When October rolls around, the heartbeat of American youth and high school wrestling temporarily relocates to Greensboro, North Carolina. On October 24–25, 2026, the Special Events Center inside the Greensboro Coliseum Complex will host what is universally dubbed the “Preseason National Championship”: the legendary Super 32 Challenge.

For the Badger State’s elite, this tournament is a different beast.  To understand what these Wisconsin wrestlers are walking into, it helps to look at why placement at Super 32 is so famously elusive:

• State Champs Left Unplaced: Unlike state tournaments divided by divisions and classes, Super 32 features a single open division per weight class. It is routine for multiple-time state champions, Fargo All-Americans, and top-20 nationally ranked wrestlers to go home without a belt or medal.
• Massive Brackets & Minimal Room for Error: Brackets often exceed 100+ wrestlers per weight division. Losing early means navigating a brutal, multi-match wrestle back path just to stay alive.
• The Belt Is the Gold Standard: Placing in the top 8 earns a coveted Super 32 medal, with champions taking home the iconic title belt—one of the most prized awards in all of high school wrestling.
• College Recruiter Hotspot: Virtually every major NCAA Division I, II, and III college coaching staff is in attendance, making it the premier college scouting venue in high school Folkstyle.

Key Factors for Success in Greensboro:

1. Pacing & Mat Returns (Boys): Super 32 is strict Folkstyle wrestling for the boys—solid bottom work and heavy top control carry immense weight compared to freestyle formats.
2. The Freestyle Dynamic (Girls): The Girls Division is Freestyle, bringing an explosive dynamic where exposure points and high-paced neutral scrambles are decisive.
3. Consolation Grinds: The measure of a wrestler at Super 32 often comes on Saturday evening and Sunday morning in the wrestlebacks, where recovering from an early loss requires unmatched mental toughness.
4. Scramble Defense: At this level, every opponent can score from standard positions; winning scramble situations often makes the difference between making the podium or dropping out of the bracket.

Every match won in Greensboro serves as a massive statement on the national stage. Let’s look at the squads heading south to represent Wisconsin.

2026 Super 32 Challenge: Wisconsin Roster Previews

Boys Folkstyle Division: Wisconsin is sending a 27 boys across High School and Girls divisions.

Lightweights (106–126 lbs)

• 106 lbs: Eldon Roth | Stevens Point • Grade 12 (D1 #5 @ 106)
• 113 lbs: Brodey Lewis | Milton • Grade 10 (D1 #1 @ 113)
• 120 lbs: August Lubinski | West Bend West/East • Grade 12 (D1 #2 @ 120)
• 126 lbs: Hawke Garrett | Milton • Grade 9 (D1 #7 @ 132)
• 126 lbs: AJ Woerpel | Freedom • Grade 10 (D2 #2 @ 126)
• 126 lbs: Ryker Schingeck | Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes • Grade 11 (D3 #2 @ 126)
• 126 lbs: Josiah Nelson | Hayward/Northwood • Grade 8 (Middle School)

Middleweights (132–150 lbs)

• 132 lbs: William du Chemin | Wilmot Union • Grade 12 (D2 #1 @ 138)
• 132 lbs: Maxton Stevens | Mt. Horeb/Barneveld • Grade 10 (D2 #5 @ 138)
• 132 lbs: Jaydon LeNoble | Weyauwega-Fremont • Grade 12 (D2 #6 @ 132)
• 132 lbs: Christian Sears | Chilton/Hilbert • Grade 11 (Unranked)
• 138 lbs: Kolten Bollig | Evansville • Grade 11 (D2 #1 @ 144)
• 138 lbs: Xander Knowles | Port Washington • Grade 9 (D2 #13 @ 157)
• 138 lbs: Parker Spierings | Brillion • Grade 12 (D3 #2 @ 138)
• 144 lbs: Carson Neubert | Luxemburg-Casco • Grade 12 (D2 #1 @ 150) — [Tournament Seed: #8]
• 150 lbs: Emmitt Becker | Slinger • Grade 12 (D1 #4 @ 150)
• 150 lbs: Sam Gehring | Slinger • Grade 12 (D1 #2 @ 157)
• 150 lbs: Tavin Bomkamp | Parkview/Albany • Grade 11 (D3 #2 @ 150)

Upper-Middleweights & Upperweights (157–190 lbs)

• 157 lbs: Liam Crandall | Evansville • Grade 10 (D2 #3 @ 150)
• 157 lbs: Colton Klug | Brillion • Grade 12 (D3 #1 @ 157)
• 165 lbs: Collin Hamm | Weyauwega-Fremont • Grade 11 (D2 #1 @ 165) — [Tournament Seed: #14]
• 165 lbs: Easton Kammerud | Mt. Horeb/Barneveld • Grade 10 (D2 #1 @ 175) — [Tournament Seed: #12]
• 165 lbs: Liam Richards | Oostburg • Grade 12 (D3 #1 @ 175)
• 165 lbs: Xander DiMatteo | Appleton East • Grade 12 (Unranked)
• 175 lbs: Murphy Beyer | Freedom • Grade 12 (D2 #2 @ 175)
• 190 lbs: Gage Gross | Milton • Grade 11 (D1 #1 @ 190)
• 190 lbs: Jacob Phelps | Cadott • Grade 10 (D3 #5 @ 190)

Girls Division (Freestyle): The Girls Division at Super 32 has reached an all-time high in national prestige, featuring four pre-seeded Wisconsin stars and stacked brackets across every weight class.

Pre-Seeded Contenders

• 106 lbs: Dilynn Albrecht | Milton • Grade 11 (G #2) — [Tournament Seed: #7]
• 132 lbs: Daelin Cody | Princeton/Green Lake • Grade 11 (G #1 @ 132) — [Tournament Seed: #8]
• 138 lbs: Harlow Skenandore | Grade 12 (Freestyle Only) — [Tournament Seed: #5]
• 138 lbs: Erika Sleznikow | Marshfield • Grade 12 (G #1 @ 138) — [Tournament Seed: #10]

Full Girls Roster by Weight Class

• 95 lbs: Julianna LaSavage | BAM • Grade 8 (Middle School)
• 106 lbs: Dilynn Albrecht | Milton • Grade 11 (G #2) — [Seed: #7]
• 112 lbs: Ayda Miller | St. Croix Central • Grade 11 (G #2 @ 114)
• 112 lbs: Alexa Thomas | Badger • Grade 11 (G #3 @ 114)
• 118 lbs: Cora Stewart | Port Washington • Grade 10 (G #1 @ 120)
• 118 lbs: Ember Zupanc | Marshfield • Grade 9 (G #2 @ 120)
• 124 lbs: Morgan Johnson | DeForest • Grade 10 (G #2 @ 126)
• 132 lbs: Daelin Cody | Princeton/Green Lake • Grade 11 (G #1 @ 132) — [Seed: #8]
• 132 lbs: Annabella Nelson | Hayward/Northwood • Grade 9 (G #4 @ 138)
• 132 lbs: Ella Schachtner | St. Croix Central • Grade 9 (G #9 @ 132)
• 138 lbs: Harlow Skenandore | Grade 12 (Freestyle Only) — [Seed: #5]
• 138 lbs: Erika Sleznikow | Marshfield • Grade 12 (G #1 @ 138) — [Seed: #10]
• 138 lbs: Kit Alsaker | Waunakee • Grade 11 (G #2 @ 138)
• 138 lbs: Faye Schachtner | St. Croix Central • Grade 10 (G #3 @ 138)
• 138 lbs: Franky Groom | Excel • Grade 12 (Freestyle Only)
• 148 lbs: Layla Risler | Mondovi/Eleva-Strum • Grade 11 (G #2 @ 145)
• 160 lbs: Brynlee Vaughan | Wautoma/Wild Rose • Grade 11 (G #1 @ 152)
• 175 lbs: Amelia Soltis | Mt. Horeb/Barneveld • Grade 12 (G #3 @ 165)
• 200 lbs: Autumn King | Bay Port • Grade 12 (G #4 @ 235)
• 200 lbs: Evelyn Sears | Chilton/Hilbert • Grade 9 (Watchlist @ 235)

Walking in Footsteps of Greatness: Wisconsin’s Past Super 32 Placers:  Carving your name into the Super 32 history books is no small feat. Before our 2026 competitors step on the mat, take a look at the incredible Wisconsin legends who have previously conquered the podium at this national showcase:

Boys High School Folkstyle Division

• Aeoden Sinclair (Milton)
  • 2021: 170 lbs — 7th Place
  • 2022: 182 lbs — 2nd Place
  • 2023: 190 lbs — 1st Place
• Keegan O’Toole (Arrowhead)
  • 2018: 145 lbs — 1st Place
• Eric Barnett (Hortonville)
  • 2017: 113 lbs — 2nd Place
• Greyson Clark (Kaukauna)
  • 2021: 126 lbs — 8th Place
  • 2022: 132 lbs — 3rd Place
• Hunter Stevens (Mt. Horeb)
  • 2024: 144 lbs — 3rd Place
• Alex Polizzi (Beloit Memorial)
  • 2009: 215 lbs — 3rd Place (Historic Note: Alex was the very first Wisconsin wrestler to ever place at the Super 32 Challenge)
• Jared Krattiger (Waterford)
  • 2017: 182 lbs — 3rd Place
• Clayton Whiting (Oconto Falls)
  • 2020: 170 lbs — 3rd Place
  • 2021: 182 lbs — 2nd Place
• Jacob Herm (Neenah)
  • 2024: 157 lbs — 5th Place
• Eli Leonard (Mt. Horeb)
  • 2024: 175 lbs — 5th Place
• Keaton Kluever (Kaukauna)
  • 2017: 285 lbs— 5th Place
• Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee)
  • 2016: 195 lbs — 6th Place
• Liam Crook (Kaukauna)
  • 2024: 165 lbs — 7th Place
• Mitchell Mesenbrink (Arrowhead)
  • 2020: 152 lbs — 6th Place
  • 2021: 152 lbs — 7th Place
• Jeremy Schoenherr (Stratford)
  • 2017: 138 lbs — 7th Place
• Aaron Schulist (Mukwonago)
  • 2017: 126 lbs — 8th Place
• Robert Lee (Kaukauna)
  • 2014: 145 lbs — 8th Place
• Josh Otto (Arrowhead)
  • 2017: 152 lbs — 8th Place
• Aidan Medora (Brookfield Academy / St. John’s Northwestern)
  • 2018: 138 lbs — 8th Place
• Blaine Brenner (Stanley-Boyd)
  • 2020: 132 lbs — 8th Place
• Noah Mulvaney (Arrowhead)
  • 2022: 170 lbs — 8th Place

