clean 6-1 over Illinois' National Champ Isaiah Martinez. Also making the finals were two-time World Champ J'den Cox in his return to 92kg and two-time World medalist Nick Gwiazdowski at 125kg. Weight Class Results 61KG Quarterfinals Tyler Graff, TMWC def. Josh Kramer, SK, 12-5 Daton Fix, TMWC tf. Seth Gross, SK, 11-0 Nathan Tomasello, TMWC def. Nick Suriano, SK, 3-0 Joe Colon, TMWC def. Nahshon Garrett, TMWC, 13-12 Semifinals Daton Fix, TMWC def. Tyler Graff, TMWC, 2-0 Nathan Tomasello, TMWC tf. Joe Colon, TMWC, 15-2 65KG Quarterfinals Luke Pletcher, PITT def. Dean Heil, TMWC, 7-4 Evan Henderson, TMWC tf. Henry Pohlmeyer, SK, 12-2 Semifinals Yianni Diakomihalis, TMWC tf. Luke Pletcher, PITT, 10-0 Joey McKenna, TMWC def. Evan Henderson, TMWC, 10-9 70KG Quarterfinal James Green, TMWC fall. Brock Mauller, Tiger Jordan Oliver, SK def. Zain Retherford, NLWC, 2-2 Ryan Deakin, TMWC def. Tyler Berger, CRTC, 10-6 Alec Pantaleo, TMWC def. Brayton Lee, Gopher, 9-0 Semifinals James Green, TMWC def. Jordan Oliver, SK, 6-4 Ryan Deakin, TMWC default. Alec Pantaleo, TMWC 79KG Quarterfinals Jordan Burroughs, SK def. Chance Marsteller, TMWC, 4-1 Jason Nolf, NLWC tf. Evan Wick, TMWC, 10-0 Isaiah Martinez, TMWC def. Taylor Lujan, TMWC, 10-7 Alex Dieringer, TMWC def. David McFadden, TMWC, 3-1 Semifinals Jordan Burroughs, SK def. Jason Nolf, NLWC, 5-3 Alex Dieringer, TMWC def. Isaiah Martinez, TMWC, 6-1 92KG Quarterfinals J'den Cox, TMWC tf. Drew Foster, Panther, 11-0 Myles Martin, SK def. Kyven Gadsen, TMWC, 4-0 Kollin Moore, TMWC def. Trent Hidlay, TWMC, 5-4 Nate Jackson, NYAC tf. Isaac Trumble, TMWC, 10-0 Semifinals J'den Cox, TMWC def. Myles Martin, SK, 8-0 Kollin Moore, TMWC def. Nate Jackson, NYAC, 14-6 125KG Quarterfinals Nick Gwiazdowski, NYAC tf. Demetrius Thomas, PITT, 10-0 Jordan Wood, LVWC def. Ty Walz, TMWC, 1-1 Hayden Zillmer, Gopher def. Dom Bradley, SK, 5-3 Mason Parris, CKWC fall. Austin Schafer, NYAC, 2:15 Semifinals Nick Gwiazdowski, NYAC def. Jordan Wood, LVWC, 9-0 Mason Parris, CKWC def. Hayden Zillmer, Gopher, 8-4

Nathan Tomasello (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Many questions were answered in the first session of the World Team Trials which featured familiar faces either at new weights or coming back from long layoffs. The stunner of the session came at 61kg where Nick Suriano, who many had as a title contender, lost in the quarterfinals to Nathan Tomasello in a tight 3-0 bout. In other 61 action, Daton Fix looked fresh in his first appearance up as he teched Seth Gross, 11-0. And the anticipated rematch from 2019 Final X played out in a high scoring affair where Joe Colon nipped Nahshon Garrett. At 70kg, Olympic Trials Champ Jordan Oliver scored a late push out to edge 2-time World Team Member Zain Retherford. Ryan Deakin rallied from a 6-0 deficit to beat Tyler Berger 10-6. The action resumes at 5:30 CT time today with a fantastic set of semi's listed below. The best-of-three finals are tomorrow. 61KG Quarterfinal Results Tyler Graff, TMWC def. Josh Kramer, SK, 12-5 Daton Fix, TMWC tf. Seth Gross, SK, 11-0 Nathan Tomasello, TMWC def. Nick Suriano, SK, 3-0 Joe Colon, TMWC def. Nahshon Garrett, TMWC, 13-12 61KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Tyler Graff, TMWC vs. Daton Fix, TMWC Seth Gross, SK Nathan Tomasello, TMWC vs. Joe Colon, TMWC 65KG Quarterfinal Results Luke Pletcher, PITT def. Dean Heil, TMWC, 7-4 Evan Henderson, TMWC tf. Henry Pohlmeyer, SK, 12-2 65KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Yianni Diakomihalis, TMWC vs. Luke Pletcher, PITT Evan Henderson, TMWC vs. Joey McKenna, TMWC 70KG Quarterfinal Results James Green, TMWC fall. Brock Mauller, Tiger Jordan Oliver, SK def. Zain Retherford, NLWC, 2-2 Ryan Deakin, TMWC def. Tyler Berger, CRTC, 10-6 Alec Pantaleo, TMWC def. Brayton Lee, Gopher, 9-0 70KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM James Green, TMWC vs. Jordan Oliver, SK Ryan Deakin, TMWC vs. Alec Pantaleo, TMWC 79KG Quarterfinal Results Jordan Burroughs, SK def. Chance Marsteller, TMWC, 4-1 Jason Nolf, NLWC tf. Evan Wick, TMWC, 10-0 Isaiah Martinez, TMWC def. Taylor Lujan, TMWC, 10-7 Alex Dieringer, TMWC def. David McFadden, TMWC, 3-1 79KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Jordan Burroughs, SK vs. Jason Nolf, NLWC Isaiah Martinez, TMWC vs. Alex Dieringer, TMWC 92KG Quarterfinal Results J'den Cox, TMWC tf. Drew Foster, Panther, 11-0 Myles Martin, SK def. Kyven Gadsen, TMWC, 4-0 Kollin Moore, TMWC def. Trent Hidlay, TWMC, 5-4 Nate Jackson, NYAC tf. Isaac Trumble, TMWC, 10-0 92KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM J'den Cox, TMWC vs. Myles Martin, SK Kollin Moore, TMWC vs. Nate Jackson, NYAC 125KG Quarterfinal Results Nick Gwiazdowski, NYAC tf. Demetrius Thomas, PITT, 10-0 Jordan Wood, LVWC def. Ty Walz, TMWC, 1-1 Hayden Zillmer, Gopher def. Dom Bradley, SK, 5-3 Mason Parris, CKWC fall. Austin Schafer, NYAC, 2:15 125KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Nick Gwiazdowski, NYAC vs. Jordan Wood, LVWC Hayden Zillmer, Gopher vs. Mason Parris, CKWC

Emma Bruntil (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Tonight's semifinals are set in the Women's division at Senior World Team Trials in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nearly all the top seeds held in the first session as 20 of the 24 semifinalists were seeded in the Top 5. Two #2 did fall however as Amy Fearnside (53kg) took out Dominique Parrish and Samantha Klingel (55kg) pinned Cheyenne Sisenstein. Tonight's semifinals are at 5:30 CT and will set the stage for tomorrow's best-of-three finals. 53KG Quarterfinal Results Ronna Heaton, SK fall. Emily Shilson, TMWC, 5:05 Areana Villaescusa, WCAP def. Alex Hedrick, TMWC, 6-4 Alyssa Lampe, SK def. Alisha Howk, SK, 8-4 Amy Fearnside, TMWC def. Dominique Parrish, SK, 6-1 53KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Ronna Heaton, SK vs. Areana Villaescusa, WCAP Alyssa Lampe, SK vs. Amy Fearnside, TMWC 55KG Quarterfinal Results Jenna Burkert, WCAP def. Lauren Mason, UVRTC, 7-2 Marissa Gallegos, CO Mesa def. Melanie Mendoza, Tornado, 4-2 Amanda Martinez, Cardinal tf. Ngao Whitehorn, Twin Cities, 12-2 Samantha Klingel, WCAP fall. Cheyenne Sisenstein, Tornado, 2:23 55KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Jenna Burkert, WCAP vs. Marissa Gallegos, CO Mesa Amanda Martinez, Cardinal vs. Samantha Klingel, WCAP 59KG Quarterfinal Results Maya Nelson, SK fall. Claire Dicugno, TD Express, 1:49 Xochitl Mota-Pettis, Rise tf. Brenda Reyna, TMWC, 10-0 Megan Black, WCAP fall. Cam Guerin, TMWC, 5:59 Michaela Beck, SK tf. Esther Han, Utah, 12-2 59KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Maya Nelson, SK vs. Xochitl Mota-Pettis, Rise Megan Black, WCAP vs.Michaela Beck, SK 62KG Quarterfinal Results Kayla Miracle, SK fall. Sierra Brown Ton, Twin Cities, :20 Gracie Figueroa, TMWC def. Ana Luciano, Osceola, 4-0 Jennifer Page, TMWC tf. Desiree Zavala, Washington, 11-0 Mallory Velte, TMWC tf. Zoe Nowicki, Bulldog, 10-0 62KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Kayla Miracle, SK vs. Gracie Figueroa, TMWC Jennifer Page, TMWC vs. Mallory Velte, TMWC 65KG Quarterfinal Results Forrest Molinari, SK def. Alara Boyd, McKendree, 8-2 Skyler Grote, NYAC Ashlynn Ortega, CO Solin Piearcy, Menlon dec. Julia Salata, NYAC, 10-8 Emma Bruntil, TMWC tf. Marisol Nugent, SK, 10-0 65KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Forrest Molinari, SK vs. Skyler Grote, NYAC Solin Piearcy, Menlon vs. Emma Bruntil, TMWC 72KG Quarterfinal Results Kennedy Blades, SK tf. Aury Naylor, Georgia, 10-0 Dymond Guiliford, TMWC def. Alyvia Fiske, TMWC, 8-4 Yelena Makoyed, Cardinal tf. Niahela Magee, WCAP, 10-0 Kylee Welker, TMWC fall. Marlynne Deede, Twin Cities, :37 72KG Semifinal MatchUps - Saturday 5:30 PM Kennedy Blades, SK vs. Dymond Guiliford, TMWC Yelena Makoyed, Cardinal vs. Kylee Welker, TMWC

Max Nowry (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Just over a month after the Olympics wrapped up, we have another critical event scheduled for this weekend on the Senior level, the 2021 World Team Trials. USA Wrestling has stated that any Olympic medalist could claim a spot (at that same weight) on the world team, if they chose. 8 of the 9 medalists elected to compete at the 2021 World Championships October 2-10th. Only Gable Steveson declined the invitation. So the non-Olympic weights, along with weights where the United States did not medal, and 125 kg in men's freestyle, will be up-for-grabs. These limited numbers of available weights have created an Olympic Trials-like effect for competitors who have moved up or down in search of a berth on the world team. Of course, that can only benefit wrestling fans who should be treated to some incredible matchups. We'll continue our 2021 World Team Trials previews by looking at the men's Greco-Roman team. Since there were no Olympic medalists on the Greco side, all ten weights will be contested in Lincoln, Nebraska. 