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).

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.

Day 1 of the Junior Greco-Roman Nationals in Fargo delivered intense, high-stakes wrestling as the massive field was whittled down. Wisconsin’s representatives faced fierce competition from top-tier athletes across the country, experiencing both dominant runs and tough, early exits.

By the end of the opening day:

• Four wrestlers remain completely undefeated and have advanced deep into the championship brackets (with #4 Eldon Roth and #3 Alex Penzkover securing spots in the quarterfinals).

• Six wrestlers successfully navigated a highly competitive consolation bracket after dropping early matches, keeping their All-American and placement dreams alive.

• Twenty eight wrestlers saw their tournament runs come to a close after battling through a grueling double-elimination bracket against state champions and savvy greco opponents.

Championship Bracket (Undefeated & Cruising)

These dominant wrestlers went unblemished on Day 1 and remain alive in the championship hunt.

• #4 Eldon Roth (Stevens Point • 100 lbs) | Record: 1-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Started strong by beating the Illinois Greco State 3rd place finisher (at 16U 100 lbs).

  • Up Next: A matchup against the Indiana Greco State 4th place finisher (at 106-113 lbs).

• #3 Alex Penzkover (Southeast Polk IA • 150 lbs) | Record: 4-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Had a perfect 4-0 day. Took down the Ohio Greco State runner-up (at 150 lbs), followed by wins over the Montana AA State champ (at 138 lbs) and the New York D1 State champ (at 150 lbs).

  • Up Next: Quarterfinals match against the Oklahoma 5A State and Greco State champion (at 150 lbs).

• Spencer Madsen (Sturgeon Bay/Sevastopol • 175 lbs) | Record: 3-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Undefeated on the day with wins over the Michigan D2 State 3rd place finisher (at 175 lbs), an Illinois State qualifier (at 165 lbs), and the Kentucky Central Greco Regional runner-up (at 175 lbs).

  • Up Next: Round of 16 battle against the Florida 2026 US Open U20 Greco All-American 5th place finisher (at 77kg).

• #6 Preston Krueger (New London • 285 lbs) | Record: 3-0

  • Day 1 Recap: Put together a perfect 3-0 run on Day 1, picking up wins against the South Carolina Greco State champ (at 285 lbs) and the Ohio D2 State 6th place finisher (at 285 lbs).

  • Up Next: Round of 16 against the Indiana Greco State champion (at 285 lbs).

Consolation Bracket (Still Alive & Fighting Back)

These wrestlers suffered a setback on Day 1 but have battled back and remain active in the tournament.

• Caden Bock (Freedom • 106 lbs) | Record: 2-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Fell to the Florida Southeast Regional Greco 5th place finisher (at 106 lbs).

  • Up Next: Consolation bout against a 6A Texas High School State qualifier (at 113 lbs).

• #3 Martez Sheard (Aquinas • 132 lbs) | Record: 5-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Picked up 5 huge wins on Day 1, beating the Minnesota AA State 3rd place finisher (at 127 lbs), South Dakota Class A State 5th (at 132 lbs), Oklahoma 5A State qualifier (at 132 lbs), California State qualifier (at 126 lbs), and the Virginia Class 3 State champ (at 126 lbs). His lone loss came against a Florida 3A State champion (at 120 lbs).

  • Up Next: Consolation Round of 16 against the Washington 2A State champion (at 132 lbs).

• William Christopher (New London • 138 lbs) | Record: 5-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Bounced back after a tough loss to an Ohio D1 State 7th place finisher (at 138 lbs). Earned wins against the Montana Class A State runner-up (at 132 lbs), New York D1 State champ (at 138 lbs), and the Maryland Independent State 3rd place finisher (at 138 lbs). Still active in the tournament.

• #9 Tristan North (West Allis Nathan Hale • 150 lbs) | Record: 3-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Logged wins including a victory over the Idaho 5A State champ (at 150 lbs). His only defeat came against an Alaska 2026 US Open Greco All-American 6th place finisher (at 71kg).

  • Up Next: Consolation Round of 16 against the Colorado Greco State champion (at 150 lbs).

