The grind of Fargo Nationals Day 2 is officially in the books, and the 16U tournament field has truly begun to separate itself. It was a day defined by high stakes, hard-fought battles, and the uncompromising reality of the double-elimination format. While a powerhouse contingent of top-seeded hammers and resilient underdogs successfully punched their tickets to the quarterfinals with perfect records intact, the backside of the bracket told a story of pure survival. A handful of competitors managed to keep their podium dreams alive through the consolation rounds, while many others saw their tournament runs come to a heartbreaking end against elite state and regional talent. From dominant runs to medical forfeits and gritty bounce-back performances, Day 2 delivered all the drama expected on wrestling’s biggest summer stage.

1. Seeded Undefeated Wrestlers (Advanced to Quarterfinals)

These ranked wrestlers won both of their matches on Day 2, maintaining their perfect tournament records and securing spots in the quarterfinals.

• #1 Easton Kammerud (Mt. Horeb/ Barneveld, 165 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: The tournament’s top seed secured two victories to advance. He faces the California Northwest Regional Freestyle Champion next.

• #1 Kade Splinter (Stoughton, 215 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Splinter earned two wins on Day 2. His next match is a quarterfinal bout against Iowa’s Freestyle State 3rd-place finisher.

• #2 Collin Hamm (Weyauwega-Fremont, 165 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Hamm won both matches today to advance. He will match up against a 5A Nevada State Runner-up in the quarterfinals.

• #2 Leland Havens (Mt. Horeb/ Barneveld, 285 lbs)

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

  • Recap: Havens picked up two wins to keep his undefeated run intact. Next up is a quarterfinal bout with a Class 3 Missouri State 4th-place finisher.

• #8 Jacob Penzkover (Aquinas, 157 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Penzkover went 2-0 on Day 2. He faces a D2 Ohio State Runner-up in the quarterfinals.

• #10 Liam Crandall (Evansville, 150 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Crandall won both of his matches today to preserve his perfect record. He draws a quarterfinal matchup against a 3A Virginia State Champion.

• #11 Elias Green (Waukesha South, 190 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Green moved to 4-0 overall after two wins today. His quarterfinal opponent will be a US Open All-American 8th-place finisher.

• #19 Keilan Yang (Regis/ Altoona, 113 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 5-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Yang earned two critical wins to stay undefeated. He will face a AAA Minnesota State 5th-place finisher in the quarterfinals.

• #24 Mason Moody (Arrowhead, 120 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 5-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Moody put together two victories today to advance to the quarterfinals, where he will meet an Indiana State 3rd-place finisher.

2. Unseeded or Lower-Seeded Undefeated Wrestlers (Advanced to Quarterfinals)

These unranked or lower-seeded wrestlers won all of their matches today to remain undefeated and reach the quarterfinals.

• Cole Train Vanderwerff (Burlington, 88 lbs)

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

  • Recap: The Northeast Regional Champ went 2-0 on Day 2 to secure a quarterfinal spot against a Pennsylvania opponent.

• Treyton Altuve (Hamilton, 190 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 4-0 (2-0 on the day)

  • Recap: Altuve won both of his matches today to keep his perfect record intact. He gets a AAA Pennsylvania State Qualifier in the quarterfinals.

3. Wrestlers with One Loss (Still Alive in Consolations)

These wrestlers suffered a defeat but won enough matches on the backside of the bracket to keep their tournament podium hopes alive.

• #28 Lincoln Swick (Oconomowoc, 120 lbs)

  • Tournament Record: 6-1 (3-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Swick bounced back from a loss to a 3A Illinois State Runner-up to win three consolation matches. He continues tomorrow against a California Western Regional 3rd-place finisher.

• Nolan Ferrell (Arrowhead, 175 lbs)

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

  • Recap: Ferrell dropped a match to a D4 Michigan State 2nd-place finisher but rallied with two consecutive wins to stay alive. He draws a California wrestler next.

4. Wrestlers with Two Losses (Eliminated from the Tournament)

These competitors saw their tournament runs come to an end on Day 2 due to the double-elimination format.

• #4 Kolten Mueller (Milton, 113 lbs) | Record: 4-1 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: After losing a match to a 3A Iowa State 2nd-place finisher, Mueller had to medically forfeit out of the tournament.

• #5 Tyler Paulson (Aquinas, 138 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Paulson was eliminated after dropping matches to a pair of Iowa State placewinners (8th and 5th).

• Sterling Schanen (Ozaukee, 106 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (2-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Schanen won two matches today but was eliminated following a loss to a AAA Minnesota State 3rd-place finisher.

• Rex Lancaster (Holmen, 126 lbs) | Record: 5-2 (2-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Lancaster picked up two victories today before being eliminated by an Arizona Western Regional Champion.

• Bentley Nowak (Coleman, 126 lbs) | Record: 5-2 (2-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Nowak finished with a 5-2 total tournament record after a loss to a 4A Colorado State Runner-up.

• Braiden Hale-Toomey (Reedsburg, 132 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Hale-Toomey picked up a win today but was eliminated by an Indiana State Qualifier.

• Riddick Meyer (Spencer/ Columbus Catholic/ Granton, 132 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Meyer earned one victory on Day 2 before falling to a Maryland State Runner-up.

• Xander Knowles (Port Washington, 138 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Knowles split his matches today, seeing his tournament end after a loss to an Ohio Central Regional Runner-up.

• Grant Melichar (Port Washington, 175 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (4-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Melichar won four consecutive consolation matches today before being eliminated by a 4A Colorado State Runner-up.

• Austin Peach (Milton, 106 lbs) | Record: 3-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Peach was eliminated after facing high-caliber regional and state placers from Iowa and Michigan.

• Malakai Barker (Osceola, 120 lbs) | Record: 3-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Barker was eliminated in his lone bout of the day by a California State 3rd-place finisher.

• Brayden Breider (Stoughton, 132 lbs) | Record: 3-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Breider’s tournament ended on Day 2 against a Texas Prep State Champion.

• Benny Braunschweig (Evansville, 138 lbs) | Record: 3-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Braunschweig fell to an Ohio State 5th-place finisher in his final match.

• #7 Gage Gross (Milton, 190 lbs) | Record: 4-2 (2-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Gross wrestled four matches on Day 2, exiting the tournament after losses to a New Jersey Northeast Regional placer and a Massachusetts State Champ.

• #14 Brodey Lewis (Milton, 113 lbs) | Record: 5-2 (2-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Lewis went 2-2 today, ending his run after losses to regional and state talent from Indiana.

• Cayden Podeweltz (Weyauwega-Fremont, 100 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Podeweltz split his matches today and was eliminated by a New York State 3rd-place finisher.

• Lawson Mitchell (Pulaski, 144 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Mitchell won one match today but was knocked out by a Pennsylvania State 3rd-place wrestler.

• Dylan Sardina (West Allis Nathan Hale, 157 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (2-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Sardina won two matches today before a Kansas State Qualifier handed him his second loss.

• Alois Leisgang (Seymour, 165 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Leisgang split his matches today, with his tournament concluding after a loss to a Minnesota State Qualifier.

• Caden Schwartz (Oregon, 165 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Schwartz dropped both decisions today to a Wisconsin State Champ and a Florida State 3rd-place finisher.

• Jacob Phelps (Cadott, 190 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Phelps fell to a 2025 Fargo All-American from California and a Tennessee State 5th-place finisher.

• Daniel Meurett (Mauston/ Necedah, 215 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Meurett was eliminated after losses to the 1st and 3rd-place freestyle finishers from Illinois.

