Category: On The Mat
Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals Tournament Recap
Wisconsin Wrestlers Shine at Brian Keck Preseason Nationals 2025
The Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals – held Oct. 23-26, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa – is one of the premier early-season wrestling tournaments, drawing top talent from across the country. Wisconsin’s high school wrestlers made a strong showing at this year’s event, bringing home multiple medals and showcasing the state’s rising stars. Below is a recap of Wisconsin’s notable performances, broken down by division: Boys High School Showcase, 9th-10th Grade, 11th-12th Grade, and Girls High School.
Boys High School Showcase Division (Recruiting Showcase)
The Boys High School Showcase is an elite division open only to pre-qualified wrestlers (state champions, state placers, and other national All-Americans). Four Wisconsin wrestlers earned All-American honors (top-8) in this ultra-competitive field:
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Nehemiah Lendobeja (Kaukauna) – 2nd Place at 285 lbs (2-1). The Kaukauna senior and returning state medalist reached the finals before falling to Iowa’s Ashton Honnold. Lendobeja, currently ranked #3 in Wisconsin at heavyweight, helped Kaukauna win a team state title and is poised for a big senior year.
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Mason Moody (Arrowhead) – 3rd Place at 113 lbs (4-1). Just a freshman, Moody proved his hype is real by beating older competition for a podium finish. He is the top-ranked Division 1 wrestler in Wisconsin at 113 lbs and showed why, bouncing back from a semifinal loss to pin his opponent for 3rd.
- Luke Driedric (Arrowhead) – 6th Place at 285 lbs (2-1; Inj). The Arrowhead junior reached the semifinals, where he was beat by fellow Wisconsinite Lendobeja. Following the match, he had to injure out of the tournament, falling to a 6th place finish.
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Lincoln Swick (Oconomowoc) – 8th Place at 120 lbs (4-3). Another talented freshman, Swick fought through the wrestlebacks to earn 8th. He’s already ranked #2 in D1 at 120 lbs and showed impressive grit against a national field, notching four wins.
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Olin Neuville (De Pere) – 8th Place at 157 lbs (3-3). Neuville, a junior, secured a podium spot after facing several state champions from other states. A returning state qualifier with a career 87-12 record, he entered ranked #3 in D1 at 150 lbs and validated that status by hanging with elite competition.
These showcase results are significant, as this division featured many of the nation’s best. Wisconsin’s four All-Americans underline the depth of talent in the state’s high school ranks.
9th-10th Grade Division
Wisconsin’s freshmen and sophomores had a banner tournament in the 9th-10th grade division, capturing two championships and a total of nine All-American finishes (top-8). Notable performances include:
Easton Kammerud (Mt. Horeb/Barneveld) – 1st Place at 175 lbs (4-0). Kammerud pinned/tech falled his way to the title. The freshman phenom dominated the bracket with four bonus point wins. Easton looks to continue his dominant run this coming season.
Kade Splinter (Stoughton) – 1st Place at 215 lbs (3-0). Splinter, another Wisconsin freshman, ran through a tough upper-weight bracket to claim gold. Hailing from Stoughton’s powerhouse program, he showed composure beyond his years.
A.J. Woerpel (Hortonville) – 3rd Place at 106 lbs (8-1). Woerpel’s only loss came to the eventual champion in the quarterfinals. He rebounded with determination to secure third. A.J. is currently ranked #1 at 106 in Division 1 as a freshman, backing up that ranking with an 8-1 showing here.
Tomm Heiser (Evansville) – 3rd Place at 175 lbs (6-1). Heiser fell in a close match to Minnesota’s Destan Skelly but wrestled back for third at the same weight class won by Kammerud. A sophomore and the younger brother of four-time champ Danny Heiser, Tomm is making his own name with this national podium finish.
Tyler Paulson (Aquinas) – 4th Place at 132 lbs (8-2). Paulson battled through a deep bracket to take fourth. The sophomore and returning D3 state qualifier only lost to the eventual 2nd- and 3rd-place finishers from Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Jacob Penzkover (La Crosse Aquinas) – 6th Place at 144 lbs. Penzkover, a sophomore, racked up several pins on his way to sixth.
Brodey Lewis (Milton) – 6th Place at 100 lbs. Lewis is a freshman who stepped into a 100-pound weight class and came away with sixth. He is already ranked #2 at 106 in D1, and his performance here confirms Milton has another lightweight star on the rise.
Rylie Kendziora (Kimberly) – 6th Place at 285 lbs. Kendziora, a sophomore heavyweight, held his own against big-school competition from across the country.
Mason Boulanger (Luxemburg-Casco) – 8th Place at 157 lbs. Boulanger a sophomore ground out an 8th-place medal in a stacked bracket. He went 3-3 on the weekend, showing the same toughness that helped him qualify for state as a freshman.
With two champions and several other medalists, Wisconsin’s underclassmen made a statement. Names like Kammerud, Splinter, and Woerpel will be well-known to wrestling fans as they continue their careers.
11th-12th Grade Division
In the junior/senior division, many of Wisconsin’s leading upperclassmen competed in the Showcase or sat out, yet those who stayed in the 11th-12th field still found success. Three Wisconsin wrestlers earned All-American honors:
J.D. Minder-Broeckaert (Hudson) – 1st Place at 165 lbs (4-0). Minder-Broeckaert claimed Wisconsin’s lone title in the 11th-12th division with a dominant run at 165. A senior from Hudson, J.D. capped off the tournament by pinning Iowa’s Miles Lesley in the finals.
Sam Zanton (Middleton) – 3rd Place at 157 lbs (5-1). Zanton, a junior, avenged an earlier loss to claim third place. Only a loss to an out-of-state finalist blemished his record. Zanton is a returning state medalist and currently ranked #2 in Division 1 at 157.
Braden Johnson (Cumberland) – 7th Place at 138 lbs. Johnson, a senior from Cumberland, earned a spot on the podium. A top-ranked Division 3 wrestler at 138 lbs and a state placer last year, Johnson proved he can compete with big-school and out-of-state foes.
Wisconsin’s presence in the upperclassmen division was smaller, but Minder-Broeckaert’s championship and Zanton’s podium finish were highlights. These veterans will lead their high school teams this winter with national credentials under their belts.
Girls High School Division
Wisconsin’s girls contingent had an outstanding tournament, with 13 All-Americans (top-8 finishers) – more than any other division for the state. While no Wisconsin girl won a title, four made the finals, and several others secured podium finishes in a field loaded with nationally ranked talent.
Finalists (2nd Place)
- Daelin Cody (Princeton/Green Lake) – 2nd at 120 lbs (5-1)
Sophomore Daelin Cody continued her national ascent with a runner-up finish at 120 pounds. Cody ran through five straight opponents before falling in the finals to Illinois standout Angelina Gochis. A returning Wisconsin state medalist, she wrestles with strong positional awareness and sharp mat IQ. Her only loss coming in the championship bout underscores her readiness to compete at a national level heading into the WIAA season. - Laynie Vaughan (Wautoma/Wild Rose) – 2nd at 170 lbs (4-1)
Junior Laynie Vaughan showcased her trademark consistency in a deep 170-pound bracket. The returning state medalist picked up four wins en route to the finals before dropping a close match to Iowa’s Anastasia Simon. Vaughan’s national runner-up finish confirms her place among Wisconsin’s most reliable upperweights. - Franky Groom-Frey (North Crawford/Seneca) – 2nd at 140 lbs (4-1)
Franky Groom-Frey, a junior and returning state finalist, again proved her ability to thrive in big moments. She earned four strong wins to reach the championship bout, where she fell to Texas star Landri VonGonten. Groom-Frey’s performance adds another podium to an already impressive résumé that includes a Fargo All-American finish. - Bryn Schmidt (New London) – 2nd at 190 lbs (3-1)
Freshman Bryn Schmidt made a splash in her national high school debut, reaching the 190-pound finals before dropping a hard-fought match to Texas champion Blake Baker. Schmidt displayed maturity beyond her age, controlling position and pace throughout the tournament. Her silver medal marks an outstanding preseason launch for the New London newcomer, setting high expectations for her first varsity campaign.