• Colton Tollefson (Fennimore • 165 lbs) | Record: 4-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Dropped an early match to the New York Northeast Greco Regional champion (at 175 lbs), but charged back with wins over the Indiana Greco State 3rd place finisher (at 165 lbs), Arizona D2 State 3rd (at 159 lbs), and Idaho 6A State 4th (at 157 lbs).

  • Up Next: Consolation Sub-Round of 16 against the Iowa 1A State 7th place finisher (at 150 lbs).

• Alexander Johnson (Peshtigo • 215 lbs) | Record: 3-1

  • Day 1 Recap: Suffered a loss to the Iowa 2A State runner-up (at 215 lbs), but responded with wins over the Vermont State 6th place finisher (at 215 lbs) and a Georgia 4A State qualifier (at 285 lbs). Still alive in the consolation bracket.

Day 1 Run Completed (Eliminated)

These competitors saw their tournament runs come to an end on Day 1 after fighting through tough matchups.

106 – 126 lbs

• Jake Gondik (Superior • 106 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Tennessee Greco State champion (at 106 lbs) and Ohio D3 State 4th (at 106 lbs).

• Max Schroeder (Sauk Prairie/Wisconsin Heights • 120 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Illinois 1A State 5th (at 113 lbs).

  • Losses: Michigan Northern Plains Greco Regional champion (at 120 lbs) and Michigan Central Greco Regional runner-up (at 120 lbs).

• Evan Thao (Eau Claire Memorial • 120 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Indiana State 7th (at 113 lbs) and Illinois 2A State runner-up (at 113 lbs).

• Collin Frey (Evansville • 126 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated 5A South Carolina State qualifier (at 120 lbs).

  • Losses: Ohio D3 State champion (at 120 lbs) and 5A New Mexico State 3rd (at 120 lbs).

• Ryker Schingeck (Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes • 126 lbs) | Record: 1-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Virginia 6A State champion (at 113 lbs).

  • Losses: Minnesota AAA State 6th (at 121 lbs) and Louisiana D2 State qualifier (at 120 lbs).

132 – 144 lbs

• Alois Schlumpf (Bay Port • 132 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Kansas 6A State qualifier (at 126 lbs) and Alabama 7A State 3rd (at 126 lbs).

  • Losses: Alabama Southeast Greco Regional 4th (at 132 lbs) and Missouri Greco State runner-up (at 132 lbs).

• Cash Botting (Hortonville • 144 lbs) | Record: 3-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Utah 6A State runner-up (at 144 lbs) and Ohio Central Greco Regional 5th (at 144 lbs).

  • Losses: Iowa 3A State runner-up (at 138 lbs) and California Greco State 2nd (at 144 lbs).

• Michael Ciancio (Coleman • 144 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Losses: California State qualifier (at 138 lbs) and a competitor from Massachusetts.

• Colton Steldt (Combat WC • 144 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Nevada 2026 US Open Greco All-American runner-up (at 63kg) and Kansas 5A State 6th (at 132 lbs).

• Ivan Woodhull (Northwestern • 144 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Iowa 1A State 8th (at 132 lbs) and Iowa 2A State qualifier (at 126 lbs).

  • Losses: Oklahoma 6A State runner-up (at 150 lbs) and California Greco State runner-up (at 144 lbs).

150 – 157 lbs

• Laine Everson (Freedom • 150 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: California Western Greco Regional runner-up (at 157 lbs) and Iowa 2A State qualifier (at 144 lbs).

• Breck Ritchie (Kaukauna • 150 lbs) | Record: 3-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Colorado 5A State 5th (at 144 lbs), Arizona D1 State 3rd (at 138 lbs), and Maryland Greco State runner-up (at 157 lbs).

  • Losses: Alaska Northwest Greco Regional 4th (at 150 lbs) and Wisconsin D3 State runner-up Izaiah Sanchez (at 138 lbs).

• Izaiah Sanchez (Shiocton • 150 lbs) | Record: 3-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Hawaii State runner-up (at 150 lbs) and Wisconsin Greco State 4th (at 150 lbs).

  • Losses: Kansas 5A State champion and Illinois 2A State 5th (at 144 lbs).