• Nathen Swing (Eau Claire North, 285 lbs) | Record: 2-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Swing picked up one victory today but was bounced by out-of-state competitors from Pennsylvania and Washington.

• Reed Akkerman (Wisconsin Rapids, 88 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Akkerman won one match today but was eliminated by a Kansas State Champ and a Maryland regional placer.

• Isaac Kruse (Plymouth, 88 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (1-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Kruse went 1-2 today, facing highly-placed regional opponents from the Northwest and Northern Plains.

• Jackson Otis (Grafton, 94 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Otis split his matches today, falling to a former Fargo All-American from Michigan.

• Ayden Ewing (Richland Center, 94 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (0-2 on the day)

  • Recap: Ewing dropped both bouts today to a New Jersey State Champ and a Southeast Regional placer.

• Connor Woosencraft (Pulaski, 100 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Woosencraft went 1-1 today before a Northeast Regional Runner-up ended his run.

• Logan Salm (Luxenburg-Casco, 144 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Salm’s tournament came to an end on Day 2 against an Illinois State 4th-place finisher.

• Joseph Neese (Cedar Grove- Belgium, 157 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Neese secured one win today but was knocked out by a Washington State Qualifier.

• Jason Heiser (Evansville, 165 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (1-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Heiser split his matches on Day 2, running into a California State Champion.

• Dax Steinbach (Cornell/ Gilman/ Lake Holcombe, 165 lbs) | Record: 1-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Steinbach was eliminated in his opening match of Day 2 by a wrestler from New Jersey.

• Aidan Imhoff (Ithaca/Weston, 94 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Imhoff was eliminated on Day 2 by a Colorado State Runner-up.

• Ryan Gartman (Grafton, 100 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Gartman’s run ended after facing a Pennsylvania State 3rd-place wrestler.

• Rafe Henrickson (Freedom, 150 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Henrickson bowed out on Day 2 after matching up against an Indiana Freestyle State Champ.

• Gavin Mulloy (Waukesha West, 157 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Mulloy was eliminated on Day 2 after dropping his bout to a Michigan State Runner-up.

• Marcus Brezgel (Shawano, 175 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Brezgel faced a Kansas State Runner-up on Day 2 and was eliminated.

• Baron Krueger (Slinger, 190 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Krueger’s run ended on Day 2 against a Northern Plains Regional placer from Minnesota.

• Sam Moore (Freedom, 190 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Moore was sent out of the tournament on Day 2 by an Indiana State 7th-place finisher.

• Logan Aumueller (Eau Claire North, 215 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Aumueller bowed out on Day 2 after facing an Oklahoma Freestyle State Champ.

• Ian Powell (Reedsburg, 215 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Powell’s tournament came to a close after a loss to a Utah Freestyle State Runner-up.

• Travis Smith (Whitehall, 285 lbs) | Record: 0-2 (0-1 on the day)

  • Recap: Heavyweight Smith saw his run end on Day 2 against a Northeast Regional 2nd-place finisher from Pennsylvania.

The Unbeaten Leaders (Championship Bracket)

These wrestlers stayed perfect on Day 1 to secure a spot in the Round of 32 or better in the championship bracket.

Top-10 Seeds holding down their ranks:

• #2 Camden Rugg (Union Grove) | 2-0: Up next: Georgia 5A State Champ.

• #3 Declan Koch (Neenah – Graduate) | 3-0: The UNI commit is moving on. Up next: Pennsylvania State 4th Placer.

• #7 Bryston Scoles (Kewaskum) | 3-0: Up next: Idaho 6A State Champ.

• #7 Tomm Heiser (Evansville) | 3-0: Up next: PA AAA State 5th Placer (whom Heiser previously teched 15-5 at Junior Duals).

• #9 Eli Leonard (Mt. Horeb/Barneveld – Graduate) | 2-0: The future Badgers commit advances. Up next: Missouri Class 4 State Runner-up (Leonard previously beat him 16-1 at the Cheesehead).

• #2 Tyson Martin (Aquinas – Graduate) | 2-0: The SDSU commit anchors the heavyweight class. Up next: Pennsylvania Freestyle State Runner-up.

• #3 Cael Leisgang (Seymour – Graduate) | 2-0: Another future Badger in the heavyweights. Up next: Illinois 1A State 5th Placer.

Unseeded or Mid-Seed Bracket Contenders (Still Perfect):

• Riley Longdin (Slinger) | 1-0: Up next: Oregon State Runner-up (both Freestyle and HS).

• #11 Martez Sheard (Aquinas) | 3-0: Up next: 2025 Illinois 1A State 6th Placer.

• #15 Zahn Beal (Arrowhead) | 3-0: Up next: A rematch from 16U duals last year against an opponent who previously pinned him.

• Landen Fick (Plymouth – Graduate) | 3-0: The UW-Parkside commit advances. Up next: California State Champ.

• Sam Gehring (Slinger) | 3-0: Up next: Missouri Class 4 State 3rd Placer.

• #6 Hunter Stevens (Mt. Horeb/Barneveld – Graduate) | 3-0: Up next: Illinois 1A State Champ.

• Westin Ingham (Amery) | 3-0: Up next: Oklahoma 6A State Champ.

• Parker Neu (Hartford) | 3-0: Up next: Pennsylvania State Champ.

• Tucker Athey (Bay Port) | 3-0: Up next: National Prep Runner-up.

• Spencer Madsen (Sturgeon Bay/Sevastopol) | 3-0: Parkside commit advances. Up next: Michigan D4 State Runner-up.

• #30 Nolan Owen (Baraboo – Graduate) | 3-0: UW-La Crosse commit advances. Up next: Ohio D1 State Champ.

• #20 Owen Schacht (Mishicot) | 2-0: Up next: Oklahoma 4A State Champ.

• Quinton Ortegon (Fond du Lac) | 2-0: Up next: Minnesota AAA State Champ.

• Preston Krueger (New London) | 2-0: Up next: Indiana State 3rd Placer.

The Consolation Warriors (On the Backside)

These wrestlers took a loss on Day 1 but are still very much alive and scheduled to battle through the consolation rounds.

Sitting with 3 or More Wins:

• #30 Andy DiPiazza (Kaukauna) | 4-1: Dropped one to a PA Freestyle Champ but roared back. Up next: Illinois Southeast Regional 3rd Placer.

• #12 Maximus Hay (Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood – Graduate) | 3-1: The SIUE commit fell to an OK State Champ. Up next: California State 4th Placer.

• Logan Schad (Kiel) | 3-1: Fell to a 6A Utah Champ. Up next: Iowa 2A State Champ.

• William du Chemin (Wilmot Union) | 3-1: Dropped to a VA State Champ. Up next: Alabama 7A State 5th Placer.

• Braden Johnson (Cumberland) | 3-1: Fell to a WV State Champ. Up next: Iowa 2A State Runner-up.

• #12 Max Gonzalez (East Troy) | 3-1: Minnesota commit suffered an upset to an IL runner-up. Up next: Ohio D1 State 5th Placer.

• Cash Botting (Hortonville – Graduate) | 3-1: MSU-Moorhead commit lost to a CO Champ. Up next: Minnesota AAA State Champ.

• #12 Cade Aaberg (Oregon) | 4-1: Utah Valley commit bounced back after a loss to a Utah Champ. Up next: Oklahoma 4A State Champ.

• Karrsen Bussan (Pardeeville) | 3-1: Fell to a MN State 4th Placer. Up next: Southeast Regional 6th Placer.

• Max Davis (Green Bay Preble) | 3-1: Lost to a MO State 4th Placer. Up next: 2025 Illinois State Qualifier.