3rd Place Medalists
- Cassidy O’Connell (Eau Claire Regis/Altoona) – 3rd at 100 lbs (5-1)
Sophomore Cassidy O’Connell turned in one of Wisconsin’s strongest performances, finishing 5-1 and taking bronze at 100 pounds. Her only setback came in a tight bout with Iowa’s Abigail Peterson. O’Connell’s blend of speed and technical precision continues to elevate her profile as one of the state’s most promising lightweights. - Emersyn Miller (Poynette) – 3rd at 155 lbs (6-1)
Senior Emersyn Miller powered through a loaded 155-pound field to claim third, posting six wins on the weekend. After a semifinal loss to Iowa’s Skylar Slade, she stormed back through the wrestlebacks for two more wins. Miller’s resilience and top control stood out — traits that have made her one of Wisconsin’s most consistent upperweight leaders over the past few seasons.
Other Wisconsin All-Americans
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Cora Stewart (Port Washington) – 4th at 120 lbs (5-2)
Freshman Cora Stewart impressed in her national debut, going 5-2 and finishing fourth in a loaded 120-pound bracket. Stewart battled through tough opponents, including Wisconsin’s own finalist Daelin Cody and Arizona’s bronze medalist Hannah Naccarati-Cholo. -
Brynlee Vaughan (Wautoma/Wild Rose) – 4th at 155 lbs (4-2)
Sophomore Brynlee Vaughan continued to build her résumé with a fourth-place finish at 155 pounds. Facing a bracket that included Kansas champion Leolyn Karnowski and fellow Wisconsinite Emersyn Miller, Vaughan held her own throughout the tournament. - Maya Beckett (Notre Dame) – 5th at 100lbs (5-2)
Freshman Maya Beckett made an impressive national high school debut, going 5-2 to take 5th at 100 pounds. Her only losses came to top-tier opponents, including the eventual tournament champion by fall. Beckett closed out the weekend with a strong win against a tough opponent. Her performance signals big potential for Notre Dame’s newly formed girls’ team. -
Alexa Thomas (Lake Geneva Badger) – 6th at 110 lbs (6-3)
Alexa Thomas turned in one of Wisconsin’s busiest weekends, wrestling nine matches en route to a sixth-place finish at 110 pounds. The Lake Geneva Badger sophomore showcased grit in a deep field, collecting six wins while facing multiple state-level opponents from Missouri and Wisconsin. -
Dealya Collins (Mineral Point) – 6th at 135 lbs (3-3)
Senior Dealya Collins closed out her preseason with a solid sixth-place finish at 135 pounds. The veteran Miner went 3-3, dropping close bouts to nationally ranked wrestlers from Indiana, Washington, and California. A two-time state qualifier, Collins’ experience and consistency continue to anchor Mineral Point’s growing girls program. -
Layla Risler (Mondovi/Eleva-Strum) – 6th at 145 lbs (3-3)
Sophomore Layla Risler finished sixth at 145 pounds, adding another national-level result to her résumé. Risler battled through a tough bracket that included champions from Iowa and Minnesota, proving she can hang with the best. A returning state medalist and Fargo placer, her steady progression bodes well for her upcoming WIAA season. -
Stella Pettitt (Freedom) – 7th at 140 lbs (4-2)
Stella Pettitt bounced back from early losses to finish seventh at 140 pounds, going 4-2 on the weekend. The Freedom sophomore showcased resilience, securing wins over out-of-state competition and reinforcing Freedom’s reputation as one of Wisconsin’s top programs for developing girls wrestling talent. -
Lily Baker (Freedom) – 8th at 110 lbs (4-3)
Sophomore Lily Baker rounded out the podium for Wisconsin with an eighth-place finish at 110 pounds. Baker picked up four wins in a competitive bracket that included fellow Wisconsinite, Alexa Thomas. The Freedom lightweight continues to gain valuable national experience and will look to build on her strong preseason showing this winter.
The performance of Wisconsin’s girls was a highlight of the Preseason Nationals. With four finalists and 13 medalists, it’s clear that Wisconsin’s girls program is on the rise. Many of these athletes – like Cody, the Vaughan sisters, Groom-Frey, and O’Connell – are already proven talents, and their success on a national stage bodes well for the upcoming high school season.
Closing Thoughts
From the national spotlight of the Showcase to the developing ranks of the 9th–10th division and the surging wave of Wisconsin girls, the 2025 Brian Keck Preseason Nationals once again affirmed the state’s standing as one of the Midwest’s wrestling powerhouses.
In total, Wisconsin wrestlers earned over two dozen national medals, including multiple titles, finals appearances, and breakout performances across nearly every weight class.
As the winter season approaches, these results are more than just early bragging rights — they’re a sign that Wisconsin wrestling continues to evolve, producing not just tough wrestlers, but complete, technically sharp athletes capable of standing toe-to-toe with the nation’s best.
All Results
| Name | School | Weight | Grade | Tournament Record | Place | People who beat them | Tournament Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easton Kammerud | Mt. Horeb/ Barneveld | 175 | 9th | 4-0 | 1st | 9th-10th | |
| Kade Splinter | Stoughton | 215 | 9th | 3-0 | 1st | 9th-10th | |
| AJ Woerpel | Hortonville | 106 | 9th | 8-1 | 3rd | Alex Hall MO 1st | 9th-10th |
| Tomm Heiser | Evansville | 175 | 10th | 6-1 | 3rd | Destan Skelly MN 2nd | 9th-10th |
| Tyler Paulson | Aquinas | 132 | 10th | 8-2 | 4th | Arturo Reyes PA 2nd, Kyle Scavuzzo OH 3rd | 9th-10th |
| Jacob Penzkover | Aquinas | 144 | 9th | 6-3 | 6th | Quincey Crawford MO 1st, Chase Davis OH 3rd, Sebastian Rodriguez CA 5th | 9th-10th |
| Brodey Lewis | Milton | 100 | 9th | 4-1 (INJ) | 6th | Ty Martin IA 1st | 9th-10th |
| Mason Boulanger | Luxemburg-Casco | 157 | 10th | 3-3 | 8th | Thunder Page KS 1st, Drake Troxel NE 4th, Brian Moreno ID 7th | 9th-10th |
| Rylie Kendziora | Kimberly | 285 | 10th | 0-3 | 6th | Sawyer Schendel MN 1st, Gabriel Ortiz FL 4th, Michael Danial IL 5th | 9th-10th |
| Drey Kren | Regis/ Altoona | 106 | 10th | 4-2 | DNP | Gavin Hoeft MN 2nd, Gabriel Ryzyi MI top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Bryce Madden | Mt. Horeb/ Barneveld | 106 | 9th | 1-2 | DNP | Gavin Hoeft MN 2nd, Jaxson Avery SD top 48 | 9th-10th |
| Ryker Moskiewicz | Cadott | 106 | 10th | 1-2 | DNP | Gavin Hoeft MN 2nd, Sullivan Sigman SD top 24 | 9th-10th |
| Bryce Feran | Prescott | 106 | 9th | 1-2 | DNP | Mason Enquist CO top 64, Gabe Nettleton TN top 64 | 9th-10th |
| Carter Solt | Sauk Prairie | 106 | 9th | 0-2 | DNP | Jackson Hackett FL 8th, Lincon Huck IA top 96 | 9th-10th |
| Ryan Gartman | Grafton | 106 | 9th | 1-2 | DNP | Corbin Helm FL top 48, Hoyt Wasburn IA top 64 | 9th-10th |
| Tristan Bancroft | Monona Grove/ McFarland | 113 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Tyler Gerhold IA top 64, Kane Preskitt TX top 96 | 9th-10th |
| Malakai Barker | Osceola | 113 | 10th | 4-2 | top 32 | Henry Golembiewski MI top 24, Maysen Perkins MO top 24 | 9th-10th |