55 kg Of the smaller Greco weights, this bracket has one of the more sizable favorites, with Max Nowry as the one seed. Nowry is back at his normal weight, which was not contested in the non-Olympic year. Nowry has rarely competed above 55 kg for the past decade. Even so, he turned in a respectable performance at the Olympic Trials, taking fourth in the Challenge Tournament. The only opponent to defeat him in Fort Worth was Sam Jones, who is expected to compete at 63 kg. Nowry is looking to make his second Senior World Team, as he broke through in 2019 and ended up wrestling for a bronze medal. Opposing Nowry will be a familiar face in Brady Koontz, a world team member at three different age groups. Koontz and Nowry clashed at Final X in 2019. While that series was relatively lopsided, in favor of Nowry, Koontz seemingly closed the gap at Senior Nationals in April and fell 1-1 on criteria. Unfortunately, based on preseeds, we may not see a Senior National rematch between Koontz and Dalton Duffield. Though Koontz prevailed via fall, Duffield did register a five-point throw earlier in the bout. We'll also get a glimpse of the future with third-seeded Billy Sullivan. Billy was a Junior World team member this year and grabbed a bronze medal at the Junior Pan-Am's in 2019. The fourth seed belongs to Jacob Cochran, who took it to the former U23 World Team member Duffield, 12-4, in the third-place bout at Seniors. Champion Prediction: Max Nowry 60 kg Olympian Ildar Hafizov leads the way at 60 kg and will get the top seed here. Hafizov, a finalist at the 2020 Pan-American Olympic Qualifier, used that placement to avoid competing in the Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament. Instead, he just needed a pair of shutout victories over Army WCAP teammate Ryan Mango to secure his second Olympic berth (and first for the United States). Hafizov made two other World Team's during the last quad and competed at three others before that. The only other American that made the team at 60 kg during this past quad was Dalton Roberts, who did so in 2018. Roberts will take the second seed. Additionally, he has made four other age-group world team's during his young career. Earlier this year, Roberts teched his way through Senior Nationals. Roberts' finals opponent at Seniors was Dylan Koontz, who will be the fourth seed. Koontz also was a finalist for the U23 World Team this year. Right ahead of Koontz is Randon Miranda, who is no stranger to international competition. He has made three age-group world teams and claimed a win during the 2020 Olympic Trials. During Senior Nationals in 2020, Miranda defeated both of the Koontz twins on his way to a fifth-place finish. This year he won the same tournament, but up at 63 kg. The fifth and sixth seeds are expected to go to King Sandoval and Aidan Nutter. The Maryland star, Sandoval, was fourth at Senior Nationals this year. Nutter was fourth at the Junior WTT's in 2021. Champion Prediction: Ildar Hafizov 63 kg This weight class should be fun because we'll have the opportunity to see a first-time Senior-level world team member get crowned, no matter the result. The top seed is Leslie Fuenffinger. At the Olympic Trials, Fuenffinger logged wins over opponents like Randon Miranda and Dalton Roberts in order to achieve a berth in the Challenge Tournament finals. There he fell to Army WCAP teammate Ryan Mango, who also beat him in Final X in 2019. Fuenffinger rebounded and earned a spot on the national team as he pinned Sam Jones in a true third-place bout. Of course, who's on the other half of the bracket from Fuenffinger? It's Jones. Though he couldn't claim a spot on the national team, Jones had an excellent Trials. He scored a pair of wins over Max Nowry and Utah Valley All-American Taylor LaMont. 2021 U23 World Team member David Stepanian will likely have the third seed. Stepanian was also a runner-up at Senior Nationals this year. His future U23 world teammate, Dylan Gregerson, will be in this weight class, as well. Gregerson made the team at 60 kg, while Stepanian was at this weight class. Also in 2021, Stepanian was a runner-up at Senior Nationals. The two opponents that finished directly below him, We Rachal and Corbin Nirschl are expected to attend. Rachel and Nirschl both met in the finals of Senior Nationals and U23's third year. Both times Rachel got his hand raised after a one-point decision. There will be a youth infusion from the seventh seed Chayse LaJoie a 2021 Junior World Team member. LaJoie won a pair of Junior National titles in Fargo in 2018 and 2019. He is expected to enroll at Cornell after possibly taking a grayshirt season in 2021-22. Champion Prediction: Leslie Fuenffinger 67 kg Overall, the 67 kg weight class is really solid and has a host of capable challengers that could come away with the world team berth. Olympian Alex Sancho will be the top seed and has established himself as the man to beat at this weight. He earned his place on the Olympic team after defeating fellow Army WCAP teammate Ellis Coleman in a pair of hard-fought bouts. Once again, a WCAP training partner should present his most significant push; however, that will come from Jesse Thielke. Jesse is an Olympian himself, making the 2016 team at 59 kg. He has also made a pair of World Championship squads and owns a Junior World bronze medal. Over the past few years, Thielke has missed a significant amount of mat time due to injuries, so if he's close to top form, he could take the spot. Another top contender here looking to make his Senior-level breakthrough is Hayden Tuma. Hayden has been a part of four age-group world teams and has been in the mix on the Senior front. Tuma comes in hot after scoring a pair of wins over Nolan Baker and Alston Nutter to win a 2021 Senior National title. 2019 UWW Junior Runner-up Calvin Germinaro, is putting together some strong results at the Senior level. He was a finalist in 2020 at Senior Nationals. Germinaro is a young stud to watch out of the great Minnesota Storm Greco program. Speaking of youth, Alston Nutter and Peyton Omania both qualify, as well. Nutter made the U23 World Team this year. He has a pair of Junior World Teams on his resume and even won a bronze medal at the 2019 tournament. Also coming home with bronze from Tallin, Estonia was Omania. The Michigan State star made the U23 that year, too, and has been a part of four age-group teams. Champion Prediction: Jesse Thielke 72 kg Yes, you saw that right! That's Pat Smith's name down at 72 kg. The two-time world team member hasn't competed at the weight since early-2018, but immediately becomes the favorite, provided his weight descent is without issue. Smith is looking to get back on the horse after suffering an upset in the semifinals of the Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament. Earlier in 2021, while at 77 kg, Smith was fifth at the Matteo Pellicone and seventh at the Henri DeGlane. The next tier of competitors at this weight features Benji Peak, Jamel Johnson, and Michael Hooker. Peak made the finals of the Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament down at 67 kg. Along the way, he teched Johnson, and former world team member Raymond Bunker. Peak also teched his way through the U23 WTT's in the spring. Johnson was a couple of matches away from a world team berth in 2019, as he fell in Final X to Ellis Coleman. He made the finals of Senior Nationals earlier this year after downing Hooker in the semis. Hooker rebounded to take third. At the Olympic Trials, Hooker picked up a win on the championship side before falling to Bunker. A lower seed to watch at this weight is Purdue national qualifier Griffin Parriott. He was fourth at Senior Nationals and battled the eventual champion, Xavier Johnson, to an 8-5 decision before settling into his final placement. Champion Prediction: Pat Smith 77 kg 77 kg is shaping up to be one of the deeper, possibly wide-open weights of the entire tournament. One of the stories of the Olympic Trials was the emergence of Jesse Porter. Just to make the Trials, Porter needed to earn a spot at the Last Chance Qualifier, a week beforehand. Then, as the 11th seed, Porter stormed through the bracket and knocked off a pair of former world team members, just to get to the finals. Unfortunately, Porter wasn't able to compete at the Olympics because the weight class was not qualified and he was not able to make the finals at the OG qualifier. Even though Porter came from the 11th seed, he's far from a flash in the plan. Porter made U23 World Teams every year between 2017-19. Porter's Olympic Trials finals opponent Peyton Walsh will be back and looking to reverse the result of their series. Less than two months after the Trials, Walsh went down to Guatemala City and won a Pan-American title, which was the first of his career. Expected to take the third seed is Austin Morrow, a winner of three matches at the Olympic Trials. Veteran Alec Ortiz is coming off a title at 2021 Senior Nationals. He was third at the same tournament in 2020 after losing to Minnesota Storm teammate Pat Smith in the semifinals. A pair of U23 opponents are expected to receive the next two seeds. Britton Holmes and Ryan Epps competed in the best-of-three finals in the 2021 tournament and Holmes swept the series. Though he's been in the mix at various age-group levels, that is Holmes' first world team of any sort. Epps battled Ortiz to a relative stalemate in a 2-1 finals loss in the 2021 Senior National finals. He also gave Kendrick Sanders a close encounter in the same tournament in 2020. The seventh seed should go to Ohio State's Fritz Schierl. Fritz was fourth at Senior Nationals and actually posted a win over Holmes, so we'll see if the final seeds end up sticking. Champion Prediction: Peyton Walsh 82 kg The back half of the Greco-Roman weights seem to feature a distinct favorite at the final four weights. Starting here with Ben Provisor. The 31-year-old Provisor is a two-time Olympian that has also made the 2017 World Team. For the Olympic Trials, Provisor dropped down to 77 kg and was blocked from making a third team after losing to Peyton Walsh in his first match. At Senior Nationals, just about a month later, Provisor flipped that result. Provisor has a much longer track record than anyone else in the field. The second seed should belong to Spencer Woods. Woods earned a pair of wins at the Olympic Trials (at 87 kg) to finish third in the Challenge Tournament. 2021 U23 World Team member, Tommy Brackett, should be the third seed. Brackett and Woods met in the Senior National finals at 87 kg this year. Woods prevailed with a 9-3 win. Richard Carlson and Tyler Cunningham are slated to receive the fourth and fifth seeds, respectively. Champion Prediction: Ben Provisor 87 kg As of now, it appears that only three wrestlers will get seeded at 87 kg. Alan Vera is the unquestioned #1. He captured a Senior National title in 2020 by logging a dominant 7-1 victory over longtime Greco mainstay Joe Rau in the finals. Vera was the top seed at the 2021 Olympic Trials and expected to meet Rau for an Olympic berth; however, he was upended by John Stefanowicz in the Challenge Tournament semifinals. Even after an upset, Vera remains one of our top medal threats on the Greco team. 2018 U23 World Team member George Sikes would get the second seed. Sikes has competed in two major events this year at 82 kg. He's found success in both, finishing third at Senior Nationals and he made the U23 finals, opposite Brackett. 