• Brody Ernest (Oconomowoc • 157 lbs) | Record: 1-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Colorado 3A State champion (at 165 lbs).

  • Losses: Illinois Greco State champion (at 157 lbs) and North Dakota Class B State champion (at 160 lbs).

• Alex Martinez (Westosha Central • 157 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Nevada 5A State champion (at 157 lbs) and Alabama Greco State champion (at 165 lbs).

• Jacksyn Thorpe (Kaukauna • 157 lbs) | Record: 1-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Massachusetts D2 State qualifier (at 157 lbs).

  • Losses: Florida 3A State qualifier (at 157 lbs) and Alabama Greco State champion (at 157 lbs).

165 – 175 lbs

• Marcus Macias (Kenosha Indian Trail • 165 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Iowa 3A State 7th (at 165 lbs) and Florida 3A State runner-up (at 165 lbs).

• Joseph Moore (Freedom • 165 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: New York D1 State qualifier (at 144 lbs) and Illinois 2026 US Open Greco U17 All-American 7th (at 71kg).

• Joseph Stimac (Antigo • 165 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated South Carolina 4A State qualifier (at 165 lbs) and South Dakota Class A State 8th (at 157 lbs).

  • Losses: Texas 2025 Fargo Junior Greco Nationals 4th (at 165 lbs) and Florida 3A State runner-up (at 165 lbs).

• Murphy Beyer (Freedom • 175 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Pennsylvania Greco State runner-up (at 175 lbs) and North Dakota Class A State 6th (at 172 lbs).

  • Losses: Iowa 3A State 3rd (at 165 lbs) and Michigan D2 State 3rd (at 175 lbs).

• Isaac Dunnom (Osceola • 175 lbs) | Record: 3-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Illinois 1A State 4th (at 190 lbs) and Oklahoma 6A State 4th (at 175 lbs).

  • Losses: Washington 4A State wrestler and Iowa 3A State champion (at 190 lbs).

• William Vang (Mukwonago • 175 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: An Indiana competitor and Washington 3A State 7th (at 165 lbs).

• Max Voelker (Green Bay Preble • 175 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Virginia 4A State champion (at 165 lbs) and Nebraska Class A State qualifier (at 175 lbs).

190 – 285 lbs

• Logan Ellwanger (Luxemburg-Casco • 190 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Notable Wins: Defeated Georgia 2A State qualifier (at 190 lbs) and Hawaii State runner-up (at 175 lbs).

  • Losses: Virginia Class 4 State 3rd (at 190 lbs) and Alabama 6A State runner-up (at 190 lbs).

• Brock Schmidt (Hortonville • 190 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Washington 4A State champion (at 190 lbs) and Iowa 3A State 7th (at 190 lbs).

• Brody Hoffman (Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes • 215 lbs) | Record: 1-2

  • Losses: Montana Class A State 3rd (at 285 lbs) and Illinois Central Greco Regional 5th (at 215 lbs).

• Quinton Ortegon (Fond du Lac • 215 lbs) | Record: 2-2

  • Losses: Georgia 4A State qualifier (at 285 lbs) and Iowa 2A State runner-up (at 215 lbs).

• Samson Smith (Antigo • 285 lbs) | Record: 0-2

  • Losses: Iowa 2025 Fargo 16U Nationals Greco All-American 7th (at 285 lbs) and New York Greco State champion (at 285 lbs).

Fargo Nationals Day 3 Placement Day Recap: Team Wisconsin Juniors

Day 3 at the FARGODOME was a masterclass in grit, heartbreak, and podium finishes for Team Wisconsin. Battling through the toughest freestyle brackets in the country, the Wisconsin Junior squad put together a phenomenal collective performance to secure 9th place in the overall national team standings.

The story of the tournament was written in the upper weights, highlighted by a massive heavyweight run that saw two Wisconsin hammers collide in the semifinals, and a relentless consolation performance by Tomm Heiser, who wrestled a staggering 10 matches. While several hammers fell just one win short of All-American status in the notorious “blood round,” Wisconsin proved its depth on the national stage.

Top Seeded / Championship Finalists

These elite competitors carried the torch deep into the tournament, remaining undefeated all the way to the national spotlight.

