AGON - Askren v WrightOct 23, 2013 by Willie Saylor
Freakshow Preview - Prelude to AGON
Freakshow Preview - Prelude to AGON
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2014 Freakshow Preview
Willie Saylor, Editor
Before the four professional level wrestling matches known as AGON I kicks off, the High School Elite Division of the Freakshow will be decided by a field that includes some of the best prep wrestlers in the country.
Looming large is the monster bracket at 174lbs where five nationally ranked wrestlers will try and run the gauntlet.
In this FloInsider preview, we'll list the contenders with their major credentials, offer a little commentary, and make our fearless picks.
Let's get to it!
101:
The Contenders
Jr. Bryce Brimhall, UT - USAW Folk Nationals 5th
Jr. Marcelino Madriz, CA
Jr. Everett Sena, CA
So. Nathan Odom, CA
So. John Erhard, AZ - Returning Freakshow Placer
So. Liam Cronin, CA
Fr. Noah Padilla, CA
Fr. Gabriel Gray, NM - USAW Folk Nationals 5th
Commentary: Small group here (literally and figuratively) in a non-sanctioned weight. I like the potential of Gray and Erhard. But I’m going with the experience of some upper classmen. I particularly like Madriz to surprise.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Brimhall (UT) 2. Madriz (CA) 3. Erhard (AZ) 4. Gray (NM)
108:
The Contenders
#17-Fr. Kaden Gfeller, OK - Fargo Champ
#11-So. Andrew Nieman, OK - Fargo Runner-Up
#16-So. Lucas Hall, MI - State Placer
#19-Fr. Jason Renteria, IL - #13 Freshman
HM-Fr. Jack Wagner, IA - Fargo 3rd
HM-So. Drew Hildabrandt, IN - State Placer
Sr. Isaac Blackburn, CA - State Qualifier
So. Theo Powers, NY
So. John Aceri, NY - State Qualifier
So. Gavin Melendez, CA - USAW Folk 6th
Fr. Justin Mejia, CA - #47 Freshman, Tulsa Champ
Fr. JJ Figueroa, CA - Reno Worlds Runner-Up
Fr. Zander Silva, CA
Fr. Seth Schroeck, MT
Commentary: A good group at the top with three guys who were Top 3 at Fargo. Renteria is a stud. He has a win over Austin Gomez, who has split matches with Gfeller.
California has a gaggle of youngsters looking to make a name for themselves. This could be the coming out (nationally) party for Silva, JJ Figs, and/or Mejia.
Watch for Lucas Hall who just got in to the rankings after beating two ranked kids to win the Grappler Fall Classic.
Hall and Nieman will be big. Gfeller might be a little undersized, but I think he and Renteria are the two with the most pure talent. For me it comes down to that match, which, according to seeds, will occur in quarters. I’m going with Gfeller, who’s more proven on the big stage at this point.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Gfeller (OK) 2. Hall (MI) 3. Renteria (IL) 4. Nieman (OK)
115:
The Contenders
#3-Fr. Daton Fix, OK - Fargo Double Champ
#14-Sr. Adrian Camposano, CA - State Champ, Freakshow Runner-Up
HM-Jr. Jacob Schwarm, IA - State Runner-Up
Sr. Vinny Elizalde, CA - State 3rd
Jr. Jake Ayers, OR - State Runner-Up
Jr. Clayton Robinson, CO - State Placer
Jr. Jarrid Lavios, UT - State Placer
So. Bobby Campos, IL - Returning Placer
So. Vlad Kazakov, CO - State Placer
So. Jalen Thull, MN - State Placer
Fr. Jaron Chavez, ID - Fargo AA
Fr. Quentin Hovis, AZ - Double Fargo AA
Commentary: Fix was on a tear this summer. First he reached the finals of FILA Cadets. Then he won Fargo GR at 106 before bumping up to 113 and winning Greco. He’s the odds on favorite here with Camposano a solid second choice. Though don’t be surprised if either of them get a push in the semi’s. Elizalde is a savvy Senior and Schwarm is seasoned nationally. He went 10-3 at JR Duals this summer. They’re my top four and I don’t see anyone else sneaking in. But pay attention to Jaron Chavez (Jon Jay’s baby brother) and Hovis, both of whom performed well this summer in Fargo.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Fix (OK) 2. Schwarm (IA) 3. Elizalde (CA) 4. Camposano (CA)
122:
The Contenders
#3-Sr. Nathan Boston, KY - FloNationals Champ
HM-Jr. Sean Cannon, NV - 2x Reno TOC Champ
HM-Jr. Cam Sykora, MN - 3x State Champ
HM-Sr. Gionn Peralta, CA - State Runner-Up
HM-So. Gabe Townsell, IL - Double Fargo Finalist
Sr. Bailey Jack, MI - State Champ
Sr. Matt Gamble, CA - Fargo 4th
Sr. Jonathan Lewis, CO - State Runner-Up
Jr. Matt Hofenbredl, OR- 2x State Champ
Jr. Jaquin Olivas, AZ - 2x State Finalist
Jr. Sam Bennyhoff, MN - State Runner-Up
So. Durbin Lloren, CA - State 5th, FloNats 8th
So. Evan Wick, CA - USAW Folk AA
Commentary: Boston is a controlling wrestler. Not flashy on his feet, but he never comes out of position and can ride for days. He’s the clear favorite. He’s followed by several talented, but inconsistent wrestlers. Cannon and Sykora have both been in and out of the rankings and have beaten several national names.
