InterMat Staff

It has been a busy off-season of international wrestling for several of the nation’s best women’s college wrestlers. From Women’s Nationals, World Team Trials, US Open, Pan Am Games, and Final X, some of the faces you’ve been seeing on wrestling’s biggest stages will be returning soon to college lineups. While this is not a rankings list of wrestlers I think will find the most success in their upcoming 2023-24 season, they are all wrestlers who may be shaking up expectations of what they could accomplish based on their impressive showings at some of these events. In no particular order, here are 10 wrestlers to keep an eye on this domestic season. Adaugo Nwachukwu - William Penn Adaugo made a big splash in her first two years in college at Iowa Wesleyan, winning two consecutive NAIA Championships at 136 lbs in 2022 and 2023. She continued making headlines for her impressive road to Final X the past few months, beating Jennifer Page at the US Open at 62 kg to get there. While she did drop her Final X series to Kayla Miracle, she finished in True 3rd, securing a spot as a National Team Member. This year, she also finished first at the U20 World Team Trials and the U20 Pan Ams, both at 62kg. This is not the first year Nwachukwu has seen success at international wrestling. In 2022, she won bronze at U20 World’s and placed 3rd at the U.S. Open. It will be interesting to see if she is able to jump up again at U20s given her improvement year over year. Additionally, if her growth in international wrestling from her 2022 season to 2023 is any indication of how her college season this year will go, it will be hard to keep her from a 3rd consecutive NAIA Championship, this time in a William Penn singlet. Kylie Welker - Iowa Kylie Welker should be a regular in the lineup for the Hawkeyes in their first season wrestling as an attached team. Welker was the team’s first commit when she announced in early 2022 she’d be heading to Iowa. While the team wrestled unattached, Welker’s only college competition so far was at the Soldier Salute where she went 3-0 before an injury that ended the rest of her season. However, once recovered, Welker has had quite an offseason. She was the champ at U20 Pan Ams, and won in dominant fashion throughout the tournament with two techs and a fall. Additionally, she became a Senior National Team Member with wins over Dymond Guilford, Tristan Kelly, and Sydnee Kimber. She came in 3rd at World Team Trials and 5th at the U.S. Open. At the time of her college announcement, she was considered the No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit with an incredible showing in 2021 finishing 2nd at the US Olympic Trials, 3rd at U23 Worlds, and finishing as the Champ at U20 Worlds. She earned a spot as a 2021 Senior World Team member as well. While there is plenty of excitement surrounding this year’s team at Iowa and their first year competing, Welker in particular will be one to watch to see how her dynamic style and competitiveness shine against college opponents. Bella Mir - Iowa Bella Mir will also be representing the Hawkeyes this upcoming season after seeing success at a few tournaments this past year. She came in 3rd at the Bearcat Open and 2nd at the Soldier Salute, where her only loss came in the finals against Life University’s Latifah McBryde. McBryde was undefeated in college last year until the finals match at the NAIA Championship where she lost in the last five seconds of the match. Mir was a 4x Nevada State Champ coming out of high school and was able to maintain that high level of competitiveness in off-season wrestling this past summer. She finished 6th at the US Open at 68kg and was the champ at U20 Nationals. In her run at U20s, she beat Katie Lange, another wrestler on this list, so she has shown her capabilities competing against experienced high-level wrestlers at her weight. At the Grand Prix of Spain in July she went 4-0 to take the Gold, winning her last three matches by pin. Her finals match saw her make a big comeback, as she earned a pin while down 11-2. There is a lot of talent at 155 lbs, but Mir is no stranger to intense competition. Outside of wrestling she is 3-0 in her MMA career and is the daughter of former UFC Champion Frank Mir. She has already faced many opponents she could see again throughout the season, so it will be interesting to see if she continues to grow and separate against familiar wrestlers this year. Sage Mortimer - King University Sage Mortimer will be starting her Junior year at King University and will be looking to improve on her national tournament success from her first two years competing. In 2022, she finished 3rd at the National College Women’s Wrestling Championships at 109 lbs, and then improved to 2nd place in 2023. Mortimer saw success in 2022 when she was the champ at U20 Pan Ams. However, she had mixed results in domestic freestyle this year, coming in 4th at 50kg at the US Open, but unfortunately being disqualified from U23 Nationals in her first match against Emily Shilson for what the officials ruled as brutality in a controversial call. Without a full picture of how she could have done at U23s it is a little harder to predict how it may factor into her success this season, but she did improve her record to 30-3, with 24 bonus point wins in her past college season, so her momentum is headed towards an even more successful season. Additionally, Shilson may not be returning to college this year, which may open the path to success for Mortimer even more. Fans should pay close attention to her as she attempts to finally get to the top of the podium at the end of this season. Katie Lange - Augsburg Katie Lange returns as a junior for Augsburg as the reigning National Champ at 143 lbs. After an injury in the 2022 season after regionals, Lange was able to battle back, get healthy and take it all the way. She defeated Ashlynn Ortega, the returning champ in an exciting, down-to-the-wire match. Ortega will also return this season to wrestle for King University, and presumably will have a rematch with Lange on her agenda. However, Lange’s momentum hasn’t stopped in the offseason. She took 4th place at the 2023 World Team Trials, 3rd at this year’s US Open, 4th at U20 Nationals, and won U23 Nationals at 68kg. Lange will return to the 143lb weight class with a title to defend, but several more dominant wins under her belt during this off-season. Alexis Janiak - Aurora Alexis Janiak came into her freshman year at Aurora ready to make her mark, going 24-4 overall and finishing as the runner-up at the 2023 NCCWC at 130 lbs. She has also seen international success coming in second in 2021 at the Cadet Pan Ams while she was still in high school. In 2023, she won Bronze at the Grand Prix of Spain and was the Champion at U20 Nationals. Her win in the finals at U20 Nationals was an impressive showing where she swept Savidge, also on this list, in the best of three finals, stamping her victory with a pin in their second match. It feels like Janiak has potential to take this off-season momentum and make another run to the podium, with plenty of additional bonus-point wins on the way. Sarah Savidge - Life University Sarah Savidge is heading into her sophomore season at Life University after nearly going all the way at last year’s NAIA National Championships. She had won all other matches in the tournament by pin or tech, before dropping her final match 6-3 to Lexie Basham of Texas Wesleyan. Rolling into spring and summer international competition, Savidge brought home the Gold at U20 Pan Ams and Junior Pan Ams. She came in 5th at the US Open, and finished in 2nd at U20s, losing to Alexis Janiak. While Janiak and Savidge have potential to go back-and-forth on the international stage, Savidge seems to have the answer for a lot of her collegiate opponents. Look for her to take it all the way this season while continuing to make an impact on the 59kg division. Mia Palumbo - William Penn Mia Palumbo is another wrestler who, along with teammate Adaugo Nwachukwu, followed her coaches from Iowa Wesleyan to William Penn after the former announced it was closing. Prior to that announcement, Palumbo had made it to the finals of the NAIA championships two years in a row for 2022 and 2023. Unfortunately, both times she's come to face Peyton Prussin, 3x National Champion from Life University. On the international scene, Palumbo has had a strong showing this off-season. She came in first place at U20 Pan Ams and came in 4th at the U20 Nationals, losing in the 3rd place match to Sage Mortimer. With Prussin presumably done with her college wrestling career, Palumbo has a chance to become the new number one. Maddie Kubicki - Presbyterian Maddie Kubicki will be a true freshman this upcoming season at Presbyterian, but given her high school and international track record, she’ll be one to watch. In high school, Kubicki was a four-time Missouri State champ and the Missouri Female Athlete of the Year. While she did come in second at the 2021 U17 Nationals, most of her success has come this past spring and summer. In 2023, she placed 3rd at U23 Nationals, and 3rd at the Grand Prix of Spain. Kubicki really made her mark as the Champ at U20 Nationals, winning by all pins and tech falls before a decision win in the finals. While there can be some transition heading into college from high school, Kubicki’s freestyle success could be an indication of her readiness and ability to be a real threat to her weight class this season. Cristelle Rodriguez - Doane Cristelle Rodriguez capped off her freshman season at Doane with a 3rd place finish at the NAIA tournament in 2023. Rodriguez was the fourth seed at the tournament and did not give up a single point until her loss to eventual champ Lexie Basham in the semifinals. Rodriguez had a notable 2nd place finish at Cadet Worlds in 2019. In 2023, she went on to win U20 Nationals at 57kg. Rodriguez showed both dominant wins and the ability to string together the necessary points in close matches, and it seems she has a lot of different tools in her arsenal. Be looking for her to improve on her 3rd place NAIA finish this year along with a highly competitive regular season of matches as well. Honorable Mentions In addition to the wrestlers above, I wanted to mention three additional wrestlers with the potential to really change the landscape in upcoming college wrestling seasons depending on how they choose to continue their wrestling careers. Emily Shilson - McKendree Emily Shilson was an incredibly decorated wrestler coming out of high school. She was a six-time Minnesota State Girls wrestling champion and a three-time qualifier for Minnesota AAA boys state championships. Before college, she was a 2017 Cadet World Silver medalist and in 2018 she was a Cadet World Champion. She originally competed in college for Augsburg and was a 4x National Champ. After winning in 2022, she did not compete during the beginning of the 2022-23 season and announced in January of this year she would be transferring to McKendree. She then won her 5th National Title later in March, still going undefeated in her college career. In 2021, Shilson was the U23 World Champ as well as the Junior World Champ. In 2022 she finished 3rd at the U23 Trials. And this year, Shilson took first place at U23s over Sage Mortimer. Despite her impressive and lengthy collegiate career, Shilson still has one year left of eligibility. She said after her National Championship win that she wasn’t sure yet if she would return to wrestle another year in college. If she does, she will be looking to remain undefeated and claim a 6th National Championship to match her six high school state championships. Audrey Jimenez Audrey Jimenez has made headlines for her accomplishments so far despite only being 18 years old. Jimenez still has one more year to compete in high school and is not only a three-time State Champ, but also the #1 pound-for-pound recruit in her class. Jimenez’s notable international success began in 2021 when she walked away from U17 Worlds with a bronze medal. In 2022, she was both a U17 World Team member and a U20 World Silver Medalist. Just this past summer, Jimenez was the U20 World Team Trials Champion at 50kg and the US Open Champion at 50kg, securing her spot at Final X. While she did lose at Final X to Olympic and World Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt, she is clearly going to continue to be a factor at this weight class both domestically and internationally. She most recently placed third at the Grand Prix of Spain. Wrestling fans will surely continue to keep an eye on Jimenez to see if she chooses to compete at the collegiate level, or instead follow in the footsteps of other prominent wrestlers like the Blades sisters or Amit Elor and focus on a club team and international wrestling. Katie Gomez Katie Gomez and Audrey Jimenez have found themselves at the same international tournaments and earning spots on the same world teams throughout their careers. Gomez was the 2021 U17 World Champion at 53kg, and then the U20 World bronze medalist in 2022. This year, Gomez won the US Open at 53kg, also earning her a spot to compete at Final X. While Gomez did drop her matchup against World Champion Dominique Parrish, she went on to compete and win the Grand Prix of Spain, even beating Senior World Team Member Alisha Howk along the way. Gomez has discussed wanting to compete in college, but has not made any indication of where or when she may go. She is currently focused on club wrestling to prepare for international competitions.

This afternoon, the #2 heavyweight in the nation Dillan Johnson (Joliet Catholic, IL) announced that he was flipping his collegiate commitment from Northwestern to Wisconsin. Johnson is currently ranked #11 overall in the Class of 2024. Johnson is projected to play two sports at the collegiate level, as he is also deemed a three-star recruit for football. Recent developments in the football landscape likely drove this decision. Just a day ago, Northwestern fired head football coach Pat Fitzgerald amid a hazing scandal. Initially, the school suspended Fitzgerald for two weeks; however, they changed course four days later. Fitzgerald is the winningest coach in school history and plenty of transfers and decommitments were expected after his firing. On the mat, Johnson has won a pair of Illinois 2A state championships at 285 lbs. Last year, Johnson went to Fargo and ended up in second place at the Junior freestyle tournament. At the beginning of his senior year, Johnson captured a title at the Walsh Ironman with very little resistance. On his way to the finals, Johnson notched two falls, a major and a 7-1 decision. For the title, he downed incoming Nebraska freshman Matthew Moore (Mesa Ridge, CO), 7-3. Johnson is the latest in a run of elite heavyweights that will attempt to play football and wrestle. The Class of 2023 had a pair of top-15 recruits (Ben Kueter - Iowa and Jim Mullen - Virginia Tech) that intend on playing football and wrestling. The Wisconsin Class of 2023 features a transfer, Isaac Klarkowski, who played DI football at Rice University and will be available at heavyweight. With Johnson’s verbal, Wisconsin now has commitments from three 2024 Big Boarder’s, two of which have come within the last week. #86 Colin Kelly, also of Illinois, verballed last week to join a class that includes #138 Wyatt Ingham (WI) and Carson Exferd (ID). Chris Bono’s squad has the makings of another top-25 recruiting class. They’ve made InterMat’s rankings in each of the last three seasons (25/2023; 14/2022; 14/2021). Johnson should see at least one familiar face in the Badger room as two-time All-American Dean Hamiti Jr. also attended Joliet Catholic. For more on the Badger recruiting class; check InterMat’s commitment page.