• Colton Klug (Brillion) | 4-1: Lost to an Iowa Champ but putting up wins on the back side. Up next: Alabama 7A State 3rd Placer.

• Olin Neuville (De Pere) | 3-1: Fell to an OK State 4th Placer. Up next: New Jersey State Qualifier.

• Sam Zanton (Middleton – Graduate) | 3-1: St. Cloud State commit dropped one to an Ohio 3rd placer. Up next: New England State 3rd Placer.

Sitting with 1 or 2 Wins:

• Andreas Mondial (Oconomowoc – Graduate) | 2-1: Up next: Colorado 4A State Runner-up.

• Jackson Freeman (Wisconsin Rapids) | 2-1: Up next: Western Regionals 5th Placer.

• Murphy Beyer (Freedom) | 2-1: Recovering from a loss to an IL runner-up. Up next: Tennessee AA State 3rd Placer.

• Finn Grauwels (Middleton – Graduate) | 2-1: UW-Eau Claire commit dropped to an Iowa Champ. Up next: Idaho 5A State Champ.

• Carter Bighley (Somerset) | 1-1: UW-Stevens Point commit looking to rally. Up next: Utah 6A State 3rd Placer.

• #12 Owen Burling (Lake Mills – Graduate) | 1-1: Gardner-Webb commit dropped an early one to a MN runner-up. Up next: Georgia 2A Qualifier.

• Niko DeZiel (Sun Prairie West) | 1-1: Battling back. Up next: Minnesota AA State 5th Placer.

• Jackson Hatfield (Port Washington) | 1-1: Bouncing back from a PA loss. Up next: Tennessee D2 Qualifier.

• Brody Sardina (West Allis Nathan Hale – Graduate) | 1-1: UW-Whitewater commit fell to an Arizona State commit. Up next: North Carolina wrestler.

Working Back From an 0-1 Start:

• Jake Gondik (Superior) | 0-1: Lost to North Carolina State Champ.

• Caden Bock (Freedom) | 0-1: Lost to Southern Plains Runner-Up.

• Amari Colbert (Milwaukee Riverside/Golda Meir) | 0-1: Lost to Southeast Regional 3rd.

• Brody Hoffman (Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes) | 0-1: Lost to 6A Oklahoma State Champ. Up next: Montana State Champ.

• Zach Winnekens (Kaukauna – Graduate) | 0-1: Lost to Central Regional 6th. Up next: Class B High School State Runner-up.

• Owen Mueller-Wolf (Ripon) | 0-1: Lost to PA qualifier. Up next: 2025 16U Greco Nationals 8th Placer.

Tournament Concluded

These wrestlers have officially finished their tournament run after picking up their second loss on Day 1.

• Ethan Immel (Kewaskum – Graduate) | 3-2: St. Cloud State commitlost to 5A Colorado high school State champ @ 138 and AAA Minnesota High School State Champ State Champ @ 139
  
• Max Schroeder (Sauk Prairie/Wisconsin Heights) | 1-2: Lost to 3A Iowa 5th Placer @ 120 and 1A Iowa State Runner-Up @ 106.

• #31 Collin Frey (Evansville) | 1-2: Lost to Nebraska Class A 3rd Placer @ 113 and Michigan D2 3rd Place @ 120.

• August Lubinski (West Bend West) | 0-2: Lost to Missouri Class 4 State Qualifier @ 126 and California wrestler.

• Ashton Scheele (Westosha Central) | 2-2: Lost to 3A Illinois High School 3rd Placer @ 126 and AA Pennsylvania High School State 7th Placer @ 127.

• Cael Lynch (Cedarburg) | 2-2: Lost to 1A Florida State Champ @ 132 and 2026 National Prep Runner-up.

• Alois Schlumpf (Bay Port – Graduate) | 0-2: Lost to Montana High School State Runner-Up @ 138 and 3A Iowa High School State 4th @ 120.

• Wyatt Sandoval (Arrowhead – Graduate) | 2-2: Lost to California High School State 6th Placer @ 132 and 5A Colorado High School State Qualifier @ 126.

• McAllister Ramage (Lake Country Lutheran – Graduate) | 0-2: Lost to 6A Oregon High School State Champ @ 144 and 7A Alabama High School State 4th Placer @ 132.

• Jordan Lisiecki (Lomira) | 0-2: Lost to 4A Kansas High School State Runner-up @ 138 and Northeast Regional 5th Placer @ 138.

• Aidan Aure (Menomonie) | 2-2: Lost to New York High School State Champ @ 138 and California High School State Qualifier @ 157.

• Cale Quaintance (Marathon – Graduate) | 0-2: Lost to Class B South Dakota High School State Champ @ 138 and D2 New York High School State 6th Place @ 138.

• Devin Johnson (Arrowhead) | 2-2: Lost to 6A Oklahoma High School State Champ @ 150 and Medically Forfeited his final match.

• Carter Melichar (Port Washington) | 2-2: Lost to 2A Illinois High School State Champ @ 150 and 5A Oregon High School State Runner-up @ 165.

• Blake Mueller (Richland Center) | 2-2: Lost to Texas wrestler and Class 4 Virginia High School State Runner-up @ 157.

• Liam Richards (Oostburg) | 2-2: Lost to Class 4 Missouri High School State 3rd @ 157 and 3A Florida High School State Runner-up @ 165.

Tournament Overview and Strategic Dynamics

Entering the tournament as the #6 seed, Team Wisconsin utilized a lineup characterized by an aggressive, pin-seeking style. In freestyle dual formats, bonus points dictate the outcome of close matchups. Wisconsin’s strategy focused on maximizing scoring by securing falls and technical falls in their victories. This bonus-point efficiency allowed them to go toe-to-toe with the nation’s absolute elite throughout the event.

The Preliminary Pool Ascendancy

Wisconsin spent the morning sessions showcasing their immense depth.

• New York (76-2): A near-flawless opening round where the team reeled off 16 straight victories. The active wrestlers set a dominant tone with pins from Paisley Ritschard (100 lbs), Farrah Rathje of New London (105 lbs), Ella Schachtner of New Richmond (130 lbs), and Anastasia Spurgeon of Lancaster (165 lbs).
• Pennsylvania Red (62-15): Wisconsin systematically dismantled Pennsylvania’s Red squad, claiming 14 of the 17 bouts. This round was highlighted by back-to-back technical falls from New London’s Bree Schmidt and Milton’s Hadley Vold, alongside lightning-fast first-period pins from Rathje (0:40) and Kylie Williams of Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood (0:43).

The Turning Point: California Gold

The Pool C Final against #3 California Gold was a structural chess match. California gained an early advantage by sweeping the 110-125 lbs stretch. Wisconsin mounted a furious comeback in the heavier classes, ignited by New Richmond’s Ella Schachtner’s 14-3 technical fall and capped by pins from Kylie Williams and Anastasia Spurgeon. Ultimately, California’s strength in the lower-middle weights allowed them to hold on for a 43-36 win, sending Wisconsin to the Gold/Silver consolation bracket.

Faced with a brutal three-dual stretch against #5 Pennsylvania Blue, #1 Colorado, and #7 Minnesota, Wisconsin proved they belonged in the top-tier national conversation.

Resiliency Through Close Losses

Against eventual Champ Pennsylvania Blue (43-36) and eventual third place Colorado (41-36), Wisconsin lost by a combined total of just 12 team points.