The X Factor here is Townsell. He’s young, and it’s taken him a while to put a tournament together, but he’s a contender for sure. Even though he made two finals in Fargo he had a loss in each Pool Round. The question is: can he stay consistent?
Also pay attention to Gamble, another guy that’s been up-and-down. He beat then-#1 Brent Fleetwood in Fargo. But he also just placed 5th in a tournament last weekend.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Boston (KY) 2. Sykora (MN) 3. Cannon (NV) 4. Townsell (IL)
128:
The Contenders
#15-Sr. Mason Pengilly, CA - State Champ, 2x FloNats AA
#17-So. Israel Saavedra, CA - State Champ, FloNats 3rd
HM-Jr. Rico Montoya, NM - 3x State Champ, Returning 4th
HM-Sr. Will Koll, CA - 2x State Champ, King of the Mountain Champ
HM-Sr. Johnny Parada, CA - State Champ
HM-So. Maolu Woiwer, MN - 2x State Champ, Returning Placer
HM-Sr. Mikey Knoblauch, CA - State 3rd
HM-Jr. Angel Velasquez, CA - FloNationals AA
HM-Sr. Josh Temple, NV - State Champ
Jr. William Olivas, AZ - State Champ
Jr. Josh Crager, WA - State Champ
Jr. Bryce Avila, CA - State PlacerSo. Jaron Jensen, UT - State Runner-Up
So. Dalton Robertson, CO - State Champ
So. Zander Wick, CA - USAW Folk Champ
Fr. Anthony Mantanona, CA - #9 Freshman
Commentary: There are so many ‘lesser-known’ kids I like in this bracket. Of course you have Pengilly, who’s had a great national career. But then there’s Saavedra, who I think is vastly under-appreciated nationally. He’s up a few weights from last year (hence the lowish ranking) so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts.
If you’ve never seen Rico Montoya, get a glimpse of him here. He’s a fine prospect.
Will Koll can go with anyone. He narrowly missed out on a Fargo medal this summer. Temple has notched some big wins in his career. And Parada came out of nowhere to win a state title last year, so he’s a threat. Other guys I like in this tier are Velasquez and Mikey Knoblauch.
The kid you have to watch out for is Mantanona, one of the best Freshmen in the country. He’s the real deal folks.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Pengilly (CA) 2. Koll (NY) 3. Montoya (NM) 4. Saavedra (CA)
133:
The Contenders
#1-Sr. Seth Gross, MN - Fargo Champ
#2-Sr. Zac Hall, MI - Fargo AA
#15-Sr. Emelio Saavedra, CA - 3x FloNationals AA
#19-Jr. Jordan Shearer, ND - 4x State Champ, Fargo AA
HM-Sr. Michael Cook, ID - 2x State Champ, Tri-State Champ
HM-S0. Julian Flores, CA - State Placer, #39 Sophomore
Sr. Dakota Ball, MI - State Champ
Sr. Riley Connolly, ID - 2x State Champ
Jr. Joseph Dominguez, CA
So. Jeremy Thomas, CA
Commentary: Really strong group at the top with the #1 and #2 kids in the country leading the way.
Saavedra is a warrior and tough to score on, but I don’t think he has the offensive diversity to take out Gross or Hall.
Shearer, though, that’s another story. He’s active, which gives him a chance. Unfortunately, it also opens up all kinds of opportunities for opponents of Gross’ and Hall’s caliber, to score.
Flores had a phenomenal Freshman campaign. Let’s see what year 2 has in store for him.
Commentary: 1. Gross (MN) 2. Hall (MI) 3. Shearer (ND) 4. Saavedra (CA)
138:
The Contenders
#8-So. Isaiah White, IL - Fargo Champ
#9-Sr. Cole Weaver, MI - 3x Fargo Finalist
HM-Sr. Tristan Rifanburg, NY - 2x State Finalist
Sr. Braydon Akeo, HI - 2x State Champ, Reno TOC Placer
Sr. John Kenyon, ID - 3x State Finalist
Sr. Abel Contreras, CA - State Placer
Sr. Jacob Macalolooy, CA
Jr. Johnny O’Hearon, UT - Fargo AA
Jr. Anthony Juckes, NM - 3x State Champ
Jr. Isaiah Hokit, CA - 2x State Placer
So. Justin Thomas, CA - State Placer, #31 Sophomore
So. Josh Cortez, CA - Reno TOC Placer
Fr. Luke Troy, CA
Fr. Giullian Nakamatsu, NV
Commentary: Really interesting bracket here where almost anything can happen. White is a prodigious talent and already has a Freakshow title. Weaver is a well-traveled veteran. They are your two heavy favorites.