Joliet Catholic

The Mountain Hawks of Lehigh University have had a long tradition of wrestling. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the university sits on South Mountain overlooking the historic city, which came to prominence during the Industrial Revolution as a steel-production town. In conjunction, the surrounding area was known to have some of the largest cement plants in the world, for a period of time. Generations of hard-working families representing these blue-collar jobs has led to, arguably, the biggest hotbed of wrestling in the entire country. The University’s nickname is fitting for the only Division I wrestling program located the Lehigh Valley. Any wrestling junkie can tell you the historical impact this area has had on the sport of wrestling. This is why, in 2008, when the head coaching position at Lehigh University opened up, Pat Santoro jumped at the opportunity. Coach Pat Santoro said, “Getting back home was pretty big for both of us. The opportunity to coach back in the Lehigh Valley was really big. And, we know what’s capable here.” The “us” Santoro is referring to is his longtime assistant, Brad Dillon. Brad grew up in the Lehigh Valley, and attended Lehigh, earning All-American status twice. Santoro grew up in Bethlehem, and attended Pitt where he was 2X NCAA Champ, and 4X All-American. Interestingly enough, Santoro’s father, uncle, and brother all wrestled for Lehigh. Some may still wonder why Pat did not follow in family footsteps to attend the university to wrestle there himself… Regardless, he’s here now leading the brown and white. At the time of the hire, Santoro became just the eighth Head Coach in the program’s 99-year history. As the program reaches its 115th season, it goes to show the loyalty to the program each coach brings to the table. It speaks volumes to the tradition of it. Also, this job is not used as a “stepping stone” to move onto another, “better” program. Lehigh has always been that better program. This has been the cream of the crop, in terms of head coaching jobs in all of NCAA wrestling. It is no secret that Santoro was chosen to lead Lehigh based on his previous coaching credentials. Coach Santoro coached for five years at the University of Maryland. His long-time wingman, Brad Dillon, was his assistant there for four of them. It took some convincing from Santoro, as he smirked “He (Brad) was going to go to dental school… I tricked him into a life of not making money and long hours.” Both were vital in the resurgence of the program, winning the conference title in 2008 – the school’s first ACC title since 1993. It was quite a shock to Coach Dillon’s system, “Coming from Lehigh where we were a top-five NCAA team (as a competitor), and going to a team without a single qualifier was very different.” It seems like this was a positive step for them – needing to learn how to dig deep and really look in the mirror to find a way to recruit, develop, and coach to improve a program that needed a complete culture change. To be blunt, they had to do more with less - in terms of talent, support, and other things that Maryland could not provide at the time. This made the transition to Lehigh much easier, in my opinion. from left: Evan Henderson, Brad Dillon, and Pat Santoro; Photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com Both coaches loved being at Maryland. “I loved those guys. The wrestlers, staff, everybody,” Santoro stated. It was no accident that Maryland secured three All-Americans the first year after Santoro and Dillon left. The team they helped build earned 10th place at NCAAs in 2009. It’s incredible once you realize the team Santoro took over five years prior had zero national qualifiers. Coincidentally enough, the coach who took over for Santoro at Maryland was Kerry McCoy. Coach McCoy is now the head coach at the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club – the Regional Olympic Training Center based out of Bethlehem, PA. It’s a small world sometimes. When highlighting some of the good and bad times at Lehigh, it was no shock to me that two low points for them were off the mat issues. If you need an example of a staff who really encapsulates “there’s more to life than wrestling” this is the staff. Two different, and very unfortunate, career-ending diseases forced two top recruits to give up the sport before ever really getting started in brown and white. First, Eric Hess of Benton, Pennsylvania, was forced to medically excuse himself from the sport while he battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Secondly, Austin Meys of Shenendehowa, NY, was an NCAA qualifier his true freshman year before he was sidelined with an illness named Guillain-Barré (Ghee-YAN Bah-RAY) syndrome. This rare disorder causes your immune system to mistakenly attack your nervous system, leading to a variety of issues in your peripheral nerves. Obviously, this is horrible for any team to go through. Strangely enough, both stud high school wrestlers were teammates. Austin graduated high school in 2009, while Eric was a 2010 high school graduate. What a challenging environment the team must have been in – worried about the health of friends while training at a high level in order to achieve their dreams. This is all while two star-studded individuals had to give up on their dreams and focus on an entirely different life battle. Thankfully, both guys are much improved and living normal lives. Looking back at the much-less important wrestling aspect, this did hinder the team in a way. While Eric and Austin were focused on their health, they were still under a full scholarship (if not full – close to it). As unfortunate as it sounds, the team was forced to compete down two full-ride scholarships until they both graduated (approximately $120,000 +/- per season in total). Typically, once a wrestler is deemed medically incapable of competing, that scholarship money is transferred out of the wrestling team allotment – this was not the case at the time. It goes without saying again, the health and safety of these athletes was much more important than scholarship money – but the fact remains that two scholarships were essentially unused for wrestling in competition. Thankfully, Eric and Austin did not have their scholarships dropped because they couldn’t compete. This would have been a huge financial burden on top of their life-altering situation. It’s unfortunate, and horrific timing – but the staff and administration did the correct thing. There are too many on-the-mat achievements to mention, I’ll provide them at the end of the article. A few highlights during the Santoro-Dillon era include two National Champions (Darian Cruz and Zach Rey), 33 All-Americans, 34 EIWA Champions, and 4 straight EIWA team titles – just to name a few. The Mountain Hawks average 7.8 national qualifiers per season and have had an All-American at each of the 10 weight classes. Some off-the-mat accolades include 36 NWCA Academic All-Americans, producing a new wrestling facility, and increasing the fanbase. If you’ve never been to the wrestling facility, named the Caruso Complex, it’s highly recommended. The $4.2Million space was fully-funded by donors, and includes all things wrestling under one roof – including an athletic training room, locker rooms, weight rooms, offices, etc. It is one of the handful of athletic venues dedicated solely to wrestling across the country. The Wall of Fame includes portraits of All-Americans, highlighting the success they deserve. While on campus, be sure to go on match day. A wrestling dual inside Grace Hall is one of the coolest atmospheres in all of NCAA wrestling. It doesn’t have a large capacity, but it is very intimate. The fan base is literally right on top of the action – surrounding the abnormally large brown and white mat on four sides. The fans are practically within arm’s reach of the wrestlers. The visiting wrestlers may say the fans are too close – I can see that agreement with that statement, speaking from experience. It gets intense out there! Lehigh can also host matches at the much-larger Stabler Arena on campus, which can hold up to 6,000 people. If you’ve attended EIWAs at Lehigh, one can see the size of the arena. They’ve even hosted a match against Penn State at the PPL Center in Allentown, which houses roughly 10,000 fans. Let’s recap – what does Lehigh have? Great location to recruit from – check. Incredible, experienced staff – check. Rich tradition – check. Updated facilities – check. I asked the bold question, “what is it going to take to get Lehigh back into the top 5 or top 10?” The coaches assured me they were not that far off – and I cannot argue with them. The team tied for 20th utilizing one placewinner, Josh Humphreys at 157lbs. (Fun fact: Humphreys did not give up a single takedown all NCAA tournament – only losing in the semifinals by a reversal and riding time point to eventual champ Austin O’Connor of UNC). Michael Beard was a round of 12 finisher, after battling through an injury late in the season. This was all while Connor McGonagle, who spent most of the season ranked inside the top-5, missed NCAAs after tearing up his knee pretty badly at EIWAs. I know excuses are what they are – but a healthy Lehigh team is most-likely nearing the top 10 with 3 placers. Neither coach was thrilled about me making excuses for them, but I feel this was important to touch on. This team is always one injury, or one match result away, from being back inside the top-10. What about the future of the program? What does it look like, according to Santoro and Dillon? The future is very bright if you are a Mountain Hawk fan. For starters, the school has recently allowed “stacking” of scholarships – simply meaning an athlete can now have both an academic and athletic scholarship. This seems to be a trend more universities are allowing and I’m not sure why it’s taken this long. This enables much more flexibility in awarding scholarships to a wider range of wrestlers. Secondly, the alumni are stepping up in big ways to assist in mentorship programs for athletes. As a parent, knowing your athlete will be mentored by former Lehigh wrestler who was successful on the mat, but also now worth six-figures (or more) is a heck of a recruiting tool. Sure, this concept is not unique, or new, to wrestling – but it is now being amplified by the staff. Coach Zach Rey has been the lead coach on this front – and is already paying dividends for the guys looking into life beyond wrestling. Pat Santoro after Josh Humphreys' 2023 EIWA finals win; Photo courtesy of Tony DiMarco Well, the 2021 recruiting class was #17th ranked, while the 2023 class is #21 in the nation. These guys are still developing, coming off redshirt years, etc. and will be expected to make noise soon. Included in these classes is one of the highest-touted recruits Lehigh has landed in nearly a decade. Plus, he is a local product. Ryan Crookham amassed a 116-3 career record in high school over three seasons. Why are other local studs leaving the area to attend other wrestling powerhouses when one is in their backyard? It comes down to the simple factor of them not getting past admissions at Lehigh. Remember, they are student-athletes. The word “student” is before “athlete” for a reason. There are certain academic criteria that need to be met no matter how fantastic of a wrestler one may be. This extends to any recruit obviously, not just local. On this topic, Coach Dillon explained “If you can’t put the work in (inside the classroom) you won’t make it at Lehigh” This is another implication to recruiting you see across the EIWA, and other private institutions. In good news, all three of us agreed the attitude towards education is becoming more positive and a greater focus for athletes and families compared to in the past. The trend appears to show that education, and life after wrestling, is now more of a forefront thought than ever before. Coach Santoro buttoned this topic up by stating, “We see this happening locally, and we are hoping we can retain some of these athletes and make trophy runs by letting them wrestle in front of a great crowd and great community where wrestling is really important on campus.” Speaking of the EIWA, both Coach Santoro and Dillon agreed the conference is a much better place than it was 15 seasons ago. “The rise of the Ivies, and military schools has greatly impacted the conference” Santoro stated. “Recruiting against them is tougher than ever, as the playing field is more equal than before.” This is only the rise of competitiveness inside the conference. Lehigh must battle it out against the likes of Big Ten and up-and-coming ACC teams, which seem to be the first to roll out high-paying NIL deals to athletes. To be very clear about NIL, per NCAA rules the coaching staff cannot approach recruits about NIL deals. But, for example, if word gets out to a local wrestler that a certain business wants to get behind them and help sponsor said athlete via NIL to sign with Lehigh and keep them local – this is legal. Imagine the capability to do so in the hotbed of wrestling. What other D1 wrestling program has such a plethora of talent in its immediate area without any other larger distractions like a big-time college football program, or professional sports team? It’s easy to argue Lehigh may be the perfect example of this situation. The NIL aspect of the sport is the third future endeavor the staff highlighted. It has taken the wrestling world by storm lately. As mentioned, Lehigh hopes to be in the conversation with the “big schools” soon, once they can really get the alumni, and local businesses involved with potential NIL deals for current and future athletes. “Give them a reason to stay” was one way Coach Santoro directly stated on how to keep local talent. As much as people may disagree with NIL, if a wrestler has a full ride from two schools, but one has a nice NIL package (potentially 5 or 6 figures worth)– which school would 99% of wrestlers pick? This is the trouble many schools, including Lehigh, are facing during the recruiting process. It’s a matter of keeping up with the Jones’s if we’re being honest. Plus, keeping the RTC alive with nine sponsored wrestlers is another goal they are actively improving upon. The recent signing of Mikey Labriola is an example of that. The Nebraska Husker standout was a 5X All-American, returning to the Lehigh Valley where he grew up to compete on the freestyle circuit. My overall conversation with Coach Santoro and Coach Dillon was a fantastic one. They are both incredible minds for the sport, and some of the best guys to have in your corner in both wrestling and life. They were very self-reflecting as well. They understand the wrestling landscape is changing, so they need to change with it. The way they recruit, coach, and approach the sport in general must evolve as well. COVID set them back for a few years, which is no surprise. It pretty much set the entire world back. They feel like they are learning from it and focusing on weak points that were exposed during that time. The CEO-like coach position is an expanding role they are navigating while still being in the room with wrestlers. The first 15 years of the Santoro/Dillon era at Lehigh were impressive by all measures. Could they have been better? The coaches believe so. This is why the future of the program is promising – the strive to be better year after year starts at the top. It sets the precedent for the culture. They understand the potential Lehigh is capable of, and the success they’ve had in the past. Most importantly, they live and breathe Mountain Hawk wrestling – knowing the importance of tradition while continuing to develop successful young men for the next 15 years to come. 2011 NCAA champion Zach Rey (left) and Brad Dillon at the 2022 NCAA Championships; Photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com List of Accomplishments under Santoro and Dillon: Coached Two NCAA Division I National Champions- Darian Cruz (2017), Zach Rey (2011) Coached only 5X EIWA Champion - Jordan Wood (2022,2021,2020,2019,2018) Coached 33 NCAA Division I All Americans Coached 34 EIWA Champions Coached 36 NWCA Academic All Americans Coached 4 EIWA Tournament Championship Teams (2021,2020,2019,2018). Defeated NCAA Division I Tournament Champion in Dual Meet for 1st time in School History (Ohio State 2/21/15) Brought in Eleven Top 25 Ranked Recruiting Classes by Intermat Defeated #1 Ranked Team for 1st Time in School History (Cornell 1/20/2011) Lehigh Record for Most Dual Meet Wins in a Season (23 in 2008‐2009) Santoro named EIWA Coach of the Year 6X Santoro named NWCA Coach of the Year in 2018

Fargo aka the 16U and Junior National Championships is only a few days away and it has long been a place to watch the future stars of our sport in action. Today’s best at Fargo are typically superstars on the collegiate scene. Just how frequently does that success in the FargoDome translate to developing into one of the collegiate greats? We had that question and figured many others out there did as well. As with any Fargo-related history project, with the help of Jason Bryant’s awesome Fargo Almanac, we looked at a ten-year period between 2008-2017 to see how many Junior freestyle national champions went on to make the NCAA DI podium. We chose Junior freestyle because the competitors are closer to the collegiate age and freestyle because there is less of a gap between it and folkstyle; as opposed to Greco-Roman. Why 2008-17? For the most part, wrestlers that finished their high school careers in 2017 have now finished their collegiate careers and it gives us a more accurate picture, rather than use years that include dozens of wrestlers still chasing All-American dreams. Below you’ll see each Junior weight class (they have changed once since 2008) along with the number of DI All-Americans that captured a Junior National title at that particular weight, in the time period. Those AA’s have been listed along with their college choice(s). There may or may not be “other notables” listed as well, in the instance that there was a high-profile wrestler that never AA’ed or was close to it from that particular weight. 100 lbs Zero out of 10 Other Notables: Malik Heinselman; 2x top-12 seed at NCAA’s 105 lbs Three out of 10 (Sam Latona - Virginia Tech, Louie Hayes - Virginia, Jade Rauser - Utah Valley) Other Notables: Max Nowry; 3x Senior Greco-Roman World Team member 112/113 lbs Five out of 10 (Brandon Courtney - Arizona State, Jack Mueller - Virginia, Tommy Thorn - Minnesota, Nathan Tomasello - Ohio State, Ryan Mango - Stanford) Other Notables: Nic Aguilar; Honorable Mention All-American in 2020 119/120 lbs Five out of 10 (Patrick McKee - Minnesota, Daton Fix - Oklahoma State, Nathan Tomasello - Ohio State x2, Thomas Gilman - Iowa) 125/126 lbs Seven out of 10 (Austin Gomez - Iowa State/Wisconsin, Mitch McKee - Minnesota, Cory Clark - Iowa, Joey Dance - Virginia Tech, Eddie Klimara - Oklahoma State, David Thorn - Minnesota, Logan Stieber - Ohio State) 130/132 lbs Six out of 10 (Taylor LaMont - Utah Valley/Wisconsin, Tommy Thorn - Minnesota, Seth Gross - Iowa/Wisconsin/South Dakota State, Zain Retherford - Penn State, Zane Richards - Illinois, Cashe Quiroga - Purdue) Other Notables: Ian Parker; 1st team All-American in 2020; 2x top-seven seed at NCAA’s 135/138 lbs Three out of 10 (Nick Lee - Penn State, Matt Kolodzik - Princeton, Dylan Alton - Penn State) Other Notables: Aaron Pico; 3x Cadet/Junior World Medalist 140 lbs One out of four (Jason Tsirtsis - Northwestern/Arizona State) 145 lbs Six out of 10 (Isaiah White - Nebraska, Anthony Collica - Oklahoma State x2, Brian Realbuto - Cornell, Alex Dieringer - Oklahoma State, Dylan Alton - Penn State) Other Notables: Anthony Artalona; 2x Round of 12 Finisher 152 lbs Three out of 10 (Will Lewan - Michigan, Larry Early - Minnesota/Old Dominion, Zac Brunson - Illinois) Other Notables: Mason Manville; Senior Greco-Roman World Team member 160 lbs Six out of 10 (David Carr - Iowa State, Joseph Smith - Oklahoma State, Isaiah Martinez - Illinois, Alex Dieringer - Oklahoma State, Derek St. John - Iowa, Andrew Howe - Wisconsin/Oklahoma) Other Notables: Nick Moore; Two-time top-ten seed at NCAA’s 170/171 lbs Eight out of 10 (Aaron Brooks - Penn State, Chandler Rogers - Oklahoma State, Bo Nickal - Penn State, Kyle Crutchmer - Oklahoma State, Pat Downey - Iowa State, Logan Storley - Minnesota, Ethen Lofthouse - Iowa, Ben Bennett - Central Michigan) 182/189 lbs Four out of 10 (Myles Martin - Ohio State, Morgan McIntosh - Penn State, Jake Swartz - Boise State, Chris Perry - Oklahoma State) Other Notables: Max Lyon; 2022 Round of 12 Finisher, Nick Reenan; Final X participant 195 lbs Three out of six (Jacob Warner - Iowa, Ben Darmstadt - Cornell, Sam Brooks - Iowa) 215/220 lbs Six out of 10 (Zach Elam - Missouri, Jordan Wood - Lehigh, J’den Cox - Missouri, Morgan McIntosh - Penn State, Tanner Hall - Arizona State, Tony Nelson - Minnesota) 285 lbs Six out of 10 (Tony Cassioppi - Iowa, Gannon Gremmel - Iowa State, Adam Coon - Michigan x2, Connor Medbery - Wisconsin, Jeremy Johnson - Ohio) Other Notables: Osawaru Odighizuwa; Future NFL star with the Dallas Cowboys Conclusion: 72 of the 150 champions went on to step on the NCAA podium. Now we can break those numbers down a bit further as there were a handful of wrestlers that captured multiple Junior freestyle titles during the time period observed. Now parsing those numbers down a bit, there were a handful of repeat champions that were counted in both categories, so taking out those repeats, you’re left with 65 DI All-Americans out of 140 champions; good for a 46% rate.