• A critical medical forfeit at 135 lbs against PA Blue forced Germantown’s Sophie Stiebs out of the match, surrendering 5 team points which proved to be the mathematical difference in the dual.
• Against Colorado, Wisconsin’s lower weights showed immense fight. Burlington’s Lilly Culverhouse (75 lbs) and Milton’s Gwen Gross (80 lbs) secured back-to-back technical falls to give Wisconsin an early lead before Colorado’s middle-weight hammers surged back.

Wisconsin channeled their frustration into their final round-robin dual against rival Minnesota (49-26). Wisconsin dominated the dual by winning 10 of the 17 weight classes. The upper weights completely locked down the victory, stringing together six consecutive wins from New Richmond’s Ella Schachtner down to Milton’s Gwen Gross (due to the rolling weight order) to put the dual completely out of reach.

Anatomy of the 5th-Place Dual vs. #2 Texas

The 5th-place match was a battle of contrasting strengths that ultimately ended in a 40-40 deadlock at the final whistle.  Texas secured the official dual victory by winning the very first tiebreaker tier: Criteria A (Most individual matches won). Texas claimed 9 individual bouts on the mat compared to Wisconsin’s 8, drawing a hard line at the top of the tiebreaker hierarchy.

Critical Moments in the Texas Dual:

• The 4-4 Battle at 150 lbs: Kylie Williams of Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood dropped a razor-thin 4-4 criteria decision to Texas’s Kaeli Forrester, marking one of the pivotal individual match victories that built Texas’s lead in the match count.
• Hadley Vold’s Clutch Performance: At 120 lbs, Milton’s Vold wrestled a highly disciplined match to edge out Kenzie Sutton 3-2, picking up a hard-earned decision for the Badgers.
• Aggressive Offense on Top: Wisconsin relied heavily on explosive offense to stay even on the scoreboard, picking up rapid falls from Suring/Gillett’s Marissa Zeitler (0:38), Lancaster’s Anastasia Spurgeon (0:30), Menomonee Falls’ Julianna LaSavage (0:25), New London’s Farrah Rathje (1:16), and New Richmond’s Ella Schachtner (0:18).

Detailed Roster Performance & Technical Analysis

The Undefeated Hammers

• Anastasia Spurgeon (Lancaster | 165 lbs) | 7-0 Overall: Spurgeon was the undisputed team MVP. She wrestled a flawless tournament, pinning every single opponent she faced to rack up 7 total falls. Her total mat time across the weekend was incredibly brief, consistently ending her matches in the first period to anchor the upper weights.
• Julianna LaSavage (Menomonee Falls | 90/95 lbs) | 6-0 Overall: LaSavage was a technical force. She moved between 90 and 95 lbs seamlessly, racking up two pins and four technical falls. She consistently dictated the pace and never allowed her opponents to establish an offense.
• Marissa Zeitler (Suring/Gillett | 140 lbs) | 5-0 Overall: Zeitler provided invaluable consistency in the middle of the lineup, finishing with a perfect unblemished record that included two pins, a technical fall, and two tough decisions.
• Arley Vaughan (Wautoma/Wild Rose | 140 lbs) | 2-0 Overall: Vaughan stepped up in her limited action on the mat, executing a clean performance to finish undefeated with a critical decision victory.

The Bonus Point Machines

• Kylie Williams (Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood | 150 lbs) | 6-1 Overall: Williams provided a massive physical presence at 150 lbs. With five pins on the weekend, she was highly efficient on top, turning opponents quickly once establishing control.
• Ella Schachtner (New Richmond | 130 lbs) | 6-1 Overall: Schachtner’s aggressive hand-fighting and leg attacks made her a nightmare for opposing states, picking up two pins and four technical falls.
• Avalyn Hady (North Crawford/Seneca | 125 lbs) | 5-2 Overall: Hady showed great tactical flexibility throughout the tournament, capable of winning high-scoring shootouts, technical shutouts, or logging heavy bonus points.
• Lilly Culverhouse (Burlington | 75 lbs) | 5-2 Overall: Culverhouse anchored the absolute bottom of the lineup with incredible poise, pacing the team early in duals with a pin, a tech fall, and two decisions.
• Hadley Vold (Milton | 120 lbs) | 4-2 Overall: Vold proved to be a reliable tactician in the middle weights, logging a pin, a tech fall, and two smart decision victories.
• Sophie Stiebs (Germantown | 135 lbs) | 4-2 Overall: Stiebs put together an outstanding run on the mats, securing a pin, a tech fall, and a decision, with both of her losses coming strictly via medical forfeits in highly competitive matches.
• Farrah Rathje (New London | 105 lbs) | 4-3 Overall: Rathje was the definition of high-impact wrestling. Her four victories were all via dominant pins, maximizing Wisconsin’s team score when it mattered most.
• Gwen Gross (Milton | 80 lbs) | 4-3 Overall: Gross kept the momentum moving for the lower weights, showing great offensive utility with a pin and two technical falls.
• Azaleah Ferg (Manawa | 180 lbs) | 4-3 Overall: Ferg locked down the heavy-weight class for Wisconsin, battling through a tough bracket to secure a pin and two technical falls.

Lineup Contributors

• Bree Schmidt (New London | 115 lbs) | 3-3 Overall: Schmidt wrestled to a even record, displaying great technical efficiency by capturing two technical falls.
• Reagan Lancaster (Holmen | 85 lbs) | 3-4 Overall: Lancaster fought hard in a loaded weight class, picking up a technical fall and a decision victory for the squad.
• Jocelyn Lau (St. Croix Central | 90 lbs) | 2-2 Overall: Lau kept Wisconsin balanced in the lower weights, finishing with an even record highlighted by a hard-fought decision.
• Autumn-Rose Schmel (New London | 110 lbs) | 2-5 Overall: Schmel went up against top-tier national talent, capturing a technical fall and a decision.
• Paisley Ritschard (100 lbs) | 2-5 Overall: Ritschard proved her ability to score quickly, securing both of her wins via bonus points (one pin, one technical fall).
• Kennedy Howard (Lakeland | 95 lbs) | 1-3 Overall: Howard showed immense grit on the mat, picking up a gritty decision win for the team.
• Raegan Risler (Mondovi/Eleva-Strum | 115 lbs) | 0-2 Overall: Risler faced highly experienced opponents in her matches, providing critical depth to the middle of the Wisconsin roster.

Wisconsin 16U Freestyle Team Finishes 5th at National Duals

After finishing runner-up in Greco-Roman, Team Wisconsin came right back and made another strong run at the 16U Freestyle National Duals in Farmington, Utah. Team Wisconsin battled through one of the toughest brackets in the country, picking up big wins over Connecticut, Utah Gold, New Jersey, and Iowa Red on their way to a 5th-place national finish. For Wisconsin wrestling fans, it was another solid showing against elite competition from coast to coast.

Fast Start vs. Connecticut

Wisconsin opened the tournament with a strong 48-24 win over Connecticut. Team Wisconsin controlled the dual from start to finish, winning 12 matches and piling up bonus points throughout the lineup. Big tech falls came from Reed Akkerman, Cayden Podeweltz, Kolten Mueller, Lincoln Swick, Rex Lancaster, Liam Crandall, Gage Gross, Kade Splinter, and Leland Havens.

Strong Second Dual vs. Utah Gold

Wisconsin kept rolling with a 46-30 win over Utah Gold.

Key wins included:

• Isaac Weber (pin)
• Tyler Paulson (tech fall)
• Aspen Tritz (tech fall)
• Liam Crandall (tech fall)
• Gage Gross (pin)
• Kade Splinter (pin)
• Leland Havens (pin)

The upper weights once again carried a lot of the scoring load.