While White won Fargo Cadets going away, Weaver didn’t place even though he beat the eventual champ (Gross), in an absolutely brutal bracket in Fargo Juniors.
Really tough call there. In the end, I’m not sure Weaver can throw anything at White he’s not prepared for.
Rifanburg, who’s been around the block and in and out of the rankings over the years, is sort of in his own tier here. I don’t see him knocking off Weaver or White, but I don’t see him losing to anyone else.
I’m only picking 4 here, but from 4 through 8, it’s gonna be a mess. There are so many kids that are about even on paper. Among them are some youngsters ready to break through. Thomas, Nakamatsu, Cortez, and Luke have all been on the my Big Board in their respective class at one time or another.
Watch out for Macalolooy. He’s an upperclassman that’s posted some good results lately. A sneaky pick there.
Willie’s Picks: 1. White (IL) 2. Weaver (MI) 3. Rifanburg (NY) 4. Thomas (CA)
143:
The Contenders
#12-Jr. Larry Early, IL - Fargo Champ
HM-Jr. Bryce Parson, ID - Tri-State Champ, Top 100 Junior
Sr. Kurtis Loftis, ID - State Runner-Up
Jr. Ralphy Tovar, CA - State 5th
Jr. Dakota Wall, ID - 2x State Champ
Jr. Julian Prieto, CO - State 3rd
Jr. Blake Monty, AZ
So. Wilder Wichman, WI - State 3rd
So. Brady O’Keefe, NV - Fargo Cadet GR Finalist
Fr. Lane Stigall, OR - #15 Freshman
Commentary: Early has developed into one of the nation’s best. He’ll be close to unbeatable here.
I was fortunate enough to be at Tri-State when Parson one his title, and I came away impressed. He’s been a little inconsistent since then, but he has a real shot at reaching the finals.
A kid I like to make a deep run is Tovar. He had a win over Loftis at FloNationals.
But there’s really a number of legitimate threats for high medals. Pay particular attention to Stigall, who had a phenomenal career on the schoolboy circuit.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Early (IL) 2. Tovar (CA) 3. Parson (ID) 4. Wall (ID)
148:
The Contenders
#4-Sr. Tyler Berger, OR - FloNationals Champion
#11-Sr. Nikko Villareal, CA - 2x State Champ, 2x FloNats AA
HM-Sr. Chris Garcia, CA - 2x State Placer
HM-Jr. Matt Rundell, IL - 2012 State Finalist
Sr. Micah Cisneros, OR - 2x State Finalist
Jr. Joe Prieto, CO - State Runner-Up
Jr. Adam Blees, ND - State Runner-Up
Jr. Drake Randall, ID
So. Parker Simington, CO
Commentary: We could have a clash of titans here. Berger and Villareal are two of the nation’s best and have performed well in major tournaments across the country.
Berger’s a hammer on top, something I think will be a difference maker against Villareal, who’s good, not great, on bottom.
I guy who I really like lately is Garcia. In the last calendar year, he’s made big strides and posted really significant wins.
Rundell has always been talented, but he’s up four weights from last season. It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Berger (OR) 2. Villareal (CA) 3. Garcia (CA) 4. Cisneros (OR)
155:
The Contenders
#8-Sr. Jon Jay Chavez, ID - Double FILA Cadet Champ
HM-So. Joey Gunther, IL - 2x Fargo Runner-Up
HM-Sr. Paul Fox, CA - 2x State Finalist
Sr. Kennen Lanteri, CO - State Champ
Sr. Sergio Enloe, CA - Doc B and Freakshow Runner-Up
Sr. Tyler Zimmer, CA - FloNationals AA
Sr. Nolan Kistler, CA - State Placer
Jr. Timothy Harman, OR - State Runner-Up
Jr. Lorenzo De La Riva, CA - State Placer
Commentary: Jon Jay Chavez has been one of the best in the country for years. Now a Senior, he’s a title threat in any tournament he enters.
Chasing him is Paul Fox, who has been inconsistent at times, but who always finds a way to make it to the state finals.
Joey Gunther is one of the best Sophomore’s in the country. Depending on where he’s seeded, I like him to get to the finals opposite Chavez.