Girls High School Division

• Jayden Laurent (Denmark)
  • 2017: 148 lbs — 1st Place (SUPER 32 CHAMPION) (Historic Note: Wisconsin’s first female champion and placer at the event, also earning Girls Most Outstanding Wrestler honors)
• Riley Hanrahan (Black River Falls / Nazar)
  • 2024: 138 lbs — 1st Place
• Carley Ceshker (Badger)
  • 2022 / 2023: 123 lbs / 138 lbs — 2nd Place
  • 2025: 138 lbs — 3rd Place
• Brooke Huffman (Wittenberg-Birnamwood)
  • 2023: 200 lbs — 3rd Place
• Kylie Rule (Mineral Point)
  • 2022: 130 lbs — 4th Place
• Taylor Whiting (Lena / Nazar)
  • 2022 / 2023: 103 lbs / 106 lbs — 6th Place
  • 2024: 112 lbs — 4th Place
• Katelyn Lewis (Peshtigo)
  • 2018 / 2019: 160 lbs — 4th Place
  • 2020: 172 lbs — 3rd Place
  • 2021: 172 lbs — 6th Place
• Angela Bianchi (Two Rivers)
  • 2024: 118 lbs — 6th Place
• Kylee Kurszewski (Neenah)
  • 2024: 126 lbs — 8th Place
• Faye Schachtner (New Richmond / St. Croix Central)
  • 2024: 138 lbs — 8th Place

Be sure to track our Wisconsin wrestlers as they leave everything on the mat in Greensboro this October! We will be doing updates at the end of each day as well

From a strong contingent of 46 athletes representing the Badger State, nine wrestlers fought their way onto the podium to claim All-American status in the 16U women’s division. Demonstrating grit and the ability to win when the lights are at their brightest, this standout group put on a outstanding showing at the tournament overall. Although the final round may not have ended exactly how everyone planned, it was an incredibly successful tournament overall for these Wisconsin athletes. From consolation comebacks to runs into the top five, here is how these nine ladies solidified Wisconsin as one of the premier women’s wrestling programs in the country.

16U Wisconsin National Team Recap

Top 5 Finishers (All-Americans)

#5 Daelin Cody | Princeton/Green Lake 16U | 130 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-2 (1-2 on Day 3)

• Placement: 4th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Secured a massive win over the eventual 6th-place finisher (a South Dakota Northern Plains regional runner-up). Her only losses came against elite competition: the eventual National Champion/Runner-up from Oklahoma (a U17 All-American) and a hard-fought 3rd-place match against a decorated New York state and Fargo national runner-up.

#8 Katie Davidson | Waunakee 16U | 140 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-2 (2-1 on Day 3)

• Placement: 4th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Put together a phenomenal Day 3 run, dominant over top-tier regional talent. She defeated the eventual 7th-place finisher from Oklahoma (a U15 All-American) and the eventual 6th-place finisher from Pennsylvania (Northeast regional runner-up), before falling in a tight 3rd-place match to a 2025 Fargo All-American from Oregon.

#5 Mercedes Kruse | West De Pere 16U | 207 lbs

• Tournament Record: 4-2 (1-2 on Day 3)

• Placement: 5th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Capped off her tournament with a stellar victory in the 5th-place match, defeating an Idaho high school state 4th-place finisher. Her only losses on the day were to the eventual National Champion/Runner-up from Michigan and the eventual 4th-place finisher from New York.

7th Place Finishers

#9 Mya Beckett | Notre Dame 16U | 100 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-2 (1-1 on Day 3)

• Placement: 7th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Bounced back from a loss to the eventual 6th-place finisher from Oklahoma to win her final bout. In the 7th-place match, she took down a highly credentialed opponent from California (6th at state and a U15 National All-American).

#10 Morgan Johnson | DeForest 16U | 125 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-2 (1-1 on Day 3)

• Placement: 7th in the Nation

• Key Matches: After a tough loss to Ohio’s 3rd-place state finisher, Johnson rallied in the 7th-place match to defeat a stacked opponent: a North Dakota high school state champion who was also a U15 freestyle national 6th-place finisher.

Annabella Nelson | Hayward/Northwood 16U | 135 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-2 (1-1 on Day 3)

• Placement: 7th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Dropped a match to Arkansas’s freestyle state champion (the eventual 4th-place finisher), but decisively won her placement match, beating the Illinois Northern Plains regional champion to secure 7th.

#9 Layla Risler | Mondovi/Eleva-Strum 16U | 145 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-2 (1-1 on Day 3)

• Placement: 7th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Lost a tough battle to Pennsylvania’s 3rd-place state finisher, but responded in champion fashion by defeating a New York high school state champion in the 7th-place match.

8th Place Finishers

#5 Ember Zupanc | Marshfield 16U | 115 lbs

• Tournament Record: 6-3 (0-2 on Day 3)

• Placement: 8th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Faced a brutal draw on Day 3, battling the eventual 3rd-place finisher (New Jersey’s Northeast regional champion) and falling in a highly competitive 7th-place match to a Michigan state 3rd-place finisher.

#4 Aaliyah Miller | Adams-Friendship 16U | 170 lbs

• Tournament Record: 4-3 (0-2 on Day 3)

• Placement: 8th in the Nation

• Key Matches: Showed incredible grit throughout the tournament to secure All-American status, dropping her final two matches to a tough California state qualifier and a Pennsylvania state runner-up in the placement round.

Fargo Junior Girls Nationals: Day 2 Recap

The second day of action at the Junior Girls Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, delivered intense competition and showcased incredible grit from the wrestlers. Facing off against high-level opponents from across the country—including state champions, regional standouts, and national All-Americans—these athletes pushed their limits on the national stage. Highlighted by dominant undefeated runs into the semifinals and gritty performances in the consolation brackets, here is an in-depth breakdown of how each wrestler performed on Day 2.

Undefeated & Alive in the Championship Bracket

These dominant athletes have navigated the championship tournament perfectly and are heading into the national semifinals.

• #18 Kylee Kurszewski (Neenah | Graduate Junior) — 125 lbs

  • Tournament Record: 5-0 (3-0 on the day)

  • Accolades & Key Wins: Defeated a Texas 5A High School State Champion (@ 125), a New Jersey 2024 Fargo 16U National Runner-up, and an Alaska Freestyle State Runner-up (@ 135).

  • Next Opponent: Semifinals vs. an Arizona US Open High School Girls Freestyle All-American (3rd @ 125).

• #2 Madilyn Peach (Milton | Graduate Junior) — 130 lbs

  • Tournament Record: 5-0 (3-0 on the day)

  • Accolades & Key Wins: Defeated a Northeast Girls Regional Runner-up (@ 130), an Iowa 2A High School State 4th-placer/Northern Plains Regional Runner-up (@ 135), and an Illinois High School State Champion/Women’s National U17 Freestyle All-American (7th @ 57kg).

  • Next Opponent: Semifinals vs. an Arizona 2026 US Open High School Freestyle All-American (6th @ 130).

• #1 Brooke Huffman (Wittenberg-Birnamwood | Junior) — 190 lbs

  • Tournament Record: 5-0 (3-0 on the day)

  • Accolades & Key Wins: Defeated an Ohio High School State Qualifier (@ 190), a Nebraska Class B High School State Champion (@ 190), and a South Dakota High School State Champion (@ 190).

  • Next Opponent: Semifinals vs. a Michigan 2025 Fargo Junior National Runner-up/2026 US Open Freestyle All-American Runner-up (@ 190).

Still Alive (Consolation Bracket / Next Round Set)

These wrestlers suffered a loss but have shown immense resilience, racking up critical wins to achieve their All-American dreams.

• #11 Dilynn Albrecht (Milton | Junior) — 105 lbs

  • Tournament Record: 5-1 (4-1 on the day)

  • Accolades & Key Wins: Defeated a California High School State Qualifier (@ 105), a Maryland Freestyle State Runner-up (@ 110), an Illinois High School State Runner-up (@ 100), and a Texas 6A High School State 4th-placer (@ 105). Lost to an Iowa 2A High School State Runner-up (@ 110).

  • Next Opponent: Set to face a 2025 Fargo 16U National All-American (6th @ 100) / California High School State 3rd-placer (@ 100).

• Kimura Segerson-Hutter (Adams-Friendship | Junior) — 207 lbs

  • Tournament Record: 6-1 (6-0 on an absolute tear on Day 2)

  • Accolades & Key Wins: Defeated a Southern Plains Regional Champion (@ 207), a North Carolina 7A High School State Champion (@ 235), an Illinois High School State Qualifier (@ 190), an Illinois Freestyle State Runner-up (@ 207), and a Colorado 5A High School State 3rd-placer (@ 170).

  • Next Opponent: Set to face a California High School State 4th-placer / US Open Freestyle All-American (3rd @ 235).

Eliminated from the Tournament

These wrestlers put up valiant efforts against highly credentialed opponents from across the United States but were ultimately eliminated during Day 2 competition.

95 lbs

• Rayany Clapier (Oak Creek | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Faced a tough draw on Day 2, wrapping up her tournament run with a loss against a Florida High School State 8th-place finisher who competed up at 100 lbs.

• #6 Brynn Engel (Badger | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-1 (0-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: After a strong 2-0 start earlier in the tournament, she dropped two highly competitive matchups on Day 2, falling to a Michigan High School State Qualifier (@ 100) and a California Freestyle State Runner-up.

105 lbs

• Bryn Keberlein (Menasha | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Her national tournament run came to an end on Day 2 following a hard-fought battle against a Wyoming High School State 4th-place finisher who was also a Western Girls Regional 5th-placer (@ 100/105).