2022 16U freestyle national champion Marcus Blaze; Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com We are officially in “Fargo-week!” The Junior and 16U National Championships, affectionately known just by “Fargo” gets underway Saturday from the FargoDome. That will kick off eight-straight days of action in which the future stars of our sport compete for coveted Stop Signs. Speaking of, here are the wrestlers that came away with Stop Signs from the last ten editions of this tournament. (Remember there was no tournament in 2020). During this time, some of the women’s weights have fluctuated, so some weights/champions were combined below. 16U Men’s Freestyle 88 lbs 2022 - Mac Crosson (Iowa) 2021 - Javaan Yarbrough (Ohio) 2019 - Braeden Davis (Michigan) 2018 - Mason Gehloff (Minnesota) 2017 - Drake Ayala (Iowa) 2016 - Cullan Schiever (Iowa) 2015 - Mosha Schwartz (Colorado) 2014 - Malik Heinselman (Colorado) 2013 - Gavin Teasdale (Pennsylvania) 2012 - Devin Schnupp (Pennsylvania) 94 lbs 2022 - Haakon Peterson (Wisconsin) 2021 - Mack Mauger (Idaho) 2019 - Cael Hughes (Oklahoma) 2018 - Maxximus Martinez (California) 2017 - Jett Strickenberger (Colorado) 2016 - Jeremiah Reno (Missouri) 2015 - Malik Heinselman (Colorado) 2014 - Nic Aguilar (California) 2013 - Kaden Gfeller (Oklahoma) 2012 - Hunter Marko (Wisconsin) 100 lbs 2022 - Michael Romero (California) 2021 - Seth Mendoza (Illinois) 2019 - Jore Volk (Minnesota) 2018 - Jordan Williams (Oklahoma) 2017 - Dylan Ragusin (Illinois) 2016 - Julian Tagg (Ohio) 2015 - Dylan D’Emilio (Ohio) 2014 - Roman Bravo-Young (Penn State) 2013 - Danny Vega (Arizona) 2012 - Miguel Silva (Illinois) 106 lbs 2022 - Jayden Raney (Kentucky) 2021 - Anthony Knox (New Jersey) 2019 - Evan Tallmadge (New Jersey) 2018 - Nicolar Rivera (Wisconsin) 2017 - Zeke Escalera (Kentucky) 2016 - Corey Gamet (Michigan) 2015 - Jordan Decatur (Ohio) 2014 - Paul Konrath (Indiana) 2013 - Jack Mueller (Texas) 2012 - Scott Parker (Pennsylvania) 113 lbs 2022 - Kellen Wolbert (Wisconsin) 2021 - Leo DeLuca (New Jersey) 2019 - Wilfried Tanefeu (North Dakota) 2018 - Jakason Burks (Nebraska) 2017 - Noah Surtin (Illinois) 2016 - Colton Yapoujian (Colorado) 2015 - Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) 2014 - Austin Gomez (Illinois) 2013 - Daton Fix (Oklahoma) 2012 - Zahid Valencia (California) 120 lbs 2022 - Marcus Blaze (Ohio) 2021 - Adrian Meza (Arizona) 2019 - Jordan Williams (Oklahoma) 2018 - Jesse Ybarra (Arizona) 2017 - Ryan Sokol (Minnesota) 2016 - Jordan Decatur (Ohio) 2015 - Nick Raimo (New Jersey) 2014 - Dylan Duncan (Illinois) 2013 - Taylor LaMont (Utah) 2012 - Matt Kolodzik (Ohio) 126 lbs 2022 - Ben Davino (Illinois) 2021 - Kyler Larkin (Arizona) 2019 - Nic Bouzakis (Florida) 2018 - Dominick Serrano (Colorado) 2017 - Joshua Saunders (Missouri) 2016 - Nick Raimo (New Jersey) 2015 - Vito Arujau (New York) 2014 - CJ Red (Indiana) 2013 - Zahid Valencia (California) 2012 - Seth Gross (Minnesota) 132 lbs 2022 - Brock Mantanona (California) 2021 - Zach Hanson (Minnesota) 2019 - Daniel Cardenas (Colorado) 2018 - Josh Edmond (Michigan) 2017 - Carson Manville (Minnesota) 2016 - Jacori Teemer (New York) 2015 - Sammy Sasso (Pennsylvania) 2014 - Nick Lee (Indiana) 2013 - Carter Happel (Iowa) 2012 - Aaron Pico (California) 138 lbs 2022 - PJ Duke (New York) 2021 - Joel Adams (Nebraska) 2019 - John Wiley (Oklahoma) 2018 - Travis Mastrogiovanni (New Jersey) 2017 - Fidel Mayora (Illinois) 2016 - Brock Hardy (Utah) 2015 - Joe Lee (Indiana) 2014 - Ethan Karsten (Missouri) 2013 - Isaiah White (Illinois) 2012 - Anthony Valencia (California) 145 lbs 2022 - Cody Routledge (Oklahoma) 2021 - William Henckel (Connecticut) 2019 - Dean Hamiti (Illinois) 2018 - Carson Manville (Pennsylvania) 2017 - Alex Facundo (Michigan) 2016 - Jared Franek (North Dakota) 2015 - Anthony Artalona (Florida) 2014 - Jared Verkleeren (Pennsylvania) 2013 - Mason Manville (New Jersey) 2012 - Fox Baldwin (Florida) 152 lbs 2022 - Ladarion Lockett (Oklahoma) 2021 - Zach Ryder (New York) 2019 - Stoney Buell (Michigan) 2018 - Tate Picklo (Oklahoma) 2017 - Carter Starocci (Pennsylvania) 2016 - Frankie Gissendanner (New York) 2015 - Trevell Timmons (Illinois) 2014 - Trey Meyer (Washington) 2013 - Nick Reenan (Texas) 2012 - Mark Hall (Minnesota) 160 lbs 2022 - Bekhruz Sadriddnov (Pennsylvania) 2021 - Louie Cerchio (New Jersey) 2019 - TJ Stewart (Maryland) 2018 - Quayin Short (Minnesota) 2017 - Robert Kanniard (New Jersey) 2016 - Aaron Brooks (Maryland) 2015 - Ryan Karoly (New Jersey) 2014 - Brandon Dallavia (New Jersey) 2013 - Mark Hall (Minnesota) 2012 - Bo Nickal (Texas) 170 lbs 2022 - Jarrel Miller Jr. (Ohio) 2021 - Gabe Arnold (Georgia) 2019 - Lenny Pinto (Pennsylvania) 2018 - Luke Stout (Pennsylvania) 2017 - AJ Ferrari (Texas) 2016 - Travis Wittlake (Oregon) 2015 - Jacob Warner (Illinois) 2014 - Beau Breske (Wisconsin) 2013 - Beau Breske (Wisconsin) 2012 - Ryan Christensen (Washington) 182 lbs 2022 - Aeoden Sinclair (Wisconsin) 2021 - Camden McDanel (Ohio) 2019 - Bennett Berge (Minnesota) 2018 - Rocky Elam (Missouri) 2017 - Devin Winston (Missouri) 2016 - Ryan Karoly (New Jersey) 2015 - Jacob Raschka (Wisconsin) 2014 - Keegan Moore (Minnesota) 2013 - Roberto Rivera (Georgia) 2012 - Michael Pixley (Missouri) 195 lbs 2022 - Dreshaun Ross (Iowa) 2021 - Max McEnelly (Minnesota) 2019 - Seth Shumate (Ohio) 2018 - Noah Pettigrew (Georgia) 2017 - Ashton Sharp (Missouri) 2016 - Braxton Amos (West Virginia) 2015 - Jake Boyd (Missouri) 2014 - Matt Stencel (Ohio) 2013 - Tyler Johnson (Illinois) 2012 - Lance Benick (Minnesota) 220 lbs 2022 - Jay Henderson (Utah) 2021 - Koy Hopke (Minnesota) 2019 - Kolby Franklin (Pennsylvania) 2018 - Nathaniel Deasey (Arizona) 2017 - Braxton Amos (West Virginia) 2016 - Cohlton Schultz (Colorado) 2015 - Gable Steveson (Minnesota) 2014 - Gannon Gremmel (Iowa) 2013 - Lance Benick (Minnesota) 2012 - Roy Nash (Utah) 285 lbs 2022 - Aaron Ries (Ohio) 2021 - Navarro Schunke (South Dakota) 2019 - Hayden Copass (Illinois) 2018 - Hayden Copass (Illinois) 2017 - Nash Hutmacher (South Dakota) 2016 - Montana Phillips (Oklahoma) 2015 - Nick Boykin (Tennessee) 2014 - Osawaru Odighizuwa (Oregon) 2013 - Jacob Marnin (Iowa) 2012 - Wyatt Spears (Oregon) 2022 16U national champion Rianne Murphy; Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com 16U Women’s Freestyle 84 lbs 2012 - Malie Gonsalves (Hawaii) 88 lbs 2016 - Caitlyn Walker (Pennsylvania) 2015 - Vayle Rae Baker (Pennsylvania) 2014 - Jayda Bordeaux (Texas) 94/95 lbs 2022 - Katey Valdez (Colorado) 2021 - Valarie Solorio (Florida) 2019 - Sterling Dias (Nevada) 2018 - Sterling Dias (Nevada) 2017 - Emily Shilson (Minnesota) 2016 - Emily Shilson (Minnesota) 2015 - McKayla Campbell (Ohio) 2014 - Naomi Chavez (Texas) 2013 - McKenzie Beach (California) 2012 - Brittnee Cook (Washington) 100/101 lbs 2022 - Rianne Murphy (Indiana) 2021 - Makenzie Smith (Indiana) 2019 - Sage Mortimer (Utah) 2018 - Sage Mortimer (Utah) 2017 - Olivia Shore (Ohio) 2016 - Alleida Martinez (California) 2015 - Alleida Martinez (California) 2014 - Hailey Horton (Georgia) 2013 - Genesis Patterson (South Carolina) 2012 - Jessica DeHart (Oregon) 106/108 lbs 2022 - Ava Ward (Missouri) 2021 - Paige Morales (California) 2019 - Faith Cole (Missouri) 2018 - Mia Palumbo (Illinois) 2017 - Brelane Huber (Idaho) 2016 - Macey Kilty (Wisconsin) 2015 - Alisha Howk (Missouri) 2014 - Ronna Heaton (South Dakota) 2013 - Angelica Llanes (California) 2012 - Cadence Lee (California) 112/115 lbs 2022 - Molly Allen (Iowa) 2021 - Cecilia Williams (Michigan) 2019 - Amani Jones (Georgia) 2018 - Ally Fitzgerald (New York) 2017 - Stefana Jelacic (Arizona) 2016 - Cara Broadus (Connecticut) 2015 - Gracie Figueroa (California) 2014 - Sierra Joner (Washington) 2013 - Gabby Garcia (California) 2012 - Cassandra Herkelman (Iowa) 117 lbs 2022 - Persaeus Gomez (Colorado) 2021 - Cadence Diduch (Illinois) 2019 - Jennifer Soto (California) 2018 - Adriana Dorado-Marin (Colorado) 2017 - Leilah Castro (Ohio) 122/124 lbs 2022 - Everest Leydecker (Arizona) 2021 - Shelby Moore (Washington) 2019 - Sofia Macaluso (New York) 2018 - Alexys Zepeda (Oregon) 2017 - Louisa Schwab (Illinois) 2016 - Gracie Figueroa (California) 2015 - Jerzie Estrada (Colorado) 2014 - Cierra Foster (Idaho) 2013 - Teshya Alo (Hawaii) 2012 - Teshya Alo (Hawaii) 127 lbs 2022 - Skylar Little Soldier (Minnesota) 2021 - Skylar Little Soldier (Minnesota) 2019 - Korina Blades (Illinois) 2018 - Mia Macaluso (New York) 2017 - Macey Kilty (Wisconsin) 132 lbs 2022 - Carina Giangeruso (New Jersey) 2021 - Cassia Zammit (Ohio) 2019 - Nonnie Justice (Missouri) 2018 - Cheyenne Bowman (California) 2017 - Sarah Conner (Oregon) 2016 - Alex Liles (Texas) 2015 - Ashlynn Ortega (Colorado) 2014 - Ashlynn Ortega (Colorado) 2013 - Maya Nelson (Colorado) 2012 - Becka Leathers (Oklahoma) 138 lbs 2022 - Sarah Henckel (Connecticut) 2021 - Alessandra Elliott (New York) 2019 - Reese Larramendy (Nevada) 2018 - Jahnea Miguel (Hawaii) 2017 - Emily Se (California) 143/144 lbs 2022 - Nebi Tsarni (Maryland) 2021 - Nebi Tsarni (Maryland) 2019 - Destiny Rodriguez (Oregon) 2018 - Nevaeh Cassidy (Washington) 2017 - Nia Miranda (Texas) 2016 - Jayden Laurent (Wisconsin) 2015 - Paige Amy (Michigan) 2014 - Rachel Watters (Iowa) 2013 - Rachel Watters (Iowa) 2012 - Alexis Porter (New York) 152/154 lbs 2022 - Mishell Rebisch (Michigan) 2021 - Jasmine Robinson (Texas) 2019 - Hannah Ricioli (California) 2018 - Kennedy Blades (Illinois) 2017 - Kelani Corbett (Hawaii) 2016 - Hannah Ramos (Wisconsin) 2015 - Abby Lees (Washington) 2014 - Kenya Spencer (Michigan) 2013 - Kenya Spencer (Michigan) 2012 - Autumn Rux (Michigan) 164/172 lbs 2022 - Ella Pagel (Minnesota) 2021 - Ella Pagel (Minnesota) 2019 - Kennedy Blades (Illinois) 2018 - Tristan Kelly (Colorado) 2017 - Bailey Dennis (Oregon) 2016 - Hailey Cancelleri (New York) 2015 - Jesse Kirby (Virginia) 2014 - Taylor Rosario (Texas) 2013 - Taylor Rosario (Texas) 2012 - Kaitlyn Hill (Michigan) 180 lbs 2022 - Sabrina Nauss (Michigan) 2021 - Sabrina Nauss (Michigan) 2019 - Brianna Staebler (Wisconsin) 2018 - Jaycee Foeller (Missouri) 2017 - Natalie Kemp (Wisconsin) 198/200 lbs 2022 - Savannah Isaac (Ohio) 2021 - Catherine Dutton (Missouri) 2019 - Olivia Brown (Oklahoma) 2018 - Olivia Brown (Oklahoma) 2017 - Jasmine Clarke (California) 2016 - Jesse Kirby (Virginia) 2015 - Rachel Bridges (Texas) 2014 - Nadine Fiege (Florida) 2013 - Nadine Fiege (Florida) 2012 - Ryan Gibbons (Washington) 2021 double 16U national champion Mack Mauger; Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com 16U Men’s Greco-Roman 88 lbs 2022 - Caleb Noble (Wisconsin) 2021 - Haakon Peterson (Wisconsin) 2019 - Caleb Thoennes (Minnesota) 2018 - Kaden Ramos (Idaho) 2017 - Chance Lamer (Oregon) 2016 - Sam Latona (Alabama) 2015 - Mosha Schwartz (Colorado) 2014 - Trey Keely (Illinois) 2013 - Louie Hayes (Illinois) 2012 - Devin Schnupp (Pennsylvania) 94 lbs 2022 - Haakon Peterson (Wisconsin) 2021 - Mack Mauger (Idaho) 2019 - Ray Ray Harris (California) 2018 - Mason Gehloff (Minnesota) 2017 - Carter Young (Oklahoma) 2016 - Dylan Ragusin (Illinois) 2015 - Malik Heinselman (Colorado) 2014 - Nic Aguilar (California) 2013 - Austin Gomez (Illinois) 2012 - Hunter Marko (Wisconsin) 100 lbs 2022 - Lincoln Sledzianowski (Florida) 2021 - Layne Kleimann (Utah) 2019 - Jore Volk (Minnesota) 2018 - Kenndyl Mobley (Washington) 2017 - Yusief Lillie (Washington) 2016 - Ridge Lovett (Idaho) 2015 - Peter Ogunsanya (Illinois) 2014 - Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) 2013 - Joey Prata (Virginia) 2012 - Mitch McKee (Minnesota) 106 lbs 2022 - Jeremiah Wachsmuth (Oregon) 2021 - Anthony Ruzic (Illinois) 2019 - Christian Tanefeu (North Dakota) 2018 - Sheldon Seymour (Pennsylvania) 2017 - Dylan Ragusin (Illinois) 2016 - Jace Koezler (Kansas) 2015 - Malik Johnson (Missouri) 2014 - Ian Timmons (Nevada) 2013 - Daton Fix (Oklahoma) 2012 - Kyle Norstrem (Florida) 113 lbs 2022 - Jayden Raney (Kentucky) 2021 - Austin Lauderbach (Minnesota) 2019 - Brock Bobzien (California) 2018 - Parker Decker (Texas) 2017 - Hunter Lewis (Wisconsin) 2016 - Jordan Hamden (Michigan) 2015 - Roman Bravo-Young (Arizona) 2014 - Austin Gomez (Illinois) 2013 - Mitch McKee (Minnesota) 2012 - Coy Ozias (Virginia) 120 lbs 2022 - Jordyn Raney (Kentucky) 2021 - Kael Lauridsen (Nebraska) 2019 - Nicolar Rivera (Wisconsin) 2018 - Haiden Drury (Washington) 2017 - Phillip Moomey (Nebraska) 2016 - Theorius Robison (Colorado) 2015 - Nick Raimo (New Jersey) 2014 - Coltan Williams (Texas) 2013 - Gabe Townsell (Illinois) 2012 - Vince Turk (Illinois) 126 lbs 2022 - Thomas Verrette (Colorado) 2021 - Mason Gibson (Pennsylvania) 2019 - Mykey Ramos (Arizona) 2018 - Davin Rhoads (Ohio) 2017 - Reece Witcraft (Oklahoma) 2016 - Nick Raimo (New Jersey) 2015 - Patrick Ramirez (California) 2014 - Jaden Enriquez (California) 2013 - Zahid Valencia (California) 2012 - Cole Weaver (Michigan) 132 lbs 2022 - Billy Greenwood (Colorado) 2021 - Zach Hanson (Minnesota) 2019 - Michael Kilic (Georgia) 2018 - Fabian Lopez (Illinois) 2017 - Carson Manville (Minnesota) 2016 - Mason Phillips (Washington) 2015 - Alex Lloyd (Minnesota) 2014 - Jake Allard (Minnesota) 2013 - Josh Bird (Wisconsin) 2012 - Aaron Pico (California) 138 lbs 2022 - Gabe Bouyssou (Rhode Island) 2021 - Joel Adams (Nebraska) 2019 - John Wiley (Oklahoma) 2018 - Brayden Roberts (West Virginia) 2017 - Kevon Davenport (Michigan) 2016 - Will Lewan (Illinois) 2015 - Andrew Merola (New Jersey) 2014 - Ethan Karsten (Missouri) 2013 - Larry Early (Illinois) 2012 - Joseph Nelson (Wisconsin) 145 lbs 2022 - Aliaksandr Kikiniou (California) 2021 - Pierson Manville (Pennsylvania) 2019 - Robert Perez III (California) 2018 - Robert Perez III (California) 2017 - Michael Weber (Montana) 2016 - Dawson Andrews (Arizona) 2015 - Anthony Artalona (Florida) 2014 - Matthew Park (Idaho) 2013 - Mason Manville (New Jersey) 2012 - Mason Manville (New Jersey) 152 lbs 2022 - Tristin Greene (Ohio) 2021 - Arvin Khorsravy (California) 2019 - RJ Weston (Georgia) 2018 - Carson Manville (Pennsylvania) 2017 - McKay Foy (Utah) 2016 - James Rogers (Washington) 2015 - Max Wohlabaugh (Florida) 2014 - Riley Jaramillo (Oregon) 2013 - Nick Reenan (Texas) 2012 - Bo Nickal (Texas) 160 lbs 2022 - Tristan Steldt (Wisconsin) 2021 - Liam Scrivanich (Pennsylvania) 2019 - Bradley Gillum (Illinois) 2018 - Adrien Cramer (Illinois) 2017 - Carter Starocci (Pennsylvania) 2016 - Aaron Brooks (Maryland) 2015 - Travis Wittlake (Oregon) 2014 - Owen Webster (Minnesota) 2013 - Mark Hall (Minnesota) 2012 - Kimball Bastian (Utah) 170 lbs 2022 - Bryce Burkett (Minnesota) 2021 - Oscar Williams (Oklahoma) 2019 - Gavin Nelson (Minnesota) 2018 - Greyden Penner (Missouri) 2017 - Abe Assad (Illinois) 2016 - Travis Wittlake (Oregon) 2015 - Jacob Warner (Illinois) 2014 - Beau Breske (Wisconsin) 2013 - Beau Breske (Wisconsin) 2012 - Chandler Rogers (Washington) 182 lbs 2022 - Coby Merrill (California) 2021 - Cody Merrill (California) 2019 - Nick Feldman (Pennsylvania) 2018 - Tyler Hannah (Wisconsin) 2017 - Jonathon Fagen (Idaho) 2016 - Ryan Karoly (New Jersey) 2015 - Andrew Davison (Indiana) 2014 - Keegan Moore (Minnesota) 2013 - Hunter Ritter (Maryland) 2012 - Sam Colbray (Oregon) 195 lbs 2022 - Brennan Carey (Missouri) 2021 - Sawyer Bartelt (Florida) 2019 - Seth Shumate (Ohio) 2018 - Kolby Franklin (Pennsylvania) 2017 - Ashton Sharp (Missouri) 2016 - Braxton Amos (West Virginia) 2015 - Brady Daniel (Maryland) 2014 - Matt Stencel (Ohio) 2013 - Sam Colbray (Oregon) 2012 - Lance Benick (Minnesota) 220 lbs 2022 - Nicholas Sahakian (California) 2021 - Koy Hopke (Wisconsin) 2019 - Gage Cook (Washington) 2018 - Braxton Mikesell (Washington) 2017 - Braxton Amos (West Virginia) 2016 - Tyler Curd (Missouri) 2015 - Cohlton Schultz (Colorado) 2014 - Brandon Metz (North Dakota) 2013 - Lance Benick (Minnesota) 2012 - Roy Nash (Utah) 285 lbs 2022 - Sampson Stillwell (Missouri) 2021 - Navarro Schunke (South Dakota) 2019 - Jacob Barnes (Oregon) 2018 - Alex Coleman (Ohio) 2017 - Eli Pokorney (Indiana) 2016 - Spencer Trenary (Iowa) 2015 - Nick Boykin (Tennessee) 2014 - Kevin Vough (Ohio) 2013 - Jacob Marnin (Iowa) 2012 - Wyatt Spears (Oregon)