• Tyson Martin (285 lbs — Aquinas / South Dakota State Commit)

  • Tournament Record: 6-1 (2-1 on the day)

  • Result: National Runner-up 

  • Recap: Martin put together a spectacular tournament to reach the national finals. Along the way, he picked up a massive victory over the New England champ from Rhode Island and had to defeat his own Wisconsin teammate, Cael Leisgang, in a high-stakes semifinal. In a absolute dogfight of a national final, Martin dropped a razor-thin 6-9 decision to Florida’s 2025 Fargo All-American and state champ, cementing his status as one of the best heavyweights in the country.

Wrestlers with One Loss (Podium Finishers)

These athletes suffered an early setback but caught fire, storming through the backside of the bracket to claim their spot on the podium.

• Tomm Heiser (175 lbs — Evansville)

  • Tournament Record: 9-1 (4-1 on the day)

  • Result: 3rd Place in the Nation 

  • Recap: Heiser was the ultimate ironman of Day 3, turning in a legendary 9-1 overall performance. After suffering his only loss of the tournament to a Florida Fargo All-American, Heiser went on an absolute tear. He knocked off a Minnesota state runner-up, an Iowa Fargo All-American, and an Illinois US Open U20 All-American. He capped off his flawless consolation run by avenging his only loss, beating that exact same Florida opponent to claim 3rd in the United States.

Wrestlers with Two Losses (All-Americans / Placed)

The tournament format ensures that even with two losses, these resilient competitors battled through the placement rounds to secure official All-American honors.

• Camden Rugg (113 lbs — Union Grove)

  • Tournament Record: 6-2 (2-2 on the day)

  • Result: 4th Place in the Nation

  • Recap: Rugg proved he belongs with the nation’s elite. He picked up massive wins over a Kansas 5A state champion and the Illinois 3A state champ. His only defeats came at the hands of the eventual national runner-up from California and the 3rd-place finisher from Oklahoma.

• Cael Leisgang (285 lbs — Seymour / University of Wisconsin Commit)

  • Tournament Record: 6-2 (2-2 on the day)

  • Result: 5th Place in the Nation

  • Recap: The future Badger showed serious elite potential in Fargo. He started hot, which included a win over a Washington state champ. After falling to teammate Tyson Martin in the semis, and dropping a match to a highly touted Iowa state champ/U20 All-American, Leisgang bounced back in style to tech the New England champion from Rhode Island to claim 5th.

• Declan Koch (165 lbs — Neenah / UNI Commit)

  • Tournament Record: 6-2 overall (1-2 on the day)

  • Result: 6th Place in the Nation

  • Recap: Koch wrestled beautifully to guarantee his spot on the podium, including a big win over an Illinois 3A state medalist. He dropped a tough bout to the eventual runner-up (a U20 US Open All-American) and California’s 3rd-place state finisher. Unfortunately, Koch was forced to medically forfeit his 6th-place match, but his points were crucial to Wisconsin’s Top 10 finish.

• Eli Leonard (190 lbs — Mt. Horeb/Barneveld / University of Wisconsin Commit)

  • Tournament Record: 7-2 (3-1 on the day)

  • Result: 7th Place in the Nation

  • Recap: Leonard was a bonus-point machine on the backside. He collected dominant wins over state champions from Missouri, Nebraska, and Maryland. His only missteps were close matches against top-tier state champions from Kansas and Maryland, showing great poise to finish his tournament with a win for 7th.

Wrestlers with Two Losses (Eliminated in the Blood Round)

The “Blood Round” is the cruelest round in wrestling—one win away from being an All-American, a loss means going home empty-handed. These competitors fought valiantly but fell just short of the podium.

• Riley Longdin (106 lbs — Slinger): Finished the tournament 4-2 (1-1 on the day). Longdin picked up a stellar win over a California state qualifier but saw his podium dreams cut short by a tough Michigan D3 state medalist who went on to take 7th.

• Hunter Stevens (150 lbs — Mt. Horeb/Barneveld): Went 5-2 overall but ran into a buzzsaw on Day 3, going 0-2 against elite competition. He fell to the eventual 6th-place finisher from Michigan and the 7th-place finisher from Minnesota.