• #16 Cassidy O’Connell (St Croix Central | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (3-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Put together a deep run through the bracket. She picked up three impressive victories on Day 2, beating a Maryland Freestyle State Runner-up (@ 110), a California High School State Qualifier (@ 105), and a Pennsylvania Northeast Girls Regional 3rd-place finisher (@ 105). Her two losses came at the hands of elite competition: a Pennsylvania 2026 US Open High School Girls National Champion (@ 110) and a Florida High School State Runner-up (@ 105).

110 lbs

• Elaine Hay (Brown Deer / Messmer / Shorewood | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (3-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Showed great consistency on Day 2 by racking up three straight wins. She defeated a Missouri Southern Plains Girls Regional 6th-place finisher (@ 105) and a Pennsylvania Freestyle State 3rd-place finisher (@ 110) before her tournament was halted by an Arkansas 6A High School State Champion (@ 110).

• Ayda Miller (St Croix Central | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Captured a quality victory on Day 2 by defeating a Washington 1B/2B/1A High School State 5th-place finisher (@ 115). She was eliminated after dropping tough contests to a Virginia 2025 Fargo Junior National All-American (5th @ 105)/High School State Champion (@ 107) and a Maine Northeast Girls Regional 4th-place finisher (@ 110).

115 lbs

• Devlynn Albrecht (Milton | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 on the day (2-0 baseline carryover)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Put on an absolute show with three stellar wins against high-caliber opponents. She knocked off a Louisiana High School State Champion (@ 120), an Iowa 2A High School State Runner-up (@ 105), and a Rhode Island High School State Champion (@ 114). She was knocked out after close losses to a Pennsylvania 2025 Fargo 16U National All-American (5th @ 105) and a Utah 6A High School State Runner-up (@ 115).

• Kathrine Cook (Freedom | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Wrestled tough through four tournament bouts, seeing her run end on Day 2 in a loss to a Colorado 5A High School State 3rd-place/Western Girls Regional 5th-place finisher (@ 115).

• Rebekah Katzfey (Mukwonago | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Earned two wins earlier in the tournament but was eliminated on Day 2 after dropping a decision to an Illinois High School State 3rd-place finisher (@ 110).

125 lbs

• Dakotah Athey (Bay Port | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (3-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Had a fantastic bounce-back day, stringing together three impressive wins by defeating a Nebraska High School State 3rd-place finisher (@ 125) and an Ohio High School State 4th-place finisher (@ 120). Her tournament ended just short of the placing rounds against a Missouri Class 2 High School State Champion (@ 125).

135 lbs

• Kit Alsaker (Waunakee | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (2-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Competed hard in a brutal bracket, securing Day 2 wins over an Idaho High School State 3rd-place finisher (@ 130) and a Pennsylvania Northeast Girls Regional 3rd-place finisher (@ 135). Her defeats came against highly decorated opponents: an Indiana High School State Champion/US Open Freestyle National Runner-up (@ 130) and a North Carolina 7A High School State Champion (@ 138).

• Riley Paulsen (Portage | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Earned a great victory on Day 2 by taking down an Illinois High School State Runner-up (@ 130) before being eliminated by a Missouri Class 2 High School State Qualifier (@ 130).

• Stella Pettitt (Freedom | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 5-2 (3-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Put together an incredibly deep consolation run. She earned three massive wins on Day 2 against an Illinois High School State Champion (@ 130), an Iowa 2A High School State 3rd-place finisher (@ 130), and a Utah 5A High School State Runner-up (@ 140). Her stellar tournament came to an end against a Utah 4A High School State Champion (@ 135).

140 lbs

• #17 Frank Groom (Freestyle Year Round | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Stopped short of a deep run after falling in a competitive match against an Oregon 6A/5A High School State Runner-up (@ 140).

• #13 Harlow Skenandore (Freestyle Year Round | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (2-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Picked up a strong win on Day 2 against an Oklahoma 6A High School State Qualifier (@ 130). She bowed out after dropping matches to an elite pair: a Colorado 4A High School State Champion/2026 Women’s Nationals U20 All-American (4th @ 65kg) and a Colorado 5A High School State Runner-up/US Open Freestyle All-American (3rd @ 145).

• Erika Sleznikow (Marshfield | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (2-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Picked up two huge signature wins on Day 2, defeating a Minnesota High School State Champion (@ 142) as well as an Indiana High School State Champion/US Open Freestyle All-American (8th @ 135). She was eliminated in a tough battle against a Nebraska High School State Champion (@ 140).

145 lbs

• Caroline Christopher (New London | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (2-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Bounced back well on Day 2 to secure two quality wins, defeating a Pennsylvania Freestyle State 4th-place finisher (@ 145) and an Oklahoma 6A High School State Qualifier (@ 135) before losing to a Missouri Class 2 High School State Champion (@ 155).

155 lbs

• Brianna Gehring (Slinger | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (3-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Put together a strong multi-win performance on Day 2. She defeated a Washington Freestyle State 4th-place finisher (@ 155) and an Arizona D1 High School State Qualifier (@ 154) before being eliminated by an Ohio High School State Runner-up (@ 155).

• Terryn McBride (Milwaukee King | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Started her day with a notable win over an Oklahoma 6A High School State 3rd-place finisher (@ 145). Her run was cut short by a pair of tough Ohio opponents, losing to the Ohio High School State Champion (@ 155) and the Ohio High School State 5th-place finisher (@ 155).

• Emerson Miller (Poynette | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Faced one of the toughest bracket draws of the day, battling hard but ultimately falling to a Missouri 2024 Fargo 16U National Champion (@ 155) and a California High School State Runner-up (@ 155).

• Sydney Turner (South Door | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Her national tournament run concluded on Day 2 after facing top-tier competition, dropping matches to a 2025 Fargo Junior National Runner-up (@ 155) and a North Dakota High School State Runner-up (@ 142).

170 lbs

• Hannah Behrndt (Hamilton | Graduate)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Fought hard but saw her tournament run come to an end after a tough match against an Oklahoma 6A High School State Runner-up (@ 190).

• Amelia Soltis (Mt. Horeb / Barneveld | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (4-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Executed a massive run through the consolation bracket on Day 2, racking up four consecutive wins. She defeated a North Dakota High School State 7th-place finisher (@ 148), an Oklahoma 6A High School State Runner-up (@ 190), an Oklahoma 6A High School State Qualifier (@ 155), and a Washington 4A High School State Champion (@ 170). Her incredible day was finally stopped by an Oklahoma Women’s Nationals U17 All-American (8th @ 73kg).

190 lbs

• Katie Kent (Janesville Parker | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Put forth a solid effort on the national stage but was eliminated on Day 2 by a Colorado Freestyle State Runner-up (@ 190).

• Olivia Konshak (Bay Port | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Showed bracket grit but saw her tournament cut short after dropping a decision to an Ohio High School State 6th-place finisher (@ 190).

• Maddie Sorensen (Eau Claire North | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: After winning two matches earlier in the week, her tournament came to a close on Day 2 following tough losses to a Washington 4A High School State 6th-place finisher (@ 190) and a North Dakota High School State Runner-up (@ 190).

• Haylee Yager (Mineral Point | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Finished her national tournament appearance on Day 2, falling in a tough contest to an Arkansas 6A High School State Runner-up.

207 lbs

• Autumn King (Bay Port | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Faced a highly challenging sequence on Day 2, bowing out of the tournament after consecutive losses to the #7 seeded Nevada High School State Champion (@ 235) and a Wyoming High School State Champion (@ 235).

235 lbs

• Izabella Riebe (Wisconsin Lutheran | Graduate Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Earned a big victory on Day 2 by taking down a Utah 4A High School State Champion (@ 235). Her tournament came to an end after dropping matches to an Illinois High School State 3rd-place finisher (@ 235) and a Minnesota High School State Runner-up/Northern Plains Regional 3rd-place finisher (@ 235).

• Rainie Yang (Eau Claire North | Junior)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Battled hard in the heavyweight division but was eliminated on Day 2 by a Missouri Freestyle State Champion (@ 235).

Fireworks in Fargo: Wisconsin’s 16U Girls Battle Through Day 2 at Nationals

The mats in Fargo, North Dakota were absolute battlegrounds on Day 2 of the 16U Girls Freestyle Nationals. The Wisconsin contingent brought the grit, showcasing deep rosters, technical dominance, and the relentless motor the state is known for. With semifinal spots locked down and hard-fought consolation runs defining the backside of the brackets, the Badger State athletes proved they can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s elite. Nine wrestlers are officially moving on to Day 3, locking down guaranteed All-American honors for themselves.

Here is the comprehensive, in-depth breakdown of how every Wisconsin wrestler fared on Day 2 in Fargo.

Undefeated / Still in Championship Bracket (Semifinalists)

These dominant competitors have not lost a single match and have punched their tickets straight to the National Semifinals.

• #5 Daelin Cody (130 lbs) — Princeton/Green Lake

  • Tournament Record: 5-0 (2-0 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Defeated an Arizona Freestyle State Champ, Nebraska Northern Plains Regional 5th, Kansas 2025 Fargo All-American, and Connecticut Northeast Regional Runner-Up.

• #5 Mercedes Kruse (207 lbs) — West De Pere

  • Tournament Record: 3-0 (3-0 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Defeated an Oklahoma High School State Qualifier, Virginia High School State Champ, and Wyoming Western Regional Runner-Up.

Still Alive (In the Consolation Bracket)

These wrestlers suffered an early loss but rebounded with crucial wins on Day 2 to acheive their All-American goals! Now gotta keep climbing up the podium!

• #9 Mya Becket (100 lbs) — Notre Dame

  • Tournament Record: 5-1 (2-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Rebounded from a loss to an Iowa 1A High School State Champ to beat a Missouri Class 2 High School State 3rd-placer, adding to previous wins over Georgia, Florida, and Kansas regional placers/runners-up. Next opponent is an Oklahoma Southern Plains Regional Champ.

• #5 Ember Zupanc (115 lbs) — Marshfield

  • Tournament Record: 6-1 (3-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Put together a massive consolation run, defeating a Nevada Freestyle State 4th, Pennsylvania Freestyle State Champ, Georgia High School State 3rd/Southeast Regional 3rd, and California 2025 US Open National Champ. Only loss was to a Michigan High School State 3rd-placer. Next opponent is a New Jersey Northeast Regional Champ.

