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).

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