Jackson County Central

2023 marked the 15th year for Mark Branch as the head coach at the University of Wyoming. Ryan Holmes revisists that decision and those early years for Branch in Laramie. The two also talk about changes Branch has seen in college wrestling and coaches and how he's evolved. One of those changes include the transfer portal. Branch and his staff have added some key pieces from the portal this offseason; he talks about building and maintaining a culture, while having so many new faces. For the Full Interview: InterMat's Rokfin Page (No Paywall)

We are officially in “Fargo-week!” The Junior and 16U National Championships, affectionately known just by “Fargo” gets underway Saturday from the FargoDome. That will kick off eight-straight days of action in which the future stars of our sport compete for coveted Stop Signs. Speaking of, here are the wrestlers that came away with Stop Signs from the last ten editions of this tournament. (Remember there was no tournament in 2020). During this time, some of the women’s weights have fluctuated, so some weights/champions were combined below. Junior Men’s Freestyle 100 lbs 2022 - Tyler Garvin (Maryland) 2021 - Zane Donley (Oklahoma) 2019 - Daniel Sheen (Illinois) 2018 - Joey Fischer (Pennsylvania) 2017 - Wil Guida (New Jersey) 2016 - Malik Heinselman (Colorado) 2015 - Jason Holmes (Arizona) 2014 - Randon Miranda (California) 2013 - Kirk Johansen (Illinois) 2012 - Tanner Rohweder (Iowa) 106 lbs 2022 - Mack Mauger (Idaho) 2021 - Hunter Taylor (Missouri) 2019 - Andre Gonzales (California) 2018 - Wil Guida (New Jersey) 2017 - Sam Latona (Alabama) 2016 - Jason Holmes (Arizona) 2015 - Louie Hayes (Illinois) 2014 - Danny Vega (Arizona) 2013 - Hunter Marko (Wisconsin) 2012 - Paul Mascarenas (New Mexico) 113 lbs 2022 - Hunter Taylor (Missouri) 2021 - Braeden Davis (Michigan) 2019 - Drake Ayala (Iowa) 2018 - Cullan Schriever (Iowa) 2017 - Ty Smith (Nevada) 2016 - Nic Aguilar (California) 2015 - Brandon Courtney (Arizona) 2014 - Jack Mueller (Ohio) 2013 - Elijah Oliver (Tennessee) 2012 - Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) 120 lbs 2022 - Nate Jesuroga (Iowa) 2021 - Kannon Webster (Illinois) 2019 - Anthony Molton (Illinois) 2018 - Eric Barnett (Wisconsin) 2017 - Patrick McKee (Minnesota) 2016 - Gavin Teasdale (Pennsylvania) 2015 - Daton Fix (Oklahoma) 2014 - Austin Assad (Ohio) 2013 - Nathan Tomasello (Ohio) 2012 - Nathan Tomasello (Ohio) 126 lbs 2022 - Mason Gibson (Pennsylvania) 2021 - Drake Ayala (Iowa) 2019 - Angelo Rini (Ohio) 2018 - Michael Colaiocco (New Jersey) 2017 - Drew Mattin (Ohio) 2016 - Austin Gomez (Illinois) 2015 - Austin Assad (Ohio) 2014 - Mitch McKee (Minnesota) 2013 - Jered Cortez (Illinois) 2012 - Cory Clark (Iowa) 132 lbs 2022 - Cory Land (Alabama) 2021 - Nasir Bailey (Illinois) 2019 - Dominick Serrano (Colorado) 2018 - Jordan Decatur (Ohio) 2017 - Atilano Escobar (Arizona) 2016 - Ian Parker (Michigan) 2015 - Taylor LaMont (Utah) 2014 - Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) 2013 - Seth Gross (Minnesota) 2012 - Zain Retherford (Pennsylvania) 138 lbs 2022 - Ryder Block (Iowa) 2021 - Tagen Jamison (Texas) 2019 - Joshua Saunders (Missouri) 2018 - Keegan O’Toole (Wisconsin) 2017 - Ben Freeman (Michigan) 2016 - Nick Lee (Indiana) 2015 - Matt Kolodzik (Ohio) 2014 - Matt Findlay (Utah) 2013 - Aaron Pico (California) 2012 - Bryce Brill (Illinois) 145 lbs 2022 - Kyle Dutton (Missouri) 2021 - Jordan Williams (Oklahoma) 2019 - Anthony Echemendia (Arizona) 2018 - Bryce Andonian (Ohio) 2017 - Anthony Artalona (Florida) 2016 - Anthony Artalona (Florida) 2015 - Fredy Stroker (Iowa) 2014 - Isaiah White (Illinois) 2013 - Anthony Collica (Ohio) 2012 - Anthony Collica (Ohio) 152 lbs 2022 - Cody Chittum (Tennessee) 2021 - Caleb Henson (Georgia) 2019 - Jace Luchau (California) 2018 - Brayton Lee (Indiana) 2017 - Will Lewan (Illinois) 2016 - Griffin Parriott (Minnesota) 2015 - Larry Early (Illinois) 2014 - Mason Manville (New Jersey) 2013 - Ryan Blees (North Dakota) 2012 - Josh Llopez (Maryland) 160 lbs 2022 - Aiden Riggins (Iowa) 2021 - Josh Barr (Michigan) 2019 - Paddy Gallagher (Ohio) 2018 - Danny Braunagel (Illinois) 2017 - David Carr (Ohio) 2016 - Jake Allar (Minnesota) 2015 - Joseph Smith (Oklahoma) 2014 - Ryan Blees (North Dakota) 2013 - Markus Schiedel (Ohio) 2012 - Isaiah Martinez (California) 170 lbs 2022 - Josh Barr (Michigan) 2021 - Manny Rojas (Michigan) 2019 - Patrick Kennedy (Minnesota) 2018 - Carson Kharchla (Ohio) 2017 - Aaron Brooks (Maryland) 2016 - Canten Marriott (Missouri) 2015 - Beau Breske (Wisconsin) 2014 - Chandler Rogers (Oklahoma) 2013 - Bo Nickal (Texas) 2012 - Kyle Crutchmer (Oklahoma) 182 lbs 2022 - Connor Mirasola (Wisconsin) 2021 - TJ Stewart (Maryland) 2019 - Abe Assad (Illinois) 2018 - Jack Jessen (Illinois) 2017 - Max Lyon (Iowa) 2016 - Owen Webster (Minnesota) 2015 - Nick Reenan (Texas) 2014 - Myles Martin (New Jersey) 2013 - Michael Pixley (Missouri) 2012 - Jordan Rogers (Washington) 195 lbs 2022 - Cody Merrill (California) 2021 - Dylan Fishback (Ohio) 2019 - Jonovan Smith (California) 2018 - Lucas Davison (Indiana) 2017 - Jacob Warner (Iowa) 2016 - Ben Darmstadt (Ohio) 2015 - Jacob Seely (Colorado) 2014 - Bobby Steveson (Minnesota) 2013 - Mitch Sliga (Indiana) 2012 - Sam Brooks (Illinois) 220 lbs 2022 - Bradley Hill (Iowa) 2021 - Christian Carroll (Indiana) 2019 - Braxton Amos (West Virginia) 2018 - Luke Luffman (Illinois) 2017 - Zach Elam (Missouri) 2016 - Sammy Colbray (Oregon) 2015 - Jordan Wood (Pennsylvania) 2014 - Marcus Harrington (Iowa) 2013 - Roy Nash (Utah) 2012 - J’den Cox (Missouri) 285 lbs 2022 - Aden Attao (Idaho) 2021 - Ben Kawczynski (Wisconsin) 2019 - Luke Luffman (Illinois) 2018 - Tony Cassioppi (Illinois) 2017 - Tony Cassioppi (Illinois) 2016 - Gannon Gremmel (Iowa) 2015 - Osawaru Odighizuwa (Oregon) 2014 - Adarios Jones (Illinois) 2013 - Adam Coon (Michigan) 2012 - Adam Coon (Michigan) 2022 Junior National Champion Skylar Hattendorf; Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com Junior Women’s Freestyle 97/100 lbs 2022 - Sterling Dias (Nevada) 2021 - Brianna Gonzalez (California) 2019 - Sage Mortimer (Utah) 2018 - Emily Shilson (Minnesota) 2017 - Emily Shilson (Minnesota) 2016 - Emily Shilson (Minnesota) 2015 - McKayla Campbell (Ohio) 2014 - Marina/Regina Doi (California) 2013 - Marina/Regina Doi (California) 2012 - Amy Hou (Georgia) 105/106 lbs 2022 - Clare Booe (Florida) 2021 - Paige Morales (California) 2019 - Emily Shilson (Minnesota) 2018 - Mia Palumbo (Illinois) 2017 - Vayle Rae Baker (Pennsylvania) 2016 - Alleida Martinez (California) 2015 - Sariyah Jones (California) 2014 - Ronna Heaton (South Dakota) 2013 - Cody Pfau (Colorado) 2012 - Cody Pfau (Colorado) 112 lbs 2022 - Alex Szkotnicki (Maryland) 2021 - Sage Mortimer (Utah) 2019 - Montana Delawder (Pennsylvania) 2018 - Felicity Taylor (Iowa) 2017 - Alisha Howk (Wisconsin) 2016 - Cameron Guerin (Washington) 2015 - Ronna Heaton (South Dakota) 2014 - Marizza Birrueta (Washington) 2013 - Vicmarie Requena (California) 2012 - Megan Black (Iowa) 117 lbs 2022 - Juliana Diaz (Florida) 2021 - Ngao Shoua Whitethorn (Minnesota) 2019 - Tiare Ikei (Hawaii) 2018 - Vayle Rae Baker (Pennsylvania) 2017 - Alleida Martinez (California) 2016 - Brenda Reyna (Washington) 2015 - Gracie Figueroa (California) 2014 - Dom Parrish (California) 2013 - Steffanie Hampton (Michigan) 2012 - Hope Steffensen (Alaska) 122 lbs 2022 - Cadence Diduch (Illinois) 2021 - Shelby Moore (Washington) 2019 - Gabrielle Skidmore (Wisconsin) 2018 - Alexys Zepeda (Oregon) 2017 - Gracie Figueroa (California) 2016 - Gracie Figueroa (California) 2015 - Teniya Alo (Hawaii) 2014 - Gabby Garcia (California) 2013 - Rachel Hale (New York) 2012 - Kayla Miracle (Indiana) 127 lbs 2022 - Sarah Savidge (Colorado) 2021 - Alexis Janiak (Illinois) 2019 - Xochitl Mota-Pettis (Texas) 2018 - Xochitl Mota-Pettis (Texas) 2017 - Macey Kilty (Wisconsin) 2016 - Michaela Beck (New York) 2015 - Becka Leathers (Oklahoma) 2014 - Maya Nelson (Colorado) 2013 - Teshya Alo (Hawaii) 2012 - Evalyn Reyna (Texas) 130/132 lbs 2022 - Janida Garcia (California) 2021 - London Houston (Washington) 2019 - Kaylee Moore (Washington) 2018 - Abnelis Yambo (Florida) 2017 - Alex Liles (Texas) 2016 - Alex Liles (Texas) 2015 - Maya Nelson (Colorado) 2014 - Teshya Alo (Hawaii) 2013 - Maya Nelson (Colorado) 2012 - Katie Germain (Florida) 138/139 lbs 2022 - Skylar Hattendorf (Massachusetts) 2021 - Savannah Gomez (California) 2019 - Alara Boyd (Indiana) 2018 - Emma Bruntil (Washington) 2017 - Emma Bruntil (Washington) 2016 - Teshya Alo (Hawaii) 2015 - Teshya Alo (Hawaii) 2014 - Desiree Zavala (Washington) 2013 - Becka Leathers (Oklahoma) 2012 - Alexis Porter (New York) 144/148 lbs 2022 - Sydney Perry (Illinois) 2021 - Destiny Rodriguez (Oregon) 2019 - McKenzie Cook (Alaska) 2018 - Jayden Laurent (Wisconsin) 2017 - Jayden Laurent (Wisconsin) 2016 - Kayla Marano (Georgia) 2015 - Skylar Grote (New Jersey) 2014 - Alexis Porter (New York) 2013 - Alexis Porter (New York) 2012 - Natalia Hinojo (Texas) 152 lbs 2022 - Mishell Rebisch (Michigan) 2021 - Jasmine Robinson (Texas) 2019 - Tiffany Baublitz (Pennsylvania) 2018 - Macey Kilty (Wisconsin) 2017 - Alexis Gomez (Illinois) 159/164 lbs 2022 - Brooklyn Hays (Utah) 2021 - Kylie Welker (Wisconsin) 2019 - Kennedy Blades (Illinois) 2018 - Tristan Kelly (Colorado) 2017 - Sydnee Kimber (Alaska) 2016 - Rachel Watters (Iowa) 2015 - Rachel Watters (Iowa) 2014 - Kendall Reusing (California) 2013 - Autumn Rux (Michigan) 2012 - Mary Westman (New York) 172/180 lbs 2022 - Sabrina Nauss (Michigan) 2021 - Brittyn Corbishley (Texas) 2019 - Kelani Corbett (Hawaii) 2018 - Jesse Kirby (Virginia) 2017 - Marissa Patterson (Kansas) 2016 - Sara Kouba (Wisconsin) 2015 - Kenya Spencer (Michigan) 2014 - Taylor Rosario (Texas) 2013 - Kiaya Van Scoyoc (Washington) 2012 - Sam Urban (Oregon) 198/200 lbs 2022 - Savannah Isaac (Ohio) 2021 - Sam Calkins (California) 2019 - Gabrielle Hamilton (Illinois) 2018 - Alexandra Castillo (California) 2017 - Alexandra Castillo (California) 2016 - Victoria Espinoza (California) 2015 - Monica Mason (New York) 2014 - Kiaya Van Scoyoc (Washington) 2013 - Ryan Gibbons (Washington) 2012 - Kierra Boyce (Texas) 225 lbs 2022 - Eliana Bommarito (Michigan) 2021 - Eliana Bommarito (Michigan) 2019 - Gabrielle Holloway (Texas) 2018 - Gabrielle Holloway (Texas) 2017 - Arianna Cobain (California) 2022 Junior Greco-Roman Champion Kannon Webster; Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com Junior Men’s Greco-Roman 100 lbs 2022 - Javaan Yarbrough (Ohio) 2021 - Kolter Burton (Idaho) 2019 - Brandon O’Brien (Iowa) 2018 - Eli Griffin (Oklahoma) 2017 - Anthony King (Illinois) 2016 - Brendon Garcia (Colorado) 2015 - Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania) 2014 - Randon Miranda (California) 2013 - Dalton Roberts (Michigan) 2012 - Jabari Moody (Illinois) 106 lbs 2022 - Mack Mauger (Idaho) 2021 - Ray Ray Harris (California) 2019 - Andre Gonzales (California) 2018 - Brendan Chaowanapibool (Washington) 2017 - Brendon Garcia (Colorado) 2016 - Jaret Lane (Pennsylvania) 2015 - Louie Hayes (Illinois) 2014 - Danny Vega (Arizona) 2013 - Brandon Staley (Florida) 2012 - Nkosi Moody (Illinois) 113 lbs 2022 - Anthony Ruzic (Illinois) 2021 - Davian Guanajuato (Arizona) 2019 - Billy Sullivan (Nevada) 2018 - Paxton Creese (Minnesota) 2017 - Brandon Kaylor (Washington) 2016 - Dack Punke (Illinois) 2015 - Dack Punke (Illinois) 2014 - Dorian Sapien (Idaho) 2013 - Ronnie Bresser (Oregon) 2012 - Jarred Oftedahl (Minnesota) 120 lbs 2022 - Kael Lauridsen (Nebraska) 2021 - Max Black (Colorado) 2019 - Chayse LaJoie (Michigan) 2018 - Chayse LaJoie (Michigan) 2017 - Rayvon Foley (Michigan) 2016 - Dalton Duffield (Oklahoma) 2015 - Dalton Duffield (Oklahoma) 2014 - Skyler Petry (Minnesota) 2013 - Josh Terao (Hawaii) 2012 - KeVon Powell (Illinois) 126 lbs 2022 - Otto Black (Colorado) 2021 - Jeremy Bockert (Alaska) 2019 - Camden Russell (Nebraska) 2018 - Austin Almaguer (Washington) 2017 - Alex Thomsen (Iowa) 2016 - Matthew Schmitt (Missouri) 2015 - Gabe Townsell (Illinois) 2014 - Taylor LaMont (Utah) 2013 - Jordan Shearer (North Dakota) 2012 - Cory Clark (Iowa) 132 lbs 2022 - Kannon Webster (Illinois) 2021 - Dayne Dalrymple (Tennessee) 2019 - Haiden Drury (Washington) 2018 - Ridge Lovett (Idaho) 2017 - Dalton Young (Washington) 2016 - Taylor LaMont (Utah) 2015 - Mitch McKee (Minnesota) 2014 - William Koll (New York) 2013 - Hayden Tuma (Idaho) 2012 - Zane Richards (Illinois) 138 lbs 2022 - Keith Smith (Nebraska) 2021 - Q’velli Quintanilla (Washington) 2019 - Ridge Lovett (Idaho) 2018 - Kyle Parco (California) 2017 - Mason Phillips (Washington) 2016 - Mitch McKee (Minnesota) 2015 - Ben Brancale (Minnesota) 2014 - Blake Clevenger (Missouri) 2013 - Joey McKenna (New Jersey) 2012 - Hayden Tuma (Idaho) 145 lbs 2022 - Brennan Van Hoecke (Florida) 2021 - Tyler Antoniak (Nebraska) 2019 - Anthony Echemendia (Arizona) 2018 - Cael Carlson (Minnesota) 2017 - Jaden Enriquez (California) 2016 - Ryan Deakin (Colorado) 2015 - Andrew Webb (Georgia) 2014 - Renato Rodriguez-Spencer (New York) 2013 - Blayne Briceno (California) 2012 - Grant LaMont (Utah) 152 lbs 2022 - Braden Stauffenberg (Illinois) 2021 - Nick Hamilton (Nebraska) 2019 - James Burks (Nebraska) 2018 - Peyton Omania (California) 2017 - Peyton Robb (Minnesota) 2016 - Griffin Parriott (Minnesota) 2015 - Hayden Hidlay (Pennsylvania) 2014 - Brooks Robinson (Utah) 2013 - Jon Jay Chavez (Idaho) 2012 - Oliver Pierce (Texas) 160 lbs 2022 - Brendon Abdon (Florida) 2021 - MJ Gaitan (California) 2019 - Cade DeVos (Iowa) 2018 - Tyler Dow (Wisconsin) 2017 - Jaron Chavez (Idaho) 2016 - Anthony Mantanona (California) 2015 - Brett Bye (South Dakota) 2014 - Burke Paddock (New York) 2013 - Davonte Mahomes (Illinois) 2012 - Geordan Speiller (Florida) 170 lbs 2022 - Bradley Gillum (Illinois) 2021 - Evan Canoyer (Nebraska) 2019 - Angel Garcia (Pennsylvania) 2018 - Alex Cramer (Illinois) 2017 - Andrew Berreyesa (Nevada) 2016 - Tommy Brackett (Tennessee) 2015 - Kamal Bey (Illinois) 2014 - Jon Jay Chavez (Idaho) 2013 - Chandler Rogers (Washington) 2012 - Alex Meyer (Iowa) 182 lbs 2022 - Mikey Altomer (New York) 2021 - DJ Parker (Illinois) 2019 - Chris Foca (New Jersey) 2018 - Zac Braunagel (Illinois) 2017 - Jack Jessen (Illinois) 2016 - Logan Gruszka (Illinois) 2015 - Nick Reenan (Texas) 2014 - Justan Rivera (Georgia) 2013 - Preston Lehmann (North Dakota) 2012 - Sam Brooks (Illinois) 195 lbs 2022 - Jack Darrah (Missouri) 2021 - Wyatt Voelker (Iowa) 2019 - Vincent Baker (Georgia) 2018 - Lucas Davison (Indiana) 2017 - Jacob Warner (Illinois) 2016 - Haydn Maley (Oregon) 2015 - Wyatt Koelling (Utah) 2014 - Sammy Colbray (Oregon) 2013 - Joseph McClure (Georgia) 2012 - Ryan Solomon (Pennsylvania) 220 lbs 2022 - Max Ramberg (Wisconsin) 2021 - Alex Semenenko (New York) 2019 - Jace Punke (Illinois) 2018 - Jace Punke (Illinois) 2017 - Haydn Maley (Oregon) 2016 - Sammy Colbray (Oregon) 2015 - James Ford (Ohio) 2014 - Roy Nash (Utah) 2013 - Roy Nash (Utah) 2012 - Kyle Snyder (Maryland) 285 lbs 2022 - Aden Attao (Idaho) 2021 - Ryan Boersma (Illinois) 2019 - Luke Luffman (Illinois) 2018 - Tony Cassioppi (Illinois) 2017 - Tony Cassioppi (Illinois) 2016 - Brandon Metz (North Dakota) 2015 - Dante Jiovenetta (Florida) 2014 - Sam Stoll (Minnesota) 2013 - Adam Coon (Michigan) 2012 - Adam Coon (Michigan)

The newest Campbell verbal Aaron Ries in Fargo; Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com Last week, InterMat looked closely at the Class of 2023 recruiting for the SoCon. Atop the conference rankings was Campbell University with a pair of wrestlers on the Big Board. Only ten days into July, head coach Scotti Sentes’ team appears to be running away from the rest of the conference in the race for the recruiting crown for the Class of 2024. The Camels also look like they may be worthy of mention in the 2024 recruiting rankings, an honor that has slipped by the team for the past two seasons. In 2021, Campbell was noted as an honorable mention for their signing class that included five Big Boarder’s, one of which was ranked amongst the top 100. On Sunday, the Class of 2024 continued to grow with a verbal commitment from heavyweight prospect Aaron Ries, currently ranked 96th in the class and 16th in the nation at 285 lbs. Ries’ commitment gives Campbell a pair of top-100 recruits (also #93 Kendrick Hodge) and three Big Boarder’s (#142 Brent Slade). In addition to three nationally ranked recruits, Campbell also has commitments from three other notables that warrant ranking consideration. The Campbell staff is on a bit of a hot streak on the recruiting trail as Ries’ commitment gives the Camels three new verbals within the last seven days. They also saw Colby Crouch (Triad, IL) and Mikey Trujillo (Wyoming Seminary, PA) recently pledge to the school in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Sometimes these commitments happen in bunches, so could there be another recruit or two in the near future that sees the high-quality wrestlers committing to Sentes’ team and jumping on in the next week or two. Ries, a 2022 16U freestyle national champion in Fargo, comes from a familiar school. He hails from Wadsworth, Ohio the same program that produced 2023 Big Board’er and Campbell signee Chris Earnest. The Campbell staff has cast a large net in the 2024 recruiting process as their current verbals hail from six different states. The South is represented by Georgia and Florida. Traditional powers Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio were tabbed, as well. Finally, Campbell has one verbal from Arizona via a Pennsylvania prep school. In our write-up regarding the 2023 Class, we mentioned how Campbell is looking to return to the top spot in the SoCon after a year in which Appalachian State went unbeaten in dual competitions and dominated the conference tournament. That class, plus this growing group, has to put the rest of the SoCon on notice. Thus far, only three Big Board’ers have committed to SoCon schools. One has verballed to Davidson, while the other two belong to Campbell. Having six verbal commitments at this time of year is not an easy task. Currently, only two service academies, plus Minnesota, Penn, Penn State, and Stanford, have that many. (These are only counting ones reported to InterMat. There may be others that haven’t been made public). Even with our disclaimer, the fact remains that Campbell is crushing it on the recruiting trail. Recruits obviously like what they’ve heard from the staff and are buying in. We’re a long way from the Class of 2024 contributing on the mat, which is where this really counts; however, there’s a lot to be optimistic about if you're a fan of the Camels. Six commits. Three Big Board’ers. Two in the top 100. And more?