I’d take Gunther over Fox right now, but there’s Enloe looming too. Like Fox, he’s been up and down, but can turn it on from time to time.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Chavez (ID) 2. Enloe (CA) 3. Gunther (IL) 4. Fox (CA)
163:
The Contenders
#17-Jr. Kieffer Taylor, AZ - 2x State Finalist, 2012 Fargo Finalist
#20-Jr. Weston Dobler, ND - State Champ, Fila and Fargo AA
Sr. Koery Windham, NM - 4x State Champ
Sr. Donovan Peek, NV - 2x State Finalist
Jr. Seth McLeod, ID - State Champ, FloNats AA
Jr. Weston Taylor, AZ - State Champ
So. Lane Lettich, OK - Fargo All American
Commentary: A few wrestlers really stand out as legitimate title threats. The fun thing about this bracket is that none of them will be overwhelming favorites.
We haven’t seen much of Kieffer Taylor since he placed 3rd at Reno TOC last year. He’s since moved to Arizona. It’ll be good to get a look at him again against top competition. He’s been at or around the same weight for a good while now.
If you had to target a favorite, most folks would point to Dobler. He’s been the most active on the national scene, placing at Fargo and other majors.
A kid I’m really interested in is McLeod. He looked good at FloNats in April. Let’s see if he can back that up with another strong performance.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Taylor (AZ) 2. Dobler (ND) 3. McLeod (ID) 4. Windham (NM)
174:
The Contenders
#1-So. Mark Hall, MI - Fargo Champ, Freakshow Champ
#3-Sr. Chandler Rogers, OK - Fargo Champ, Fargo Finalist
#8-Sr. Davonte Mahomes, IL - Fargo Champ
#9-Sr. Kimball Bastian, UT - Fargo and FILA Finalist
#11-Jr. Anthony Valencia, CA - 2x Freakshow Champ, FloNationals Champ
Sr, Aaron Negrete, CA - State Placer
Jr. Seager Oliver, CO - State Runner-Up
Commentary: Ah. The money weight. All the heavy hitters combined to make a monster bracket. The top five guys here have all made a Fargo final.
One thing that sticks out about this group is that they’re all amazingly athletic. Rogers, Hall, Mahomes...geesh. What athletes. Finding a clean shot will be difficult. Finishing a shot will be near impossible.
So how do you narrow it down? Well, first let me say that I think Anthony will be too small. Kudos to him for taking the challenge of the toughest weight in the tournament, but he’ll be too small.
I like Hall to best a Holmes/Bastian winner in the semi’s. And I’ll take Rogers in the other bracket.
Hall-Rogers. It will be the final of the night. I’ll take Hall. After he took out IMar in last year’s final, it’s tough to doubt the kid.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Hall (MI) 2. Rogers (OK) 3. Mahomes (IL) 4. Valencia (CA)
192:
The Contenders
#5-Sr. Corey Griego, CA - State Runner-Up, Ironman 4th
HM-Sr. Ian Baker, CA - JR. Champ
Sr. Gabe Gonzalez, AZ - State Champ
Sr. Johnny Beltran, CA - State Placer
Sr. Tristan Mordecai, AZ - State Runner-Up
Sr. Will Sumner, CA
Jr. Jacob Seely, CO - 2x State 5th
Jr. Will Lang, UT - State Runner-Up
Commentary: Griego has been great nationally. He’s up in weight. But his skill set coupled with his national-level wins make him the clear favorite.
Behind him are a host of contenders. Baker won VA Beach, but didn’t beat anyone of note, so it’s tough to gauge just where he’s at. Sumner had a win over nationally ranked Steven Cervantes last spring.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Griego (CA) 2. Baker (CA) 3. Gonzalez (AZ) 4. Sumner (CA)
218:
The Contenders
HM-Sr. Clayton Hartwell, CA - State 6th
Sr. Sullivan Cauley, NV - State Placer
Sr. Tristan Ezell, AZ - State Placer
Sr. Bryant Vasquez, CA
Sr. Mike Kiel, AZ - State 4th
Commentary: A group of state placers led by Hartwell, who’s been the most consistent over the past calendar year.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Hartwell (CA) 2. Ezell (AZ) 3. Cauley (NV) 4. Vasquez (CA)
288:
The Contenders
#11-Sr. Nour Abdullatif, CA - State 3rd
HM-Sr. Connor Calkins, NY - State 5th, Journeymen Champ
Sr. Justin Gillham, CA
Sr. Josh Tessler, CA
Jr. Alex Damschen, CA
Jr. Nate Ibarra, CA
Commentary: I see two clear contenders for the title here. Abdullatif is one of the more underrated big guys in the country.
And Connor Calkins has been turning it on lately. Last month he won Journeymen with a win over a nationally ranked wrestler.