2021 U23 fourth-place finisher Tyler Hannah is currently in the third seed. He was a two-time Cadet Greco finalist in Fargo and won a stop sign in 2018. Champion Prediction: Alan Vera 97 kg The last quad at 97 kg was absolutely dominated domestically by G'Angelo Hancock. He shows no signs of slowing down, so that reign will probably run until at least the 2024 Games. Hancock finished seventh at his first Olympic Games in 2020 and could have (or possibly should have) defeated one of the eventual bronze medalists Tadeusz Michalik. It would be a monumental upset for Hancock not to extend his current Senior world team streak from 2017 to 2021. One of Hancock's frequent challengers domestically has been the Army WCAP's Lucas Sheridan. The former Indiana national qualifier opposed Hancock in Final X 2019 with a spot on the world team hanging in the balance. He was knocked off by upstart sensation Braxton Amos in the semifinals of the 2020 Olympic Trials, but bounced back to earn a place on the national team. The competitor at this weight that is having a breakout year is Nicholas Boykin. None of his opponents at Senior Nationals or the U23 WTT's went the full distance. Each bout at Senior's ended in a fall. At the Olympic Trials, Boykin knocked off Dan Miller, but fell to Amos in the Challenge Tournament finals. Boykin's 2021 Senior finals opponent James Souza should slot into the fourth seed. Souza was actually leading Boykin in that bout, but was pinned. The fifth seed, Khymba Johnson, went 1-2 at the Olympic Trials and gave Boykin a close match. The final seedable wrestler at the weight is Chad Porter. The former Junior/U23 World Team member has shown out well at the recent domestic tournaments. He fell to Boykin in the U23 finals and made the semis at Seniors. There he dropped a match to Souza and then settled for fourth place. Champion Prediction: G'Angelo Hancock 130 kg We'll have the opportunity to see a changing of the guard, of sorts, at 130 kg, since Adam Coon and Robby Smith have made every World/Olympic team dating back to 2013. The youngster next-in-line at the weight is Arizona State All-American Cohlton Schultz. Cohlton is ready to make an impact on the Senior level after winning a Cadet world title and earning a pair of Junior world medals. Schultz opposed Coon in both the Olympic Trials finals and in Final X 2019. Not ready to turn the page and hand anything over to Schultz is a contingent that includes the Army WCAP's Jacob Mitchell. Mitchell was a World Team Trials runner-up to Schultz in 2019 and fell by just a point to him in the Olympic Trials semis. Veteran Donny Longendyke could get the third seed. Longendyke was defeated by Mitchell for third place in the 2020 Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament. A year ago, Longendyke was third at Senior Nationals. There, his only loss came to former Nebraska football player Tanner Farmer. He would get revenge on the backside at the Trials. Farmer is right behind Longendyke as the fourth seed. The 2021 Senior National Champion Malcolm Allen is next in line as the fifth seed. To win his title, he defeated longtime 97 kg contender Dan Miller in the finals. 2020 Senior National runner-up and Olympic Trials participant West Cathcart is the sixth seed. Champion Prediction: Cohlton Schultz

Jordan Burroughs at the 2020 Olympic Trials (Photo/Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) After missing out on the 2020 Olympics, Jordan Burroughs is returning to action this weekend. He will move up to 79 kg and attempt to make the 2021 freestyle World team. While he does have a history with one of the other entries, the weekend will likely lead to many first-time matches. Since starting on the senior level in 2007, Burroughs has dominated domestic competition. He has gone 47-7 against other Americans with three of those losses coming against Kyle Dake. Four of Burrough's losses have been via criteria, and his largest margin of defeat was only three points. History with Isaiah Martinez Another one of those losses came against four-time NCAA finalist and two-time champion Isaiah Martinez. While Burroughs does hold a 4-1 record overall in the series, Martinez was able to score a 5-5 criteria victory at the 2019 edition of Final X. In the three-match final, Burroughs won the first bout and ultimately took the rubber match with a commanding 7-1 score. In their second bout of the 2019 Final X, Burroughs started the scoring after being warned for passivity. He got in deep on a single, got to his feet and nearly finished. However, Martinez was able to maintain the quadpod going out of bounds and surrendered only a single point. Burroughs kept the pressure on and picked up another step out after a series of leg attacks to finish the first period up 2-0. Burroughs started the second period with another flurry of leg attacks. This time Martinez defended well, reversed position on the edge and picked up his own step out. Shortly following the restart, Martinez got in deep on a shot and collected the second leg for the first takedown of the series. He locked in the leg lace, while Burroughs defended by grabbing the ankles. However, it was not enough to prevent the score, and Martinez moved ahead 5-2 in the bout. The match went back to action with 2:08 left. As one might expect, Burroughs continued to attack. He shot a double and transitioned behind to cut the score to 5-4 and then added a caution point after Martinez got called for a finger grab. Even with the score tied at 5-5, Martinez held criteria. Burroughs had him on the edge as time expired, but Martinez escaped with the rare win over the multiple-time World champion. Going into this weekend, Martinez is the only competitor in the field to hold a victory over Burroughs. Even though Burroughs has the edge in the series overall, this one win might do wonders for Martinez's confidence. Alex Dieringer Reigning 79 kg Finalist Since UWW expanded to 10 weights, the US has been quite successful at 79 kg. Dake was the representative at both the 2018 and 2019 editions of the World Championships, and he brought home a pair of gold medals. In 2018, he bested Zahid Valencia to make the team. Valencia is not currently registered for this weekend. Dake needed to get past Alex Dieringer in 2019, and he will be at the Trials this weekend. Dieringer made Final X after defeating Valencia in the finals of the World Team Trials. He dominated both matches and scored victories via 12-1 and 12-2 scores. It was a different story against Dake. Dieringer was able to keep the bouts close, but Dake ultimately won the series in two straight contests. He won the pair 3-2 and 4-2, respectively. Since the 2019 Final X, Dieringer has had somewhat inconsistent results. He moved up to 86 kg and won the 2019 Bill Farrell with a dominant 7-2 victory over Myles Martin. However, he then fell in the semifinals of the 2019 Senior Nationals against Martin in a 6-4 bout. Dieringer then won a bronze medal at the 2020 Pan American Championships after dropping a 2-1 match against Cuban veteran Yurieski Torreblanca Queralta. While he qualified for the Olympic Trials, Dieringer was forced to miss the tournament due to injury. He is reportedly healed and ready to make another run. As a finalist for the last two Trials at 79 kg, Dieringer could end up being one of the tougher tests for Burroughs this weekend. Jason Nolf as the Fourth Seed While Dake won the Olympic Trials challenge tournament at 74 kg and earned the chance to face off against Burroughs for the spot on the team, he had to get past Nolf in the semifinals. Dake got past Nolf in dominant fashion, but the former Penn State national champion had a strong tournament, otherwise picking up 10-0 victories over both David Carr and Evan Wick. Nolf also kept himself busy during the lockdown period. He competed on a variety of NLWC cards and other events. During that stretch, Nolf picked up victories over Jordan Oliver, David McFadden and current MMA competitor Bubba Jenkins. As a three-time NCAA champion and four-time finalist, Nolf is one of the best college wrestlers of this generation. He seems to still be rounding into form on the freestyle side, but he has often found himself in stacked weight classes. That is certainly the case here, and he will likely get a chance here to make a statement against Burroughs. Years Since Graduation While Burroughs is only 33 years old, he will certainly be the elder statesman of this group. He completed his eligibility in 2011, which was 10 years ago. No other competitor is more than five years removed from their college career. The oldest competitor to win an Olympic gold medal in freestyle at this past Games was David Taylor, who is 30. However, there were two gold medalists in Greco older than Burroughs, Tamás Lőrincz (34) and Mijaín López (39). Age is certainly not a determining factor, but it is natural for competitors to slow down as they get older. Burroughs' performance this weekend will say a lot about his prospects going forward. College Weight While Burroughs has made his mark on the international scene at 74 kg, he will be moving up to 79 kg as Dake automatically qualified at the lower weight. A difference of five kilograms could make a significant difference as Burroughs will be facing off against some competitors who have spent the majority of their career at higher weights. Seven of the 19 entrants compete as high as 165 pounds, which was Burroughs' college weight. However, there are also eight competitors who spent their college days at 174 pounds or higher. Despite competing exclusively at 157 pounds, NC State's Hayden Hidlay is reportedly set to move up to 174 pounds this season as well. Pat Downey had his best season in college at 197 pounds, so it will be interesting to see how he does all the way down at 79 kg. Despite the meaningful size difference, Burroughs will likely be able to hold his own. Last January, he faced off his rival David Taylor on a one-off show. While he dropped a 4-4 match on criteria, he held up physically against the competitor who ended up bringing home the gold medal at 86 kg. If Burroughs is near his top form, he should be the clear favorite to win this weight and qualify for yet another World team. The field is not the toughest he has faced during his career, but a win here would be a significant accomplishment and a sign that there might be a few more international medals in his future.