| Keilan Yang | N/A | 113 | 8th | 2-2 | DNP | Andres Lopez NM 2nd, Malakai Barker top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Graysen Koepke | Port Washington | 113 | 10th | 2-2 | DNP | David McClurg CA 4th, Deagan Kinkade CA top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Jacob Adsit | Beaver Dam | 120 | 9th | 0-2 | DNP | Austen Fry IA top 64, Tatum Sida TX top 96 | 9th-10th |
| Gregory Hellendrung | Chilton/ Hilbert | 120 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Gunner Perkins OH top 32, Hudson Bragg CO top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Isaiah Neitzel | Watertown | 120 | 9th | 3-2 | top 32 | Weston Pollock top 16, Ricardo Poolaw NM top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Waylon Fry | Glenwood City | 120 | 9th | 3-2 | top 32 | Ollie Pulliam TX 1st, Hoyt Harshman WA top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Kale Crass | N/A | 120 | 8th | 0-2 | DNP | Drew Murante IL top 48, Nolan Callahan IL top 48 | 9th-10th |
| Isaac Weber | Germantown | 126 | 10th | 3-2 | top 32 | Dominic Rodriguez FL top 24, Kash Koopmans IA top 24 | 9th-10th |
| Karlo Reyes | Wisconsin Dells | 126 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Jaxon Felker CO 3rd, Eli Modglin IL top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Amadeus Kuck | Homestead | 126 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Luke Thompson IL top 48, Jaxson Bagwell IL top 48 | 9th-10th |
| Logan Salm | Luxemburg-Casco | 132 | 10th | 3-2 | DNP | Mitchel Baker MO top 16, William Coleman CO top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Lane Hague | St. Croix Central | 132 | 10th | 2-2 | DNP | Ezekiel Rodrigues MN top 16, Daxton Folsom MO top 24 | 9th-10th |
| Garrett Bowden | Pulaski | 132 | 9th | 2-2 | top 24 | Sabatino Sciullo PA 6th, Ezekiel Rodrigues MN top 16 | 9th-10th |
| Briar Vroman | Winneconne | 132 | 10th | 2-2 | top 32 | Jaxsen Draves NE top 24, Gavin Mason IN top 24 | 9th-10th |
| Preston Schneider | Oshkosh West | 138 | 10th | 2-2 | top 24 | James Lauf MO top 12, Bryan Garcia FL top 16 | 9th-10th |
| Phillip Steiger | Portage | 138 | 10th | 1-2 | DNP | Crew Carlson NE top 12, Truman Hogen IA top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Oliver Sudbrink | Cadott | 144 | 10th | 1-2 | DNP | Talon Flowers CO top 24, Jeremy Valdez CA top 32 | 9th-10th |
| Caden Schwartz | Oregon | 144 | 10th | 2-2 | DNP | Colton Wilson MO top 12, Brody Carson CA top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Jacob Lootans Jr. | Regis/ Altoona | 150 | 10th | 2-2 | top 24 | J'Shawn Sterling NE 2nd, Chase Whitney MN top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Alex Martinez | Westosha Central | 150 | 10th | 2-2 | top 12 | Holden Jacobs TX 5th, David Burchett CO 7th | 9th-10th |
| Nevan Doyle | N/A | 157 | 8th | 2-2 | top 16 | Kayden Hanlon NV 6th, Jack Burdick UT top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Anthony Rickman | Ithaca/Weston | 165 | 9th | 0-2 | DNP | Cole Kansteiner NE 8th, Kalin Thompson NE 6th | 9th-10th |
| Warren Caulum | West Salem/ Bangor | 165 | 9th | 1-2 | top 12 | Cole Sackett MO 1st, Kalin Thompson NE 6th | 9th-10th |
| Josiah Bastien | Luxemburg-Casco | 165 | 9th | 0-2 | DNP | Samson Castillo ID 4th, Rolan Alvarez IA top 16 | 9th-10th |
| Maxim Wahlquist | River Falls | 175 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Harmon Kramer SD top 12, Dean Wingate TN top 12 | 9th-10th |
| Caysen Martinek | Eau Claire Memorial | 190 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Ocie House AL 6th, Emmett Shedek IA top 16 | 9th-10th |
| JD Minder-Broeckaert | Hudson | 165 | 12th | 6-0 | 1st | 11th-12th | |
| Sam Zanton | Middleton | 157 | 12th | 6-1 | 3rd | Jaiden Oliver FL 2nd | 11th-12th |
| Braden Johnson | Cumberland | 138 | 11th | 5-2 | 7th | Conner Whitely OH 2nd, Malakii Martin CO 3rd | 11th-12th |
| Tayden Ringstad | Deforest | 106 | 11th | 1-2 | top 16 | Nolan Mather VA top 12, Blake Eddy NE top 12 | 11th-12th |
| Isaiah Black | River Falls | 113 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Ilan Shank ID top 16, Ike Heysinger IA top 16 | 11th-12th |
| Caleb Schreiber | Random Lake | 126 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Brayden Luinstra KS top 16, Wyatt Koenen MN top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Waylon Deaton | River Falls | 132 | 11th | 3-2 | DNP | Tyler Yancey TX 3rd, Jadon Dinwiddie IL top 16 | 11th-12th |
| Mason Boerner | Omro | 132 | 12th | 3-2 | top 32 | Chase Kastner CT top 16, Jadon Dinwiddie IL top 16 | 11th-12th |
| Xavier Vang | Oshkosh West | 132 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Walker Waidelich WI top 48, Sullivan Baccam IA top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Walker Waidelich | New Richmond | 132 | 11th | 2-2 | DNP | Logan Svoboda NE top 12, John David Shattuck Al top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Bryson Busler | Watertown | 132 | 11th | 2-2 | top 24 | Markel Hackwelder OH 4th, Dawson Hawthorne IL top 12 | 11th-12th |
| Mason Malnory | Omro | 132 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Jadon Dinwiddie IL top 16, Ethan Kelly MO top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Oliver Larson | River Falls | 138 | 11th | 5-2 | top 12 | Brycen Dawley WA 6th, Mateus Sgai FL 8th | 11th-12th |
| Mason Schulte | River Valley | 138 | 12th | 0-2 | DNP | Maxwell Beck OH top 48, Riley Dilka KS top 48 | 11th-12th |
| Logan Steffen | Oregon | 138 | 11th | 5-2 | top 16 | Liam Aye IL top 24, Oliver Larson WI top 12 | 11th-12th |
| Ryan Frank | Waupaca | 138 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Braden Johnson WI 7th, Diego Cordova NM top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Talon Berg | Osceola | 138 | 12th | 2-2 | DNP | Zaphyr Musshorn CT top 48, Logan Zimmerman NE top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Antonio Sowell | Amery | 138 | 12th | 3-2 | top 24 | Myles Sanchez NE top 24, Jet Millison KS top 16 | 11th-12th |
| Breck Ritchie | Kaukauna | 144 | 11th | 2-2 | DNP | Kiron Do Nascimento Neves TX top 64, Drew Anderson IA top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Lincoln Lunsmann | New Richmond | 144 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Ryan Dietrick TN top 16, Cross Alpe TN top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Colton Shurpit | Princeton/ Green Lake | 144 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Chase Yancey TX top 24, Wyatt Hunton GA top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Brody Ernest | Oconomowoc | 150 | 12th | 2-2 | DNP | Ty Eversman CO top 32, Nathaniel Burchfiel TX top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Dashel Philipp | Muskego | 150 | 12th | 0-2 | DNP | Jordan Schafer SD top 12, Aaron Sung OH top 64 | 11th-12th |
| Logan Kuck | Homestead | 157 | 12th | 3-2 | DNP | Coehn Weber IL top 12, Diego Ramirez TX top 24 | 11th-12th |