As much as I like Abdullatif, I’ll ride the hot hand.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Calkins (NY) 2. Abdullatif (CA) 3. Gillham (CA) 4. Damschen (CA)
Willie Saylor, Editor
Before the four professional level wrestling matches known as AGON I kicks off, the High School Elite Division of the Freakshow will be decided by a field that includes some of the best prep wrestlers in the country.
Looming large is the monster bracket at 174lbs where five nationally ranked wrestlers will try and run the gauntlet.
In this FloInsider preview, we'll list the contenders with their major credentials, offer a little commentary, and make our fearless picks.
Let's get to it!
101:
The Contenders
Jr. Bryce Brimhall, UT - USAW Folk Nationals 5th
Jr. Marcelino Madriz, CA
Jr. Everett Sena, CA
So. Nathan Odom, CA
So. John Erhard, AZ - Returning Freakshow Placer
So. Liam Cronin, CA
Fr. Noah Padilla, CA
Fr. Gabriel Gray, NM - USAW Folk Nationals 5th
Commentary: Small group here (literally and figuratively) in a non-sanctioned weight. I like the potential of Gray and Erhard. But I’m going with the experience of some upper classmen. I particularly like Madriz to surprise.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Brimhall (UT) 2. Madriz (CA) 3. Erhard (AZ) 4. Gray (NM)
108:
The Contenders
#17-Fr. Kaden Gfeller, OK - Fargo Champ
#11-So. Andrew Nieman, OK - Fargo Runner-Up
#16-So. Lucas Hall, MI - State Placer
#19-Fr. Jason Renteria, IL - #13 Freshman
HM-Fr. Jack Wagner, IA - Fargo 3rd
HM-So. Drew Hildabrandt, IN - State Placer
Sr. Isaac Blackburn, CA - State Qualifier
So. Theo Powers, NY
So. John Aceri, NY - State Qualifier
So. Gavin Melendez, CA - USAW Folk 6th
Fr. Justin Mejia, CA - #47 Freshman, Tulsa Champ
Fr. JJ Figueroa, CA - Reno Worlds Runner-Up
Fr. Zander Silva, CA
Fr. Seth Schroeck, MT
Commentary: A good group at the top with three guys who were Top 3 at Fargo. Renteria is a stud. He has a win over Austin Gomez, who has split matches with Gfeller.
California has a gaggle of youngsters looking to make a name for themselves. This could be the coming out (nationally) party for Silva, JJ Figs, and/or Mejia.
Watch for Lucas Hall who just got in to the rankings after beating two ranked kids to win the Grappler Fall Classic.
Hall and Nieman will be big. Gfeller might be a little undersized, but I think he and Renteria are the two with the most pure talent. For me it comes down to that match, which, according to seeds, will occur in quarters. I’m going with Gfeller, who’s more proven on the big stage at this point.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Gfeller (OK) 2. Hall (MI) 3. Renteria (IL) 4. Nieman (OK)
115:
The Contenders
#3-Fr. Daton Fix, OK - Fargo Double Champ
#14-Sr. Adrian Camposano, CA - State Champ, Freakshow Runner-Up
HM-Jr. Jacob Schwarm, IA - State Runner-Up
Sr. Vinny Elizalde, CA - State 3rd
Jr. Jake Ayers, OR - State Runner-Up
Jr. Clayton Robinson, CO - State Placer
Jr. Jarrid Lavios, UT - State Placer
So. Bobby Campos, IL - Returning Placer
So. Vlad Kazakov, CO - State Placer
So. Jalen Thull, MN - State Placer
Fr. Jaron Chavez, ID - Fargo AA
Fr. Quentin Hovis, AZ - Double Fargo AA
Commentary: Fix was on a tear this summer. First he reached the finals of FILA Cadets. Then he won Fargo GR at 106 before bumping up to 113 and winning Greco. He’s the odds on favorite here with Camposano a solid second choice. Though don’t be surprised if either of them get a push in the semi’s. Elizalde is a savvy Senior and Schwarm is seasoned nationally. He went 10-3 at JR Duals this summer. They’re my top four and I don’t see anyone else sneaking in. But pay attention to Jaron Chavez (Jon Jay’s baby brother) and Hovis, both of whom performed well this summer in Fargo.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Fix (OK) 2. Schwarm (IA) 3. Elizalde (CA) 4. Camposano (CA)
122:
The Contenders
#3-Sr. Nathan Boston, KY - FloNationals Champ
HM-Jr. Sean Cannon, NV - 2x Reno TOC Champ
HM-Jr. Cam Sykora, MN - 3x State Champ
HM-Sr. Gionn Peralta, CA - State Runner-Up
HM-So. Gabe Townsell, IL - Double Fargo Finalist
Sr. Bailey Jack, MI - State Champ
Sr. Matt Gamble, CA - Fargo 4th
Sr. Jonathan Lewis, CO - State Runner-Up
Jr. Matt Hofenbredl, OR- 2x State Champ
Jr. Jaquin Olivas, AZ - 2x State Finalist
Jr. Sam Bennyhoff, MN - State Runner-Up
So. Durbin Lloren, CA - State 5th, FloNats 8th
So. Evan Wick, CA - USAW Folk AA
Commentary: Boston is a controlling wrestler. Not flashy on his feet, but he never comes out of position and can ride for days. He’s the clear favorite. He’s followed by several talented, but inconsistent wrestlers. Cannon and Sykora have both been in and out of the rankings and have beaten several national names.