• #10 Morgan Johnson (125 lbs) — DeForest

• • Tournament Record: 5-1 (2-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Kept her tournament alive by defeating an Arizona D1 High School State 4th-placer and a New York High School State Qualifier, and bouncing back to beat a Michigan High School State Runner-Up/Central Regional Champ. Her only loss came against a Washington US Open 7th-placer/4A State Champ. Next opponent is an Ohio High School State 3rd-placer.

• Annabella Nelson (135 lbs) — Hayward/Northwood

  • Tournament Record: 5-1 (3-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Bounced back from a loss to a New York State Runner-Up/Northeast Regional Champ to defeat an Ohio Central Regional Champ, adding to wins over an Arizona Western Regional Champ and Michigan Freestyle State Champ. Next opponent is an Arkansas Freestyle State Champion.

• #8 Katie Davidson (140 lbs) — Waunakee

  • Tournament Record: 4-1 (3-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Overcame a loss to an Oklahoma U15 National All-American 3rd-placer to defeat an Idaho High School State Runner-Up, alongside previous wins over an Illinois State Qualifier, California Freestyle State Runner-Up, and Georgia High School State 3rd. Next opponent is an Oklahoma U15 National All-American 3rd-placer at 66kg.

• #9 Layla Risler (145 lbs) — Mondovi/Eleva-Strum

  • Tournament Record: 5-1 (3-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Stormed back after a loss to an Oregon 6A/5A State Champ to defeat a California High School State Runner-Up. Also holds wins over a California Western Regional 3rd, Virginia State 6th, and Missouri Class 2 State Champ. Next opponent is a Pennsylvania High School State 3rd-placer.

• #4 Aaliyah Miller (170 lbs) — Adams-Friendship

  • Tournament Record: 4-1 (4-1 on Day 2)

  • Day 2 Accolades: Fought back after a loss to an Ohio State Runner-Up to defeat a Minnesota High School State 4th-placer, complementing wins over a Nebraska Freestyle State Champ and Michigan Freestyle State Runner-Up. Next opponent is a California High School State Qualifier.

Eliminated from the Tournament

These wrestlers saw their Fargo runs come to an end following an in-depth battle against elite state and regional competition.

Eliminated on Day 2

• #14 Penelope Ayala (105 lbs) — Manawa

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (1-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Ayala started strong with dominant wins over an Iowa High School State 6th-placer, a South Dakota High School State Runner-Up, and a New Mexico High School State Runner-Up. However, her run ended on Day 2 after dropping physical matches to a California High School State 5th-placer and a Missouri Southern Plains Regional 3rd-placer.

• Cora Bighley (130 lbs) — Somerset

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (2-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Bighley put together an impressive string of victories, knocking off a California Western Regional 6th-placer, a Colorado 5A High School State 6th-placer, and an Ohio High School State 6th-placer. Her run was cut short by losses to top-tier regional runners-up from South Dakota and Oklahoma.

• #8 Ramsey Brandenburg (130 lbs) — Janesville Parker

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (1-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Brandenburg picked up high-caliber wins against an Iowa Freestyle State 3rd-placer, an Ohio High School State 6th-placer, and a Utah 5A High School State 3rd-placer. Her tournament ended after back-to-back losses to Oklahoma powerhouses, including a U17 Women’s National All-American 5th-placer.

• Hayden Hegland (115 lbs) — River Valley

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (1-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Hegland secured quality tournament wins by defeating an Ohio Freestyle State Runner-Up and a Michigan High School State Qualifier. She fell to the consolation bracket against a multi-time Florida All-American before a tight final loss to an Iowa 1A High School State 5th-place finisher.

• Brinley Miller (120 lbs) — Brillion

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (2-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Miller earned highly competitive wins over a South Dakota High School State 4th-placer, an Ohio Freestyle State 3rd-placer, and a Tennessee Southeast Regional 3rd-placer. She bowed out after losses to a California Northwest Regional 3rd-placer and a Tennessee Southeast Regional Runner-Up.

• #7 Alexa Thomas (110 lbs) — Badger

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (0-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Thomas lit up the early rounds by beating a 2026 US Open High School Freestyle All-American 8th-placer and a Montana Freestyle State Champ. Day 2 proved brutal, as she was eliminated following losses to a Texas Freestyle State Champ and a Missouri Class 2 High School State 5th-placer.

• Lily Baker (115 lbs) — Freedom

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (1-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Baker took care of business early with a win over an Ohio High School State Qualifier. Her run came to an end after hitting the elite tier on Day 2, dropping bouts to a Hawaii U17 Women’s National All-American 8th-placer and a Pennsylvania Freestyle State Champion.

• #2 Cora Stewart (115 lbs) — Port Washington

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (0-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Entering as a high seed, Stewart picked up strong initial victories over a Massachusetts D2 High School State Runner-Up and a South Carolina Freestyle State Champ. She ran into a wall on Day 2, suffering consecutive losses to a New Jersey Northeast Regional Champ and a Minnesota High School State Runner-Up.

• #10 Faye Schachtner (135 lbs) — St. Croix Central

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (1-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Schachtner wrestled tough to beat a Minnesota High School State Qualifier and a Texas 6A High School State Runner-Up. Her exit came from an unforgiving draw on Day 2, losing to a Utah Fargo 16U National All-American 5th-placer and an Arkansas Freestyle State Champ.

• #7 Brynlee Vaughan (155 lbs) — Wautoma/Wild Rose

  • Tournament Record: 4-2 (2-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Vaughan put together a loaded hit list, defeating a Pennsylvania High School State 5th-placer, a Minnesota High School State 6th-placer, and a Missouri Class 1 High School State 4th-placer. Her deep run came to an end after falling to state-level placers from Pennsylvania and Indiana.

• #11 Bryn Schmidt (190 lbs) — New London

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (2-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Schmidt collected gritty national tournament wins over an Oklahoma Southern Plains Regional 4th-placer and a North Dakota High School State 3rd-placer. She was eliminated after dropping contests to a Florida High School State Runner-Up and an Alabama opponent who went on to become an All-American.

• Zofia Chitwood (105 lbs) — Mukwonago

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (0-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Chitwood claimed a major statement win by taking down a North Dakota High School State Champ alongside an Iowa High School State Qualifier. Day 2 halted her momentum with back-to-back losses to a Texas High School State 5th-placer and a Virginia High School State 4th-placer.

• Addi Truthardt (155 lbs) — Monroe

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (3-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Truthardt clawed her way through a heavy consolation workload, picking up wins over a New York Northeast Regional 6th-placer and a Missouri Class 1 High School State Runner-Up. Her tournament ended after losses to top-tier regional podium finishers from Pennsylvania and California.

• Persephone Schmidt (170 lbs) — Madison Memorial

  • Tournament Record: 3-2 (3-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Schmidt stood out with high-impact wins over a New York Freestyle State Champ and an Idaho High School State Qualifier. She was forced out of the bracket via losses to an Ohio Central Regional Runner-Up and a Minnesota High School State 4th-place finisher.

• Hazel Holden (95 lbs) — Wisconsin Rapids

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (1-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Holden put together solid wins against a Texas Freestyle State Runner-Up and a New Mexico Southern Plains Regional 3rd-placer. She dropped matches to a North Carolina 7A High School State Champ and a Minnesota Northern Plains Regional Runner-Up.

• Ellie Hultman (95 lbs) — Bay Port

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (2-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Hultman secured a nice tournament run highlighted by a win over a Nebraska High School State 6th-placer. Her tournament was cut short by a Michigan High School State 7th-placer and a Texas Freestyle State 3rd-place finisher.

• Olivia Hay (Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Hay showed her skill early with a win over a Pennsylvania Freestyle State 4th-placer. She bowed out after running into a California 2025 US Open National Champ and a Wisconsin Northern Plains Regional 4th-placer.

• Nayonce Lyons (Oshkosh West)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Lyons scored wins against a Florida High School State Qualifier and an Arkansas Freestyle State Runner-Up. Her tournament run came to a close following defeats against an Illinois High School State Qualifier and an Ohio Junior High/Freshman State Champion.

• Alaina Roffers (Seymour)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Roffers recorded a notable victory against an Illinois Freestyle State 4th-placer. She was eliminated after dropping close decisions to an Ohio High School State 8th-placer and a California Freestyle State Champion.

• Liberty Faber (Cadott)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (0-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Faber notched a solid national victory over a Connecticut High School State 3rd-placer. Her run was halted on Day 2 by a Washington High School State 4th-placer and a Michigan High School State Runner-Up.

• Anna Hackbarth (Hamilton)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (2-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Hackbarth picked up a strong win by defeating an Ohio Freestyle State 4th-placer. She was pushed out of the tournament by high-level Missouri competition, dropping matches to Class 1 and Class 2 state podium finishers.

• Evelyn Sears (Chilton/Hilbert)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (1-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Sears earned good tournament wins over a Texas Southern Plains Regional 6th-placer and an Illinois Northern Plains Regional 5th-placer. She was bounced after consecutive losses to an Idaho Freestyle State Champ and a California High School State Qualifier.

• Laila Medley (West Allis Nathan Hale)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (2-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Medley found the win column with a solid performance over a Michigan High School State Qualifier. She was eliminated after encountering a Missouri Class 2 High School State Qualifier and a New Mexico 2026 High School Freestyle All-American.

• Brielle Soto (Kenosha Bradford)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (2-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Soto secured a marquee tournament win over a Pennsylvania Freestyle State Champion. She ran into tough match-ups later on, bowing out against a North Dakota High School State 7th-placer and an Illinois Freestyle State Champion.

• Bronte Bethel (Mt. Horeb/Barneveld)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Bethel highlighted her tournament experience by defeating a New York Freestyle State 4th-placer. Her run ended after tough battles with an Oregon 6A/5A High School State 3rd-placer and a tough West Virginia wrestler.

• Maliha Hamidou (Menomonee Falls)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (0-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Hamidou put together a great performance early to beat an Indiana Freestyle State Runner-Up. Her path ended on Day 2 with losses to an Illinois High School State 5th-placer and an Idaho High School State Runner-Up.