| Drayk Nolan | Chilton/ Hilbert | 157 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Dallas Gossen MN top 16, Jayden Harter IA top 48 | 11th-12th |
| Scott Gutermann | Random Lake | 157 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Grady Hull IL top 48, Campbell Denton KS top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Will Dailey | Oshkosh West | 165 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Julian Sierra FL top 16, Corey Robinson IL top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Ben Hilbert | Appleton West | 165 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Dominic Pardi MN top 24, Trey Magness NE top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Alvin Peterson | Smoerset | 165 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Dominic Meli CO 7th, Bodi Knudsen NE top 32 | 11th-12th |
| Emmett Collins | Mineral Point | 165 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Leo Ashurov TX top 24, Kael Hutchinson IA top 24 | 11th-12th |
| Finn Grauwels | Middleton | 165 | 12th | 2-2 | top 24 | Colton Wilson MN top 12, Aiden Brown IL top 12 | 11th-12th |
| Colletti Hill | Madison Memorial | 175 | 12th | 1-2 | DNP | Rex Topete CA top 24, Griffin Goins OK 6th | 11th-12th |
| Brock Schmidt | Hortonville | 190 | 11th | 2-2 | top 12 | Timothy Brown GA 4th, Cael Fier MN 8th | 11th-12th |
| Nehemiah Lendobeja | Kaukauna | 285 | 12th | 2-1 | 2nd | Ashton Honnold IA 1st | Showcase |
| Mason Moody | Arrowhead | 113 | 9th | 4-1 | 3rd | Carew Christensen IA 2nd | Showcase |
| Luke Driedric | Arrowhead | 285 | 11th | 2-1 (INJ) | 6th | Nehemiah Lendobeja WI 2nd | Showcase |
| Lincoln Swick | Oconomowoc | 120 | 9th | 4-3 | 8th | Irving Bicoy III HI top 12, Kipton Lewis IA 5th, Brand'n Edstrom ID 7th | Showcase |
| Olin Neuville | De Pere | 157 | 11th | 3-3 | 8th | David Burchett CO 7th, Jet Brown MO 3rd, David Burchett CO 7th | Showcase |
| Logan Schad | Kiel | 132 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Jackson Yeatman OK top 12, Jaxon Johnson TX top 24 | Showcase |
| William Christopher | New London | 138 | 12th | 1-2 | DNP | Cael Puderbaugh KS top 12, Matthew Wasson KY top 24 | Showcase |
| Alex Penzkover | IA | 144 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Isaiah Gallegos CO 3rd, Makael Aguayo MT top 16 | Showcase |
| Collin Hamm | Weyauwega-Fremont | 157 | 10th | 2-2 | top 12 | Gavin Regis UT 4th, Olin Neuville WI 8th | Showcase |
| Ben Miller | Wittenburg-Birnamwood | 157 | 12th | 1-2 | top 24 | Marcus Killgore AZ 2nd, Benjamin Duran NM top 16 | Showcase |
| Murphy Beyer | Freedom | 165 | 11th | 1-2 | top 16 | Emerson Tjaden KS 6th, Nolan Vogel IL top 16 | Showcase |
| Jacob Kidder | Hartford | 190 | 12th | 0-2 | DNP | Jeremy LeBlanc AZ 2nd, Gabriel Barragan CA 3rd | Showcase |
| Daelin Cody | Princeton/ Green Lake | 120 | 10th | 5-1 | 2nd | Angelina Gochis IL 1st | Girls |
| Laynie Vaughan | Wautoma/ Wild Rose | 170 | 11th | 4-1 | 2nd | Anastasia Simon IA 1st | Girls |
| Franky Groom-Frey | North Crawford/ Seneca | 140 | 11th | 4-1 | 2nd | Landri VonGonten TX 1st | Girls |
| Bryn Schmidt | New London | 190 | 9th | 3-1 | 2nd | Blake Baker TX 1st | Girls |
| Cassidy O'Connell | Regis/ Altoona | 100 | 10th | 5-1 | 3rd | Abigail Peterson IA 2nd | Girls |
| Emersyn Miller | Poynette | 155 | 12th | 6-1 | 3rd | Skylar Slade IA 2nd | Girls |
| Cora Stewart | Port Washington | 120 | 9th | 5-2 | 4th | Daelin Cody WI 2nd, Hannah Naccarati-Cholo AZ 3rd | Girls |
| Brynlee Vaughan | Wautoma/ Wild Rose | 155 | 10th | 4-2 | 4th | Leolyn Karnowski KS 1st, Emersyn Miller WI 3rd | Girls |
| Alexa Thomas | Badger | 110 | 10th | 6-3 | 6th | Kayleigh Milam MO top 12, Jayden Keller MO 3rd, Ashley Basmajian IL 5th | Girls |
| Dealya Collins | Mineral Point | 135 | 12th | 3-3 | 6th | Naima Ghaffar IN 1st, Saige McCleery WA 3rd, Chloe Wehry MN 5th | Girls |
| Layla Risler | Mondovi/ Eleva-Strum | 145 | 10th | 3-3 | 6th | Hayden Bratland IA 1st, Emma Antoni MN 3rd, Taydem Bylin WA 5th | Girls |
| Stella Pettitt | Freedom | 140 | 10th | 4-2 | 7th | Zoe Delgado FL 4th , Ali Bryant TN 5th | Girls |
| Lily Baker | Freedom | 110 | 10th | 4-3 | 8th | Katie Biscoglia IA 4th, Alexa Thomas WI 6th, Serineh Crane CA 7th | Girls |
| Meadow Vierck | Rosholt | 110 | 10th | 0-2 | DNP | Alayah Losey KS top 12, Giuliana Rios TX top 32 | Girls |
| Sophie Baum | Mt. Horeb | 120 | 12th | 0-2 | DNP | Aspen Gray NE top 48, Kate Krause IA top 48 | Girls |
| Morgan Johnson | Deforest | 120 | 9th | 3-2 | top 16 | Phoebe Gutierrez CO top 12, Sydney Stifter MO | Girls |
| Alexandra Baker | Wauwatosa East/ West | 125 | 12th | 1-2 | DNP | Gabriella Martinez TX , Sloane Abbey NE top 24 | Girls |
| Cora Bighley | Somerset | 125 | 9th | 2-2 | DNP | Amanda Lillie WA , Jaelyn Skelley TX top 24 | Girls |
| Kit Alsaker | Waunakee | 130 | 10th | 2-2 | DNP | Willow White FL , Lilli Cooper IA top 12 | Girls |
| Ryley Reichling | Mineral Point | 130 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Anabell Ohira HI top 48, Evelyn Thornburg KS top 48 | Girls |
| Izzie Evitch | Menomonee Falls | 130 | 12th | 2-2 | DNP | Arianna Ruiz FL , Isla Schemmel IA top 16 | Girls |
| Megan Ramsay | Onalaska | 135 | 9th | 1-2 | DNP | Avery Fitzgerald TX top 16, Alyssa Ornelas CO top 24 | Girls |
| Madalynn Mueller | Richland Center | 135 | 12th | 0-2 | DNP | Chloe Wehry MN , Liberty Drake OK top 24 | Girls |
| Jenace Keyser | Deforest | 135 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Kasia Wong OK top 24, Amy Mendoza-Cruz NE top 32 | Girls |
| Annabella Nelson | 135 | 9th | 1-2 | DNP | Keagan Edwards IL top 12, Nia Hagler UT | Girls | |
| Erika Sleznikow | Marshfield | 140 | 11th | 2-2 | top 12 | Nora Akpan MN , Kylie Whitaker WA | Girls |
| Rachael Hang | LaCrosse Logan/ Central | 145 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Summer Guthmiller SD, Taylor Martell TX top 12 | Girls |
| Caylin Johnson | Waupaca | 145 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Josylyn Glass CA top 12, Lucia Campbell NE top 12 | Girls |
| Evie Stine | Milton | 170 | 11th | 1-2 | DNP | Parice Jones CO top 12, Amelia Soltis WI top 12 | Girls |
| Amelia Soltis | Mt. Horeb | 170 | 10th | 3-2 | top 12 | Aisha Williams Bautista TX , Brooke Arbic FL | Girls |
| Emily Heisner | Mineral Point | 170 | 11th | 0-2 | DNP | Gracie Pinckney IA , Chandni Banks CA top 12 | Girls |
| Haylee Yager | Mineral Point | 235 | 11th | 1-2 | top 16 | Jazmyn Garcia NE top 12, Saniya Erzhanova OH top 12 | Girls |
2025 Super 32 Recap
Tournament Recap: Wisconsin Wrestlers Earn National Respect in Greensboro
The 2025 edition of the Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge lived up to its reputation as one of the most competitive high school wrestling tournaments in the nation. Held October 18–19 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the event drew hundreds of elite wrestlers, and Wisconsin brought a deep field across both boys’ and girls’ divisions.