Close Battle with Illinois

Wisconsin’s first real test came against No. 3 Illinois. It was a back-and-forth dual, but Illinois pulled out a 38-34 win, despite Wisconsin winning eight matches. Big wins came from Lincoln Swick, Liam Crandall, Jacob Penzkover, Collin Hamm, Gage Gross, Kade Splinter, Leland Havens, and Kolten Mueller.

Tough Loss to Ohio

Next up was No. 4 Ohio, and Wisconsin fell 40-31. Even in the loss, there were strong moments:

• Tyler Paulson picked up a pin
• Collin Hamm added a tech fall
• Gage Gross and Kade Splinter continued scoring bonus points
• Leland Havens added another key win at heavyweight

That loss moved Wisconsin into the placement bracket.

Huge Win Over No. 1 New Jersey

One of the biggest highlights of the tournament came next. Wisconsin dominated top-seeded New Jersey, winning 50-24. It was a full-team effort with wins from:
Aspen Tritz, Liam Crandall, Jacob Penzkover, Collin Hamm, Gage Gross, Treyton Altuve, Kade Splinter, Reed Akkerman, Cayden Podeweltz, Brodey Lewis, Rex Lancaster, and Tyler Paulson.

It was one of the most impressive dual wins of the entire tournament.

Setback vs. California Gold

Wisconsin then ran into California Gold and dropped a 46-27 dual. Despite strong wins from Gross, Splinter, Havens, Weber, and Crandall, Wisconsin couldn’t quite close enough tight matches to pull it out.

Strong Finish vs. Iowa Red

Wisconsin closed the tournament on a high note with a 41-33 win over Iowa Red to secure 5th place. The dual featured wins from: Collin Hamm, Gage Gross, Kade Splinter, Leland Havens, Kolten Mueller, Lincoln Swick, Isaac Weber, Tyler Paulson, Aspen Tritz, and Liam Crandall.

Standout Wrestlers

• Kade Splinter: One of Wisconsin’s most reliable scorers all week. He consistently delivered bonus points whether at 215 or heavyweight.
• Gage Gross: A major upper-weight force who racked up bonus wins and big dual momentum swings.
• Liam Crandall: One of the team’s most productive wrestlers with multiple tech falls and key wins.
• Leland Havens: Steady and consistent at heavyweight, helping anchor several dual wins.
• Lincoln Swick: A dependable point scorer who came through in multiple big spots.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin followed up a runner-up Greco finish with a top-5 Freestyle finish, proving once again they belong among the nation’s best teams. Team Wisconsin picked up major wins over Connecticut, Utah Gold, New Jersey, and Iowa Red, and showed they can compete with anyone in the country. From top to bottom, this group showed why Wisconsin wrestling continues to stand out on the national stage.

Team Leaders

Most Wins

• Gage Gross (7-0)
• Kade Splinter (7-0)
• Leland Havens (6-0)

Most Technical Falls

• Liam Crandall (5)
• Kade Splinter (5)
• Gage Gross (4)
• Leland Havens (4)

Most Pins

• Tyler Paulson (2)

Combined Greco/Freestyle Records

Wisconsin 16U Greco Team Makes Run to National Finals

If you didn’t follow every match from Farmington, Utah, here’s the short version: Team Wisconsin had an outstanding tournament and finished 2nd in the nation at the 16U Greco-Roman National Duals.  Team Wisconsin came in as the No. 3 seed and backed it up, beating several of the country’s best teams before falling to top-ranked Pennsylvania in the championship dual.

Wisconsin Started Fast

The tournament opened with complete domination.  Wisconsin crushed Louisiana 67-5 and followed that up with a 63-9 win over Minnesota Blue. The team was scoring technical falls and pins all over the lineup, showing right away that they were one of the strongest teams in the field.

The Big Wins

As the competition got tougher, Wisconsin kept delivering. Team Wisconsin earned impressive dual wins over some of the traditional powerhouses, including:

• Illinois (40-34)
• Iowa (41-30)
• California Gold (44-28)

Several times Wisconsin found itself in tight duals or early deficits, but the team consistently responded with bonus-point victories and strong performances in the middle and upper weights.

The Semifinal Everyone Will Remember

The most exciting dual of the tournament came against Washington. With a spot in the national finals on the line, Wisconsin battled through a back-and-forth matchup that came down to the final few weights. Big wins from Tyler Paulson, Jacob Penzkover, Michael Daleiden, Kade Splinter, and Lucian Lorenz helped Wisconsin pull out a thrilling 38-36 victory. That win sent Wisconsin to the national championship dual.

A Shot at the National Title

Waiting in the finals was No. 1 Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania built an early lead, but Wisconsin didn’t go quietly. Team Wisconsin won seven matches in the dual, including victories from:

• Lincoln Swick
• Tyler Paulson
• Aspen Tritz
• Everett Zeitler
• Jacob Penzkover
• Nolan Ferrell
• Kade Splinter

Wisconsin made a push in the middle and upper weights, but Pennsylvania held on for a 41-34 victory. Even in defeat, Wisconsin showed it could compete with the best team in the country.

Wrestlers Who Stood Out

A few names seemed to pop up all tournament long:

• Lincoln Swick (120): One of Wisconsin’s most dependable wrestlers all week. Swick kept stacking wins and bonus points and was a major reason Wisconsin reached the finals.
• Kade Splinter (215):  A bonus-point machine. Splinter recorded multiple technical falls and delivered a huge pin in the semifinal win over Washington.
• Michael Daleiden (165): Consistently came through in big spots and scored valuable team points throughout the event.
• Tyler Paulson (138): Picked up important wins against top-level competition and was a key piece of Wisconsin’s championship run.

Final Thoughts

For Wisconsin wrestling fans, this tournament was another example of why the state continues to be respected nationally in Greco-Roman wrestling. The team beat some of the nation’s best programs, reached the championship dual, and finished as National Runner-Up. Many of these wrestlers are already making a name for themselves, and others are well on their way. Based on what Wisconsin showed in Utah, the future of Wisconsin Greco-Roman wrestling looks bright.

Record breakdown

Team Leaders

Undefeated

• Lincoln Swick (7-0)
• Tyler Paulson (7-0)
• Kade Splinter (7-0)

Most Wins

• Lincoln Swick (7)
• Tyler Paulson (7)
• Kade Splinter (7)
• Michael Daleiden (6)

Most Technical Falls

• Everett Zeitler (5)
• Kade Splinter (5)
• Jacob Penzkover (5)
• Lincoln Swick (4)
• Tyler Paulson (4)
• Nolan Ferrell (4)

Most Pins

• Treyton Altuve (4)
• Isaac Weber (2)
• Michael Daleiden (1)
• Reed Akkerman (1)
• Aspen Tritz (1)

Combined Team Statistics

Team Record: 80-39

Wins by Method

• Technical Fall: 42
• Decision: 20
• Pin/Fall: 11
• Forfeit/Injury Default: 7

That means 75% of Wisconsin’s wins were bonus-point victories (TF, pin, FF, or injury default), which is a huge reason Team Wisconsin were able to reach the national finals despite facing some of the toughest teams in the country.

Team Wisconsin Battles to Strong 5th Place Finish at 14U Freestyle National Duals

Team Wisconsin put together an impressive showing at the 14U Greco-Roman National Duals, collecting several big dual wins and proving they could compete with some of the nation’s best teams. Wisconsin finished the event with victories over Tennessee, Missouri Red, Illinois, and Iowa while battling top-ranked powers California Gold and Pennsylvania Blue throughout the tournament.

Fast Start Against Tennessee

Wisconsin opened with a dominant 58-17 victory over Tennessee.