The X Factor here is Townsell. He’s young, and it’s taken him a while to put a tournament together, but he’s a contender for sure. Even though he made two finals in Fargo he had a loss in each Pool Round. The question is: can he stay consistent?
Also pay attention to Gamble, another guy that’s been up-and-down. He beat then-#1 Brent Fleetwood in Fargo. But he also just placed 5th in a tournament last weekend.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Boston (KY) 2. Sykora (MN) 3. Cannon (NV) 4. Townsell (IL)
128:
The Contenders
#15-Sr. Mason Pengilly, CA - State Champ, 2x FloNats AA
#17-So. Israel Saavedra, CA - State Champ, FloNats 3rd
HM-Jr. Rico Montoya, NM - 3x State Champ, Returning 4th
HM-Sr. Will Koll, CA - 2x State Champ, King of the Mountain Champ
HM-Sr. Johnny Parada, CA - State Champ
HM-So. Maolu Woiwer, MN - 2x State Champ, Returning Placer
HM-Sr. Mikey Knoblauch, CA - State 3rd
HM-Jr. Angel Velasquez, CA - FloNationals AA
HM-Sr. Josh Temple, NV - State Champ
Jr. William Olivas, AZ - State Champ
Jr. Josh Crager, WA - State Champ
Jr. Bryce Avila, CA - State PlacerSo. Jaron Jensen, UT - State Runner-Up
So. Dalton Robertson, CO - State Champ
So. Zander Wick, CA - USAW Folk Champ
Fr. Anthony Mantanona, CA - #9 Freshman
Commentary: There are so many ‘lesser-known’ kids I like in this bracket. Of course you have Pengilly, who’s had a great national career. But then there’s Saavedra, who I think is vastly under-appreciated nationally. He’s up a few weights from last year (hence the lowish ranking) so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts.
If you’ve never seen Rico Montoya, get a glimpse of him here. He’s a fine prospect.
Will Koll can go with anyone. He narrowly missed out on a Fargo medal this summer. Temple has notched some big wins in his career. And Parada came out of nowhere to win a state title last year, so he’s a threat. Other guys I like in this tier are Velasquez and Mikey Knoblauch.
The kid you have to watch out for is Mantanona, one of the best Freshmen in the country. He’s the real deal folks.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Pengilly (CA) 2. Koll (NY) 3. Montoya (NM) 4. Saavedra (CA)
133:
The Contenders
#1-Sr. Seth Gross, MN - Fargo Champ
#2-Sr. Zac Hall, MI - Fargo AA
#15-Sr. Emelio Saavedra, CA - 3x FloNationals AA
#19-Jr. Jordan Shearer, ND - 4x State Champ, Fargo AA
HM-Sr. Michael Cook, ID - 2x State Champ, Tri-State Champ
HM-S0. Julian Flores, CA - State Placer, #39 Sophomore
Sr. Dakota Ball, MI - State Champ
Sr. Riley Connolly, ID - 2x State Champ
Jr. Joseph Dominguez, CA
So. Jeremy Thomas, CA
Commentary: Really strong group at the top with the #1 and #2 kids in the country leading the way.
Saavedra is a warrior and tough to score on, but I don’t think he has the offensive diversity to take out Gross or Hall.
Shearer, though, that’s another story. He’s active, which gives him a chance. Unfortunately, it also opens up all kinds of opportunities for opponents of Gross’ and Hall’s caliber, to score.
Flores had a phenomenal Freshman campaign. Let’s see what year 2 has in store for him.
Commentary: 1. Gross (MN) 2. Hall (MI) 3. Shearer (ND) 4. Saavedra (CA)
138:
The Contenders
#8-So. Isaiah White, IL - Fargo Champ
#9-Sr. Cole Weaver, MI - 3x Fargo Finalist
HM-Sr. Tristan Rifanburg, NY - 2x State Finalist
Sr. Braydon Akeo, HI - 2x State Champ, Reno TOC Placer
Sr. John Kenyon, ID - 3x State Finalist
Sr. Abel Contreras, CA - State Placer
Sr. Jacob Macalolooy, CA
Jr. Johnny O’Hearon, UT - Fargo AA
Jr. Anthony Juckes, NM - 3x State Champ
Jr. Isaiah Hokit, CA - 2x State Placer
So. Justin Thomas, CA - State Placer, #31 Sophomore
So. Josh Cortez, CA - Reno TOC Placer
Fr. Luke Troy, CA
Fr. Giullian Nakamatsu, NV
Commentary: Really interesting bracket here where almost anything can happen. White is a prodigious talent and already has a Freakshow title. Weaver is a well-traveled veteran. They are your two heavy favorites.