• Bridget Meshirer (Turner)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (0-2 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Meshirer picked up an excellent regional-level victory over an Illinois Northern Plains Regional 4th-placer. She was knocked out of the bracket by a Michigan High School State 5th-placer and an Arizona freestyle state champion.

• Providence Kretzmann (River Falls)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Kretzmann competed fiercely out of the gate but drew a tough line of competitors, dropping tight matches to an Ohio High School State 8th-placer and an Idaho High School State Runner-Up.

• Kya Krueger (West Allis Nathan Hale)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Krueger faced a brutal draw in the 140-pound bracket, dropping contests to a Maryland 2025 Fargo 16U National All-American 3rd-placer and an Indiana High School State 3rd-place finisher.

• Ruby Gustafson (Holmen)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Gustafson fell short of the podium after dropping hard-fought matches against a New Mexico Southern Plains Regional 3rd-placer and an Idaho Freestyle State 3rd-place finisher.

• Sevanna Hoyer (Brillion)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Hoyer ran into high-level coastal depth early, dropping her tournament matches to a Colorado 5A High School State 3rd-placer and a California Western Regional 3rd-place finisher.

• Jenson Kurszewski (Neenah)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (0-1 on Day 2)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Kurszewski battled hard but was eliminated from a deep 155-pound field after losses to an Indiana High School State 6th-placer and an Ohio Freestyle State 4th-placer.

Eliminated on Day 1

• Alayna Kober (Marshfield)

  • Tournament Record: 0-2 (Day 1 elimination)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Kober went out early on opening day after facing high-caliber out-of-state opponents, dropping matches to a Washington Freestyle State Runner-Up and an Indiana High School State 4th-placer.

• Kylie Kinserdahl (Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben)

  • Tournament Record: 2-2 (Day 1 elimination)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Kinserdahl showed good adjustments to beat a Northeast Regional 5th-placer. She was knocked out on Day 1 by a California Northwest Regional Champ and a Pennsylvania High School State Qualifier.

• Giana Grabot (Kenosha Indian Trail)

  • Tournament Record: 1-2 (Day 1 elimination)

  • In-Depth Breakdown: Grabot picked up a strong national victory over an Ohio Freestyle State Runner-Up. She fell just short of making Day 2 after dropping tough bouts to Freestyle State Champions from Iowa and Michigan.

Sorry not as indepth as i would like but ran out of time

Fargo Nationals: Day 1 Recap

The energy inside the FARGODOME reached a fever pitch as the premier summer wrestling tournament in the nation officially kicked off for the girls. Day 1 featured a grueling test of skill, and heart as the 16U Girls Freestyle division took center stage. With massive brackets packed with state champions and regional standouts, the battle for All-American honors is officially underway. Team Wisconsin made a strong statement on the opening day, flexing its depth with dominant undefeated streaks, hard-fought consolation survivals, and heavyweights primed for deep bracket runs.

16U Nationals: Girls Freestyle Division (Day 1 Recap)

The 16U girls put on a show, establishing clear frontrunners while others dug deep to keep their tournament podium hopes alive.

Championship Bracket (Undefeated & Cruising)

These wrestlers executed flawless game plans on Day 1, protecting their unblemished records and marching directly into the next championship round:

• #9 Mya Becket (Notre Dame | 100 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Dominant showing to cruise through three straight matches.

• #14 Penelope Ayala (Manawa | 105 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Lived up to her ranking with a perfect opening day.

• Zofia Chitwood (Mukwonago | 105 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Unranked but wrestling like a favorite, storming to three straight wins.

• #7 Alexa Thomas (Badger | 110 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Showed elite composure to stay perfect through three bouts.

• #2 Cora Stewart (Port Washington | 115 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — The number two seed put on an absolute clinic to march forward.

• #5 Ember Zupanc (Marshfield | 115 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Power and precision carried her to a spotless 3-0 start.

• #10 Morgan Johnson (DeForest | 125 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Handled the bracket pressure cleanly to remain undefeated.

• #8 Ramsey Brandenburg (Janesville Parker | 130 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Powered through three tough opponents.

• #5 Daelin Cody (Princeton/Green Lake | 130 lbs) | Record: 3-0 — Asserted her dominance early with a flawless opening day.

• Annabella Nelson (Hayward/Northwood | 135 lbs) | Record: 2-0 — Clean performance to punch her ticket to Day 2 unscathed.

• #10 Faye Schachtner (St. Croix Central | 135 lbs) | Record: 2-0 — Controlled both of her matchups from whistle to whistle.

• #8 Katie Davidson (Waunakee | 140 lbs) | Record: 1-0 — Took care of business in her opening bout.

• Maliha Hamidou (Menomonee Falls | 140 lbs) | Record: 1-0 — Capitalized on her first match to advance clean.

• #9 Layla Risler (Mondovi/Eleva-Strum | 145 lbs) | Record: 2-0 — Stood tall under the Fargo lights to go perfect.

• Liberty Faber (Cadott | 155 lbs) | Record: 2-0 — Showed great tactical awareness to score two strong victories.

• #7 Brynlee Vaughan (Wautoma/Wild Rose | 155 lbs) | Record: 2-0 — Used heavy pressure to advance safely to Day 2.

• Bridget Meshirer (Turner | 190 lbs) | Record: 1-0 — Claimed a crucial opening-round victory.

• #11 Bryn Schmidt (New London | 190 lbs) | Record: 1-0 — Controlled the mat to secure her first-round win.

• Evelyn Sears (Chilton/Hilbert | 190 lbs) | Record: 1-0 — Handled her business cleanly to stay in the championship hunt.

The Awaiting Contenders (Fresh & Ready)

Due to bracket structures and opening-round scheduling, these high-seeded wrestlers received opening-day passes or sit at 0-0, remaining fully intact in the championship bracket:

• #4 Aaliyah Miller (Adams-Friendship | 170 lbs) | Record: 0-0

• #5 Mercedes Kruse (West De Pere | 207 lbs) | Record: 0-0

• Laila Medley (West Allis Nathan Hale | 235 lbs) | Record: 0-0

• Brielle Soto (Kenosha Bradford | 235 lbs) | Record: 0-0

Consolation Bracket (Still Alive & Fighting Back)

A single loss isn’t the end of the road in Fargo. These wrestlers dropped a match on Day 1 but successfully rebounded on the backside, keeping their All-American podium aspirations alive:

• Bronte Bethel (Mt. Horeb/Barneveld | 95 lbs) | Record: 1-1 — Bounced back after a tough setback.

• Hazel Holden (Wisconsin Rapids | 95 lbs) | Record: 1-1 — Kept her composure to pick up a crucial backside victory.

• Ellie Hultman (Bay Port | 95 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Fell in a tight opener but remains alive in the consolation bracket.

• Lily Baker (Freedom | 115 lbs) | Record: 2-1 — Answered an early loss with two gritty wins on the backside.

• Olivia Hay (Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood | 115 lbs) | Record: 2-1 — Stormed back into tournament contention with two consolation victories.

• Hayden Hegland (River Valley | 115 lbs) | Record: 3-1 — Had a very busy day, rattling off three consecutive bounce-back wins.

• Nayonce Lyons (Oshkosh West | 120 lbs) | Record: 2-1 — Showed great resilience to finish the day with two straight wins.

• Brinley Miller (Brillion | 120 lbs) | Record: 2-1 — Rebounded strongly on the backside to keep her tournament alive.

• Alaina Roffers (Seymour | 125 lbs) | Record: 2-1 — Responded to adversity by picking up two huge consolation bracket wins.

• Cora Bighley (Somerset | 130 lbs) | Record: 2-1 — Shrugged off a defeat to string together a pair of backside victories.

• Providence Kretzmann (River Falls | 140 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Dropped her opening match but remains in tournament contention.

• Kya Krueger (West Allis Nathan Hale | 140 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Looking to mount a comeback trail after an opening-round loss.

• Ruby Gustafson (Holmen | 145 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Re-adjusting for the backside after an early tournament setback.

• Sevanna Hoyer (Brillion | 145 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Kept her podium dreams alive despite a first-round loss.

• Anna Hackbarth (Hamilton | 155 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Ready to battle through the consolation rounds.

• Jenson Kurszewski (Neenah | 155 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — A tough opening defeat sends her to the backside of the bracket.

• Addi Truthardt (Monroe | 155 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Eyes a deep consolation run on Day 2.

• Persephone Schmidt (Madison Memorial | 170 lbs) | Record: 0-1 — Dropped her debut match but remains active in the tournament.

Tournament Concluded (Day 1 Elimination)

These competitors wrestled hard but met their second defeat of the double-elimination tournament, bringing their individual Fargo runs to a close on Day 1:

• Alayna Kober (Marshfield | 105 lbs) | Record: 0-2

• Kylie Kinserdahl (Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben | 110 lbs) | Record: 2-2

• Giana Grabot (Kenosha Indian Trail | 125 lbs) | Record: 2-2

Wisconsin Junior Girls Highlights: Fargo Day 1

The mats at Fargo were absolutely electric for Day 1 of the Junior Girls Freestyle tournament. State powerhouses and rising stars from across the nation clashed in a grueling opening day of action. The Wisconsin contingent put on a fierce display of grit, featuring highly-ranked national contenders, battle-tested veterans, and elite recent graduates moving on to the collegiate level. While several athletes’ dominant performances secured flawless paths forward, the rigorous double-elimination format tested the depth and resilience of the entire roster.

Below is the complete breakdown of how the tournament field stands heading into Day 2, separated by bracket status.

Undefeated Wrestlers (Championship Bracket)

These wrestlers navigated Day 1 flawlessly, keeping their championship hopes alive in the front side of the bracket.

• #6 Brynn Engel (Badger – 95 lbs) | 1-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Opened her tournament by defeating a Texas 6A high school state qualifier at 100 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Michigan high school state qualifier at 100 lbs.

• #11 Dilynn Albrecht (Milton – 105 lbs) | 1-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Secured a stellar opening victory by defeating a New York Freestyle state champion at 105 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A California high school state qualifier at 105 lbs.

• #16 Cassidy O’Connell (St Croix Central – 105 lbs) | 1-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Defeated a Utah 5A high school girls state 3rd-place finisher at 100 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Maryland Freestyle state runner-up at 113 lbs.