The lower weights set the tone early as John Reimer, Walter Caulum, Gunnar Helwig, Dale Montemurro, Hawke Garrett, Malachi Johnson, and Isaiah Kaiser all earned technical falls. Aiden Dalie added a pin, while Adam Husk Jr. and Easton Allert picked up forfeits.

Hawke Garrett needed just 21 seconds to secure his technical fall, while Kaiser and Reimer both finished their matches in under a minute.

Missouri Red Falls 53-24

Wisconsin followed with another convincing win over Missouri Red, 53-24.

Walter Caulum opened the dual with a first-period pin, while Gunnar Helwig added another fall. Technical falls came from Logan Crandall, Aiden Dalie, Hawke Garrett, Malachi Johnson, Kayden Moore, Boone Dilley, and Adam Husk Jr.

Dale Montemurro also contributed a pin as Wisconsin won 12 of the 17 contested matches.

Narrow Loss to Iowa

One of the most exciting duals of the tournament came against sixth-seeded Iowa.

Wisconsin received wins from Gunnar Helwig, Logan Crandall, Aiden Dalie, Hawke Garrett, Malachi Johnson, Isaiah Kaiser, Adam Husk Jr., Walter Caulum, and Ian Weber, but Iowa managed to escape with a 39-34 victory.

Several matches came down to the wire, including Helwig’s 16-10 decision and Kaiser’s 11-9 win.

Tough Draw Against Pennsylvania Blue

Wisconsin ran into fourth-seeded Pennsylvania Blue and dropped a hard-fought 44-30 dual.

The bright spots included technical falls from John Reimer, Aiden Dalie, Hawke Garrett, and Isaiah Kaiser. Adam Husk Jr. added a pin, while Kashton Larson won one of the wildest matches of the event, edging Tanner Ingle 19-18.

Malachi Johnson also scored a quality 10-7 victory against a strong Pennsylvania opponent.

California Gold Shows Why They’re No. 1

Top-Seeded California Gold proved difficult to slow down, defeating Wisconsin 50-21.

Despite the loss, Wisconsin picked up notable wins from Aiden Dalie, who earned a first-period pin, Hawke Garrett with another technical fall, Malachi Johnson with a technical fall, and Isaiah Kaiser with a pin at heavyweight.

Bounce Back Against Illinois

Wisconsin responded with one of its most complete dual performances, defeating eighth-seeded Illinois 47-27.

John Reimer, Walter Caulum, Ian Weber, Henry Metzler, Hawke Garrett, Malachi Johnson, and Aiden Dalie all secured victories. Adam Husk Jr., Gunnar Helwig, and Logan Crandall added pins.

The win over a prominent national powerhouse Illinois squad highlighted the depth throughout Wisconsin’s lineup.

Revenge Win Over Iowa

Wisconsin got another shot at Iowa later in the tournament in the fifth place match and made the most of it, earning a 39-34 victory.

Boone Dilley started a key run with a pin at 75 pounds. Hawke Garrett and Malachi Johnson continued their dominant tournaments with technical falls, while Bentley Goodenough delivered one of the biggest moments of the dual with a 27-second pin.

Walter Caulum, Gunnar Helwig, Logan Crandall, Henry Metzler, and Aiden Dalie also earned important victories as Wisconsin secured the team win.

Final Thoughts

Team Wisconsin put together an impressive run at the 14U Freestyle National Duals, earning team victories over Tennessee, Missouri Red, Illinois, and Iowa while battling some of the nation’s toughest competition.

The lineup featured standout performances from Aiden Dalie, Hawke Garrett, and Malachi Johnson, who were among Wisconsin’s most reliable point scorers throughout the event. Wrestlers like Gunnar Helwig, Logan Crandall, Walter Caulum, Adam Husk Jr., Isaiah Kaiser, and John Reimer also contributed key wins as Wisconsin consistently found ways to compete against nationally ranked opponents.

The highlight victories over #8 Illinois and #6 Iowa showcased the depth and talent throughout the Team Wisconsin roster. Even in losses to powerhouse teams such as #1 California Gold and #4 Pennsylvania Blue, Wisconsin continued to battle and picked up several quality individual wins.

By the end of the tournament, Team Wisconsin had proven it belonged among the nation’s top 14U freestyle teams, gaining valuable national-level experience while putting together a strong overall performance against elite competition from across the country.

Team Individual Records:

• Aiden Dalie (Burlington)— 7-0
• Hawke Garrett (Milton)— 7-0
• Malachi Johnson (Nicolet)— 7-0
• Boone Dilley (River Valley)— 2-0
• Adam Husk Jr. (Cedarburg)— 4-1
• Walter Caulum (West Salem/ Bangor)— 5-2
• Gunnar Helwig (Belleville/Monticello/New Glarus)— 5-2
• Logan Crandall (Evansville)— 5-2
• Isaiah Kaiser (Stratford)— 4-2
• Ian Weber (Germantown)— 2-1
• Dale Montemurro (Badger)— 2-1
• John (JV) Reimer (Monona Grove/ McFarland) — 3-2
• Henry Metzler (DePere)— 3-2
• Sirr Muckerheide (Manitowoc Lincoln)— 2-3
• Kashton Larson (Richland Center)— 2-3
• Bentley Goodenough (Wisconsin Rapids) — 2-5
• Atley Gruenenfelder (Pecatonica/Argyle) 1-1
• Hank Droessler (Cuba City/Benton/Southwestern)— 1-3
• Easton Allert (LaCrosse Logan/ Central)— 1-2
• Kayden Moore (Lodi)— 1-2
• Caleb Rickert— (LaCrosse Logan/ Central)1-3
• Colt Nachreiner (River Valley) — 0-2
• Landon Kajewski (Richland Center)— 0-2
• Parker Schnoor (Waukesha West)— 0-2
• Colt Hoffman (Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes)— 0-2
• Jayce Leclaire (DePere)— 0-4

Team Leaders

Undefeated Standouts

Several Wisconsin wrestlers consistently delivered throughout the event:

• Aiden Dalie – 7-0
• Hawke Garrett – 7-0
• Malachi Johnson – 7-0

Most Technical Falls

• Malachi Johnson – 6
• Hawke Garrett – 6
• Aiden Dalie – 5
• Logan Crandall – 3
• Isaiah Kaiser – 3

Most Pins

• Aiden Dalie – 2
• Adam Husk Jr. – 2
• Gunnar Helwig – 2
• Logan Crandall – 2
• Isaiah Kaiser – 2

Combined Freestyle + Greco Records

• Hawke Garrett (Milton) — 14-1
• Malachi Johnson (Nicolet) — 14-1
• Aiden Dalie (Burlington) — 11-3
• Isaiah Kaiser (Stratford) — 11-3
• Gunnar Helwig (Belleville/Monticello/New Glarus) — 9-6
• Walter Caulum (West Salem/Bangor) — 8-4
• Adam Husk Jr. (Cedarburg) — 8-4
• Logan Crandall (Evansville) — 8-7
• John (JV) Reimer (Monona Grove/McFarland) — 7-3
• Dale Montemurro (Badger) — 5-4
• Atley Gruenenfelder (Pecatonica/Argyle) — 4-2
• Boone Dilley (River Valley) — 4-1
• Kashton Larson (Richland Center) — 4-4
• Ian Weber (Germantown) — 4-5
• Sirr Muckerheide (Manitowoc Lincoln) — 4-6
• Henry Metzler (De Pere) — 4-6
• Bentley Goodenough (Wisconsin Rapids) — 4-9
• Jayce Leclaire (De Pere) — 3-7
• Parker Schnoor (Waukesha West) — 3-6
• Hank Droessler (Cuba City/Benton/Southwestern) — 2-4
• Easton Allert (La Crosse Logan/Central) — 2-4
• Kayden Moore (Lodi) — 2-5
• Colt Nachreiner (River Valley) — 1-4
• Colt Hoffman (Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes) — 1-3
• Caleb Rickert (La Crosse Logan/Central) — 1-6
• Landon Kajewski (Richland Center) — 0-4

Team Wisconsin Places Fourth at 14U Greco-Roman National Duals

Team Wisconsin put together an impressive performance at the 14U Greco-Roman National Duals in Wesley Chapel, Florida, battling through one of the deepest fields in the country, for their age group, to earn a fourth-place finish. Team Wisconsin showcased its depth, toughness, and ability to score bonus points on its way to a 5-3 overall record.