With 7 total podium finishes, the Badger State wrestlers proved they could hang with the nation’s best. Here’s how the action unfolded:
Wisconsin Boys: Strong Podium Presence at All Weights
Wisconsin’s boys came ready. Of the 21 wrestlers in the field, 4 made it to the podium. Leading the charge was Hunter Stevens (Mt. Horeb), who went 9-1 at 144 lbs to secure a 3rd place finish in a loaded bracket. Stevens, a senior and Wisconsin Badger commit, capped a dominant weekend with wins over multiple state champs.
Fellow UW commit Eli Leonard (Mt. Horeb) also stood tall, placing 5th at 175 lbs with a 6-2 record. In the heavyweight bracket, Cael Leisgang (Seymour) went 3-1 and medically forfeited to 6th place due to injury. Rounding out the placers is Liam Crook (Kaukaukna) the University of Virginia commit placed 7th going 6-2, losing to the 1st and 3rd placers along the way. Placing for the first time since his youth wrestling days.
Other top finishes included:
AJ Woerpel (Hortonville) – Went 2-2 at 106 in his Super 32 debut, showing promise as a top freshman.
Declan Koch (Neenah) – 2-2 at 157 after entering as the #11 nationally-ranked wrestler.
- Easton Kammerud (Mt. Horeb) 3-2 at 165 finishing in the top 32 his first time in the high school division. Had a impressive showing hopefully able to build on this result in the coming years.
- Carson Neubert (Luxemburg-Casco) went 2–2 at this year’s Super 32. While the result may have fallen short of his personal expectations, one of his losses came against the eventual 8th-place finisher — a reminder of how tough and deep the tournament truly is. As Carson continues to grow and adjust to the middleweight class, this experience will be a valuable step in his development. We’re looking forward to seeing how he builds on it and returns even stronger next year.
Many others went deep into day one, showing the overall depth of talent coming out of the state this season.
Wisconsin Girls: Nationally Ranked Star Shines
On the girls’ side, Wisconsin brought some of the most high-profile names to Greensboro, and they delivered.
Carley Ceshker (Badger), a two-time Wisconsin state champion, delivered a strong performance at 138 lbs, finishing 3rd with a 6–1 record. Her only loss came to an opponent she ultimately outplaced — a testament to her grit and ability to bounce back.
Kylee Kurszewski (Neenah) battled through adversity, going 5–3 to earn an 8th-place finish. After dropping her opening match, she went on an impressive five-match win streak before falling in her final two bouts to secure All-American honors.
Faye Schachtner, an incoming freshman from New Richmond, also claimed 8th place going 5-3 as well. Facing the tournament’s top seed in the first round, she took a page from Kurszewski’s book — bouncing back with five straight wins to become an All-American before dropping her final two matches in a tough bracket.
Other notable results:
Cassidy O’Connell (Regis-Altoona) – Seeded 6th at 100 lbs, she advanced deep before falling just short of placement.
Layla Risler (Mondovi/Eleva-Strum) – Seeded 7th at 148, picked up key wins and showed she belongs at the national level.
While several younger athletes didn’t place, their performances reflect the strength and growth of Wisconsin’s girls wrestling pipeline. Young wrestlers like Alexa Thomas, Ella Schachtner, and Kit Alsaker showed potential against national competition.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
Wisconsin wrestlers brought grit, preparation, and fire to Greensboro. With 7 podium finishes—including multiple nationally ranked athletes holding seed or exceeding expectations—the state’s presence on the national wrestling map continues to grow.
Look for these athletes to carry the experience into the 2025-26 high school season and continue climbing in national rankings.
To view complete brackets and results, visit FloWrestling.
Stay tuned to WisconsinGrappler.com for more updates as the season gets underway.
Results Summary
| Name | school | Weight | Record | Place | People who beat them |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Stevens | Mt. Horeb | 144 | 9-1 | 3rd | Arseni Kikiniou CA top 16 |
| Eli Leonard | Mt. Horeb | 175 | 6-2 | 5th | Mario Carini CA 3rd , Salah Tsarni MD 4th |
| Cael Leisgang | Seymour | 285 | 3-1 | 6th (INJ) | Michael Mocco FL 1st |
| Liam Crook | Kaukauna | 165 | 6-2 | 7th | Melvin Miller PA 1st, Lucas Boe FL 3rd |
| AJ Woerpel | Hortonville | 106 | 2-2 | DNP | Thales Silva CA 5th, Blake Klipp PA top 24 |
| Braiden Hale-Toomey | Reedsburg | 113 | 1-2 | DNP | Koa Fetters WA top 48, Liam McClain MI top 48 |
| Carson Neubert | Luxemburg-Casco | 144 | 2-2 | DNP | Grayson Fuchs MI 8th, Garrison Sartains OK top 24 |
| Cash Vanderwerff | Burlington | 106 | 0-2 | DNP | Shaefer Hoffman PA top 12, Daniel Romero CO top 48 |
| Collin Frey | Evansville | 113 | 1-2 | DNP | Keegan Bassett PA 4th, Pierce Hurd SD top 64 |
| Collin Hamm | Weyawega-Fremont | 157 | 1-2 | DNP | Gus Cardinal AZ top 24, Justin Lowery VA top 32 |
| Colton Klug | Brillion | 157 | 2-2 | DNP | Eli Tedrow WV top 48, Louden Dixon OH top 48 |
| Declan Koch | Neenah | 157 | 4-2 | Top 24 | Zachery Little TN top 12, Lorenzo Alston NC top 16 |
| Easton Kammerud | Mt. Horeb | 165 | 3-2 | Top 32 | Jordan Fincher top 16, Karl Ludwig VA top 24 |
| Ethan Immel | Kewaskum | 132 | 1-2 | DNP | Max Cumbee IL top 24 ,Greyson Pettit NJ top 32 |
| Gregory Hellendrung | Chilton/ Hilbert | 113 | 1-2 | DNP | Dylan Nieuwenhuis MI top 24, Gary Mendez FL top 32 |
| Maximus Hay | Brown Deer | 126 | 1-2 | DNP | Teagan Caciolo PA top 32 , Matthew Gould NJ top 24 |
| McAllister Ramage | Lake Country Lutheran | 132 | 1-2 | DNP | Garrett Beane MO top 48 , Jaylen Burge CO top 24 |
| Murphy Beyer | Freedom | 165 | 1-2 | DNP | Bailey Holman CA top 24 , Robert Davis GA top 16 |
| Parker Spierings | Brillion | 126 | 2-2 | DNP | Elijah Collick MD 4th , Jordan Romero CO top 16 |
| Reegan Roy | Wabeno | 126 | 0-2 | DNP | Mason Katschor MI top 16, Colin Broxterman OH top 48 |
| William du Chemin | Wilmot Union | 126 | 0-2 | DNP | Camden Olson PA top 48 , Dominic Brown IN top 16 |
| Girls | |||||
| Carley Ceshker | Badger | 138 | 6-1 | 3rd | Nora Akpan MN 5th |
| Kylee Kurszewski | Neenah | 124 | 5-3 | 8th | Epenesa Elison CA 1st, Martynique Davis AZ 5th,Lauren Samuel NC 7th |
| Faye Schachtner | New Richmond | 132 | 5-3 | 8th | Landri VonGonten TX 3rd, Willow White FL 6th, Chloe Wehry MN 7th |
| Alexa Thomas | Badger | 106 | 1-2 | DNP | Julia Horger PA top 12, Sandy Breeden MO top 16 |
| Ayda Miller | St. Croix Central | 106 | 1-2 | DNP | Madison Healey PA 8th, Cordelia Martinez TX top 16 |
| Cassidy O'Connell | Regis | 100 | 1-2 | Top 12 | Lillee Denson MI 3rd, Lealani Valdez CO 7th |
| Dealya Collins | Mineral Point | 148 | 2-2 | DNP | Zahily Avery NJ top 32 , Faith Bane NC 6th |
| Elaine Hay | Brown Deer | 112 | 1-2 | DNP | Chi Chi Williams GA top 32, Alexandria Barskly NJ 8th |
| Ella Schachtner | New Richmond | 118 | 1-2 | DNP | Taina McGowan NJ 6th, Eva Reinitz WA top 24 |
| Kit Alsaker | Waunakee | 132 | 2-2 | DNP | Iyanna Crawford NC top 16, Willow White FL 6th |
| Layla Risler | Mondovi/ Eleva-Strum | 148 | 3-2 | top 12 | Eve Skrocki IA 3rd, Faith Bane NC 6th |
| Olivia Hay | Brown Deer | 112 | 1-2 | DNP | Ella Sheppard SC top 24 ,Samantha Van der Weken VA top 24 |
Wisconsin Wrestlers at Super 32
Overview of the Super 32 Challenge
The Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge is widely regarded as one of the nation’s toughest high school wrestling tournaments. Each year it draws the country’s top talent to Greensboro, North Carolina, making for deep brackets and high-caliber competition. The 2025 edition, taking place Oct. 18–19 in Greensboro, will feature nearly 200 nationally ranked wrestlers and dozens of state champions from across the U.S. For Wisconsin’s high school wrestling fans, all eyes will be on our contingent of grapplers looking to make their mark on this prestigious event. Both the boys’ and girls’ high school divisions will include standout Badger State wrestlers, and many of their matches can be followed live via FloWrestling’s broadcast and results pages.