Peyton Omania against Michigan's Kanen Storr (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com) Peyton Omania and I are talking about Greco-Roman wrestling, and I'm in full ramble mode, trying to get my ideas out mid-interview to articulate the story I want to write. Omania, a wrestler at Michigan State, is a good sport and listens. I don't know if I'm phrasing this properly, I preface during our 15-minute phone call, but you guys have a room full of guys that aren't scared to wrestle Greco, and … Omania interjects. "That is the right way to phrase it," he says. Interesting. Okay, why is that the right way to phrase it? "A lot of people are uncomfortable wrestling up top," Omania says. "They just don't really like it. They grow up wrestling folkstyle and freestyle. That's what they grow up idolizing. "But I grew up in California and I had a bunch of Greco hammers that I wanted to be like - Robby Smith, Lucas Sheridan, Nikko Triggas, those kinds of guys." Omania will begin his second redshirt freshman season (shoutout COVID-19) at Michigan State in a few months. This weekend, he's competing at the Senior world team trials in Nebraska. He is the only Spartan wrestler wrestling Greco this weekend. But Omania and I are talking about the Michigan State room - specifically, the unique Greco influence in the Michigan State room. There's a lot of wrestlers with outstanding Greco credentials on the Spartans' roster. There's Omania, a 2019 Junior Greco world bronze medalist, a two-time U23 Greco national champ, and, last April, a top-8 finisher at the U.S. Olympic Trials. There's Cam Caffey, a 2019 Junior Greco world-teamer and U23 Greco national champ. There's Jaden Enriquez, a 2017 Junior Greco national champ and, more recently, a U23 Greco world team trials runner-up. There's more, too: Jordan Hamdan won a Cadet Greco national title and recently took third at the Senior Greco national championships; Matt Santos and Jackson Renicker were both U23 Greco All-Americans; Andrew Chambal made the 2016 Cadet Greco world team; Rayvon Foley won a Junior Greco national title in 2017. There aren't many other Division I wrestling rooms with that much concentrated Greco talent. "It kind of came organically," Michigan State coach Roger Chandler says. "It's not that we're looking for Greco-only guys. That's not the case at all. The connections just worked, and we thought these guys would be a great addition to our program." Chandler will begin his sixth season as the Spartans' head coach when the' 21-22 season begins. He says a lot of this Greco stuff started when he hired Chris Williams in 2016. Williams has a strong Greco résumé, a 1998 FILA Junior national champ and a 2001 University national champ. He was also an NCAA All-American for the Spartans in 2001, winning five wrestleback matches to make the podium after a first-round loss. "We told our guys, if we're going to go to the Junior and U23 tournaments, we're going to get as much mat time as we can get," Chandler says. "So we push our guys to compete in both styles as much as possible because that's how our program was going to develop and get better. "You train, you compete, you evaluate, then you go back to the drawing board. The best tool to evaluate where these kids are at is competition." Hard to really argue with the Spartans' results. Before Chandler took over, Michigan State scored a negative-half-point at the 2015 NCAA Championships. That's -0.5 points, and no, that's not a typo. John Rizqallah was the program's lone national qualifier that year. He went 1-2 at 184 pounds, scoring a half-point for advancement in the wrestlebacks. Then the team was docked a full point for unsportsmanlike conduct. That seems like a lifetime ago now. Last March, Michigan State took eighth at the Big Ten Championships behind 5 wrestlers that finished sixth or better. The Spartans scored 13 points and cracked the top-30 at the 2021 NCAA Championships. They scored a total of 14.5 points at the national tournaments from 2015-19. Their eight national qualifiers in 2021 were the second-most in program history, and the most since 2000. Cam Caffey at the 2021 NCAA Championships (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) "Our Olympic style offseason has been an enormous part of building the folkstyle part of our program," says Caffey, a three-time NCAA qualifier who reached the bloodround last March. "This is a 12-month sport. It's been making guys a lot better." The Greco influence can be seen during the folkstyle season. Chandler will sometimes tell his guys to go full Greco at practice and just hand-fight. Caffey says opponents will back out of certain tie-ups because he's comfortable there and they're not. Foley, Chandler's first All-American as Michigan State's coach (2019, at 125 pounds), often uses underhooks to set up his shots. "A lot of it is the hand-fight," Foley says. "I got a lot of that from Greco, just being in those positions a lot." Many college coaches scoff at the idea of giving Greco that much attention, but Chandler and his guys tune that noise out. There's the idea that wrestling Greco, at the very least, helps guys grow more confident in certain positions usually found in Greco matches. So rather than backing out of, say, certain tie-ups or two-on-ones or whatever the position, guys in the Michigan State room will instead wrestle through it. "It gives me a bigger range of positions I can play with and wrestle out of and score out of it," says Caffey, who also took third at the U23 men's freestyle national tournament in 2020 and sixth at the Senior men's freestyle national championships last May. "A lot of people close that off because they've never trained that. I can attack from a lot of other positions. When I go upper-body, a lot of my pins come out of those positions. A lot of that is Greco." Omania agrees with that idea, too. Take his match against Michigan's Kanen Storr last February. In the first 15 seconds, Omania latches on to a two-on-one. Storr decides to hand fight. Big mistake. Omania pops up and launches Storr in a headlock. He did it again a minute later on the edge for a 12-1 lead, and ultimately prevailed 15-8. "When I wrestle in competitions, I'm such a different feel that a lot of people don't really understand," Omania says. "The first time people wrestle me, it's usually tough. When people watch film on me, they don't really want me to put my hands on them at all. "As soon as I get my hands on people, you can almost feel the panic and the stress set in. When I get a deep underhook or something, you can literally feel the anxiety. But it goes both ways. When I can't get my hands on you, I feel uncomfortable, too." Omania says his consistent Greco emphasis has sharpened his folkstyle skills and forced him to evolve and adapt as a wrestler. He says it can be tough sometimes striking the balance between training Greco, where he has world and Olympic aspirations, and folkstyle, to further Michigan State's rise. Chandler believes he's done a great job of that this summer, and says Omania is in for a big' 21-22 season. But Omania would prefer if he put off his extensive folkstyle training for a few more months. He wants to make the world team in Lincoln this weekend, which means a trip to Norway next month for the world championships. Come March, Omania's focus will turn to the Big Ten and NCAA Championships. He says he feels fortunate to be able to train in a place that allows him to chase all of those dreams at once. "I am forever grateful for what coach Chandler has done for my career," Omania says. "When you have freedom like that, it's just fun. You get to do what you love every single day. It's an awesome feeling having coaches that support you like that."

2020 Olympic Champion Gable Steveson (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Over the weekend, rumors surfaced that Olympic gold medalist and 2021 NCAA champion Gable Steveson had signed with the WWE. Since the NIL was enacted on July 1st, it didn't necessarily mean that his days at the University of Minnesota were finished. Any questions surrounding the matter were answered today as the WWE put out an official statement regarding Steveson's signing. The statement also mentioned that "Steveson will join the WWE roster while defending his NCAA title for the University of Minnesota." InterMat and MatScouts both were tipped off that Steveson was leaning in this direction of competing in college, while maintaining some sort of association with the WWE. For those reasons, Steveson was included in our preseason rankings atop the 285 lbs weight class. At this time, the depth of his involvement with the WWE is unknown; however, Steveson had plenty of options as the UFC and Bellator both expressed varying levels of interest in the star big man, so locking him up was essential.