The tournament started exactly how Team Wisconsin hoped it would. In the opening dual against Florida Blue, Wisconsin rolled to a dominant 59-14 victory, winning 14 of 17 matches. Technical falls came from nearly every corner of the lineup, including Dale Montemurro, Henry Metzler, Hawke Garrett, Parker Schnoor, Bentley Goodenough, Malachi Johnson, Isaiah Kaiser, Boone Dilley, Adam Husk Jr., and Aiden Dalie. Logan Crandall added a pin as Team Wisconsin quickly established itself as one of the teams to watch.

Wisconsin carried that momentum into a matchup with Oregon, earning another convincing victory, 52-25. The lower and middle weights were especially strong as Adam Husk Jr., Gunnar Helwig, and Jayce Leclaire all secured falls, while Logan Crandall needed just 28 seconds for a technical fall. Malachi Johnson also continued his dominant run with an 8-0 technical fall in only 28 seconds. Through two duals, Team Wisconsin had outscored opponents 111-39 and looked every bit like a championship contender.

Pool play took a tougher turn against California Gold, one of the nation’s premier programs. Team Wisconsin picked up key wins from Parker Schnoor, Hawke Garrett, Malachi Johnson, Isaiah Kaiser, and Aiden Dalie, but California’s depth proved difficult to overcome in a 48-24 defeat. Despite the loss, Wisconsin advanced into the championship bracket and remained firmly in contention for a top finish.

In the true second match , Team Wisconsin bounced back with a gritty 39-30 win over Ohio Scarlet. Malachi Johnson and Isaiah Kaiser continued to dominate upper-weight opponents with technical falls, while Adam Husk Jr., Aiden Dalie, Dale Montemurro, and John Reimer all added bonus-point victories. Sirr Muckerheide and Jayce Leclaire also earned important decisions as Wisconsin advanced to the Gold/Silver bracket.

The open match in Gold/Silver bracket, Team Wisconsin delivered one of its biggest wins of the tournament, knocking off fourth-seeded Michigan Blue, 39-36. The dual was tightly contested from start to finish, with key victories coming from John Reimer, Atley Gruenenfelder, Gunnar Helwig, Sirr Muckerheide, Hawke Garrett, Bentley Goodenough, Colt Hoffman, Malachi Johnson, and Isaiah Kaiser. Several matches were decided by a single score, and Team Wisconsin’s ability to secure bonus points in crucial spots proved to be the difference.

Facing top-seeded Minnesota next, Team Wisconsin once again battled one of the nation’s elite squads. Boone Dilley opened with a quick technical fall, while Adam Husk Jr. added another dominant win. Walter Caulum, Hawke Garrett, Jayce Leclaire, Malachi Johnson, and Isaiah Kaiser also secured victories. Despite winning seven matches in the dual, Minnesota capitalized on bonus points in several key bouts to claim a 44-29 win.

With a trip to the third-place match on the line, Team Wisconsin responded with one of its strongest performances of the tournament against Illinois. The Badger State wrestlers won 11 of 17 matches in a 43-32 victory. Ian Weber recorded a pin, while Gunnar Helwig, Logan Crandall, Hawke Garrett, Malachi Johnson, Isaiah Kaiser, John Reimer, and Atley Gruenenfelder all earned bonus-point wins. The victory secured a spot in the third-place dual and guaranteed a top-four finish nationally.

In the third-place match, Team Wisconsin met California Gold for the second time during the tournament. California once again proved to be a difficult matchup, earning a 56-20 victory. Team Wisconsin’s wins came from Aiden Dalie, Hawke Garrett, Parker Schnoor, and Isaiah Kaiser. Garrett completed an outstanding tournament by defeating California’s Christopher Sarkissian for the second time, while Kaiser finished his week with another impressive pin.

Tournament Leaders

Several wrestlers emerged as key contributors throughout the week.

Malachi Johnson was one of Team Wisconsin’s most dominant wrestlers, consistently producing bonus points and earning victories over highly regarded opponents. His performances at the upper weights helped swing several duals in Wisconsin’s favor.

Isaiah Kaiser was equally impressive, compiling a string of technical falls and pins while providing stability and firepower in the heavyweight positions throughout the tournament.

Hawke Garrett delivered one of the most consistent performances on the team, earning victories against opponents from Florida, Oregon, California, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. Time and again, Garrett came through in critical situations against tough  competition.

Adam Husk Jr., Aiden Dalie, John Reimer, Gunnar Helwig, and Parker Schnoor also played major roles, contributing important wins and bonus points during Wisconsin’s championship bracket run.

When the tournament concluded, Team Wisconsin had secured a fourth-place national finish against some of the toughest competition in the country. The week featured dominant victories, thrilling duals, and numerous standout individual performances that highlighted the strength of Wisconsin’s youth Greco-Roman program. With many wrestlers gaining valuable national-level experience and confidence, Team Wisconsin leaves Wesley Chapel with plenty of momentum and optimism moving forward.

Team Individual Records:

• Hawke Garrett (Milton)— 7-1
• Malachi Johnson (Nicolet)— 7-1
• Isaiah Kaiser (Stratford)— 7-1
• John (JV) Reimer (Monona Grove/ McFarland) — 4-1
• Atley Gruenenfelder (Pecatonica/Argyle) 3-1
• Boone Dilley (River Valley)— 2-1
• Kashton Larson (Richland Center)— 2-1
• Walter Caulum (West Salem/ Bangor)— 3-2
• Adam Husk Jr. (Cedarburg)— 4-3
• Aiden Dalie (Burlington)— 4-3
• Gunnar Helwig (Belleville/Monticello/New Glarus)— 4-4
• Jayce Leclaire (DePere)— 3-3
• Dale Montemurro (Badger)— 3-3
• Parker Schnoor (Waukesha West)— 3-4
• Logan Crandall (Evansville)— 3-5
• Sirr Muckerheide (Manitowoc Lincoln)— 2-3
• Bentley Goodenough (Wisconsin Rapids) — 2-4
• Hank Droessler (Cuba City/Benton/Southwestern)— 1-1
• Colt Hoffman (Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes)— 1-1
• Easton Allert (LaCrosse Logan/ Central)— 1-2
• Colt Nachreiner (River Valley) — 1-2
• Kayden Moore (Lodi)— 1-3
• Henry Metzler (DePere)— 1-4
• Ian Weber (Germantown)— 2-4
• Caleb Rickert— (LaCrosse Logan/ Central)0-3
• Landon Kajewski (Richland Center)— 0-2

Best Records

1. Hawke Garrett — 7-1
2. Malachi Johnson — 7-1
3. Isaiah Kaiser — 7-1

Most Technical Falls

1. Malachi Johnson — 7
2. Hawke Garrett — 4
3. Isaiah Kaiser — 4
4. Aiden Dalie — 4

Most Falls (Pins)

1. Isaiah Kaiser — 2
2. Adam Husk Jr. — 1
3. Gunnar Helwig — 1
4. Jayce Leclaire — 1
5. Logan Crandall — 1
6. Ian Weber — 1
7. Colt Hoffman — 1

The Tournament Trajectory: How the 15th Place Finish Happened

The Junior National Duals format shifts teams into different tiered brackets based on their performance on Day 1. Wisconsin’s rollercoaster performance through the preliminary pool dictated their path into the Bronze/Copper placement tier.