Wisconsin Boys: Contenders and Names to Know
Wisconsin is sending a strong group of boys to the Super 32, spanning a range of weight classes from 106 lbs up to heavyweight. Several are state champions or podium finishers looking to test themselves against elite national competition. Here are some of the key Wisconsin boys wrestlers to watch:
Lightweights (106–120 lbs): At 106, freshman AJ Woerpel (Hortonville) comes in as the top-ranked Division 1 wrestler in Wisconsin at his weight. Woerpel is making his Super 32 debut as a 9th grader after an impressive youth career. He’ll be joined in the 106 bracket by sophomore Cash Vanderwerff (Burlington), who is ranked #9 in D1 at 106. Moving to 113 lbs, Division 2 Braiden Hale-Toomey (Reedsburg), a sophomore, is eager to build on a strong freshman season. Another 113 entry is Gregory Hellendrung (Chilton), a D2 wrestler ranked #6 (at 120 in-state) who has dropped down to 113 for this tournament. At 120 lbs, keep an eye on a talented trio of wrestlers: Collin Frey and Kolten Bollig of Evansville (both top-2 ranked in D2 at 120/126), and Zahn “Z-Pop” Beal of Arrowhead. Beal is notably the #1-ranked D1 126-pounder in Wisconsin as just a sophomore – last season he placed third at the WIAA state tournament as a freshman. Beal will wrestle down at 120 lbs here to challenge himself against other states’ best. This lightweight group is hungry to show that Wisconsin’s young lower-weight wrestlers can roll with the nation’s elite.
Middleweights (126–132 lbs): Wisconsin’s depth continues in the middle weights. Maximus Hay (Brown Deer), a senior, enters the 126 lbs bracket carrying a national ranking of #17 at that weight. Hay was a D1 state finalist last season and is the top-ranked 132-pounder in Wisconsin Division 1. Fellow 126-lb entries include D3 standouts Parker Spierings (Brillion), Reegan Roy (Wabeno), and D2’s William du Chemin (Wilmot Union), all of whom are returning state finalists. At 132 lbs, two more Wisconsin seniors will contend: Ethan Immel (Kewaskum), the D2 #1 at 138 and returning state champ, and McAllister Ramage (Lake Country Lutheran), D3’s #2 at 132, returning D2 state runner-up.
Upper Middleweights (138–157 lbs): In the 138–144 lb range, junior Braden Johnson (Cumberland) comes in as the top-ranked D3 138-pounder and will wrestle 138 lbs at Super 32. Moving up to 144 lbs, Wisconsin boasts two big names who have already committed to the home-state Badgers. Cade Aaberg (Oregon) and Hunter Stevens (Mount Horeb) are both ranked #1 in D1 and D2 at 150 lbs, respectively, but will be competing at 144 here. Aaberg and Stevens recently gave their verbal commitments to the University of Wisconsin’s wrestling program, adding extra buzz to their performances. In fact, Stevens earned the #20 spot in FloWrestling’s national rankings at 144 lbs and is seeded in the top 20 of a loaded bracket. Not far behind is Carson Neubert (Luxemburg-Casco), the D1 #2 at 144, who will also battle at 144 lbs. At 157 lbs, the headline name is Declan Koch (Neenah). Koch is a senior who is nationally ranked #11 at 157 lbs and recently committed to wrestle for the University of Northern Iowa in college. A Division 1 state runner-up last season, Koch is aiming for a podium finish at Super 32 before he heads to UNI. He’ll be joined at 157 by Division 3’s top two ranked 157-pounders – Collin Hamm (Weyauwega-Fremont) and Colton Klug (Brillion).
Upper Weights (165–215 lbs): Wisconsin’s upper-weight wrestlers bring an impressive résumé into Super 32. At 165 lbs, senior Liam Crook (Kaukauna) is one of the most accomplished athletes in the entire field. Crook is a two-time defending WIAA Division 1 state champion – he won the 165-lb state title in 2024 and the 175-lb title in 2025, going 50-1 last season. Now a senior committed to the University of Virginia, Crook comes in nationally ranked #5 at 165 lbs and will be among the favorites to contend for a belt. D2 freshman phenom Easton Kammerud (Mount Horeb), ranked #3 at D2, is looking to continue the momentum from a successful summer, where he finished as an All-American at Fargo. Another top ranked grappler at 165 is Murphy Beyer (Freedom), a junior ranked #6 in D2 who will gain valuable experience here. At 175 lbs, fans should watch for Eli Leonard (Mount Horeb). Leonard was the Division 1 state runner-up at 175 last season (falling in a close final to Crook) and has committed to the Wisconsin Badgers program. FloWrestling lists Leonard as the #8 nationally ranked wrestler at 175 lbs. He is seeded among the top contenders in what will be a brutal 175 bracket.
Finally, in the heavyweights (285 lbs), Wisconsin brings two big guns: Cael Leisgang (Seymour) and Makhi Rodgers (Brown Deer). Leisgang (a D2 senior) and Rodgers (a D1 senior) are each ranked #1 in their division at 285. Rodgers, in particular, has turned heads as a dominant heavyweight; he’s the defending D1 state champion at 285 and holds the #5 seed in the Super 32 bracket for his weight. Both will be aiming to navigate the typically unpredictable Super 32 heavyweight field and secure a spot on the podium.
Overall, the boys’ contingent from Wisconsin includes over a dozen state champions or state medalists. Many of them are also recognized on the national stage – Maximus Hay (Brown Deer) is ranked #17 in the country at 126 lbs, Declan Koch (Neenah) #11 at 157, Liam Crook (Kaukauna) #5 at 165, and Eli Leonard (Mount Horeb) #8 at 175. With multiple nationally ranked athletes and five wrestlers already committed to Division I college programs, Wisconsin’s boys have a real opportunity to make noise in Greensboro.
Performances to watch:
Crook and Leonard potentially clashing with other top-10 national talents at 165/175, Hay trying to bring home hardware at 126, and how the Badger-state freshmen like Woerpel fare in elite national action. Each win at Super 32 is hard-earned, and these wrestlers will undoubtedly draw on their state-level experience.