Tervel Dlagnev (right) (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) LINCOLN, Nebraska - Nebraska wrestling coach Mark Manning announced the naming of former NCAA National Champion and Olympic medal winner, Tervel Dlagnev, as an assistant coach. "We are extremely excited to announce the addition of Tervel," Coach Manning said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Nebraska, will provide another piece to our coaching staff and will add value to our student-athletes' experience on and off the mat." One of the nation's best heavyweight freestyle wrestlers in history, Dlagnev won the Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games and placed fifth in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. He also won World bronze medals for the United States in 2009 and 2014 and was a 2011 Pan American Games and 2008 University World title Champion. In college, Dlagnev was a two-time NCAA National Champion and four-time All-American at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. A native of Arlington, Texas, Dlagnev comes to Nebraska after serving as an assistant coach at Ohio State University, where he was hired before the 2016-17 season. Dlagnev has also worked with athletes at the Ohio Regional Training Center.

The top seed at 53 kg Ronna Heaton (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Just over a month after the Olympics wrapped up, we have another critical event scheduled for this weekend on the Senior level, the 2021 World Team Trials. USA Wrestling has stated that any Olympic medalist could claim a spot (at that same weight) on the world team, if they chose. 8 of the 9 medalists elected to compete at the 2021 World Championships October 2-10th. Only Gable Steveson declined the invitation. So the non-Olympic weights, along with weights where the United States did not medal, and 125 kg in men's freestyle, will be up-for-grabs. These limited numbers of available weights have created an Olympic Trials-like effect for competitors who have moved up or down in search of a berth on the world team. Of course, that can only benefit wrestling fans who should be treated to some incredible matchups. We'll continue our 2021 World Team Trials previews by looking at the women's freestyle team. Remember, Sarah Hildebrandt (50kg), Helen Maroulis (57kg), Tamyra Mensah-Stock (68kg), and Adeline Gray (76kg) have already secured a spot on the team based on the 2020 Olympic medals. 53 kg For years, I've told anyone that will listen that I thought the 50 kg weight class was the deepest on the women's freestyle side. With Sarah Hildebrandt locking up a world team spot by virtue of her Olympic bronze medal, that weight will not be contested. What has happened, though, is that a vast group of 50 kg contenders have bumped up to 53 kg and joined a strong contingent to form an absolute meat grinder of a bracket. The top finishers at the Olympic Trials at 53 kg have assumed one and two preseeds with Ronna Heaton and Dominique Parrish getting them, respectively. Heaton scored wins via fall over Parrish and Katherine Shai to reach the best-of-three finals against Jacarra Winchester. Just a few months earlier, Shai had teched Heaton at the Captain's Cup. The former Cadet world champion, Heaton, has come into her own at the Senior level and has been more consistent than ever. Parrish has been a member of three U23 world teams and even wrestled for the bronze on one of those occasions. After her loss to Heaton at the Olympic Trials, Parrish stormed through the field and earned a place on the national team. 50 kg national team member Alyssa Lampe will get the third seed. She lost a razor-thin 7-6 decision to Victoria Anthony in the Olympic Trials semifinals. While Lampe has been most effective at the old 48 kg weight class, she did earn one of her two World bronze medals at 51 kg in 2012. Some of the top contenders who are returning at 53 kg will get the 4-6 seeds in Alex Hedrick, Areana Villaescusa, and Alisha Howk. Hedrick was fourth to her Simon Fraser teammate, Parrish, in the Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament, while Villaescusa and Howk fell in the consolation semis. Hedrick was a member of two Junior world teams, while Howk made one as a Cadet and another as a Junior. Earlier this year, Hedrick made the U23 World team. Villaescusa defeated Parrish en route to a US Open finals berth in 2019. The pair have battled many times since, with Parrish coming out on top. The remainder of the preseeds consists of women moving up from 50 kgs. Amy Fearnside, Erin Golston, Emily Shilson, and Alleida Martinez are slated to receive seeds 7-10, in that order. Fearnside's win over Golston at the Olympic Trials quarterfinals gives her the nod over the former three-time Junior World medalist. Speaking over age-group credentials, Shilson now boasts gold medals at the Cadet and Junior World Championships, along with the Youth Olympic Games. As recently as the Captain's Cup, Shilson has a 9-4 win over Fearnside. Martinez has been a part of four age-group World Championships and has a silver and bronze from the Cadet level. Notable by her absence from the preseeds is Whitney Conder. Whitney is a five-team world team member that was in the initial entries. She was fourth at the Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament in 2020 with a win via tech over Shilson. Some younger names to watch for a breakthrough at this weight are 2021 Junior World Team member Jaslynn Gallegos, Sage Mortimer, and Peyton Prussin. Champion Prediction: Ronna Heaton 55 kg Since 2020 Olympian Jacarra Winchester has elected to compete at this weight class; rather than 53 kg, she will be placed in the semifinals of the bottom half of the bracket. Just two years ago, Winchester captured a world title at 55 kg. This appears to be a more ideal fit for Winchester. Aside from one notable exception, Winchester will have to contend with a youthful group of challengers over the weekend. The veteran and most dangerous opponent for Winchester will be Jenna Burkert. A three-time world-team member at 59 kg, Burkert moved down to 57 kg in anticipation of the Olympic Trials. Her performance there was one of the stories of the tournament as she pushed Olympic champion Helen Maroulis to the brink in the best-of-three finals. If Burkert can sustain the weight cut, she could threaten Winchester; however, Burkert has competed below 57 kg in a major event in over a decade. The up-and-coming crop of contenders at this weight consists of a pair of King University teammates in Cheyenne Sisenstein and Melanie Mendoza, the third and fifth seeds, respectively. Sisenstein was an NCWW national champion for King at 123 lbs in 2021 and participated in the Olympic Trials at 57 kg. She was able to pick up a victory before her elimination. Mendoza placed fifth at the NCWW's as a freshman last season. Sandwiched between the two Team Tornado wrestlers is North Central's Amanda Martinez. Sisenstein and Martinez met in an epic three-match series, won by Sisenstein, in the finals of the 2021 U23 World Team Trials. Martinez is also an NCWW national runner-up and competed at the Olympic Trials. Colorado Mesa's Marissa Gallegos is a two-time top-three finisher in college and competed at the Trials. She was a runner-up at the U23 national tournament in 2020. Two additional U23 All-Americans from this year that could contend in this field are Lauren Mason and Vayle Baker. Mason was third at 57 kg, while Baker was sixth in the same bracket. Champion Prediction: Jacarra Winchester 59 kg Moreso than some weight classes at this tournament, 59 kg has a distinct favorite in Maya Nelson. Before the remarkable performance from our Junior women's team in Ufa, Russia, Nelson was the most recent American woman to win a Junior World Championship, which she did in 2017. Since then, she's made a pair of U23 World Team's. In 2019, Nelson was a participant in Final X and pushed Forrest Molinari three matches in one of the most physical series of the tournament. Earlier this year, at the Olympic Trials, Nelson made the finals of the Challenge Tournament before falling to Macey Kilty. Based on seeding, two possible finals opponents for Nelson could be Michaela Beck and Cameron Guerin. The 2019 Junior World team member, Beck, also secured a spot on the 2021 U23 World team in May. She competed at the Olympic Trials, but was held without a win. Guerin had a pair of impressive wins at the Trials (over Abby Nette and Lauren Louive) as she took fourth in the Challenge Tournament. She was also a part of two Junior World Teams and wrestled for a bronze medal in 2017. Guerin was an undefeated NCWW national champion in 2021 as a freshman. Guerin's McKendree teammate, Brenda Reyna, will likely receive the fourth seed. Reyna is a two-time collegiate national finalist and a champion in 2021. It was Reyna who met Beck in the U23 WTT finals this year. Reyna was shut out in two straight bouts, 5-0 and 6-0. Perhaps the biggest wild card at this weight is Xochitl Mota-Pettis, who is the fifth seed. Mota-Pettis was U23 national champion last year, but fell to Guerin in the Junior finals the same weekend. Her biggest win at the Senior level came in 2020 at Nationals when she pinned two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan. If anyone can flip this bracket on its head, it would be Mota-Pettis. Rounding out the seeded wrestlers is a former McKendree Bearcat, Megan Black, of the Army WCAP. Black was a four-time All-American and two-time national runner-up in college. Also expected to compete, but unseeded, is 2021 Junior World Team member Claire DiCugno who is a freshman at Colorado Mesa. Champion Prediction: Maya Nelson 62 kg This will be the second weight class that features a 2020 Olympian. Kayla Miracle will receive the top seed based on her performance over the past two years at the weight. She