While White won Fargo Cadets going away, Weaver didn’t place even though he beat the eventual champ (Gross), in an absolutely brutal bracket in Fargo Juniors.
Really tough call there. In the end, I’m not sure Weaver can throw anything at White he’s not prepared for.
Rifanburg, who’s been around the block and in and out of the rankings over the years, is sort of in his own tier here. I don’t see him knocking off Weaver or White, but I don’t see him losing to anyone else.
I’m only picking 4 here, but from 4 through 8, it’s gonna be a mess. There are so many kids that are about even on paper. Among them are some youngsters ready to break through. Thomas, Nakamatsu, Cortez, and Luke have all been on the my Big Board in their respective class at one time or another.
Watch out for Macalolooy. He’s an upperclassman that’s posted some good results lately. A sneaky pick there.
Willie’s Picks: 1. White (IL) 2. Weaver (MI) 3. Rifanburg (NY) 4. Thomas (CA)
143:
The Contenders
#12-Jr. Larry Early, IL - Fargo Champ
HM-Jr. Bryce Parson, ID - Tri-State Champ, Top 100 Junior
Sr. Kurtis Loftis, ID - State Runner-Up
Jr. Ralphy Tovar, CA - State 5th
Jr. Dakota Wall, ID - 2x State Champ
Jr. Julian Prieto, CO - State 3rd
Jr. Blake Monty, AZ
So. Wilder Wichman, WI - State 3rd
So. Brady O’Keefe, NV - Fargo Cadet GR Finalist
Fr. Lane Stigall, OR - #15 Freshman
Commentary: Early has developed into one of the nation’s best. He’ll be close to unbeatable here.
I was fortunate enough to be at Tri-State when Parson one his title, and I came away impressed. He’s been a little inconsistent since then, but he has a real shot at reaching the finals.
A kid I like to make a deep run is Tovar. He had a win over Loftis at FloNationals.
But there’s really a number of legitimate threats for high medals. Pay particular attention to Stigall, who had a phenomenal career on the schoolboy circuit.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Early (IL) 2. Tovar (CA) 3. Parson (ID) 4. Wall (ID)
148:
The Contenders
#4-Sr. Tyler Berger, OR - FloNationals Champion
#11-Sr. Nikko Villareal, CA - 2x State Champ, 2x FloNats AA
HM-Sr. Chris Garcia, CA - 2x State Placer
HM-Jr. Matt Rundell, IL - 2012 State Finalist
Sr. Micah Cisneros, OR - 2x State Finalist
Jr. Joe Prieto, CO - State Runner-Up
Jr. Adam Blees, ND - State Runner-Up
Jr. Drake Randall, ID
So. Parker Simington, CO
Commentary: We could have a clash of titans here. Berger and Villareal are two of the nation’s best and have performed well in major tournaments across the country.
Berger’s a hammer on top, something I think will be a difference maker against Villareal, who’s good, not great, on bottom.
I guy who I really like lately is Garcia. In the last calendar year, he’s made big strides and posted really significant wins.
Rundell has always been talented, but he’s up four weights from last season. It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Berger (OR) 2. Villareal (CA) 3. Garcia (CA) 4. Cisneros (OR)
155:
The Contenders
#8-Sr. Jon Jay Chavez, ID - Double FILA Cadet Champ
HM-So. Joey Gunther, IL - 2x Fargo Runner-Up
HM-Sr. Paul Fox, CA - 2x State Finalist
Sr. Kennen Lanteri, CO - State Champ
Sr. Sergio Enloe, CA - Doc B and Freakshow Runner-Up
Sr. Tyler Zimmer, CA - FloNationals AA
Sr. Nolan Kistler, CA - State Placer
Jr. Timothy Harman, OR - State Runner-Up
Jr. Lorenzo De La Riva, CA - State Placer
Commentary: Jon Jay Chavez has been one of the best in the country for years. Now a Senior, he’s a title threat in any tournament he enters.
Chasing him is Paul Fox, who has been inconsistent at times, but who always finds a way to make it to the state finals.
Joey Gunther is one of the best Sophomore’s in the country. Depending on where he’s seeded, I like him to get to the finals opposite Chavez.