Wisconsin Girls: Rising Stars on the Big Stage
Wisconsin’s girls wrestling scene has been growing rapidly, and this year a strong cohort of female wrestlers will represent the state at Super 32. The girls’ high school division in Greensboro features 12 weight classes (95 up to 200+ lbs), and Wisconsin has qualifiers in many of them. Notably, several of these young women are nationally ranked or have achieved high placements at the state level, making them contenders to watch closely. Here’s a look at the Wisconsin girls in the Super 32 field and their credentials:
Lightweights (100–112 lbs): In the 100-pound bracket, sophomore Cassidy O’Connell (Regis-Altoona) carries the flag for Wisconsin. O’Connell enters Super 32 as the No. 1 ranked 100-pounder in Wisconsin (girls division) and is seeded 6th in her weight class for this tournament. She also holds a national ranking of #8 at 95 lbs, reflecting her success on the national stage. Last season, Cassidy placed 4th at the WIAA girls’ state tournament (100 lbs) as a freshman. Also in the lightweight mix is Ayda Miller (St. Croix Central), a sophomore competing at 100 lbs who is ranked #6 in WI at 107. Moving to 106 lbs, look out for Alexa Thomas (Badger). Thomas, a 10th-grader, was the 107-pound third-place finisher at state last year and is currently the top-ranked 107 in Wisconsin. She isn’t nationally ranked yet, but her track record (2025 state 3rd and multiple freestyle podiums) suggests she could surprise some bigger names. Wisconsin will also have representation at 112 lbs: sisters Elaine Hay (Brown Deer, sophomore) and Olivia Hay (Brown Deer, freshman) are entered at 112. Elaine and Olivia are relatively new to the high school scene (Olivia is a freshman), but coming from a wrestling family (their brother Maximus is a top boys competitor), they bring strong fundamentals. While they may be underdogs at an event of this caliber, simply competing at Super 32 will be invaluable experience for their careers.
Middleweights (118–132 lbs): Ella Schachtner (New Richmond) will wrestle at 118 lbs as only an 8th grader – notably, Super 32 allows middle schoolers in the high school division if qualified, and Ella earned her spot through early entry competition. At 124 lbs, senior Kylee Kurszewski (Neenah) is one of Wisconsin’s most seasoned competitors. Kurszewski is a returning state finalist – she took 2nd at 114 lbs in the 2025 girls’ state championships, falling just short against a nationally-ranked opponent from Lena. Now ranked #2 in Wisconsin at 126, Kylee will test herself against a deep 124-lb Super 32 bracket. According to FloWrestling’s entry list, she is nationally ranked #23 at 125 lbs, indicating she’s on the radar beyond our state. Another senior standout, Dealya Collins (Mineral Point), is set to compete at 132 lbs. Collins has been a consistent force in Wisconsin girls’ wrestling – she is a two-time state runner-up (2024 at 120 and 2025 at 126) and is hungry for a breakthrough win on a big stage. Nationally, Dealya is ranked #21 at 130 lbs, and she comes in as the 14th seed in the 132 bracket. Given her freestyle pedigree (she was a Junior Nationals All-American in Fargo, placing 8th in 2023), Collins could be poised to turn some heads in Greensboro. Joining her at 132 will be a pair of underclassmen from Wisconsin: Faye Schachtner (New Richmond), a freshman ranked #4 in WI at 126, and Kit Alsaker (Waunakee), a sophomore ranked #5 in WI at 132. While Faye and Kit are not yet as accomplished as Collins, they have both shown promise at state-level tournaments and could pull off upsets if underestimated.
Upper Weights (138–148 lbs): Perhaps Wisconsin’s strongest chances on the girls’ side lie in the 138 and 148 lb divisions, thanks to two familiar rivals. At 138 lbs, we have a dynamic duo: Riley Hanrahan (Black River Falls) and Carley Ceshker (Badger). These two met in last year’s WIAA state final at 138, where Hanrahan prevailed to win the title as a junior, handing Ceshker her first high school loss of the season. Riley Hanrahan comes into Super 32 ranked #2 nationally at 140 lbs and earned the 3rd seed in the 138 bracket. She was undefeated (28-0) last season en route to that state championship, and her aggressive style and top-game prowess have drawn national notice. Carley Ceshker, for her part, is a senior with an outstanding résumé: a two-time state champion (won titles at 126 in 2023 and 138 in 2024) and last year’s state runner-up at 138. Ceshker is currently ranked #3 nationally at 135 lbs, right behind Hanrahan in the national rankings, and holds the 12th seed at Super 32. The Hanrahan vs. Ceshker rivalry could very well renew in Greensboro if both navigate the bracket—having two of the nation’s top-3 ranked girls at essentially the same weight is a testament to Wisconsin’s strength. Both will be eyeing a podium finish or even a belt, but they’ll have to get through other nationally-ranked foes first. Finally, at 148 lbs, sophomore Layla Risler (Mondovi/Eleva-Strum) will take the mat as Wisconsin’s representative. Risler is the top-ranked 152-pound girl in Wisconsin and was a state finalist at 145 last season (runner-up in Division 2). She enters Super 32 as the #7 seed at 148 and brings a tenacious style—Layla was the first girl in her school’s history to qualify for state and ended up finishing second as a freshman, so she’s no stranger to exceeding expectations. A strong run here could put her on the national map.
In summary, the Wisconsin girls’ team at Super 32 features multiple state champions and placers, several of whom are already nationally ranked. Wrestlers like O’Connell, Collins, Hanrahan, and Ceshker have cracked the national rankings (Cassidy O’Connell is #8 at 95; Dealya Collins #21 at 130; Riley Hanrahan #2 at 140; Carley Ceshker #3 at 135) and will be looking to validate those rankings with deep runs in Greensboro. Even those without a number next to their name nationally are battle-tested: Thomas, Kurszewski, and Risler have all medaled at state or national folkstyle events.
Performances to watch:
The potential rematch of Riley Hanrahan vs. Carley Ceshker on a big stage – could we see the Wisconsin girls go 1-2 in a Super 32 bracket? Regardless, the experience gained from wrestling elite opponents will benefit all of these athletes as they prepare for the upcoming high school season.
Event Info and How to Follow
The Super 32 Challenge kicks off this weekend (Oct. 18–19) with both the boys’ and girls’ high school divisions running simultaneously in Greensboro, NC. Wisconsin Grappler fans can expect frequent updates on social media and the WisconsinGrappler.com site throughout the tournament. For those wanting to follow live action, FloWrestling is streaming the event in its entirety and providing live scoring – the broadcast starts on the morning of Oct. 18 and runs through the finals on Oct. 19. FloWrestling has also published preview content, including lists of all nationally ranked entrants (where several Wisconsin names appear) and a college commitments guide highlighting committed seniors like Crook, Leonard, and Stevens. Additionally, Trackwrestling (via FloArena) will have up-to-date brackets, match scores, and results for every match – wrestling fans can find the “2025 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge” event on Trackwrestling to follow along in real time.
With a significant number of Wisconsin entrants this year, it’s an exciting opportunity for our state’s wrestlers to shine against the nation’s best. Finally, keep an eye out for Zach from Wisconsin Grappler, who will be at the event all weekend long.
Wisconsin Grapplers Shine Bright at 2025 Junior Nationals in Fargo
Even with a bit of time passed since the mats rolled up in Fargo, we’re still buzzing about the outstanding performances from Wisconsin’s wrestlers at the 2025 Junior Nationals! This year’s contingent brought home an impressive 40 All-American honors, a testament to the hard work put in by our athletes, the guidance of a fantastic coaching staff, and the unwavering support of the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation. Their commitment to providing quality opportunities for our young athletes to reach their full potential truly came through.
Beyond the individual accolades, Wisconsin also secured two national titles and had two national finalists, with three teams earning a top-10 placement. These kinds of off-season achievements are exactly what we’re excited to start highlighting more prominently! We’re currently updating our athlete profiles on Wisconsin Grappler to ensure these significant accomplishments are fully recognized. We believe it’s important to showcase the growth and dedication our wrestlers demonstrate year-round. Be on the lookout for this information to hit profiles over the coming weeks!