1. The Preliminary Pool Stage (Pool D)

Wisconsin started the tournament with immense momentum, blowing past Kansas Silver 58-13. The Badgers utilized a highly explosive attack, racking up early pins and technical falls to take complete control of the dual.

However, the team ran into a wall in the pool semifinals against a loaded No. 5 ranked Washington squad, falling 49-19. Washington dominated the upper-middle and upper weight classes, putting together a streak of 11 consecutive wins from 120 pounds up to 285 pounds. Wisconsin’s only contested wins in that dual came from lower-weight anchors Kolten Mueller and Caden Bock.

Wisconsin bounced back in the consolation semifinals with a gritty 35-32 win over Georgia, but ultimately missed out on a higher placement tier when they lost the Pool 3rd Place Match to Maryland, 41-24.

2. The Bronze/Copper Round Robin Gauntlet

By finishing 4th in Pool D, Wisconsin was placed into the Bronze/Copper pool for Day 2 to compete for places 13 through 16.

This round-robin stage featured incredible heartbreak. In the first round against Oregon, the dual finished in a 34-34 deadlock. Wisconsin won major bonus-point matchups, including pins from Cash Botting and Preston Krueger. However, because Oregon won 8 individual matchups to Wisconsin’s 7, Oregon was awarded the team victory via the tournament’s first tiebreaker criteria.

Defeats to regional powerhouses Michigan Blue (43-25) and Iowa (46-24) forced Wisconsin into the 15th-place classification match.

3. Emphatic Finish in the 15th Place Match

Wisconsin saved one of their best collective performances for last, crushing Alabama 51-17. The Badgers completely overwhelmed Alabama, winning 12 of the 15 weight classes. This commanding win allowed the team to end a grueling, 8-dual tournament on home soil with a definitive victory.

Tactical & Weight-Class Breakdown

Heavyweight Dominance: Preston Krueger (285 lbs)

Krueger was arguably the team’s most valuable asset. Going 7-1, he proved he could win in every possible scenario. He showed explosive offense with fast finishes (like his 30-second pin against Oregon) but also demonstrated tactical discipline under pressure, grinding out a crucial 11-10 decision victory during the dual against Iowa.

Lower Weight Anchor: Kolten Mueller (113 lbs)

Whenever Mueller was on the mat, he guaranteed bonus points. Going 5-0 in his contested matches, he shut down opposing offenses completely. He did not give up a single team point across any of his bouts, systematically breaking down opponents with heavy hand-fighting and par terre turns to secure four technical falls and a first-period pin.

Middle-Weight Firepower: Izaiah Sanchez (150 lbs) & Braeden Hamill (138 lbs)

Sanchez and Hamill provided the necessary spark in the middle of the lineup. Sanchez’s aggressive style resulted in 5 technical falls and a pin, proving crucial in the tight win over Georgia. Hamill showed an incredibly high scoring ceiling, highlighted by a wild, high-scoring 22-12 technical fall against Washington where he repeatedly countered and out-scrambled his opponent.

Final Tournament Record Summary

• Overall Dual Record: 3 wins, 5 losses
• Total Dual Points Scored: 260
• Total Dual Points Allowed: 276
• Individual Match Record (All Weights): 52 wins, 68 losses (including forfeits)

1. The Leaders

• Kolten Mueller– Milton (113 lbs) | 5-0 (1.000)
  • Wins: 4 Technical Falls, 1 Pin
  • Note: Team Wisconsin forfeited the 113 lb spot in 3 matches, but Mueller himself went undefeated in every match he stepped on the mat for.
• Preston Krueger– New London (285 lbs) | 7-1 (.875)
  • Wins: 4 Technical Falls, 1 Pin, 1 Decision, 1 Forfeit
  • Loss 1 Technical Fall

2. High-Percentage Winners

• Izaiah Sanchez– Shiocton (Graduate) (150 lbs) | 6-2 (.750)
  • Wins: 5 Technical Falls, 1 Pin
  • Losses: 2 Technical Falls
• Tristan North– West Allis Nathan Hale (Graduate) (157 lbs) | 3-0 (1.000) University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Commit
  • Wins: 3 Technical Falls
  • Note: Only wrestled in 3 duals (Oregon, Iowa, Alabama).

3. Winning Record Contributors

• Eldon Roth– Stevens Point (100 lbs) | 5-3 (.625)
  • Wins: 2 Forfeits, 2 Technical Falls, 1 Decision
  • Losses: 1 Technical Fall, 2 Decisions
• Braeden Hamill– Bay Port (138 lbs) | 5-3 (.625)
  • Wins: 5 Technical Falls
  • Losses: 3 Technical Falls
• Brody Hoffman– Wabeno/Laona/Three Lakes (215 lbs) | 5-3 (.625)
  • Wins: 2 Forfeits, 2 Technical Falls, 1 Pin
  • Losses: 3 Technical Falls
• Logan Ellwanger– Luxembourg-Casco (190 lbs) | 4-4 (.500)
  • Wins: 3 Pins, 1 Technical Fall
  • Losses: 3 Technical Falls, 1 Pin

4. Even & Transition Records

• Cash Botting- Hortonville (Graduate) (144 lbs) | 4-4 (.500) Minnesota State University-Moorehead Commit
  • Wins: 2 Technical Falls, 1 Pin, 1 Medical Forfeit win
  • Losses: 3 Technical Falls, 2 Decisions
• Murphy Beyer– Freedom (165 lbs) | 3-4 (.429)
  • Wins: 1 Pin, 1 Decision, 1 Technical Fall
  • Losses:  1 Technical Fall, 3 Decisions
• Collin Frey– Evansville (120 lbs) | 3-5 (.375)
  • Wins: 1 Forfeit, 1 Pin, 1 Technical Fall
  • Losses: 4 Technical Falls, 1 Decision

5. Tough Outings & Lower Weight Struggles

• Caden Bock– Freedom (106 lbs) | 2-6 (.250)
  • Wins: 1 Forfeit, 1 Technical Fall
  • Losses: 1 Forfeit, 1 Pin, 4 Technical Falls
• Isaac Dunnom– Osceola (175 lbs) | 2-6 (.250)
  • Wins: 1 Technical Fall, 1 Decision
  • Losses: 4 Technical Falls, 2 Decisions
• Easton Felchlin– Wrightstown (132 lbs) | 1-7 (.125)
  • Wins: 1 Pin
  • Losses: 2 Pins, 5 Technical Falls
• Ethan Denk– Manitowoc Lincoln (126 lbs) | 1-7 (.125)
  • Wins: 1 Forfeit
  • Losses: 1 Pin, 5 Technical Falls, 1 Decision
• Remington Skic– Merrill (157 lbs) | 0-6 (.000)
  • Losses: 4 Technical Falls, 1 Decision, 1 Medical Forfeit loss
  • Note: Did not wrestle in the Oregon, Iowa, or Alabama placement rounds where Tristan North filled in.