made her first Senior team in 2019 and hasn't looked back domestically since. Miracle made the 2019 World team after downing Mallory Velte in Final X. The previous year, Velte and Miracle engaged in a three-match Final X series that went Velte's way. Velte then went on to earn a world bronze medal. As the two will get the top-two seeds here, we have the possibility of seeing another chapter in their rivalry. Velte couldn't challenge Miracle at the Trials as she fell to Kilty in the semifinals of the Challenge Tournament. Before another meeting between Miracle and Velte, Mallory will need to get by a tough Jennifer Page. Page finished third at the Olympic Trials Challenge Tournament with a pair of wins over Emma Bruntil and a tech fall victory over Desiree Zavala. In 2020, Page edged out Kilty to win Senior Nationals. Speaking of Zavala, the two could meet again in the semifinals as she's the sixth seed. Zavala's best win at the Trials came over Michaela Beck via technical superiority. Also expected to receive the fourth and fifth seeds, respectively, are Gracie Figueroa and Ana Luciano. Figueroa has made five age-group world teams and was a Cadet World bronze medalist in 2016. She also captured a WCWA national title for Menlo as a true freshman. Luciano was a national runner-up for King last season and competed at the Olympic Trials. She earned a pair of wins, one of which came over Beck, 3-2. Champion Prediction: Kayla Miracle 65 kg With the return of the 65 kg weight class in non-Olympic years, we will see Forrest Molinari back down to compete. She was the World team representative at the weight in 2018 and 2019. Both years her tournament ended with a loss in the bronze medal match. For the Olympic Trials, Molinari bumped up to 68 kg and fell via technical superiority to high school phenom Kennedy Blades in the Challenge Tournament finals 11-1. She rebounded to earn a place on the national team by defeating a tough Alex Glaude. A possible finals opponent for the top-seeded Molinari is her King University teammate Julia Salata. The two clashed in Final X 2018, a series that led to Molinari's first world team berth. A veteran of the scene, Salata won a Pan-Am title in 2019 and made two Junior world squads, but is still seeking her first at the Senior level. A potential roadblock for Salata and an all-King final is McKendree's two-time national champion Emma Bruntil. While most of the competitors in this field were winding down their training, Bruntil went to Romania last weekend and won the Ion Corneanu Memorial. At the tournament, Bruntil won without surrendering a point. At the Olympic Trials, Bruntil made the third-place bout in the Challenge Tournament after downing Mallory Velte. Right behind her coach, Julia Salata, on the preseed list is Ashlynn Ortega. She was a runner-up for King at 143 lbs, losing only to Bruntil. This spring, at Women's Nationals, Ortega downed Alara Boyd to earn a place on the U23 World Team. Boyd returned the favor at the Olympic Trials, though Ortega did grab a win in the consolations. Seeding fifth and sixth are Skylar Grote and Solin Piearcy, respectively. At Senior Nationals, in 2020, Grote finished in second place, losing only to Molinari. She was selected to compete at Captain's Cup and logged a win over 2019 US Open winner Alyvia Fiske. Piearcy was a 2019 WCWA national champion for Menlo and finished third at the U23 WTT's this year after a 2-2 loss on criteria to the eventual champion, Fiske. Champion Prediction: Emma Bruntil 72 kg The youth movement is in full effect at 72 kg as the top-two seeds are 2021 Junior World champions that have not yet finished high school, in Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker. The two also made the Olympic Trials finals, with Blades finishing second at 68 kg and Welker at 76 kg. They'll meet in the middle here and renew acquaintances once again. The two have already been on one world team this year and are set for another as they both won U23 national titles. Before you pencil in a Blades/Welker final, don't overlook Yelena Makoyed, a two-time NCWW national finalist and the first national champion in the history of North Central wrestling. Makoyed also took a match from Welker in the best-of-three series in the U23 finals. At the Olympic Trials, Makoyed was fourth in the Challenge Tournament. The "veteran" of this group is Dymond Guilford, who was a WCWA national champion for Missouri Baptist in 2019. Guilford defeated Makoyed for third-place in the Challenge Tournament consolation finals at the Olympic Trials. In 2020, Guilford won the U23 national title and she is a past Junior World team member. As mentioned above, Alyiva Fiske is quite dangerous and has a strong resume. That has led to her receiving the fifth seed here. Nahiela Magee and Rachel Watters are expected to get the sixth and seventh seeds. Magee was a fourth-place finisher at the 2019 US Open and the World Team Trials. Watters has made five age-ground world teams and was a 2020 national champion for Oklahoma City University. Champion Prediction: Kennedy Blades

Tyler Graff at the 2019 World Championships (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) USA Wrestling has released the pre-seeds for the men's freestyle division of the Senior World Team Trials, which will be held in Lincoln, Neb., September 11-12. A seeding committee met on Wednesday afternoon and voted on the pre-seeds. MEN'S FREESTYLE PRE-SEEDS 61 kg 1. Tyler Graff (NJRTC/Titan Mercury WC) 2. Joe Colon (Cyclone RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 3. Nick Suriano (Sunkist Kids) 4. Daton Fix (Cowboy RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 5. Seth Gross (Wisconsin RTC/Sunkist Kids) 6. Nathan Tomasello (Oklahoma RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 7. Nahshon Garrett (Spartan Combat WC/Titan Mercury WC) 8. Shelton Mack (NYCRTC/Titan Mercury WC) 9. Josh Kramer (Sunkist Kids) 10. Zane Richards (Illinois RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 11. Daniel DeShazer (Gopher WC RTC) 12. Ethan Lizak (Pennsylvania RTC/New York AC) 65 kg 1. Yianni Diakomihalis (Spartan Combat WC/Titan Mercury WC) 2. Joseph McKenna (Pennsylvania RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 3. Evan Henderson (NYCRTC/Titan Mercury WC) 4. Luke Pletcher (Pitt WC/Titan Mercury WC) 5. Dean Heil (USNMC RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 6. Henry Pohlmeyer (Sunkist Kids) 70 kg 1. James Green (SERTC/Titan Mercury WC) 2. Alec Pantaleo (Cliff Keen WC/Titan Mercury WC) 3. Ryan Deakin (Wildcat WC/Titan Mercury WC) 4. Zain Retherford (Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC) 5. Jordan Oliver (NYCRTC/Sunkist Kids) 6. Tyler Berger (Nebraska WTC/Titan Mercury WC) 7. Brayton Lee (Gopher WC RTC) 8. Elroy Perkin (Gopher WC RTC) 9. Brock Mauller (Tiger Style WC) 10. Jarrett Jacques (Tiger Style WC) 79 kg 1. Jordan Burroughs (Pennsylvania RTC/Sunkist Kids) 2. Alex Dieringer (Cliff Keen WC/Titan Mercury WC) 3. Isaiah Martinez (Beaver WC/ Titan Mercury WC) 4. Jason Nolf (Nittany Lion WC/ Titan Mercury WC) 5. Evan Wick (SoCal RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 6. Taylor Lujan (Panther WC/Titan Mercury WC) 7. Devin Skatzka (Cliff Keen WC) 8. Tommy Gantt (Wolfpack WC/Titan Mercury WC) 9. Chance Marsteller (NMCRTC/Titan Mercury WC) 10. David McFadden (Pennsylvania RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 11. Carter Starocci (Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC) 12. Mickey O'Malley (Pennsylvania RTC) 13. Pat Downey (Florida) 92 kg 1. J'den Cox (NJRTC/USOPTC/Titan Mercury WC) 2. Nathan Jackson (NJRTC/New York AC) 3. Kollin Moore (Ohio RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 4. Kyven Gadson (Cyclone RTC/Sunkist Kids) 5. Myles Martin (Ohio RTC/Titan Mercury WC) 6. Michael Macchiavello (Wolfpack WC/Titan Mercury WC) 7. Trent Hidlay (Wolfpack WC/Titan Mercury WC) 8. Timothy Dudley (Sunkist Kids) 125 kg 1. Nick Gwiazdowski (Titan Mercury WC) 2. Mason Parris (Cliff Keen WC) 3. Dominique Bradley (Cyclone RTC/Sunkist Kids) 4. Ty Walz (SERTC/Titan Mercury WC) 5. Jordan Wood (Oklahoma RTC) 6. Hayden Zillmer (Gopher WC RTC)

Jacarra Winchester (left) and Pat Smith (Photos/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) USA Wrestling has released the pre-seeds for the women's freestyle division and thee Greco-Roman division of the Senior World Team Trials, which will be held in Lincoln, Neb., September 11-12. Seeding committees in those styles met on Tuesday. Note: Four Olympic medalists in women's freestyle have decided to compete at the 2021 Senior Worlds in Oslo, so there will not be any competition at those weight classes. Men's freestyle pre-seeds are expected by mid-day on Wednesday, after that style has its seeding meeting. Women's freestyle pre-seeds 53 kg 1. Ronna Heaton (Sunkist Kids) 2. Dom Parrish (Sunkist Kids) 3. Alyssa Lampe (Sunkist Kids) 4. Alex Hedrick (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Areana Villaescusa (Army WCAP) 6. Alisha Howk (Sunkist Kids) 7. Amy Fearnside (Titan Mercury WC) 8. Erin Golson (NYAC) 9. Emily Shilson (Titan Mercury WC) 10. Alleida Martinez (Titan Mercury WC) 55 kg Olympian Jacarra Winchester (5th at 53 kg) sits out, placed into bottom semifinal. 