• Ayda Miller (St Croix Central – 110 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Put together a dominant 2-0 day, picking up wins over a Florida 2025 Fargo Junior All-American (7th at 105 lbs) and a 3A-1A Kansas high school state 3rd-place finisher at 105 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Washington 1B/2B/1A high school state 5th-place finisher at 115 lbs.

• Devlynn Albrecht (Milton Graduate / Life University – 115 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Rallied to a 2-0 start by beating an Illinois high school state 3rd-place finisher at 110 lbs and a New York Freestyle state 3rd-place finisher at 115 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A 2025 Fargo 16U All-American (5th at 105 lbs), looking to avenge a 1-12 loss from Junior Duals.

• #18 Kylee Kurszewski (Neenah Graduate / Wartburg College – 125 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Advanced with a 2-0 record after defeating an Illinois high school state qualifier at 125 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Texas 5A high school state champion at 125 lbs.

• #2 Madilyn Peach (Milton Graduate / Grand Valley State – 130 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Showed why she carries a high ranking, going 2-0 with wins over a Texas girls Freestyle state 3rd-place finisher at 130 lbs and an Oklahoma 5A high school state champion at 130 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Northeast girls regional runner-up at 130 lbs.

• Kit Alsaker (Waunakee – 135 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Logged a 2-0 record with victories over a Florida high school state 7th-place finisher at 145 lbs and a Texas 6A high school state 4th-place finisher at 135 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Idaho high school state 3rd-place finisher at 130 lbs.

• #13 Harlow Skenandore (Freestyle Year Round – 140 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Advanced cleanly at 2-0 by defeating a Maryland high school state runner-up at 140 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Oklahoma 6A high school state qualifier at 130 lbs.

• Terryn McBride (Milwaukee King Graduate – 155 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Powered through Day 1 at 2-0, beating a Utah 3A high school state runner-up at 145 lbs and an Arkansas 5A high school state champion at 155 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Oklahoma 6A high school state 3rd-place finisher at 145 lbs.

• Emerson Miller (Poynette Graduate – 155 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Marked a 2-0 start by beating a Texas 5A high school state 3rd-place finisher at 155 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A massive test against the 2024 Fargo 16U National Champion at 155 lbs.

• Sydney Turner (Southern Door Graduate – 155 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Picked up two wins, including a notable victory over a North Carolina 5A high school state champion at 152 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A 2025 Fargo Junior Nationals runner-up at 155 lbs.

• #1 Brooke Huffman (Wittenberg-Birnamwood – 190 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: The top-ranked wrestler took care of business, going 2-0 and defeating a Utah 6A high school state 3rd-place finisher at 190 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Ohio high school state qualifier at 190 lbs.

• Maddie Sorensen (Eau Claire North – 190 lbs) | 2-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Cruised to a 2-0 record by defeating a Texas 6A high school state 4th-place finisher at 190 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Washington 4A high school state 6th-place finisher at 190 lbs.

• Autumn King (Bay Port – 207 lbs) | 1-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Won her opening bout against a Texas 5A high school state qualifier at 235 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: The #7 seed Nevada high school state champion at 235 lbs.

• Izabella Riebe (Wisconsin Lutheran Graduate – 235 lbs) | 0-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Had a bye or did not compete on Day 1.

  • Next Opponent: Draws an Illinois high school state 3rd-place finisher at 235 lbs to open her tournament.

Wrestlers in Consolation (Still Alive)

These competitors suffered one loss on Day 1 but remain active in the consolation brackets under the double-elimination format.

• Rayany Clapier (Oak Creek – 95 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped her opening match to a tough New Jersey opponent who was a 2025 Fargo Junior National All-American (5th at 95 lbs). Under the double-elimination format, she remains alive.

  • Next Opponent: To be determined.

• Bryn Keberlein (Menasha Graduate / UW-Oshkosh – 105 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Lost a tough opening bout to an Oklahoma 5A high school state qualifier at 105 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A dual threat—Wyoming high school state 4th-place finisher at 100 lbs / Western Girls Regional 5th-place finisher at 105 lbs.

• Elaine Hay (Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood – 110 lbs) | 1-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Bounced back to go 1-1. Lost to a New York Northeast Junior Regional 5th-place finisher at 115 lbs, but beat a Utah 5A high school state qualifier at 110 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Missouri Southern Plains Regional 6th-place finisher at 105 lbs.

• Kathrine Cook (Freedom – 115 lbs) | 2-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Wrestled a busy day to go 2-1. Beat a Nebraska high school state 4th-place finisher at 110 lbs, lost to a New Jersey state qualifier/Northeast Regional runner-up at 115/120 lbs, and rebounded to beat a Texas 6A high school state champion at 115 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Colorado 5A high school state 3rd-place finisher / Western regionals 5th-place finisher at 115 lbs.

• Rebekah Katzfey (Mukwonago – 115 lbs) | 2-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Recorded a 2-1 mark. Suffered a setback against a Florida 2025 Fargo 16U All-American 3rd-place finisher (who was also a Florida 3A state 8th-place finisher), but kept her tournament alive.

  • Next Opponent: An Illinois high school state 3rd-place finisher at 110 lbs.

• Dakotah Athey (Bay Port – 125 lbs) | 1-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Went 1-1 on the day, losing to a highly decorated Ohio 2025 Fargo Junior runner-up and high school state champ.

  • Next Opponent: A wrestler from Colorado.

• Riley Paulsen (Portage Graduate – 135 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped a challenging opener to an Iowa 2025 Fargo 16U All-American 5th-place finisher and US Open National Champion.

  • Next Opponent: An Illinois high school state runner-up at 130 lbs.

• Stella Pettitt (Freedom – 135 lbs) | 2-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Finished Day 1 at 2-1, dropping a match along the way to a New Jersey high school state runner-up at 132 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Illinois high school state champion at 130 lbs.

• #17 Frank Groom (Freestyle Year Round – 140 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Lost a highly competitive bout to an Iowa 1A high school state 5th-place finisher/Freestyle state champ.

  • Next Opponent: An Oregon 6A/5A high school state runner-up at 140 lbs.

• Erika Sleznikow (Marshfield – 140 lbs) | 1-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Finished 1-1. Dropped a bout to a California high school state qualifier at 135 lbs, but picked up a dominant win over a Pennsylvania Freestyle state champion at 140 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Minnesota high school state champion at 142 lbs.

• Caroline Christopher (New London – 145 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped her opening match to a Northwest girls regional 3rd-place finisher at 145 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Pennsylvania Freestyle state 4th-place finisher at 145 lbs.

• Brianna Gehring (Slinger – 155 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Fell in her opening round to a Minnesota high school state 5th-place finisher at 148 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Washington freestyle state 4th-place finisher at 155 lbs.

• Hannah Behrndt (Hamilton Graduate – 170 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped a tough assignment against a Michigan 2025 Fargo 16U National Champion at 170 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Oklahoma 6A high school state runner-up at 190 lbs.

• Amelia Soltis (Mt. Horeb/Barneveld – 170 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Lost her primary matchup to a New Jersey high school state 7th-place finisher at 165 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A North Dakota high school state 7th-place finisher at 148 lbs.

• Katie Kent (Janesville Parker – 190 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped her first match to a Texas Fargo 16U All-American 5th-place finisher at 190 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: A Colorado freestyle state runner-up at 190 lbs.

• Olivia Konshak (Bay Port – 190 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Lost an early match to a Florida high school state 5th-place finisher at 190 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Ohio high school state 6th-place finisher at 190 lbs.

• Haylee Yager (Mineral Point – 190 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Fell to a tough Utah 6A high school state champion at 190 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: An Arkansas 6A high school state runner-up.

• Kimura Segerson-Hutter (Adams-Friendship – 207 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped her opening-day matchup against a Washington 3A high school state champion at 235 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: To be determined.

• Rainie Yang (Eau Claire North – 235 lbs) | 0-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Fell in her first contest to a California Freestyle state runner-up at 235 lbs.

  • Next Opponent: To be determined.

Eliminated Wrestlers

These athletes left everything on the mats but were eliminated on Day 1 after suffering two losses in this incredibly deep tournament field.

• Margaret Barrett (Sauk Prairie/Wisconsin Heights – 110 lbs) | 0-2

  • Losses: Suffered defeats against a Kansas 2025 Fargo 16U All-American 4th/4A state champion at 100 lbs, and an Oklahoma 6A high school state runner-up.

• Addison Brown (Winneconne – 115 lbs) | 0-2

  • Losses: Dropped matches to a skilled Colorado wrestler and a Minnesota high school state 3rd-place finisher at 112 lbs.

• Anna Behling (Bay Port Graduate – 125 lbs) | 0-2

  • Losses: Fell to a New York high school state runner-up at 126 lbs and a Virginia high school state 4th-place finisher at 114 lbs.

• Chloe Roloff (Reedsburg – 125 lbs) | 0-2

  • Losses: Eliminated after dropping bouts to an Ohio high school state runner-up at 120 lbs and an Iowa 1A high school state champion at 115 lbs.

• Anna Krizan (Ladysmith – 130 lbs) | 1-2

  • Losses: Picked up one win but was eliminated following losses to a Pennsylvania Northeast Regional 5th-place finisher at 130 lbs and a Texas Southern Plains Regional 4th-place finisher at 130 lbs.

• Portia Hah (Southern Door – 140 lbs) | 0-2

  • Losses: Dropped tough matches to a Washington high school state champion at 140 lbs and a Kansas 3A-1A high school state runner-up at 140 lbs.

• Evie Stine (Milton – 155 lbs) | 0-2

  • Losses: Competed hard but fell to a Missouri Class 1 high school state champion and a Southeast regional 5th-place finisher at 155 lbs.

Battle in Fargo: Day 2 Junior Greco-Roman National Championships Breakdown

Fargo is where dreams are tested and All-Americans are forged. The Junior Greco-Roman National Championships represent the pinnacle of high school Greco-Roman wrestling in the United States, bringing together state champions, regional powerhouses, and national place-winners all under one roof. Day 2 of this tournament  is where the resilient secure their spot on the podium, and the margins between victory and heartbreak are razor-thin.