Men’s Freestyle 57 kg Gold Medal Match - Luke Lilledahl (USA) over Adrian DeJesus (Puerto Rico) 7-0 Bronze Medal Match - Treye Trotman (Canada) over Jesus Quintero Montilla (Venezuela) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Esteban Morales Mayancha (Ecuador) over Jaime Perez Castellanos (Guatemala) 10-0 61 kg Gold Medal Match - Nic Bouzakis (USA) over Enrique Herrera Huacre (Peru) 14-4 Bronze Medal Match - Joao Da Silva Neto (Brazil) over Patrick Rodriguez Quinto (Ecuador) 3-3 65 kg Gold Medal Match - Kannon Webster (USA) over Nathan Hunyady (Canada) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Jacob Brunner (Puerto Rico) over Diego Peraza Aguilar (Mexico) 13-7 Bronze Medal Match - Jose Benites Vasquez (Peru) over Esteban Alfaro Bravo (Chile) 11-0 70 kg Gold Medal Match - Antrell Taylor (USA) over Julian George (Puerto Rico) 11-1 Bronze Medal Match - Nathan Rainville (Canada) over Gabriel Da Silva Rodrigues Brito (Brazil) Fall Bronze Medal Match - Cesar Escamilla Menchaca (Mexico) over Joao Maldonado Romero (Paraguay) 10-0 74 kg Gold Medal Match - Mitchell Mesenbrink (USA) over Amaan Gulacha (Canada) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Paulo Goncalves Da Silva (Brazil) over Yael Perez Ake (Mexico) 12-0 Bronze Medal Match - Tanner Peake (Puerto Rico) over Johan Torres Casallas (Colombia) 10-0 79 kg Gold Medal Match - Gabe Arnold (USA) over Connor Church (Canada) Fall Bronze Medal Match - Kevin Olavarria Montilla (Puerto Rico) over Darfel Parada Camarco (Venezuela) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Juan Cardozo Ibata (Colombia) over Isaac Tenorio Mosquera (Ecuador) 10-0 86 kg Gold Medal Match - Bennett Berge (USA) over Steven Rodriguez Torreyes (Venezuela) Fall Bronze Medal Match - Kweli Hernandez Maitre (Puerto Rico) over Samir Cabeza Vacilio (Ecuador) 11-0 Bronze Medal Match - Max Franca Magalhaes (Brazil) over Zaurbek Arsagov (Canada) Injury Default 92 kg Gold Medal: Jack Darrah (USA) Silver Medal: Samuel Pereira (Canada) Bronze Medal: Ricardo Gomez (Argentina) 97 kg Gold Medal Match - Camden McDanel (USA) over Alek Ortiz Roman (Puerto Rico) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Kyle Santana Oliveira (Brazil) over Juan Diaz Blanco (Venezuela) 9-7 125 kg Gold Medal: Karanveer Mahil (Canada) Silver Medal: Bradley Hill (USA) Bronze Medal: Luis de la Rosa Arteaga (Mexico) Women’s Freestyle 50 kg Gold Medal Match - Mia Palumbo (USA) over Maia Cabrera (Argentina) 7-2 Bronze Medal Match - Serena DiBenedetto (Canada) over Vicky Leon Gomez (Ecuador) 13-2 Bronze Medal Match - Antuaneth Casusol Casas (Peru) over Leeana Mercado (Puerto Rico) Fall 53 kg Gold Medal - Alex Szkotnicki (USA) Bronze Medal - Shammilka Miranda Diaz (Puerto Rico) Bronze Medal - Emily Dos Santos Ferreira (Brazil) 55 kg Gold Medal - Belle Foard (USA) Bronze Medal - Angie Zea Alvarado (Peru) Bronze Medal - Angelica Vicente Gonzalez (Puerto Rico) 57 kg Gold Medal Match - Camila Amarilla (Argentina) over Bertha Rojas Chavez (Mexico) 6-4 Bronze Medal Match - Tatiana Hurtado Lerma (Colombia) over Shelby Moore (USA) 10-6 59 kg Gold Medal Match - Sarah Savidge (USA) over Leonela Gruezo Ortiz (Ecuador) 12-2 Bronze Medal Match - Alexa Cuero (Colombia) over Jacqueline Hernandez Gonzalez (El Salvador) Fall 62 kg Gold Medal Match - Melanie Jimenez Villalba (Mexico) over Mayara Ramos Pereira (Brazil) Fall Bronze Medal Match - Savannah Cosme (USA) over Sheyla Pedragas Moreno (Peru) Fall Bronze Medal Match - Eliana Fuentes Palacios (Ecuador) over Martina Godoy Corvalan (Chile) Fall 65 kg Gold Medal - Ella Schmit (USA) Bronze Medal - Gleymaris Beria Diaz (Venezuela) Bronze Medal - Evelyn Orta Gonzalez (Mexico) 68 kg Gold Medal - Nicoll Parrado Osorio (Colombia) Bronze Medal - London Houston (USA) Bronze Medal - Leticia de Oliveira Gaion Piazza (Brazil) 72 kg Gold Medal Match - Haley Ward (USA) over Paige Maher (Canada) Fall Bronze Medal Match - Karla Castillo Garcia (Venezuela) over Melanie Sanchez Morales (Chile) 6-4 76 kg Gold Medal - Kylie Welker (USA) Bronze Medal - Myah Phillips (Canada) Bronze Medal - Maria de Almeida Dos Santos (Brazil) Men’s Greco-Roman 55 kg Gold Medal - Robert Estrada (USA) over Abel Sanchez Juarez (Peru) 9-0 60 kg Gold Medal Match - Jeremy Peralta Gonzalez (Ecuador) over Zan Fugitt (USA) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Edwin Allain Miranda (Peru) over Diego Terriquez Ibarra (Mexico) 4-3 63 kg Gold Medal Match - Landon Drury (USA) over Arnoldo Proboste (Argentina) 10-0 Bronze Medal Match - Patrick Rodriguez Quinto (Ecuador) over Jaider Brinez Solano (Colombia) 8-0 67 kg Gold Medal Match - Jadon Skellenger (USA) over Alonso Parra Garcia (Colombia) 9-1 Bronze Medal Match - Marco Fernandez Cubas (Peru) over Gregory Wila Corozo (Ecuador) 11-2 72 kg Gold Medal Match - Arvin Khosravy (USA) over Nilson Sinisterra Angulo (Colombia) 5-0 Bronze Medal Match - Franco Gonzalez Palma (Chile) over Joao Maldonado Romero (Paraguay) 9-0 Bronze Medal Match - Alexis Vargas Ramirez (Mexico) over Oscar Barrios Rochez (Honduras) FFT 77 kg Gold Medal Match - Derek Matthews (USA) over Darfel Parada Camacho (Venezuela) 8-0 Bronze Medal Match - Raul Unzueta Torres (Mexico) over Kauan Ferreira Gomes (Brazil) 8-0 Bronze Medal Match - Dario Cubas Castillo (Peru) over Adrian Maynard (Barbados) 12-2 82 kg Gold Medal - Mikey Altomer (USA) Bronze Medal - Christian Medina Nunez (Mexico) Bronze Medal - Samir Cabeza Vacilio (Ecuador) 87 kg Gold Medal - Wyatt Voelker (USA) Bronze Medal - Brian Ruiz Marin (Venezuela) Bronze Medal - Max Franca Magalhaes de Almeida (Brazil) 97 kg Gold Medal - Juan Diaz Blanco (Venezuela) Bronze Medal - Sawyer Bartelt (USA) Bronze Medal - Ricardo Gomez (Argentina) 130 kg Gold Medal - Aden Attao (USA) Bronze Medal - Jose Ureta Valdivia (Mexico) Bronze Medal - Juan Calderon Molina (Ecuador)

Wadsworth

A young Zahid Valencia wrestling for St. John Bosco at the 2012 Walsh Ironman; photo by Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com Yesterday, we detailed the verbal commitment given by Nicholas Sahakian to Arizona State. Sahakian was a California state champion as a sophomore and has a boatload of national-level credentials, so it’s not surprising that he’d end up at a school like Arizona State, which has won NCAA team trophies in two of the last three years. It’s also not surprising that the Sun Devils were his choice given the team’s recent history with his high school St. John Bosco. One major part of recruiting is developing relationships. Relationships with high school coaches, club coaches, and parents. Coaches that keep their word while recruiting and helping student-athletes develop on and off the mat tend to build strong bonds with those important mentors in a high school athlete’s lift. That leads to recruits from a certain club or high school continuing to sign with a particular college. In the media, we simply call it a “pipeline.” Arizona State has certainly developed a pipeline to the California power that continues to produce high-level talent. Sahakian is one of the top heavyweight prospects in the Class of 2025 and is ranked #38 overall in the nation. He’s just the latest star from St. John Bosco to choose the Sun Devils. Now we’ll take a look at some of the recent wrestlers at ASU that were at St. John Bosco before matriculating to Tempe. Arizona State’s 2022-23 roster had one team member from the school and another on the way in incoming freshman Nicco Ruiz. A two-time California state champion, Ruiz solidified his national standing with a pair of finals appearances at the Super 32 (a title in 2021), along with two at the Doc Buchanan (2023 titleist) and a trip to the Junior freestyle finals in Fargo. Ruiz also participated in FloWrestling’s “Who’s #1” dual prior to his senior year. All of these factors led to Ruiz being named the #23 overall recruit in the Class of 2023. Before mentioning the current member of the Sun Devil squad from St. John Bosco, we have to take a look back at the two wrestlers that started this recent run of recruits from the high school power to ASU and they are the Valencia brothers, Anthony and Zahid. Two of the top recruits in the high school Class of 2015, the Valencia’s chose ASU and saw success immediately. As redshirt freshmen in 2017, Zahid finished third in the nation, while Anthony was a match shy of placing. Zahid would go on to put together one of the finest careers in school history with two national titles and three Pac-12 crowns. Anthony won four conference titles and earned a spot on the NCAA podium with an eighth-place finish in 2021. As Anthony was finishing up in 2021-22, younger brother, Cael, had already signed and was redshirting during that season. Cael was labeled the #13 recruit in the Class of 2021. Last year, the youngest Valencia brother had a solid first season in the ASU lineup, but experienced more lumps than his two older brothers, going 12-12 and 0-2 at his first NCAA Tournament. Cael still has three years of eligibility remaining and a bright future in Tempe. One aspect to mention here is that the Valencia’s father, Ruben, is the head assistant coach at St. John Bosco, so it’s not a shock that other wrestlers have followed his two older sons' footsteps. To reiterate, if a parent/coach has a positive experience with their pupils at a particular institution, they have no problem recommending it to others, which has obviously been the case with this relationship. Just because a particular wrestler or two has success from the same high school and college programs, doesn’t mean a college is for everyone. Another notable St. John Bosco alum, Cleveland Belton, signed with Arizona State and spent three years at the school before transferring to Pac-12 rival Oregon State. Belton flourished in his role as the Beavers full-time starter to the tune of an 18-10 record and his first trip to the NCAA Championships. Belton could be on the move again as his name was in the transfer portal this offseason. Speaking of moving on, Arizona State’s starting 141 lber, Jesse Vasquez, spent time at St. John Bosco among his three stops in high school. Vasquez was headed for his first NCAA Tournament experience in 2023, before a late-season injury put a halt to his season. Once Sahakian signs (and that can’t be before November 2024), it will make it seven top-100 recruits (since 2015) that have inked with ASU after spending their high school days at St. John Bosco. That number (7) could have been even higher as the older Valencia’s came up wrestling with two additional superstars in Cade Olivas and Aaron Pico. Both won Cadet World medals (Olivas/bronze and Pico/gold) while in high school at St. John Bosco. Olivas actually verbally committed to ASU, but had to stop wrestling in high school due to concussions. Pico would have been one of the most sought-after recruits of his time; however, he decided to forgo college and go directly into mixed martial arts. Knowing how the Valencia brother's collegiate careers played out, setting the foundation for head coach Zeke Jones at Arizona State, helps you appreciate the role that St. John Bosco had in bringing ASU back to NCAA contender status. Because of the unusual eligibility associated with Covid, Anthony was able to be a key cog in those two NCAA trophy-winning teams. As Jones’ team reloads and looks to the future, there’s little doubt that St. John Bosco will be a factor if his teams continue to rack up accolades in the Pac-12 and at NCAA’s.

The Arizona State recruiting Class of 2025 got off to a great start with a big verbal from California big man Nicholas Sahakian (St. John Bosco, CA). Sahakian is currently ranked #32 overall in the Class of 2025 and 18th in MatScouts most recent rankings update. In two years of high school competition, Sahakian placed twice in the single-class California state tournament, both times at upperweights. As a freshman, he was third at 220 lbs. This past season, Sahakian won that same weight. Against national competition, Sahakian has placed six times at the UWW U17 World Team Trials. This spring, he earned a spot on the Greco-Roman world team and was a finalist in freestyle competition. Last summer, Sahakian won a 16U Greco title in Fargo, which marked the third career Fargo placement for him. Sahakian also was seventh at the Super 32 last year. In California’s top regular-season tournament, the Doc Buchanan, Sahakian was fourth as a freshman and second as a sophomore. Sahakian was recently named USA Wrestling's Athlete of the Week after winning gold medals in both styles at the 2023 U17 Pan-American Championships. He went 6-0 with four tech and two falls. Arizona State is quickly becoming a spot for elite heavyweights. After Tanner Hall’s reign from 2016-20, Cohlton Schultz picked up the slack with three All-American finishes. If he elects to use them, Schultz has two years of eligibility remaining, which would see him end his career as Sahakian is ready to move to Tempe. He would likely get an Olympic redshirt, so there’s a chance Schultz is around for a year while Sahakian redshirts. Sahakian is the first wrestler from the Class of 2025 to commit to Zeke Jones’ team. For all of the latest commitments, check out InterMat’s College Commitment Page.

I have so many great memories from wrestling camps. Meeting legends like Cael Sanderson or Kendall Cross, Carl Adams, J Robinson, Zeke Jones, and even playing ultimate frisbee against Greg Jones. But mostly these camps were for building stronger relationships with friends and teammates, getting some big wins, building technique and confidence, all the best parts of the sport. Back in my day, I had the pleasure of attending cams in West Virginia, Minnesota, Boston University, and Ann Arbor. Recently I had the chance to meet up with coaches and athletes in Michigan and Michigan State and catch up with how things are going with these programs. In Ann Arbor, I stopped in at their Elite Freestyle Camp, Folkstyle Camp, and Heavyweight Camps. At this stop, I had the chance to check out their weight room, and speak with Josh Churella, David Bolyard, Adam Coon, and Mason Parris. Enjoy some quick hitting interviews on their approach with their camps, and how some of these National Team members are going to continue to develop. David Bolyard Adam Coon Mason Parris Josh Churella Michigan Camp In East Lansing, I was amazed when I got into the room to see that not only were the MSU wrestlers on the mats going live with the campers, but so were the coaches! I have been to many camps, but I can’t remember seeing this many coaches participating in live wrestling and being so committed to leading by example. I had a chance to bring this up in a Q&A, I interviewed Braden Stauffenberg and Jordan Hamden regarding their U20 and U23 Greco team spots, Layne Malczewski on his upcoming final year, and I spoke with Roger Chandler about their program. Roger Chandler Michigan State Q&A Braden Stauffenberg Jordan Hamden Michigan State Camp