• Bryston Scoles (157 lbs — Kewaskum): Finished a great tournament run at 6-2. Scoles picked up a massive resume win over a Pennsylvania AAA state 5th-place finisher before being eliminated by the eventual 5th-place finisher from Illinois.

• Preston Krueger (285 lbs — New London): Finished 6-2 overall. Krueger knocked off a tough Pennsylvania AAA state qualifier, but was eliminated in a heartbreaking rematch against an Indiana state medalist who went on to take 8th.

• Nolan Owen (175 lbs — Baraboo / UW-La Crosse Commit): Finished 6-2 for the tournament, dropping a tough Day 3 bout to a Maryland state champion who went on to place 8th.

Fargo Nationals Day 3 Recap: 16U Placement Day Highlights

The dust has finally settled on Day 3 of the Fargo Nationals, and the 16U placement rounds did not disappoint. From lightning-fast pins to heartbreaking battles in the notorious blood round, these elite young athletes left everything they had on the mats.

Whether you are looking to track the rise of dominant new national champions, celebrate the gritty performances of the All-Americans who battled back through the consolation brackets, or break down the tough luck of those who finished just one win shy of the podium, we have you covered.

Top-Seeded / Unbeaten Tournament Champions

Kade Splinter (Stoughton) – 16U 215 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 3-0 | Tournament Record: 7-0

• Placement: 16U National Champion

• Recap: Splinter put on a masterclass of absolute dominance, tearing through the 215-lb bracket. Impressively, he spent a grand total of just 5 minutes and 29 seconds on the mat across all 7 of his tournament matches. On his way to the national title, he picked up major wins over the Iowa freestyle state 3rd-place finisher and the eventual 5th-place finisher (who was also the Southern Plains Regional Champ). In the finals, Splinter capped off his historic run by defeating the eventual runner-up from Pennsylvania, a returning 2025 Fargo 16U All-American.

Wrestlers with One Loss (Tournament Finalists & High Placers)

Easton Kammerud (Mt. Horeb / Barneveld) – 16U 165 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 2-1 | Tournament Record: 6-1

• Placement: 16U National Runner-Up

• Recap: Kammerud put together a phenomenal tournament run to reach the grand stage. His path to the finals included strong victories over the California Northwest Regional Freestyle Champion and an eventual 6th-place finisher from Iowa. He fought hard in the finals but ultimately dropped the match to the eventual National Champion, a 1A Georgia High School State Champ.

Leland Havens (Mt. Horeb / Barneveld) – 16U 285 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 2-1 | Tournament Record: 5-1

• Placement: 16U National Runner-Up

• Recap: Havens proved to be one of the top heavyweights in the country with an outstanding run to the finals. Along the way, he picked up massive wins over a Class 3 Missouri state 4th-place finisher and the eventual 3rd-place finisher from Pennsylvania. In the championship bout, Havens fell just short in a tight 3-6 battle against the eventual National Champion, a AA Minnesota state 4th-place finisher.

Wrestlers with Multiple Losses Still Alive/Placed (Consolation Bracket)

Liam Crandall (Evansville) – 16U 150 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 3-2 | Tournament Record: 7-2

• Placement: 4th Place (All-American)

• Recap: Crandall showed incredible grit on Placement Day, navigating a grueling schedule to finish 4th in the nation. His tournament losses came only to elite competition: the eventual tournament runner-up (a 3A Virginia state champ) and the eventual 3rd-place finisher (a D4 Arizona state champ). Crandall racked up high-quality wins along the way, beating the Northwest Regional runner-up, the eventual 8th-placer (Ohio Central Regional Champ), and the eventual 6th-placer (Indiana Central Regional Champ).

Collin Hamm (Weyauwega-Fremont) – 16U 165 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 2-2 | Tournament Record: 6-2

• Placement: 5th Place (All-American)

• Recap: Hamm battled through a highly competitive 165-lb bracket to secure a 5th-place finish. He earned strong victories over a 5A Nevada state runner-up and defeated the eventual 6th-place finisher from Iowa to secure his spot. Hamm’s only defeats of the tournament came at the hands of the eventual National Champion from Georgia and the eventual 3rd-place finisher from Ohio.