Highlights from the Mat: Champions and All-Americans
Wisconsin’s success spanned across all divisions, demonstrating the depth of talent we have. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout performances:
National Champions
Harlow Skenandore (140 lbs): Harlow was dominant in 16U Women’s Freestyle, capturing a national title with a perfect 6-0 run. She demonstrated strong focus on getting to her attacks and maintaining awareness of her opponents, emphasizing that trusting in herself, her support system, and her training were key.
Hunter VanderHeiden (285 lbs): Hunter capped off the tournament with a Junior Greco-Roman national title, making quick work of his finals opponent in just 23 seconds! After placing fifth last year, Hunter attributed his significant improvement to hard work and the invaluable support of those around him, particularly his twin brother, Henry, with whom he trains extensively.
National Finalists
Kellen Wolbert (138 lbs): Kellen had an impressive run to the Junior Men’s Freestyle finals, showcasing significant growth. He highlighted the importance of consistency and being intentional in every practice, continually working on small improvements.
Sullivan Ramos (165 lbs): Sullivan was an electrifying presence in Junior Men’s Freestyle, reaching the finals and proving himself one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch. His development, particularly in believing in his own capabilities, has been a major factor in his success. Sullivan also doubled up on All-American honors, placing 3rd in Greco-Roman with a phenomenal 7-1 record.
Double All-Americans
Several Wisconsin wrestlers showcased their versatility and grit by earning All-American honors in both freestyle and Greco-Roman:
Sullivan Ramos (165 lbs): As noted, Sullivan had an outstanding 13-2 cumulative record across both styles.
Kade Splinter (215 lbs): Kade had an incredible week, placing 5th in both 16U Men’s Freestyle and 16U Greco-Roman. This incoming freshman is one to watch this season!
Alexander Penzkover (144 lbs): Alex earned 8th place in 16U Men’s Freestyle and 5th in 16U Greco-Roman.
Martez Sheard (120/126 lbs): Martez secured 8th place in 16U Men’s Freestyle (120 lbs) and 6th place in 16U Greco-Roman (126 lbs).
Reed Falk (190 lbs): Reed placed 7th in both 16U Men’s Freestyle and 16U Greco-Roman.
Lillie Banks (135 lbs) and Dealya Collins (135 lbs): Both earned All-American status in Junior Women’s Freestyle (7th and 8th respectively) after previously achieving the same in the 16U division.
Other Notable All-American Performances
Wisconsin’s roster was packed with talent, with many achieving All-American status for the first time. The dedication to continuous improvement was evident across the board.
In Junior Men’s Freestyle, the team finished an impressive 4th nationally with 7 All-Americans, including Eli Leonard (4th at 175) who credited consistency in his routines, Haakon Peterson (5th at 144) earning his sixth Fargo All-American strip, Brady Collins (6th at 126) who highlighted the increased strength and hand-fighting in the junior division, Declan Koch (7th at 167) who focused on smarter, effective wrestling to break through, and Camden Rugg (8th at 113) who celebrated overcoming previous “blood round” losses.
The 16U Women’s Freestyle team placed 7th nationally, with 7 All-Americans. Beyond champion Harlow Skenandore, Daelin Cody (4th at 120), Layla Risler (4th at 145), Cora Stewart (6th at 110), Autumn King (6th at 207), Cassidy O’Connell (6th at 95), and Erika Sleznikow (7th at 135) all stepped onto the podium. Many of these 16U All-Americans were making their first trip to Fargo, gaining invaluable experience.
In Junior Women’s Freestyle, the team doubled their All-American count from last year, placing 6 individuals on the podium. Taylor Whiting (3rd at 115) emphasized the success of her offensive approach, aiming to continuously score. Brooke Huffman (3rd at 190) demonstrated her power with seven victories by fall, noting the need to wrestle all minutes in the jump to Juniors. Madi Peach (5th at 125) and Riley Hanrahan (5th at 140) also put together strong performances.
The 16U Greco-Roman team had a breakthrough year, placing 9th nationally with 10 All-Americans. AJ Woerpel (3rd at 100) focused on smart positional wrestling, while Elliot Havlish (3rd at 215) showcased his powerful throws, with most victories by tech fall or pin.
In Junior Greco-Roman, beyond champion Hunter Vander Heiden and double All-American Sullivan Ramos, Colton Weiler (5th at 150) and Preston Krueger (6th at 285) also earned All-American honors.
The Heart of Wisconsin Wrestling: Growth and Community
Behind every individual achievement is the collective effort of the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, the dedicated coaching staff, and a vibrant wrestling community. As 16U Head Coach Tyler Dow observed, the team has significantly improved in scoring from the top position and developing multi-attack sequences. He also highlighted the increased opportunities provided this past year, including more camps and efforts to build camaraderie, which he believes makes it easier for athletes to wrestle with and for each other.
Randy Ferrell, 16U Director, expressed appreciation for the character of the National Team and coaches. He noted that many wrestlers embraced a mentality of battling to the very edge, especially in their finals matches, a testament to their fighting spirit. This growth mindset, coupled with a focus on fighting to the very edge, truly defined Wisconsin’s performance in Fargo. Hear more from Coach Ferrel on our recent podcast.
The tournament experience in Fargo is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about personal growth, building resilience, and fostering a love for the sport within a supportive community. The Wisconsin Wrestling Federation extends its sincere gratitude to every competitor, All-American, coach, athletic trainer, official, and volunteer for representing the state with such excellence. To the parents and the entire wrestling community, your support is invaluable. Coach Kluever and Coach Potratz talked more about this on one of our recent podcast episodes, recapping the 14U National Duals.
As we move forward, the spirit and dedication shown in Fargo will undoubtedly fuel future successes. Keep an eye on our athlete profiles as we update them to reflect these incredible off-season achievements!
WIAA Announces Major Changes to Wrestling Tournament Structure for 2025-26 Season
Stevens Point, WI – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has announced significant changes impacting high school wrestling, set to redefine the competitive landscape starting with the 2025-26 season. These adjustments stem from recommendations by the Winter Coaches Advisory Committees and aim to enhance the sport for all participants across the state.
A Transformed Tournament Series
The most impactful change for Wisconsin wrestling fans and participants is a major restructuring of the WIAA Tournament Series. This new format is designed to create a more balanced and exciting postseason:
- Equalizing Qualifiers: The WIAA is committed to ensuring a more equitable number of qualifiers across all divisions. This means a more consistent and fair path to the state tournament for wrestlers regardless of their division.
- Regional Round Eliminated: Get ready for a direct shot at sectionals! The traditional regional round of the individual tournament competition will be removed from the schedule. This streamlines the early postseason and immediately raises the stakes at the sectional level.
- Expanded Team Sectionals: The Tuesday team sectional is a thing of the past. In its place, an expanded team sectional will take place on the second Saturday of the Tournament Series. This shift promises a more concentrated and impactful day of team competition, potentially creating more buzz and excitement around the team state qualification.
Boosting Girls’ Wrestling
In a clear move to support the rapidly growing sport of girls’ wrestling, the WIAA has approved two key recommendations:
- Practice Waivers for Smaller Programs: To help developing programs, those with seven or fewer total wrestlers can now request a waiver to practice with up to three other small teams. This is a crucial step to provide more training partners and a better practice environment, fostering skill development for individual female wrestlers and helping to build stronger programs. These joint practices are limited to no more than two times per week during the regular season.
- Four Regionals Per Sectional: Beginning in the 2025-26 season, girls’ wrestling sectionals will now draw from four regionals. This change aims to create a more organized and efficient path to the sectional tournament, addressing concerns about the previous format.
Obsolete Regulations Removed
Beyond the tournament series, the WIAA has also taken action to simplify the rulebook by striking language for several obsolete regulations that specifically applied to non-varsity teams composed solely of ninth-grade students. This update aims to make the rules clearer and more concise for all involved.
These updates reflect the WIAA’s ongoing commitment to refining regulations and supporting high school athletics across Wisconsin. What are your thoughts on the changes? Let us know in the comments!
2025 WIAA Individual State Tournament Brackets
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Girls Division