We’re less than ten days away from the start of the 2023 USMC Junior/16U National Championships otherwise known as “Fargo.” The host city has taken the unofficial namesake of the event, one that has become a rite of passage for top high school wrestlers from around the country. Some of the best wrestlers in the history of our sport have stepped onto the mats at the FargoDome competing for a coveted “stop sign.” There’s no better way to illustrate how success in Fargo goes hand-in-hand with collegiate success than to look at the 2023 DI All-Americans. Nine of the ten national champions earned All-American honors in one style or age group in Fargo. 57 of the 80 collegiate All-Americans also claimed a spot on the podium in the FargoDome. Below are those 2023 All-Americans and their placement(s) during their time in Fargo. 125 lbs Champion: Patrick Glory (Princeton) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Runner-Up: Matt Ramos (Purdue) - 2017 16U Freestyle Runner-Up, 2017 16U Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2016 16U Freestyle 4th Place, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 7th Place Third Place: Brandon Courtney (Arizona State) - 2015 Junior Freestyle National Champ, 2016 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Fourth Place: Anthony Noto (Lock Haven) - 2018 16U Freestyle 5th Place Fifth Place: Liam Cronin (Nebraska) - 2015 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2015 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place Eighth Place: Killian Cardinale (West Virginia) - 2015 Junior Freestyle 8th Place 133 lbs Champion: Vito Arujau (Cornell) - 2015 16U Freestyle National Champ Runner-Up: Roman Bravo-Young (Penn State) - 2015 16U Freestyle National Champ Fourth Place: Daton Fix (Oklahoma State) - 2015 Junior Freestyle National Champ Seventh Place: Sam Latona (Virginia Tech) - 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champ, 2017 Junior Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2016 16U Freestyle Runner-Up, 2016 U16 Greco-Roman Champion Eighth Place: Kai Orine (NC State) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 5th Place 141 lbs Champion: Andrew Alirez (Northern Colorado) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 7th Place, 2016 16U Freestyle 3rd Place, 2015 16U Freestyle 5th Place Third Place: Beau Bartlett (Penn State) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Fourth Place: Lachlan McNeil (North Carolina) - 2019 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Sixth Place: Brock Hardy (Nebraska) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 7th Place, 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place, 2016 16U Freestyle Champ, 2016 16U Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2015 16U Freestyle Runner-Up Seventh Place: Parker Filius (Purdue) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2016 Junior Freestyle 6th Place, 2015 Junior Freestyle 8th Place Eighth Place: Dylan D’Emilio (Ohio State) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 6th Place, 2016 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2015 16U Freestyle National Champ 149 lbs Champion: Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) - 2014 16U Freestyle National Champion Runner-Up: Sammy Sasso (Ohio State) - 2017 Junior Freestyle 5th Place, 2016 16U Freestyle Runner-Up, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 3rd Place, 2015 16U Freestyle National Champ Fourth Place: Kyle Parco (Arizona State) - 2018 Junior Greco-Roman National Champ Fifth Place: Caleb Henson (Virginia Tech) - 2021 Junior Freestyle National Champ, 2019 Junior Freestyle 6th Place, 2018 16U Greco-Roman 5th Place Sixth Place: Max Murin (Iowa) - 2016 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2015 16U Freestyle 4th Place Eighth Place: Michael Blockhus (Minnesota) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2017 Junior Freestyle 6th Place 157 lbs Champion: Austin O'Connor (North Carolina) - 2015 Junior Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2014 16U Freestyle 5th Place, 2014 16U Greco-Roman 3th Place Runner-Up: Levi Haines (Penn State) - 2019 16U Freestyle 4th Place Fourth Place: Jared Franek (North Dakota State) - 2018 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2017 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2016 16U Freestyle National Champion, 2015 16U Freestyle 7th Place Fifth Place: Ed Scott (NC State) - 2019 Junior Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2018 Junior Freestyle 5th Place, 2017 16U Greco-Roman 6th Place Sixth Place: Peyton Robb (Nebraska) - 2017 Junior Greco-Roman National Champion, 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2016 16U Freestyle 5th Place, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 5th Place Seventh Place: Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) - 2018 Junior Freestyle National Champion Eighth Place: Will Lewan (Michigan) - 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champion, 2016 16U Greco-Roman National Champion, 2016 16U Freestyle 3rd Place, 2015 16U Freestyle 3rd Place 165 lbs Champion: Keegan O’Toole (Missouri) - 2019 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2018 Junior Freestyle National Champ, 2017 16U Freestyle 4th Place, 2016 16U Freestyle 7th Place Runner-Up: David Carr (Iowa State) - 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champion Third Place: Quincy Monday (Princeton) - 2015 16U Freestyle 7th Place Fourth Place: Cameron Amine (Michigan) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 6th Place, 2016 16U Freestyle 7th Place, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 4th Place Fifth Place: Shane Griffith (Stanford) - 2015 16U Freestyle Runner-Up Sixth Place: Dean Hamiti (Wisconsin) - 2019 16U Freestyle National Champion Eighth Place: Izzak Olejnik (Northern Illinois) - 2015 16U Greco-Roman 6th Place, 2014 16U Freestyle 8th Place, 2014 16U Greco-Roman 7th Place 174 lbs Champion: Carter Starocci (Penn State) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 4th Place, 2017 16U Freestyle National Champ, 2017 16U Greco-Roman National Champ, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 8th Place Third Place: Chris Foca (Cornell) - 2019 Junior Greco-Roman National Champ, 2019 Junior Freestyle 7th Place, 2018 Junior Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2018 Junior Freestyle 7th Place, 2016 16U Freestyle 5th Place Fifth Place: Nelson Brands (Iowa) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Sixth Place: Dustin Plott (Oklahoma State) - 2019 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2018 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2016 16U Freestyle 3rd Place 184 lbs Champion: Aaron Brooks (Penn State) - 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champion, 2016 16U Freestyle National Champion, 2016 16U Greco-Roman National Champion Runner-Up: Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa) - 2019 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Fourth Place: Trent Hidlay (NC State) - 2017 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2017 Junior Greco-Roman Runner-Up, 2016 Junior Freestyle 7th Place, 2015 16U Freestyle 8th Place Fifth Place: Marcus Coleman (Iowa State) - 2015 16U Freestyle Runner-Up Sixth Place: Trey Munoz (Oregon State) - 2019 Junior Freestyle 8th Place, 2017 16U Freestyle 7th Place Eighth Place: Gavin Kane (North Carolina) - 2019 Junior Freestyle 4th Place 197 lbs Third Place: Rocky Elam (Missouri) - 2019 Junior Freestyle 4th Place, 2018 16U Freestyle National Champ, 2017 16U Freestyle 6th Place Fourth Place: Bernie Truax (Cal Poly) - 2016 16U Greco-Roman 4th Place Fifth Place: Jacob Warner (Iowa) - 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champion, 2017 Junior Greco-Roman National Champion, 2015 16U Freestyle National Champion 285 lbs Champion: Mason Parris (Michigan) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place Runner-Up: Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) - 2016 16U Freestyle 3rd Place Third Place: Wyatt Hendrickson (Air Force) - 2018 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2018 Junior Greco-Roman 5th Place, 2017 16U Freestyle 3rd Place, 2017 16U Greco-Roman 3rd Place Fourth Place: Tony Cassioppi (Iowa) - 2018 Junior Freestyle National Champion, 2019 Junior Greco-Roman National Champion, 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champion, 2017 Junior Greco-Roman National Champion, 2016 Junior Freestyle Runner-Up, 2016 Junior Greco-Roman 3rd Place, 2015 16U Freestyle 3rd Place Fifth Place: Lucas Davison (Northwestern) - 2018 Junior Freestyle National Champion, 2018 Junior Greco-Roman National Champion, 2017 Junior Freestyle 3rd Place, 2017 Junior Greco-Roman 7th Place, 2016 16U Freestyle Runner-Up, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 5th Place Sixth Place: Zach Elam (Missouri) - 2017 Junior Freestyle National Champion Seventh Place: Cohlton Schultz (Arizona State) - 2016 16U Freestyle National Champion, 2016 16U Greco-Roman 3rd Place, 2015 16U Freestyle Runner-Up

Harmony

Cumberland

Edmond North

Two weeks ago marked the release of our recruiting class rankings and last week we followed those up with five schools that earned honorable mentions. So, we’re all finished with the Class of 2023 recruiting? Not quite. We’ve drilled down a bit and looked further into each conference for more recruiting information. With some of the traditional superpowers consistently atop national recruiting rankings, this will be a way for more schools to get recognized for their recruiting efforts. We’re saving the best for last as we look into the Big Ten, a conference that accounted for nine of the top-25 schools in InterMat’s Class of 2023 recruiting rankings. Before getting to the Big Ten, here are links to the conferences already covered: ACC Big 12 EIWA MAC Pac-12 SoCon Big Ten on the 2023 Big Board Illinois: #10 Kannon Webster (Washington, IL), #30 Braeden Scoles (Kewaskum, WI), #60 Will Baysinger (Prospect, IL), #113 Chris Moore (McHenry, IL), #179 Logan Swaw (Lockport, IL) Indiana: #59 Sam Goin (Crown Point, IN), #151 Bryce Lowery (Roncalli, IN), #165 Cheaney Schoeff (Avon, IN) Iowa: #6 Ben Kueter (City High, IA), #19 Gable Arnold (City High, IA), #26 Ryder Block (Waverly-Shell Rock, IA), #64 Kale Peterson (West Fork, IA) Maryland: #25 Dario Lemus (Clovis, CA) Michigan: #7 Beau Mantanona (Palm Desert, CA), #11 Sergio Lemley (Mt. Carmel, IL), #14 Joel Adams (Millard South, NE), #16 Dylan Gilcher (Detroit CC, MI), #38 Caden Horwath (Davison, MI), #51 Hayden Walters (Crescent Valley, OR) Michigan State: #98 Luke Vanadia (Brecksville, OH), #121 Remy Cotton (Davison, MI), #129 Max Vanadia (Brecksville, OH), #163 Dy’Vaire Van Dyke (Walsh Jesuit, OH) Minnesota: #15 Max McEnelly (Waconia, MN), #20 Gavin Nelson (Simley, MN), #145 Ethan Riddle (Germantown, WI), #180 Brandon Morvari (Simley, MN) Nebraska: #41 Ethan Stiles (Conant, IL), #44 Camden McDanel (Teays Valley, OH), #52 Weston Dalton (Pueblo East, CO), #66 Alan Koehler (Prior Lake, MN), #79 Kael Lauridsen (Bennington, NE), #94 Christopher Minto (Mariner, FL), #114 Matthew Moore (Mesa Ridge, CO) Northwestern: #58 Sam Cartella (Hudson, OH), #97 Jake Bostelman (Ponderosa, CO), #191 Dedrick Navarro (Nampa, ID) Ohio State: #3 Rocco Welsh (Waynesburg, PA), #22 Ryder Rogotzke (Stillwater, MN), #33 Vinny Kilkeary (Greater Latrobe, PA), #35 Brandon Cannon (Ponderosa, CO), #53 Brock Herman (Brecksville, OH) Penn State: #4 Josh Barr (Davison, MI), #9 Tyler Kasak (Doylestown, PA), #46 Braeden Davis (Dundee, MI), #93 Cael Nasdeo (Williamsport, PA), #175 Brendan Wentzel (Montoursville, PA) Purdue: #17 Joey Blaze (Perrysburg, OH), #29 Greyson Clark (Kaukauna, WI), #118 Orlando Cruz (Crown Point, IN), #177 Ashton Jackson (Portage, IN) Wisconsin: #31 Zan Fugitt (Nixa, MO), #82 Lucas Condon (Poway, CA), #115 Dylan Russo (Olentangy Liberty, OH), #126 Julian George (Christian Brothers, NJ) The Big Ten is a conference that stands alone from the other six DI leagues. Nowhere is that more evident than in recruiting. While most other conferences saw some sort of drop from 2022 to 2023 in recruiting Big Boarder’s the Big Ten rose…significantly. In 2022, 40 of the top 250 high schoolers chose one of the 14 schools in the Big Ten. This year 55 of the top 200 chose the B1G! With NIL becoming more widespread, I’d guess that this number only increases going forward. Not only did the Big Ten dominate on sheer numbers, their member schools signed an incredible amount of top-end talent. 13 of the top 20 recruits in the Class of 2023 chose Big Ten schools. Just under half of the top-50 (24) signed with a Big Ten school. 12 different schools signed at least one recruit in the top-60 nationally. Top Transfers Indiana: Danny Fongaro (via Columbia) Iowa: Michael Caliendo (via North Dakota State), Jared Franek (via North Dakota State), Victor Voinovich (via Oklahoma State) Maryland: Seth Nevills (via Penn State) Michigan: Chris Cannon (via Northwestern), Lucas Davison (via Northwestern), Michael DeAugustino (via Northwestern), Shane Griffith (via Stanford) Nebraska: Owen Pentz (via North Dakota State), Caleb Smith (via Appalachian State) Penn State: Mitchell Mesenbrink (via California Baptist), Aaron Nagao (via Minnesota), Bernie Truax (via Cal Poly) Purdue: Joey Milano (via NC State), Marcos Polanco (via Minnesota), James Rowley (via Wisconsin) Rutgers: Jacob Butler (via Oklahoma), Mitch Moore (via Oklahoma), Yaraslau Slavikouski (via Harvard) Wisconsin: Max Maylor (via Michigan), Luke Mechler (via Oklahoma State) Another “sign of the times” is the amount and quality of wrestlers that went through the transfer portal during the spring/summer of 2023. The Big Ten would have been excellent, one way or another; however, the transfer portal saw the conference add four wrestlers that earned All-American honors in 2023 with schools from other conferences. Additionally, four more wrestlers shifted from one Big Ten school to another. Again, with NIL and more rules favoring student-athletes, this number could increase as we go forward. At the same time, one explanation for the incredible number of transfers within the last year or two has been the extra year of eligibility for wrestlers active in 2021. This has led to wrestlers graduating and looking for other academic opportunities not available at their original schools. Under-the-Radar Signees Illinois: Peter Marinopoulos (Marist, IL) Indiana: Joey Buttler (Whiteland Community, IN) Iowa: Koye Grebel (Valley City, SD) Maryland: Clayton Gabrielson (St. Mary’s Ryken, MD) Michigan: Amann Gulacha (Hillfield Strathallen, Ontario) Michigan State: Jaden Crumpler (Niagara Falls, NY) Minnesota: Rhett Koenig (Prairie du Chien, WI) Nebraska: Tanner Frothinger (Eagle, ID) Northwestern: Dirk Morley (Regis Jesuit, CO) Ohio State: Stephen O’Neil (Seton Hall Prep, NJ) Penn State: AJ Fricchione (Bergen Catholic, NJ) Purdue: Cole Solomey (Kankakee Valley, IN) Rutgers: Max Hermes (Milan Edison, OH) Wisconsin: Simon Kruse (St. Clair/Mankato Loyola, MN) As a reminder, this category features wrestlers non on the Big Board (Top 200 in 2023). For most conferences, it’s easy to identify recruits that fit into this category. For the Big Ten, you can have some “under-the-radar” recruits that fall into the top 150-200 range. Even so, we’re going for the totally unranked angle. Big Ten Recruiting Rankings 1. Michigan (2nd nationally) 2. Penn State (3rd nationally) 3. Ohio State (5th nationally) 4. Iowa (6th nationally) 5. Nebraska (7th nationally) 6. Illinois (11th nationally) 7. Purdue (13th nationally) 8. Minnesota (14th nationally) 9. Wisconsin (25th nationally) For more information on each, check out InterMat’s Recruiting Rankings 10. Indiana/Northwestern (Honorable Mention) For more information on these two, check out InterMat’s Recruiting Honorable Mentions Past National Recruiting Rankings (2021-22) Iowa: 2022 (11th), 2021 (4th) Maryland: 2021 (8th) Minnesota: 2022 (HM), 2021 (7th) Nebraska: 2022 (8th), 2021 (13th) Northwestern: 2021 (10th) Ohio State: 2022 (1st), 2021 (9th) Penn State: 2021 (1st) Purdue: 2021 (20th) Rutgers: 2022 (12th), 2021 (17th) Wisconsin: 2022 (14th), 2021 (14th)

