While Wisconsin's top squad enters Junior Duals Nationals with championship aspirations, the Wisconsin Blue Team brings a lineup filled with state champions, experienced state placers, and emerging talent capable of making plenty of noise in Milwaukee from June 16-20.
For wrestling fans, one of the biggest storylines of Junior Duals is often discovering the next wave of talent. Wisconsin Blue features several wrestlers who have already established themselves among the state's best, along with a group of younger competitors eager to test themselves against the nation's top wrestlers.
State Champions Lead the Way
The foundation of Wisconsin Blue's lineup is built around several wrestlers who have reached the top of the podium in Madison.
At 132 pounds, William Du Chemin of Wilmot Union enters as one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the roster. A three-time state champion, Du Chemin has consistently been among Wisconsin's elite and gives the Blue Team a proven performer capable of competing with anyone in the country.
Another recent state champion is Adien Aure at 138 pounds. After qualifying for state and later earning a fourth-place finish, the Menomonie standout broke through for a state title this season and will look to carry that momentum into national competition.
The heavyweight spot is anchored by Cael Leisgang of Seymour. After finishing fifth and second at state earlier in his career, Leisgang captured a state championship this season. He also owns two Fargo All-American finishes, placing eighth in 2023 and fifth in 2024, and is committed to the University of Wisconsin.
At 157 pounds, Bryston Scoles of Kewaskum enters the summer as a newly crowned state champion after previously finishing third and second. His steady progression throughout high school has made him one of the most reliable wrestlers in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Blue also has a state champion option at 190 pounds in Owen Schacht of Mishicot, who capped his career with a state title after previously earning a fifth-place finish.
Strong Experience Through the Middle Weights
The middle of the lineup provides Wisconsin Blue with valuable experience and depth.
At 150 pounds, Cade Aaberg of Oregon has been one of the state's most consistent performers, earning three state medals, including a runner-up finish. The Utah Valley commit brings both experience and leadership to the roster.
At 165 pounds, Olin Nueville of De Pere steadily climbed the state podium throughout his career, culminating with a third-place finish this past season.
The Blue Team also boasts impressive depth at 144 pounds. Ethan Immel of Kewaskum finished his high school career as a four-time state placer and two-time state champion before committing to St. Cloud State University. Alongside him is Landen Fick of Plymouth, who finished fifth at state and will continue his wrestling career at Wisconsin-Parkside.
At 175 pounds, Nolan Owen of Baraboo enters after earning a fifth-place state finish and is committed to UW-La Crosse. His experience in big matches should be valuable throughout the week.
Battle-Tested Lower Weights
Wisconsin Blue's lower weights feature wrestlers who have consistently competed deep into Wisconsin's postseason.
At 126 pounds, Andy DiPiazza of Kaukauna brings three state medals, including a runner-up finish. His experience against top competition should make him a tough matchup in every dual.
The 120-pound weight class provides Wisconsin Blue with multiple quality options. Collin Frey of Evansville is a former state champion and three-time state placer, while August Lubinski of West Bend West/East has earned consecutive state medals, finishing fifth and third.
Both wrestlers have proven they can compete at a high level and give the coaching staff flexibility throughout the tournament.
Young Wrestlers Looking to Make Their Mark
Several younger wrestlers will have an opportunity to gain valuable national experience while contributing to the team effort.
At 100 pounds, Connor Woosencraft of Pulaski is among the youngest members of the roster and will be tested against elite competition.
Caden Bock of Freedom earned a trip to the state tournament and brings valuable experience to the 106-pound spot.
At 113 pounds, Kolten Mueller of Milton also qualified for state and will look to build upon that experience against some of the nation's best wrestlers.
Junior Duals has long served as a proving ground for future stars, and Wisconsin Blue's younger wrestlers will have an opportunity to showcase their potential on a national stage.
College Talent Throughout the Lineup
One sign of the strength of Wisconsin Blue is the number of wrestlers who have already committed to continue their careers at the next level.
The roster includes future wrestlers for Wisconsin, Utah Valley, St. Cloud State, Wisconsin-Parkside, UW-La Crosse, and Gardner-Webb, giving the team a strong foundation of proven talent and future collegiate athletes.
At 215 pounds, Owen Burling of Lake Mills fits that mold perfectly. A three-time state qualifier who finished third at state this season, Burling will continue his career at Gardner-Webb University and provides another experienced upper-weight competitor.
What to watch for...
For fans following Wisconsin Blue, several factors could determine the team's success:
Can the state champions lead the way? Du Chemin, Aure, Scoles, Schacht, and Leisgang have all proven they can win at the highest level in Wisconsin.
Will the veteran depth provide consistency? Wrestlers such as Aaberg, Immel, DiPiazza, Frey, Burling, and Owen have years of experience competing in high-pressure matches.
Can the younger wrestlers make a breakthrough? Junior Duals often serves as a launching point for future stars, and Wisconsin Blue's underclassmen will have an opportunity to gain valuable national experience
With multiple state champions, accomplished state placers, and a growing list of college commits, Wisconsin Blue enters Junior Duals Nationals with the depth and talent to compete against strong teams from across the country. Wrestling on home mats in Milwaukee, this group will look to showcase the strength of Wisconsin wrestling while creating momentum for the future.
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