1. Jenna Burkert (Army WCAP) 2. Cheyenne Sisenstein (Team Tornado WC) 3. Amanda Martinez (Cardinal WC) 4. Melanie Mendoza (Team Tornado WC) 5. Marissa Gallegos (Colorado Mesa WC) 59 kg 1. Maya Nelson (Sunkist Kids) 2. Michaela Beck (Sunkist Kids) 3. Cameron Guerin (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Brenda Reyna (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Xochitl Mota-Pettis (Rise RTC) 6. Megan Black (Army WCAP) 62 kg 1. Kayla Miracle (Sunkist Kids) 2. Mallory Velte (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Jennifer Page (Titan Mercury WC) 4. Grace Figueroa (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Ana Luciano (Osceola High School Wrestling) 6. Desiree Zavala (Washington) 65 kg 1. Forrest Molinari (Sunkist Kids) 2. Emma Bruntil (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Julia Salata (NYAC) 4. Ashlynn Ortega (Colorado) 5. Skyler Grote (NYAC) 6. Solin Piearcy (Menlo WC) 72 kg 1. Kennedy Blades (Sunkist Kids) 2. Kylie Welker (Titan Mercury WC) 3. Yelena Makoyed (Cardinal WC) 4. Dymond Guilford (Titan Mercury WC) 5. Alivia Fiske (Titan Mercury WC) 6. Nahiela Magee (Army WCAP) 7. Rachel Watters (NYAC) Greco-Roman pre-seeds 55 kg 1. Max Nowry (Army WCAP) 2. Brady Koontz (Titan Mercury WC) 3, Billy Sullivan (Legends of Gold Las Vegas) 4. Jacob Cochran (Florida) 5. Dalton Duffield (Army WCAP) 60 kg 1. Ildar Hafizov (Army WCAP) 2. Dalton Roberts (Army WCAP) 3. Randon Miranda (Rise RTC) 4. Dylan Koontz (Titan Mercury WC) 5. King Sandoval (Bandits WC) 6. Aiden Nutter (NMU-NTC) 63 kg 1. Leslie Fuenffinger (Army WCAP) 2. Sam Jones (NYAC) 3. David Stepanian (NYAC) 4. Dylan Gregerson (Brunson UVRTC) 5. We Rachal (Illinois RTC/Illini WC) 6. Corbin Nirschl (MWC Wrestling Academy) 7. Chayse LaJoie (Michigan) 8. Mason Lewis (Pennsylvania) 67 kg 1. Alejandro Sancho (Army WCAP) 2. Jesse Thielke (Army WCAP) 3. Hayden Tuma (Suples) 4. Calvin Germinaro (Minnesota Storm)) 5. Alston Nutter (Sunkist Kids) 6. Peyton Omania (NYAC) 72 kg 1. Patrick Smith (Minnesota Storm) 2. Benjamin Peak (Sunkist Kids) 3. Jamel Johnson (Marines) 4. Michael Hooker (Army WCAP) 5. Payton Jacobson (Wisconsin) 6. Justus Scott (Legends of Gold Las Vegas) 7. Brandon Mueller (505 Wrestling) 8. Griffin Parriott (Minnesota) 77 kg 1. Jesse Porter (NYAC) 2. Peyton Walsh (Marines) 3. Austin Morrow (NYAC) 4. Alec Ortiz (Minnesota Storm) 5. Britton Holmes (Army WCAP) 6. Ryan Epps (Minnesota Storm) 7. Fritz Schierl (Titan Mercury) 8. Zachary Grimes (Colorado) 82 kg 1. Ben Provisor (NYAC) 2. Spencer Woods (Army WCAP) 3. Tommy Brackett (Tennessee) 4. Richard Carlson (Minnesota Storm) 5. Tyler Cunningham (MWC Wrestling Academy) 87 kg 1. Alan Vera (NYAC) 2. George Sikes (NYAC) 3. Tyler Hannah (Combat WC School of Wrestling) 97 kg 1. G'Angelo Hancock (Sunkist Kids) 2. Lucas Sheridan (Army WCAP) 3. Nicholas Boykin (Sunkist Kids) 4. James Souza (Army WCAP) 5/ Khymba Johnson (NYAC) 6. Chad Porter (Sunkist Kids) 130 kg 1. Cohlton Schultz (Sunkist Kids) 2. Jacob Mitchell (Army WCAP) 3. Donny Longendyke (Minnesota) 4. Tanner Farmer (NYAC) 5. Malcom Allen (Legends of Gold) 6. West Cathcart (NYAC) 7. Lee Herrington (Nebraska Golden Eagles WC). 8. Keaton Fanning (NMU-NTC)

Nick Suriano at Beat the Streets NYC in 2019 (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Just over a month after the Olympics wrapped up, we have another critical event scheduled for this weekend on the Senior level, the 2021 World Team Trials. USA Wrestling has stated that any Olympic medalist could claim a spot (at that same weight) on the world team, if they chose. 8 of the 9 medalists elected to compete at the 2021 World Championships October 2-10th. Only Gable Steveson declined the invitation. So the non-Olympic weights, along with weights where the United States did not medal, and 125 kg in men's freestyle, will be up-for-grabs. These limited numbers of available weights have created an Olympic Trials-like effect for competitors who have moved up or down in search of a berth on the world team. Of course, that can only benefit wrestling fans who should be treated to some incredible matchups. We'll start our 2021 World Team Trials previews by looking at the men's freestyle team. Remember, Thomas Gilman (57kg), Kyle Dake (74kg), David Taylor (86kg), and Kyle Snyder (97kg) have already secured a spot on the team based on the 2020 Olympic medals. 61 kg The bulk of this weight is composed of participants from the 57 kg weight class at the 2020 Olympic Trials. With 57 kg being such a drastic cut for most of these competitors, we could see an entirely different set of results at a more manageable weight class. Of course, the big elephant in the room is Nick Suriano, who was deemed one of the favorites heading into the Olympic Trials. At the time, Suriano was a few months removed from a gold medal at the Henri DeGlane and a silver at the Matteo Pellicone. At the DeGlane, he won a weight class that featured eventual Olympic bronze medalist and Trials champion, Thomas Gilman, though the two did not meet. Suriano wasn't able to compete at the Trials due to a failed Covid test. If in top form, he'll be difficult to defeat. Suriano's 2019 NCAA finals opponent, Daton Fix, is on the shortlist of opponents capable of downing the former Rutgers national champion. Fix already has a world team appearance under his belt in 2019. The only member of this bracket with world hardware is Joe Colon, who captured a world bronze medal in 2018 at this weight. Of course, Colon had the opportunity to compete due to Nahshon Garrett pulling out of worlds due to an injury. The two engaged in an excellent Final X series that led to Garrett getting the spot. Nahshon is actually coming down from 65 kg, where he lacked the necessary horsepower to compete with the division's elite. We can't discuss Colon without mentioning Seth Gross. When the two clash, it's guaranteed fireworks. Gross has been on the cusp of breaking through and grabbing a World/Olympic Team spot. He defaulted out of the Trials after a 9-8 loss to Colon. Another past world team member in this group is Tyler Graff, who shocked the American wrestling public by knocking off Colon in Final X 2019. Like many on this list, Graff is most effective at 61 kg. We've gone this far without mentioning Nathan Tomasello, who finished third at the Trials to clinch a spot on the National Team. Tomasello earned wins over Zane Richards and Sean Russell during his run through the backside of the bracket. He'll be in his first major competition since moving to the Oklahoma RTC. Richards, along with Ethan Lizak, Shelton Mack, Daniel DeShazer, and Zach Sanders, are all veterans that are capable of stringing together credible wins in a bracket of this magnitude. Champion Prediction: Nick Suriano 65 kg The 2020 Olympic Trials were a showcase for Joey McKenna, who stepped forward and announced himself as a contender for Olympic/World teams at the weight for the foreseeable future. McKenna dominated James Green and turned in a stunning 8-5 win over two-time world team member Zain Retherford on his way to the finals. The former Junior World silver medalist has thrived training at the suddenly-loaded, Penn RTC. McKenna's collegiate rival, Yianni Diakomihalis, is also an age-group world medalist and may have something to say about McKenna's ascent. Diakomihalis defeated McKenna in a tight NCAA final in 2019 and went on to narrowly miss out on a world team berth, losing to Retherford. Regardless of who prevails at 65 kg, it will be fun to see a new face on the world scene. One of the fastest risers at this weight is Pat Lugo, who finished up his collegiate career in 2019-20. During the Covid-disrupted fall/winter, Lugo was very active and was able to notch some key wins, though he ultimately did not qualify for the Trials. Another representative from the Hawkeye Wrestling Club at this weight is Jaydin Eierman. The four-time All-American was a member of the 2019 U23 World Team and is somehow more dangerous after relocating to Iowa. You may not remember, but one of the contenders here with a boatload of international experience is Oklahoma All-American Dom Demas. Dom made a pair of Cadet World Teams in Greco-Roman and a Junior team in both Greco and freestyle. With his array of trips and throws, Demas is always a threat to rack up points in a hurry. Lugo isn't the only 2020 NCAA title favorite at this weight who had his final national tournament disrupted by Covid. Luke Pletcher is also in the mix. He currently trains and coaches at Pittsburgh and will likely make noise here. Finally, a pair of veterans in, Dean Heil and Evan Henderson, could make things difficult for the favorites at the weights. Champion Prediction: Joey McKenna 70 kg While 70 kg doesn't have the longest list of entrants, it does feature some of the more intriguing possible matchups of any bracket in the men's freestyle tournament. The most decorated member of this group is two-time world medalist James Green. James has owned this weight class domestically since 2015. He is the only wrestler to appear at the world championships at 70 kg. Back at his best weight, Green will be difficult to unseat. Even with the ever-present Green at 70 kg, he'll have to contend with a talented field of competitors, led by Jordan Oliver. Oliver won the 2020 Olympic Trials at 65 kg, but wasn't able to qualify the weight for Tokyo. Like Green, this weight class suits Oliver much better 65 kg, so we should see the best of JO. One of the few domestic opponents to claim victory over Green, while at 70 kg, is Ryan Deakin, who did so at the 2019 US Open. Green did avenge the loss with little pushback at Final X later in the year. That win, along with a Junior World silver medal, is proof that Deakin could come away with the title at this weight and, if so, it shouldn't be considered a huge upset. He's the lone top contender in this field still in college. We've gotten this far without discussing the wrestler at this weight with the best international ranking, Alec Pantaleo. The three-time All-American from Michigan is currently seeded #1 in the world at 70 kg. He just needs to make the team now. Pantaleo earned that seed via gold medal-winning performances at the Matteo Pellicone and the Pan-American Championships. While it doesn't count for seeding purposes, Pantaleo was third at FloWrestling's 150 lb 8-man challenge, after a close loss to Green in the semifinals. His big win at the event was over Oliver in the first round. Green isn't the