I’d take Gunther over Fox right now, but there’s Enloe looming too. Like Fox, he’s been up and down, but can turn it on from time to time.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Chavez (ID) 2. Enloe (CA) 3. Gunther (IL) 4. Fox (CA)
163:
The Contenders
#17-Jr. Kieffer Taylor, AZ - 2x State Finalist, 2012 Fargo Finalist
#20-Jr. Weston Dobler, ND - State Champ, Fila and Fargo AA
Sr. Koery Windham, NM - 4x State Champ
Sr. Donovan Peek, NV - 2x State Finalist
Jr. Seth McLeod, ID - State Champ, FloNats AA
Jr. Weston Taylor, AZ - State Champ
So. Lane Lettich, OK - Fargo All American
Commentary: A few wrestlers really stand out as legitimate title threats. The fun thing about this bracket is that none of them will be overwhelming favorites.
We haven’t seen much of Kieffer Taylor since he placed 3rd at Reno TOC last year. He’s since moved to Arizona. It’ll be good to get a look at him again against top competition. He’s been at or around the same weight for a good while now.
If you had to target a favorite, most folks would point to Dobler. He’s been the most active on the national scene, placing at Fargo and other majors.
A kid I’m really interested in is McLeod. He looked good at FloNats in April. Let’s see if he can back that up with another strong performance.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Taylor (AZ) 2. Dobler (ND) 3. McLeod (ID) 4. Windham (NM)
174:
The Contenders
#1-So. Mark Hall, MI - Fargo Champ, Freakshow Champ
#3-Sr. Chandler Rogers, OK - Fargo Champ, Fargo Finalist
#8-Sr. Davonte Mahomes, IL - Fargo Champ
#9-Sr. Kimball Bastian, UT - Fargo and FILA Finalist
#11-Jr. Anthony Valencia, CA - 2x Freakshow Champ, FloNationals Champ
Sr, Aaron Negrete, CA - State Placer
Jr. Seager Oliver, CO - State Runner-Up
Commentary: Ah. The money weight. All the heavy hitters combined to make a monster bracket. The top five guys here have all made a Fargo final.
One thing that sticks out about this group is that they’re all amazingly athletic. Rogers, Hall, Mahomes...geesh. What athletes. Finding a clean shot will be difficult. Finishing a shot will be near impossible.
So how do you narrow it down? Well, first let me say that I think Anthony will be too small. Kudos to him for taking the challenge of the toughest weight in the tournament, but he’ll be too small.
I like Hall to best a Holmes/Bastian winner in the semi’s. And I’ll take Rogers in the other bracket.
Hall-Rogers. It will be the final of the night. I’ll take Hall. After he took out IMar in last year’s final, it’s tough to doubt the kid.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Hall (MI) 2. Rogers (OK) 3. Mahomes (IL) 4. Valencia (CA)
192:
The Contenders
#5-Sr. Corey Griego, CA - State Runner-Up, Ironman 4th
HM-Sr. Ian Baker, CA - JR. Champ
Sr. Gabe Gonzalez, AZ - State Champ
Sr. Johnny Beltran, CA - State Placer
Sr. Tristan Mordecai, AZ - State Runner-Up
Sr. Will Sumner, CA
Jr. Jacob Seely, CO - 2x State 5th
Jr. Will Lang, UT - State Runner-Up
Commentary: Griego has been great nationally. He’s up in weight. But his skill set coupled with his national-level wins make him the clear favorite.
Behind him are a host of contenders. Baker won VA Beach, but didn’t beat anyone of note, so it’s tough to gauge just where he’s at. Sumner had a win over nationally ranked Steven Cervantes last spring.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Griego (CA) 2. Baker (CA) 3. Gonzalez (AZ) 4. Sumner (CA)
218:
The Contenders
HM-Sr. Clayton Hartwell, CA - State 6th
Sr. Sullivan Cauley, NV - State Placer
Sr. Tristan Ezell, AZ - State Placer
Sr. Bryant Vasquez, CA
Sr. Mike Kiel, AZ - State 4th
Commentary: A group of state placers led by Hartwell, who’s been the most consistent over the past calendar year.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Hartwell (CA) 2. Ezell (AZ) 3. Cauley (NV) 4. Vasquez (CA)
288:
The Contenders
#11-Sr. Nour Abdullatif, CA - State 3rd
HM-Sr. Connor Calkins, NY - State 5th, Journeymen Champ
Sr. Justin Gillham, CA
Sr. Josh Tessler, CA
Jr. Alex Damschen, CA
Jr. Nate Ibarra, CA
Commentary: I see two clear contenders for the title here. Abdullatif is one of the more underrated big guys in the country.
And Connor Calkins has been turning it on lately. Last month he won Journeymen with a win over a nationally ranked wrestler.
As much as I like Abdullatif, I’ll ride the hot hand.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Calkins (NY) 2. Abdullatif (CA) 3. Gillham (CA) 4. Damschen (CA)