From blood-round battles to massive upsets against highly decorated state champions and US Open All-Americans, our local competitors left everything on the mats. Below, we dive deep into an individual, match-by-match analysis of the wrestlers who competed on Day 2, highlighting their tournament journeys, their key victories, and the incredible caliber of opponents they faced.

Complete Wrestler Breakdowns & Accolades

Eldon Roth (Stevens Point) – Junior, 100 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 3-1

• Overall Tournament Record: 4-1

• Tournament Finish: 3rd Place in the Nation (All-American)

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Eldon Roth put together a phenomenal All-American run, finishing 3rd in the nation at 100 lbs. To get there on Day 2, he went 3-1, showcasing incredible technical skills and toughness. His lone loss of the tournament came at the hands of an elite opponent who ended up as either the National Champion or Runner-up (an Illinois 2A High School State 4th-place finisher at 106 lbs).

  Roth’s path to 3rd place was paved with high-quality wins. He defeated the eventual 7th/8th-place finisher, who was an Indiana Greco State 4th-place finisher at 106/113 lbs. He also secured a massive victory over an Illinois competitor who was a US Open U17 Greco All-American (8th at 45kg), and capped off his stellar run by beating the eventual 4th-place finisher, a Florida 1A High School State 8th-place finisher at 106 lbs.

Caden Bock (Freedom) – Junior, 106 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 0-1

• Overall Tournament Record: 2-2 (3-4 combined across Freestyle and Greco styles)

• Freestyle Record: 1-2

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Caden Bock battled hard across both styles during the Fargo summer double-header, ending with a 3-4 combined record. In the Greco tournament, Bock posted a 2-2 record. Entering Day 2, he fell in a tough matchup against a highly competitive Texas 6A High School State Qualifier who was bumped up to 113 lbs.

Martez Sheard (Aquinas) – Junior, 132 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 1-1

• Overall Tournament Record: 6-2 (9-4 combined across Freestyle and Greco styles)

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Martez Sheard put together a highly impressive 9-4 record over the entire Fargo campaign, with his Greco run accounting for a strong 6-2 showing. On Day 2, Sheard split his matches 1-1. Highlighted by a signature win, Sheard knocked off a Washington 2A High School State Champion at 132 lbs. His tournament run was halted only by a razor-close loss to the eventual 6th-place finisher in the nation, who was a Colorado 5A High School State Champion at 126 lbs.

William Christopher (New London) – Junior, 138 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 3-2

• Overall Tournament Record: 8-3

• Tournament Finish: 8th Place in the Nation (All-American)

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: William Christopher proved he belongs among the nation’s elite, carving out an 8th-place All-American finish after a marathon 11-match tournament. On Day 2, Christopher went 3-2. His resume of wins on the day is stunning: he defeated a Florida 2A High School State Champion at 138 lbs, and followed it up with a win over a California High School State 6th-place finisher at 132 lbs.

  His two defeats came against premier national talent: the eventual 6th-place finisher (a New York D1 High School State 5th-place finisher at 138 lbs) and the 7th-place finisher (an Idaho competitor who placed 3rd at the 2026 US Open U17 Greco Championships at 60kg).

Tristan North (West Allis Nathan Hale) – Junior, 150 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 1-1

• Overall Tournament Record: 4-2

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Tristan North put together a solid 4-2 showing at 150 lbs. Entering Day 2, North split his matches 1-1. His wrestling acumen was on full display when he defeated a highly touted Colorado Greco State Champion at 150 lbs. He was knocked out of the bracket by a tough Washington opponent who had previously placed 3rd at the Northwest Greco Regionals at 150 lbs.

Alex Penzkover (Southeast Polk IA) – Junior, 150 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 0-2

• Overall Tournament Record: 4-2

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Alex Penzkover demonstrated immense depth on Day 1 to reach Day 2 with a 4-2 record, but ran into a gauntlet of elite competitors on the second day of competition, finishing 0-2. Penzkover’s losses came exclusively to top-podium wrestlers: the eventual 5th-place finisher (who was an Oklahoma 5A High School State Champion and Oklahoma Greco State Champion at 150 lbs) and the eventual 4th-place finisher (a Minnesota AA High School State Runner-up at 139 lbs).

Colton Tollefson (Fennimore) – Junior, 165 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 2-1

• Overall Tournament Record: 6-2

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Fennimore’s Colton Tollefson put together a stellar 6-2 tournament run at 165 lbs, going 2-1 on Day 2. Tollefson grabbed an impressive win over an Iowa 1A High School State 7th-place finisher at 150 lbs, and followed it up with a massive upset of a Nevada wrestler who was the 2025 Fargo 16U National Greco Champion at 165 lbs. His tournament run was stopped by a highly skilled Minnesota AAA High School State 6th-place finisher at 160 lbs.

Spencer Madsen (Sturgeon Bay / Sevastopol) – Junior, 175 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 0-2

• Overall Tournament Record: 3-2 (7-4 combined across Freestyle and Greco styles)

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Spencer Madsen was extremely active in Fargo, wrestling 11 bouts total and showing great versatility across both styles. In Greco, he reached Day 2 with a 3-2 record. His Day 2 bracket was incredibly unforgiving, resulting in an 0-2 day. He fell to the eventual 3rd-place finisher (a Florida standout who was a 2026 US Open U20 Greco All-American, finishing 5th at 77kg), and a powerhouse North Dakota wrestler who was a former Fargo Greco 16U Nationals Runner-up at 175 lbs.

Alexander Johnson (Peshtigo) – Junior, 215 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 0-1

• Overall Tournament Record: 3-2

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Alexander Johnson navigated a tough 215 lbs bracket to finish with a winning 3-2 record. On Day 2, he dropped a highly competitive 0-1 decision to a powerhouse wrestler from Illinois who was an Illinois 1A High School State Runner-up at 190 lbs.

Preston Krueger (New London) – Junior, 285 lbs

• Day 2 Record: 1-2

• Overall Tournament Record: 4-2 (10-4 combined across Freestyle and Greco styles)

• In-Depth Analysis & Accolades: Preston Krueger was an absolute workhorse in Fargo, competing in a staggering 14 matches across both styles. He suffered the ultimate heartbreak of losing in the “blood round” (one round short of placing All-American) in both freestyle and Greco. In the Greco bracket, he compiled a 4-2 record, going 1-2 on Day 2.

  Krueger highlighted his Day 2 with a dominant win over an Indiana Greco State Champion at 285 lbs. His losses came only to elite heavyweight giants: the eventual National Champion (an Iowa heavyweight who placed 3rd at the US Open U20 Greco Championships at 130kg) and the eventual 7th-place finisher (a Texas 6A High School State Qualifier at 285 lbs).

Blood, Sweat, and Greco: Day 1 Recap from the Fargo 16U National Championships

The toughest 16U greco-roman wrestlers in the country have officially collided in Fargo. Day 1 of the Greco-Roman National Championships did not disappoint. It was a grueling marathon of high-amplitude throws, gritty gut-wrenches, and non-stop action as our wrestlers stepped onto the national stage to test their mettle against state champions and regional powerhouses from every corner of the United States.

By the time the dust settled on an intense opening day, the battlefield had shifted. While the double-elimination format proved unforgiving for a large portion of the squad, the dream of a national title—and a spot on the All-American podium—is still very much alive for a fierce contingent of competitors.

Day 1 Executive Summary: Where We Stand

• The Undefeated Title Contenders: Ten wrestlers survived the Day 1 gauntlet without a single blemish on their records. Among them, Lincoln Swick (120), #8 Isaac Weber (132), #1 Tyler Paulson (138), and #6 Aspen Tritz (138) put on absolute clinics to punch their tickets straight into the Quarterfinals. Meanwhile, six more dominant hammers—including top-seeded #1 Michael Daleiden (165) and #1 Kade Splinter (215)—marched their way cleanly into the Round of 16.

• Battling Through the Consolations: Six resilient wrestlers suffered a minor setback but refused to let their tournaments end early. Competitors like #2 Jacob Penzkover (157), who battled through five grueling matches on Day 1, and heavyweight Kriss Vazquez (285) are locked into the Consolation Round of 16, ready to take the long, hard road back to the podium.

• Heartbreak and Lessons Learned: The standard at Fargo is unapologetically high. Twenty-nine of our wrestlers saw their tournament runs come to an end on Day 1. Despite the early exits, they went toe-to-toe with the nation’s elite, picking up invaluable national-level experience that will undoubtedly fuel their fire for the upcoming freestyle tournaments and high school seasons.

The championship hunt continues tomorrow. Below is the comprehensive, wrestler-by-wrestler breakdown of exactly how Day 1 played out.

Championship Bracket (Undefeated / Remaining in Championship)

These wrestlers went undefeated on Day 1 and are still hunting for a national title.

Quarterfinalists

• Lincoln Swick (Oconomowoc, 120 lbs) — Record: 4-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Michigan Greco State 3rd @ 120, Colorado 4A High School State Qualifier @ 126, California Greco State 3rd @ 120, and Ohio Central Greco Regionals Runner-up @ 120.

  • Next Opponent: Iowa 3A Runner-up @ 113 in the Quarterfinals.

• #8 Isaac Weber (Germantown, 132 lbs) — Record: 4-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Arizona Greco State 3rd @ 132, Minnesota A High School State Qualifier @ 114, Oregon High School State 5th @ 120, and Arkansas 2026 U17 US Open Greco All-American Runner-up @ 60 kg.

  • Next Opponent: Utah Western Greco Regional 4th @ 132 in the Quarterfinals.

• #1 Tyler Paulson (Aquinas, 138 lbs) — Record: 4-0

  • Day 1 Wins: North Dakota Greco State Champ @ 138, Nebraska High School State Qualifier @ 126, Illinois Greco State 4th @ 138, and Washington 4A High School State Qualifier @ 132.

  • Next Opponent: Oklahoma Southern Plains Greco Regional 3rd @ 138 in the Quarterfinals.

• #6 Aspen Tritz (Wisconsin Rapids, 138 lbs) — Record: 4-0

  • Day 1 Wins: South Carolina Greco State Runner-up @ 150, Florida 1A High School State 4th @ 132, and Alaska Northwest Greco Regional Champ @ 138.

  • Next Opponent: Connecticut 2026 US Open U17 Greco All-American 3rd @ 65 kg in the Quarterfinals.