While only ten wrestlers can officially start for any team, having depth on the roster is increasingly important. With the redshirt rules, a combination of resting starters and giving young wrestlers opportunities provide even more occasions for teams to flex their depth at various weights. This list will take a look at what schools have some of the best depth at each weight. While most of these have the potential to be solved by redshirts or weight changes, there are surely going to be some quality wrestlers on the bench this season. 125: Virginia Tech In 2022, Virginia Tech had a blue-chip recruit in Cooper Flynn and a slightly, lesser-ranked recruit Eddie Ventresca. The two went back and forth while redshirting in 2022, and it continued for the starting spot in 2023. Ventresca ended up winning the spot and made a surprising run at NCAA’s for his first All-American finish. Cooper Flynn would likely be a ranked starter as well with wins over NCAA qualifiers Ryan Miller and Jack Wagner. With both having three years of eligibility, this could continue to be a battle going forward. Honorable Mention: Oklahoma State The Cowboys have impressive depth at 125 themselves, with a big boost from the transfer portal this year. Last year, Trevor Mastrogiovanni seemed to be a contender for All-American status, but late in the season, Reece Witcraft got an opportunity and ran with it. He made an impressive run to a third-place finish at Big 12’s while unseeded. Adding to their depth, is recent transfer Troy Spratley along with a former blue-chip recruit, Zach Blankenship. If Daton Fix comes back and decides to go 125 for the Olympic year, that would likely push them to the top spot for depth at this weight. 133: Penn Penn seems to be a team on the rise, and that’s shown at 133 where the Quakers have an established starter plus some youth coming in. Michael Colaiocco is a two-time EIWA finalist and three-time qualifier heading into his senior year. Behind him is sophomore Evan Mougalian, who went 20-6 as a true freshman with wins over multiple qualifiers. Add in #40 recruit Max Gallagher, and Penn is in a strong spot at 133 both now and in the future. Honorable Mention: Lehigh Another strong EIWA team, Lehigh similarly has a proven veteran with a young rising back-up. They likely have two-time qualifier Conor McGonagle returning for 2024 who had an impressive 10-2 record before an injury at EIWA’s. There’s also Ryan Crookham, who had wins over NCAA qualifiers Kurt Phipps and Joe Heilmann while redshirting. 141: Oklahoma State While the Cowboys have impressive depth at a few weights, 141 is certainly one of their strongest. The current group is likely to have some weight shifts, but as it stands right now, the lineup is very deep. Last year’s starter Carter Young is a two-time qualifier who is expected to redshirt after knee surgery. Sammy Alvarez was a mid-season transfer from Rutgers and will be looking to get back on track and make his first NCAA’s since 2020. Throw in veteran backup Teague Travis and recent transfer Tagen Jamison, and this is a weight to watch for who emerges. Honorable Mention: Rutgers Ironically, despite losing Sammy Alvarez to the transfer portal, Rutgers reloaded while also redshirting last year’s starter. Four-time qualifier Mitch Moore comes from the portal from Oklahoma and is expecting to head back down to 141 for his final season. That should give Joey Olivieri a chance to redshirt and potentially adjust to the weight. The junior went 22-11 and qualified as a true freshman at 133 but missed out on the tournament his first year at 141. 149: Oklahoma While many schools end up losing wrestlers with a new head coach, the Sooners managed to keep two potential high-impact wrestlers at this weight. While last year’s starter Mitch Moore hit the portal, former round of 16 wrestler Willie McDougald is returning from redshirt. After winning the spot in 2022, McDougald impressed and made the Big 12 finals. Adding to their depth is John Wiley, a blue-chip recruit coming off a redshirt year that included a win over Paniro Johnson. With seemingly established starters at 141 and 157, the battle at 149 is one to keep an eye on. Honorable Mention: Iowa This weight is more of a projection since adding All-American Jared Franek at 157. The expectation is that Cobe Siebrecht will be headed to 149, which would give the Hawkeyes two NCAA qualifiers at the weight. They also added Victor Voinovich from OK State in the offseason who made the round of 16 as a redshirt freshman. Whoever comes out on top there could be looking to make the podium in their second year as a starter. 157: Stanford Coming into the 2023 season, Stanford seemed to have an established starter in Charlie Darracott, who went 18-12 in his first year as a starter and just missed out on qualifying for NCAA’s. However, Daniel Cardenas came in and was an instant impact wrestler, starting the year off at 18-1 and placing third at the Scuffle. While he went 2-2 at NCAA’s, he was the 6 seed and finished with a 24-3 record. Darracott didn’t sit idly by; however, as he also recorded wins over Kaden Gfeller and Chase Saldate. Honorable Mention: NC State The Wolfpack is returning All-American Ed Scott, who is coming off his best season as a third-year starter. He finished in 5th place and as an ACC finalist. The team is also returning junior AJ Kovacs, who is coming off an injury that kept him out all season. While Kovacs hasn’t firmly established himself, he does have wins over teammate Ed Scott and NCAA qualifier Dazjon Casto in 2022. 165: Iowa With how active they were in the transfer portal, it’s no shock that Iowa is on the list multiple times. While they had former blue-chip recruit Patrick Kennedy, they also brought in All-American Michael Caliendo from NDSU. Kennedy made the Big 10 finals and was the sixth seed at NCAA’s, but a rough draw saw him fall in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Caliendo finished in seventh place before hitting the transfer portal after Roger Kish left NDSU. With how it’s looking right now, a high-level wrestler could end up on the bench for a year. Honorable Mention: Penn State Similar to Iowa, a transfer added depth, but that also leads to questions on where everyone would fit. Penn State had another blue-chip recruit in Alex Facundo, but did not have the results expected with an 0-2 NCAA’s. In the offseason, they added in U20 world silver medalist Mitchell Mesenbrink from Cal Baptist. There’s a chance he could also go 157, but they have returning national finalist Levi Haines as well. Redshirts can make it work for one year, but there’s plenty of eligibility for everyone here to make this a longer-lasting conversation. 174: Iowa State The Cyclones have four potential starters here, with two veterans and two freshmen coming off redshirt. Joel Devine is the only one to have qualified before, but Julien Broderson beat him in 2023 for the 174 spot. Then there are MJ Gaitan and Manuel Rojas coming off redshirt years and both had quality wins. There could be a spot at 184 for one if transfer Will Feldkamp bumps up, but whoever gets the spot should find their way into the rankings. Honorable Mention: Michigan Another team that’s been active in the transfer portal, Michigan is likely to have 2021 NCAA champ Shane Griffith bump up for his final year. His credentials are well known as a three-time All-American for Stanford, but Michigan has stacked quality behind him as well. Joseph Walker hasn’t found consistent success yet with a 5-5 record, but beat three NCAA qualifiers last season. 184: Missouri At the start of the 2023 season, Mizzou seemed to have three potential starters in Colton Hawks, Sean Harman, and Clayton Whiting. Hawks had shown potential in close matches with ranked opponents, but hadn’t found a signature win yet. Harman had found success at 174, beating multiple ranked opponents while filling in for Peyton Mocco. Whiting was a highly-ranked recruit, and even had a win over Iowa’s Abe Assad while a senior in high school. Now with Whiting off redshirt, this battle is likely to continue throughout the year. Honorable Mention: Oklahoma Another weight where the Sooners have good depth, they’ve got two NCAA qualifiers at 184 from the transfer portal. Giuseppe Hoose from Buffalo is coming in after a career year where he qualified for his first NCAA’s with a 21-9 record. Deanthony Parker transferred to OU from NDSU, following coach Roger Kish. He also qualified for his first NCAA’s with an 18-11 record after going 22-14 as a true freshman. It’s looking like Parker will redshirt, which could mean that Grayden Penner could see some time as well. He’s struggled with injuries in his career, but was a top recruit coming out of high school. 197: NC State Three-time All-American Trent Hidlay is planning on bumping up for his final year, similar to his brother. With that, Isaac Trumble is likely to be using his available redshirt after qualifying his first two years in the lineup. He hasn’t made the podium yet, but he was the sixth seed at this year’s NCAA’s. Hidlay is looking for his first title, but will have to get through both new opponents at 197 and former foe at 184 Aaron Brooks who is also coming up. While this is not your typical depth with an older wrestler redshirting, having someone like Trumble available in case of injury can be vital for a trophy-seeking team like NC State. Honorable Mention: Virginia Tech While Tech doesn’t have anyone who’s made the podium here yet, they have strong established depth. Andy Smith and Dakota Howard have both qualified at 197 previously, with Smith in the spot in 2023. Another intriguing name is TJ Stewart. The #8 overall recruit in 2022 went 17-5 while redshirting. He doesn’t have a signature win yet, but could be a breakout wrestler if he can break into the lineup this year. 285: Nebraska Nebraska appeared to be set at heavyweight with Harley Andrews coming off a 22-2 redshirt season. The #17 overall recruit in 2022, the young heavyweight had an impressive 70% bonus rate. The Huskers added a surprising piece of depth however with former NDSU wrestler Owen Pentz. The three-time qualifier is known to be long and dangerous at 197, but is planning on making the move to heavyweight. He has a redshirt year if needed, but with two years of eligibility, this roster battle is likely to continue past just this year. Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Throughout the season Pitt had a rare true freshman heavyweight making waves with Dayton Pitzer. The #41 recruit in high school, Pitzer showed impressive skills on top with wins over wrestlers like Cohlton Schultz, Trent Hillger, and more while redshirting. As tempting as it was, Coach Keith Gavin didn’t pull his redshirt so Jacob Slinger continued to start. While his 9-9 record didn’t qualify him for NCAA’s, he has career wins over qualifiers Dorian Crosby and Quinn Miller. He’s shown that he can start and find success when needed.

Two weeks ago marked the release of our recruiting class rankings and last week we followed those up with five schools that earned honorable mentions. So, we’re all finished with the Class of 2023 recruiting? Not quite. Starting last week, we’ve drilled down a bit and looked further into each conference for more recruiting information. With some of the traditional superpowers consistently atop national recruiting rankings, this will be a way for more schools to get recognized for their recruiting efforts. Before getting to the SoCon, here are links to the conferences already covered: ACC Big 12 EIWA MAC Pac-12 SoCon on the Big Board Appalachian State: #133 Jeremiah Price (Surry Central, NC), #199 Brysen Terrell (Bradley Central, TN) Bellarmine: #173 AJ Rallo (Whitfield, MO) Campbell: #112 Chris Earnest (Wadsworth, OH), #149 Wynton Denkins (Perrysburg, OH) Chattanooga: #100 Isaiah Powe (Gardendale, AL) The Class of 2023 has six Big Board’ers headed to the SoCon. That is less than in 2022 when double that amount signed with SoCon schools. Some of that deficit could be attributed to the fact that MatScouts Big Board went to 250 in 2022 and only 200 this year. Two wrestlers from 2022 ranked within that range. You could make an argument that four or five 2023 recruits could have fit into that span. With some of the schools in the SoCon on the incline and starting to hit their stride from a recruiting standpoint, I’d imagine this number grows slightly in the future. Under-the-Radar Signees Appalachian State: Aldo Hernandez (Uwharrie Charter, NC) Bellarmine: Anthony Strieb (Antioch, IL) Campbell: Bentley Ellison (Cleveland, TN) Chattanooga: Ethan Vergara (Mater Lakes, FL) Davidson: Wyatt Ferguson (Oak Hills, OH) Gardner-Webb: Charlie Sly (Stuart Cramer, NC) Presbyterian: Connor Garren (Olentangy Orange, OH) The Citadel: Gylon Sims (Joliet Catholic, IL) VMI: Patrick Jordon (New Kent, VA) SoCon Recruiting Rankings 1. Campbell Recruits: Wynton Denkins (Perrysburg, OH), Chris Earnest (Wadsworth, OH), Bentley Ellison (Cleveland, TN), Oliver Fairchild (Easton, PA), Logan Heckert (Sycamore, TN), Mike Kinzel (Bowling Green, OH), Noah Lawrence (Great Bridge, VA), Landon Reaux (Southside, LA), Cooper Shore (Miami East, OH), Hudson Waldrop (McAdory, AL) The Camels lead the way for the SoCon with a pair of top-150 recruits at the top of their Class of 2023. Those two, Wynton Denkins and Chris Earnest both finished in the top-three in Ohio’s largest classification. Denkins was also eighth at the Super 32 and Earnest was a placer at the Walsh Ironman. Bentley Ellison and Logan Heckert each made the podium after the 2023 high school campaign at NHSCA Seniors. This class really provides an infusion of talent into the lightweights for Campbell. Scotti Sentes’ team has juniors and seniors as projected starters at the first three weights, so youth is needed at those slots. Overall, this is a group that should help Campbell get back to the top of the SoCon, after a year dominated by rival, Appalachian State. 2. Chattanooga Recruits: Kendrick Curtis (Fairview, TN), Wyatt Gibbs (Brentwood, TN), Ethan Lipsey (Bradley Central, TN), Chaz McDonald (Jefferson, GA), Collin Mullins (North Paulding, GA), Yuta Otera (Landstown, VA), Isaiah Powe (Gardendale, AL), Ty Tice (Eastside, SC), Ethan Vergara (Mater Lakes, FL) The conference’s top-ranked recruit and another strong get from the Class of 2022 make this a class that could legitimately challenge for the top spot in the conference. Three-time Alabama state champion, Isaiah Powe, was the only SoCon recruit that finished the year ranked in the top-100 nationally (at #100). Powe was a two-time NHSCA placewinner and won the tournament as a senior. The Mocs will also get the services of Ethan Vergara who grayshirted after graduating in 2022. Vergara is an excellent heavyweight prospect who AA’ed in Fargo’s Junior freestyle tournament twice (3rd/7th). Chattanooga also has four others that earned All-American honors at NHSCA Senior Nationals (Ethan Lipsey, Chaz McDonald, Collin Mullins, and Yuta Otero). Over the past couple of years, Appalachian State and Campbell have seemed to separate themselves from the rest of the SoCon. With this class and maybe another, Chattanooga could re-establish its place atop the league. 3. Appalachian State Recruits: James Bankston (Hillsdale, NC), Tomas Brooker (Hickory Ridge, NC), Jayden Dobeck (Pinecrest, NC), Logan Eller (Trion, GA), Aldo Hernandez (Uwharrie Charter, NC), Gunnar Pool (Centerville, OH), Jeremiah Price (Surry Central, NC), Bryson Terrell (Bradley Central, TN) The Appalachian State Class of 2023 features two Big Board’ers in Jeremiah Price and Bryson Terrell. Both are good recruiting wins, as Price was initially committed to NC State and Terrell comes from enemy SoCon territory. Price has proven his mettle on the national stage with a fifth-place showing at the Walsh Ironman and eighth place in Fargo’s Junior freestyle tournament. Tomas Brooker, Logan Eller, and Aldo Hernandez all finished in the top-eight at NHSCA Seniors. Mountaineers head coach JohnMark Bentley and staff do as good of a job as anyone in the nation at developing unheralded recruits into quality collegiate wrestlers. This class gives the ASU staff a lot to work with going forward. That will be important as Appalachian has been hit hard with graduation in 2023. 4. Davidson Recruits: Robert Canterino (Christian Brothers, NJ), Brock Carey (Fred T Foard, NC), Bryce Clement (American School, Japan), Wyatt Ferguson (Oak Hills, OH), Johnny Hagar (Delbarton, NJ), Brady Joling (Chartiers Valley, PA), Enis Lijkovic (Barron Collier, FL), Ian McGehee (Memphis University, TN), Tyler McKnight (Cass, GA), Savoy New (Cardinal Gibbons, NC), Dylan Smith (Fred T. Foard, NC), DJ Spring (Maiden, NC) The first full recruiting class for second-year head coach Nate Carr Jr. has to be the best in Davidson history. The Wildcat staff took care of business at home and signed three North Carolina state champions, but they also expanded their reach into some power states. State placers from New Jersey (Robert Canterino), Ohio (Wyatt Ferguson), and Pennsylvania (Brady Joling) will get some proven winners into the program. Georgia state champ Tyler McKnight had a great NHSCA tournament and was third as a Senior. Davidson last sent a wrestler to the NCAA Tournament in 2015. With the strides the team took in 2022-23 and a really solid recruiting class, that streak could come to an end soon. 5. VMI Recruits: Phoenix Alyea (Skyline, VA), Tyler Berish (Beth-Center, PA), Luke Bryant (Riverheads, VA), Sam Dickey (Sherwood, MD), Eric Doran (Great Bridge, VA), Riley Finck (St. Christopher’s, VA), Jason Flener (North Allegheny, PA), Patrick Jordon (New Kent, VA), Christian Moffett (Woodgrove, VA), Caleb Richardson (East Hamilton, TN), Wayne Rold (Camden Catholic, NJ), Hunter Salomon (Skyline, VA), Toby Schoffstall (Liberty Christian, VA), River Smith (Glenvar, VA), Jackson Stroud (Brentsville, VA), Caleb Swanson (Northside, VA), Mohammed Zangneh (Glen Allen, VA) What a massive recruiting class for VMI! The Keydet staff did an excellent job at inking some of Virginia’s best wrestlers and keeping them at home. The top recruit is Patrick Jordon who won the Beast of the East and Trojan Wars tournaments as a senior, in addition to his third Virginia 3A state title. He would later take seventh at Senior Nationals. Another highly credentialed member of the class is Toby Schoffstall who won Senior Nationals at 195 lbs and made the 16U Greco-Roman finals in Fargo in 2021. Additionally, VMI will get the services of three others that were Virginia champions in 2023, along with New Jersey placer Wayne Rold and two Pennsylvania state qualifiers. For a school that generally doesn’t redshirt very often, I’d imagine that a large chunk of this class finds its way into the VMI lineup, on a regular basis, in 2023-24. The VMI staff really hustled to get a class of this size and caliber locked in and it really should benefit the program positively going forward. 6. Gardner-Webb Recruits: Brixon Burgess (North Iredell, NC), TK Davis (Rockmart, GA), Joey Giordano (Long Branch, NJ), Eddie Flores (North Iredell, NC), Tyler Hicks (Beavercreek, OH), Hunter Jones (Hickory Ridge, NC), Jackson Lusk (SPIRE Institute, OH), Drew Pepin (Northwest Guilford, NC), Ty Porter (Salem, VA), Charlie Sly (Stuart Cramer, NC), Josh Ward (Page, TN) As NHSCA Senior Nationals concluded, Gardner-Webb’s Class of 2023 really came into focus. The future Runnin’ Bulldogs put a pair of wrestlers into the NHSCA Senior finals with TK Davis winning the 120 lb weight class and Drew Pepin making the 152 lb championship match. Both were also fifth at the Junior edition of the tournament. Eddie Flores also was an NHSCA All-American. For the most part, the Gardner-Webb class is from the south, which is often the case. One of the outliers is a good one as they’ve signed Joey Giordano, a New Jersey state fourth-place finisher and a three-time state qualifier. Gardner-Webb generally has a veteran class returning, so there isn’t a desperate need for this class to hit the mat immediately, they should have the opportunity to develop in the GWU room.

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