Keilan Yang (Regis / Altoona) – 16U 113 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 1-3 | Tournament Record: 6-3

• Placement: 6th Place (All-American)

• Recap: Yang wrestled a brutal schedule on Day 3 to finish 6th in the nation. Highlighted by a victory over a AAA Minnesota high school state 5th-place finisher, Yang’s losses came strictly against the division’s absolute best. He fell to the eventual National Champion (a California US Open U17 All-American), the eventual 4th-placer from Pennsylvania, and the eventual 5th-placer from the Southeast Region.

Treyton Altuve (Hamilton) – 16U 190 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 2-2 | Tournament Record: 6-2

• Placement: 7th Place (All-American)

• Recap: Altuve bounced back perfectly in his placement matches to take home 7th place honors. He picked up solid wins against an Indiana state qualifier and clinched his podium spot by defeating the eventual 8th-place finisher, a Class 3 Missouri state runner-up. His two losses came against top-tier talent: an eventual finalist from Pennsylvania and the eventual 3rd-place finisher, a 2025 Fargo Greco All-American from California.

Cole Train Vanderwerff (Burlington) – 16U 88 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 1-3 | Tournament Record: 4-3

• Placement: 8th Place (All-American)

• Recap: Vanderwerff battled hard on Placement Day to secure All-American status with an 8th-place finish. He ran into a gauntlet of regional champions, dropping matches to the eventual tournament runner-up (Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Champ), the eventual 6th-placer (Central Regional runner-up), and the eventual 7th-placer (Western Regional Champ).

Wrestlers Eliminated on Day 3 (Heartbreak in the Blood Round)

Note: The following wrestlers were eliminated just one win shy of placing, widely known as the “Blood Round” (Top 12).

Mason Moody (Arrowhead) – 16U 120 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 0-2 | Tournament Record: 5-2

• Status: Eliminated in the Blood Round (Top 12)

• Recap: Moody put together a great tournament run but fell just short of the podium on Day 3. He faced elite gatekeepers in the consolation bracket, suffering losses to an eventual tournament finalist (an Indiana state 3rd-placer) and the eventual 7th-place finisher (a D1 New York High School State Champion).

Lincoln Swick (Oconomowoc) – 16U 120 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 1-1 | Tournament Record: 7-2

• Status: Eliminated in the Blood Round (Top 12)

• Recap: Swick had a massive 7-win tournament but faced heartbreak just before the medal rounds. He picked up a stellar Day 3 win over the California Western Regional 3rd-place finisher. However, his tournament came to an end against a familiar foe: a 3A Illinois state runner-up who handed Swick both of his losses in the bracket, with the second one coming in the blood round to the eventual 3rd-placer.

Jacob Penzkover (Aquinas) – 16U 157 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 0-2 | Tournament Record: 4-2

• Status: Eliminated in the Blood Round (Top 12)

• Recap: Penzkover put together a strong 4-win performance over the course of the tournament but drew an incredibly tough day 3 slate. He was eliminated in the blood round after dropping matches to an eventual tournament finalist (a D2 Ohio state runner-up) and the eventual 7th-place finisher (an Ohio freestyle state runner-up).

Nolan Ferrell (Arrowhead) – 16U 175 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 1-1 | Tournament Record: 5-2

• Status: Eliminated in the Blood Round (Top 12)

• Recap: Ferrell put together a highly respectable 5-2 tournament showing. On Day 3, he pushed deep into the consolation bracket but was ultimately knocked out in the blood round by the eventual 8th-place finisher, a 3A Iowa high school state 7th-place finisher.

Elias Green (Waukesha South) – 16U 190 lbs

• Day 3 Record: 0-2 | Tournament Record: 4-2

• Status: Eliminated in the Blood Round (Top 12)

• Recap: Green put on a great performance throughout the week to rack up 4 tournament wins. His run came to an end on Day 3 in the blood round after dropping tough matches to the eventual 6th-place finisher (an Oklahoma US Open All-American) and the eventual 8th-place finisher (a Class 3 Missouri state runner-up).