only multi-time world team member in this field; we also have Zain Retherford. This will be Zain's first major competition up at 70 kgs. Retherford defeated Rutgers national champion Anthony Ashnault to make the semifinals of the Olympic Trials, but fell to McKenna and fellow Nittany Lion, Nick Lee, and did not earn a place on the national team. If this is a more suitable weight for Retherford, the rest of the field should watch out! Finally, we have former NCAA runner-up from Nebraska, Tyler Berger. Tyler recently relocated to the California RTC to continue his freestyle career training out of Stanford. After working so closely with Green for so many years, could he have the secret to knocking off the reigning king at 70 kg? Champion Prediction: Jordan Oliver 79 kg What an absurdly, ridiculous field at 79 kg! Any adjective you use to describe this would be appropriate. First of all, we have one of the all-time greats, Jordan Burroughs, up a weight class from his customary 74 kgs. He has intimated that this could be more appropriate for him going forward anyways. The five-time World/Olympic champion will be in action for his first full domestic tournament since 2017. It will also be his first tournament since arriving back east to train at the Penn RTC. While it's never a good idea to bet against Burroughs, there are plenty of high-level opponents capable of downing the king. The one opponent at this weight that owns a win over Burroughs is Isaiah Martinez. IMar was narrowly defeated by Burroughs two-matches-to-one in Final X 2019. Since that time, Martinez has dealt with significant injuries that have sidelined him. He wasn't even able to compete at the 2020 Olympic Trials. If close to 2019 form, Martinez is not only capable of defeating Burroughs, but challenging for a world medal. The same can be said for 2016 Hodge Trophy winner Alex Dieringer. At one point, many American observers considered Dieringer and Kyle Dake number one and number two in the world at the weight. The injury bug has struck Dieringer too and prevented him from competing at the Olympic Trials. Unlike Martinez, Dieringer will be coming down from 86 kgs; however, 79 looks like the best fit for him. A semifinal matchup between any combination of Burroughs/Martinez/Dieringer is worth the price of admission. You would think that the “big three” would be a lock for the semis, but with a weight class this deep, it's far from a sure thing. Olympic Trials third-place finisher Evan Wick will be one to watch. While highly decorated on the folkstyle circuit, Wick tends to shine even more in freestyle. Two of his noteworthy wins at the Trials came against Tommy Gantt. The former NC State All-American as a US Open finalist in 2019 opposite Martinez. Gantt's fellow Wolfpack teammate Hayden Hidlay should also be a factor. Hidlay is in the process of moving up from 157 lbs to 174 lbs, collegiately, so this will be a good preview of what he looks like at his new weight. Hidlay was a 2018 U23 World Team member down at 70 kg. A pair of Penn State national champions are in the fold here with Jason Nolf and Carter Starocci. Nolf was at 74 kg for the Olympic Trials, while Starocci was at 86. Neither was able to garner a win at the Trials, but that underscores their true talent. Nolf is older and more experienced on the Senior freestyle scene than Starocci and presents more of a threat this weekend. Another pair of training partners could meet at this loaded 79 kg bracket with Quentin Perez and Chance Marsteller. Both currently train at the Navy-Marine Corps RTC. Perez wrestled for Navy head coach Cary Kolat while at Campbell and Marsteller grew up training with Kolat in high school. Marsteller is now reunited with Kolat on a full-time basis. Chance won his opening bout at the Olympic Trials over Vincenzo Joseph, but fell to Wick in the next round. One of Burroughs' new teammates, David McFadden, is also poised for a strong showing. McFadden was recently added to Drexel's staff and has flourished at the Penn RTC. He was a silver medalist earlier this year at the Matteo Pellicone. Also, remember Taylor Lujan. The former Northern Iowa Panthers had a breakout freestyle performance at FloWrestling's 195 lb 8-man bracket, pinning Gabe Dean and getting back Pitt head coach, Keith Gavin, to make the finals. Finally, we have the mercurial Pat Downey. The 2019 World Team member is slated to compete at a weight significantly lower than he was wrestled at in over a decade. In an ideal training environment, Downey could be a threat at this weight, though it's unclear if he'll be able to make it. Champion Prediction: Jordan Burroughs 92 kg We'll get the opportunity to see the domestic return of two-time 92 kg world champion J'den Cox. J'den was expected to push Kyle Snyder for the 97 kg spot on the Olympic team; however, he was not allowed to wrestle at the Trials due to a weigh-in timing snafu. Cox has competed since this at the Ziolkowski Open in Poland and suffered an uncharacteristic loss to Illia Archaia of Ukraine in the semifinals. If Cox is anywhere near his peak, the tournament could be a race for second place. With J'den out of the equation at the Trials, Kollin Moore cruised to the finals opposite his ex-Ohio State teammate Snyder. Moore has world medals at the Junior and U23 levels and is looking to make his first Senior team and add to the collection. One of the mainstays at 97 kg, Kyven Gadson, has dropped down to challenge for the spot here. Gadson has been blocked from world team's in the past by Snyder, who defeated him in 2018 and 2019. He suffered a slight upset at the hands of Ty Walz in the first round of the Olympic Trials, but battled back to defeat Walz for third place and then secured a spot on the national team. Over the last year-plus, Nate Jackson has developed into a legit contender for national team berths at this weight and 86 kg. Jackson earned wins over Brett Pfarr and Myles Martin before getting eliminated from the Olympic Trials. Speaking of Martin, he'll be in action, as well. Myles handed Jackson his only loss of the FloWrestling 195 lb 8-man bracket and pocketed $20,000. A pair of wrestlers with NC State lineage could be a force at this weight with Mike Macchiavello and Trent Hidlay. Macchiavello was a silver medalist at the Bill Farrell in 2019 and made the semifinals of the Olympic Trials. Hidlay was a Junior World silver medalist in 2019. He also earned a win over eventual Olympic bronze medalist Myles Amine at the RTC Cup. Finally, Drew Foster, an NCAA champion for Northern Iowa in 2019, could be a wild card. He doesn't have a long history in freestyle, but he could grow rapidly. Champion Prediction: J'den Cox 125 kg For the bulk of the last quad, 125 kg had been the domain of Nick Gwiazdowski. He made three consecutive world teams and was able to claim a pair of world bronze medals in the process. However, he was soundly beaten by Gable Steveson at the Olympic Trials. Now, after seeing what Gable did to the rest of the world, does that change your opinion on where Gwiazdowski stands in the grand scheme of things? He's still a contender for a world medal that happened to run into a once-in-a-generation buzzsaw. Because Steveson declined his invitation to the 2021 World Championships, this weight will be conducted. Now, the same disclaimer we used for Gwiazdowski could be applied to Mason Parris, as well. Parris was the victim of Steveson in a one-sided NCAA finals bout. This is the same Parris who pinned his way to a Junior World title in 2019 and crushed 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Amir Zare (Iran) in the process. Maybe Parris is the young phenom that would make the UFC and WWE brass salivate if not for Steveson's presence. With Gable out of the equation, someone will get the chance to step up. Parris and Gwiazdowski have a recent history with each other. Gwiz teched Parris in the round-robin portion of the RTC Cup, while Parris managed a 10-8 victory in the team tournament. Aside from those two, there are plenty of other savvy vets at this weight. Longtime contender Dom Bradley is still seeking his first world team berth on the Senior level. Bradley was a 2019 Senior National Champion and took gold at Junior Worlds back in 2009. But, both of his losses at the 2020 Olympic Trials came at the hands of the wrestlers mentioned first. Ty Walz is someone that has bounced between the 97 and 125 kg weight classes over the years. He moved back up for the 2021 WTT's. Walz split matches with Gadson at the Olympic Trials and ended up fourth in the Challenge Tournament. Though he may be a little unsized for the weight, he'll use that quickness to his advantage offensively. Another wrestler moving up in weight here is Hayden Zillmer. In 2018, Zillmer fell to J'den Cox in Final X Bethlehem, while at 92 kg. In the 2016 Olympic Trials, Ziller was at 85 kg. It's unclear exactly what to expect from him this weekend. Two more notables to mention are Austin Schafer and Jordan Wood. Schafer has been a nice development as someone who is competitive domestically on the Senior level. Wood, a two-time All-American for Lehigh, qualified for the 2020 Trials and is a past Cadet World silver medalist. Champion Prediction: Mason Parris

Play Fantasy for the World Team Trials The World Team Trials are just a few days away. Don't have any rooting interests? Creating a fantasy team will make watching the event more interesting. Play Fantasy Wrestling There are three games up right now on Fantasy Fight League - one for each style at the Trials. You have to pick a lowerweight, middleweight and upperweight starter for each style and the total points your athletes score will earn you leaderboard points. There are prizes for the top ten finishers this month. You can win a pair of Rudis shoes, a Team USA singlet, InterMat subscription and more. View all of this month's prizes here.