Round of 16 Bound

• Reid Nicklay (Aquinas, 144 lbs) — Record: 3-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Idaho Greco State Runner-up @ 144, New York Greco State Runner-up @ 144, and Illinois Greco State Runner-up @ 144.

  • Next Opponent: Alaska Northwest Greco Regional Champ @ 144 in the Round of 16.

• Everett Zeitler (Pulaski, 150 lbs) — Record: 3-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Michigan D4 High School State Qualifier @ 138, Kansas Greco State 6th @ 150, and Nebraska Greco State Champ @ 150.

  • Next Opponent: Ohio D3 High School State 7th @ 144 in the Round of 16.

• #1 Michael Daleiden (Combat WC, 165 lbs) — Record: 3-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Oregon Greco State 5th @ 165 and Arizona Greco State Champ @ 165.

  • Next Opponent: Ohio Central Greco Regional Runner-up @ 165 in the Round of 16.

• Treyton Altuve (Hamilton, 190 lbs) — Record: 3-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Florida Southeast Greco Regional Champ @ 190 and Virginia Greco State Champ @ 190.

  • Next Opponent: Nebraska Greco State 3rd @ 190 in the Round of 16.

• #1 Kade Splinter (Stoughton, 215 lbs) — Record: 2-0

  • Day 1 Wins: California Greco State Champ @ 215 and Alabama Greco State Champ @ 215.

  • Next Opponent: South Dakota Class B High School State 6th @ 175 in the Round of 16.

• Lucian Lorenz (Aquinas, 285 lbs) — Record: 2-0

  • Day 1 Wins: Connecticut Northeast Greco Regional Runner-up @ 285 and Pennsylvania Greco State 4th @ 285.

  • Next Opponent: North Dakota Class A High School State 7th @ 215 in the Round of 16.

Consolation Bracket (Still Alive)

These wrestlers suffered one defeat on Day 1 but remain in the tournament to battle back through the consolations.

• Reed Akkerman (Wisconsin Rapids, 88 lbs) — Record: 1-1

  • Day 1 Win: Oregon Western Regional Greco 4th @ 94.

  • Loss: To an Illinois Central Greco Regional Runner-up @ 88.

  • Next Opponent: Wyoming Greco State Champ @ 88 in the Consolation Round of 16.

• Cole Train Vanderwerff (Burlington, 88 lbs) — Record: 1-1 (Minnesota Greco State Runner-up @ 94)

  • Loss: To a Washington Northwest Greco Regional Champ @ 88.

  • Next Opponent: Oklahoma Southern Plains Greco Regional Champ @ 88 in the Consolation Round of 16.

• #2 Jacob Penzkover (Aquinas, 157 lbs) — Record: 4-1

  • Day 1 Wins: Texas Greco State 6th @ 157, Iowa Greco State 4th @ 157, Tennessee Class A High School State Qualifier @ 144, and Idaho Greco State Runner-up @ 157.

  • Loss: To a Florida wrestler.

  • Next Opponent: Washington 4A High School State Qualifier @ 150 in the Consolation Sub-Round of 16.

• Elias Green (Waukesha South, 190 lbs) — Record: 3-1

  • Day 1 Wins: Oklahoma Southern Plains Greco Regional 6th @ 190 and Florida Southeast Greco Regional Champ @ 190.

  • Loss: To an Oregon Northwest Greco Regional Champ @ 190.

  • Next Opponent: Illinois 1A High School State Qualifier @ 175 in the Consolation Sub-Round of 16.

• Ian Powell (Reedsburg, 215 lbs) — Record: 2-1

  • Day 1 Win: Over a Virginia wrestler.

  • Loss: To a New York D2 High School State Runner-up @ 215.

  • Next Opponent: Pennsylvania Northeast Greco Regional 4th @ 215 in the Consolation Sub-Round of 16.

• Kriss Vazquez (Arcadia, 285 lbs) — Record: 1-1

  • Day 1 Win: Illinois Greco State 4th @ 285.

  • Loss: To a New York Greco State Champ @ 285.

  • Next Opponent: Washington Northwest Greco Regional Champ @ 285 in the Consolation Sub-Round of 16.

Eliminated

These wrestlers fought hard but were knocked out of the double-elimination tournament on Day 1.

• Bentley Mattie (West Salem/ Bangor, 94 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: New York Greco State Runner-up @ 94 and Idaho Greco State Runner-up @ 94.

• Axl Kind (Neillsville/ Greenwood/ Loyal, 100 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Utah Greco State Champ @ 100 and Nebraska Greco State 6th @ 106.

• Gavin Lamers (Wrightstown, 106 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Indiana Greco State Champ @ 106 and Virginia Class 4 High School State Qualifier @ 106.

• Collin Weber (West Bend West/ East, 106 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Wins: North Carolina 5A High School State 4th @ 106 and Ohio Greco 3rd @ 106.

  • Losses: Utah Northwest Greco Regional Runner-up @ 113 and New Jersey Northeast Greco Regional Champ @ 100.

• Isai Sanchez (Shiocton, 113 lbs) — Record: 3-2

  • Day 1 Win: Texas 6A High School State 3rd @ 106.

  • Losses: 2025 Fargo Nationals Greco 16U All-American Runner-up @ 94 and Illinois Northern Plains Greco Regional 6th @ 113.

• Joshua Schanen (Muskego, 113 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: Oklahoma Greco State Runner-up @ 113.

  • Losses: Pennsylvania Greco State 4th @ 113 and Illinois Northern Plains Greco Regional 5th @ 113.

• Kale Crass (Regis/ Altoona, 126 lbs) — Record: 1-2

  • Day 1 Win: Idaho Greco State Runner-up @ 120.

  • Losses: Minnesota AAA High School State Champ @ 121 and Alaska Greco State Runner-up @ 132.

• Deacon Meyers (West Salem/ Bangor, 126 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Wins: South Carolina Southeast Regional 4th @ 132 and New York Greco State Champ @ 126.

  • Losses: Pennsylvania Greco State Champ @ 126 and California Western Greco Regional 5th @ 126.

• Ben Pece (Mukwonago, 126 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Nevada Western Greco Regional 3rd @ 126 and Minnesota AA High School State 5th @ 114.

• Braiden Hale-Toomey (Reedsburg, 132 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Oregon Greco State 2nd @ 132 and Nebraska Greco State 3rd @ 132.

• Reece Vendegna (Wilmot Union, 132 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: Georgia Southeast Greco Regional Champ @ 138.

  • Losses: Florida High School State 3rd @ 126 and West Virginia Greco State Runner-up @ 138.

• Gabriel Beyer (Freedom, 138 lbs) — Record: 3-2

  • Day 1 Win: Ohio Greco State Champ @ 138.

  • Losses: Washington 4A High School State Qualifier @ 132 and Florida Greco State Champ @ 138.

• Oliver Bongle (Poynette, 138 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Florida Southern Plains Greco Regional 4th @ 138 and Arizona Greco State Champ @ 138.

• Johnathan Marth (Germantown, 138 lbs) — Record: 3-2

  • Losses: A Connecticut wrestler and New Mexico Southern Plains Greco Regional 3rd @ 132.

• #13 Riddick Meyer (Spencer/ Columbus Catholic/ Granton, 138 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: Illinois Greco State 3rd @ 138.

  • Losses: Indiana Central Greco Regional Champ @ 138 and South Carolina Southeast Greco Regional Champ @ 132.

• Gavyn Wilkins (North Crawford/ Seneca, 144 lbs) — Record: 1-2

  • Losses: Pennsylvania Freestyle State Champ @ 144 and Alabama 5A High School State Runner-up @ 132.

• Rafe Henrickson (Freedom, 150 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Nebraska Greco State Champ @ 157 and Indiana Central Regionals 5th @ 144.

• Blake Baumann (Mukwonago, 157 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: New York Greco State 5th @ 150.

  • Losses: New Jersey Northeast Greco Regional 4th @ 165 and New York Greco State Champ @ 157.

• Joshua Czerniejewski (Mukwonago, 157 lbs) — Record: 1-2

  • Day 1 Win: Indiana Greco State 3rd @ 157.

  • Losses: Idaho Greco State Champ @ 157 and Pennsylvania Greco State Runner-up @ 157.

• Charles Mierzwinski (Waukesha West, 157 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: Idaho Western Greco Regional 6th @ 157.

  • Losses: Florida 1A High School State 6th @ 157 and California Western Greco Regional 4th @ 157.

• Dylan Sardina (West Allis Nathan Hale, 157 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Wins: Missouri Greco State 3rd @ 157 and Idaho Western Greco Regional 6th @ 157.

  • Losses: Ohio D2 High School State Runner-up @ 157 and Florida 3A High School State 4th @ 144.

• Luke Redner (Reedsburg, 165 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: Montana Greco State Runner-up @ 165-175.

  • Losses: Pennsylvania Greco State Champ @ 165 and Illinois 1A High School State Qualifier @ 144.

• Anthony Rickman (Ithaca/ Weston, 165 lbs) — Record: 3-2

  • Day 1 Wins: Iowa Greco State 3rd @ 165 and Tennessee Southeast Greco Regional 4th @ 165.

  • Losses: New York Greco State Runner-up @ 165 and Kansas 3A High School State Runner-up @ 150.

• Nolan Ferell (Arrowhead, 175 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: California Western Greco Regional 3rd @ 175 and Kansas 6A High School State Runner-up.

• Sam Moore (Freedom, 190 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Washington Greco State 3rd @ 190 and West Virginia Greco State Runner-up @ 190.

• Jacob Phelps (Cadott, 190 lbs) — Record: 2-2

  • Day 1 Win: New York D1 High School State 4th @ 190.

  • Losses: Illinois Northern Plains Greco Regional 5th @ 190 and Pennsylvania Greco State Runner-up @ 190.

• Daniel Meurett (Mauston/ Necedah, 215 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Michigan Central Greco Regional 3rd @ 215 and Virginia VISAA High School State 3rd @ 215.

• Travis Smith (Whitehall, 285 lbs) — Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Oklahoma Southern Plains Greco Regional 3rd @ 285 and New Mexico Southern Plains Greco Regional Runner-up @ 285.