No, this won’t be the typical Junior Nationals. No carrot at the end of the string, no back-and-forth about what happens next. No World tournament for winners to focus on in the immediate future. 

Which is why this event couldn’t be more meaningful. 

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Friday, November 13 - Sunday, November 15

No, this won’t be the typical Junior Nationals. No carrot at the end of the string, no back-and-forth about what happens next. No World tournament for winners to focus on in the immediate future. 

Which is why this event couldn’t be more meaningful. 

We’re living in crazy times, to be sure. So crazy, that since there is/was no Fargo in ‘20, we are without the usual banter regarding the differences between a USA Wrestling Junior Nationals and United World Wrestling’s take on the age-group. Instead, everyone can simply concentrate on what actually matters. 

For Greco purposes, the 2020 Junior Nationals is important because it will give the program’s leadership a baseline glimpse at some athletes they have seen and liked previously, as well as an allotment of new faces who might develop down the road. For wrestling, purposes, period, this National event provides dedicated athletes with a vital opportunity to get on the mat and mix it up in the absence of “normal” competitive schedules. 

And if we’re all fortunate, there will be enough throws, frenetic point tallies, and good old fashioned brawling to set the tone moving forward. 

Junior Divisions

55 kg

The most crowded field in Omaha includes a generous number of Fargo success stories and recent Cadet World Teamers, as well as a few skilled competitors who are working on forging what they hope will become decorated collegiate careers. No escape hatches available at 55 kilograms, either, as it will be the only Greco bracket on Friday to require a round-of-32. 

A couple of athletes are blasts from the not-so-distant Greco past. Andrew Chambal (MI) and Eric Barnett (Wisconsin RTC) were Cadet World Team members one year apart (Chambal in ‘16, Barnett in ‘15). They have done other stuff, too, since then, to be sure, just not on the World level. Chambal won a high school state title in ‘20 for Davidson (MI) while Barnett put together a strong season for Wisconsin. Greco hasn’t been at the forefront for these two in a little bit of a while, but they’re so, so good that you expect them to be more than bystanders. 

Two wrestlers who walk the fine line between full-time Greco and full-time folkstyle -- and are equally dangerous at both disciplines but prefer the good one without legs -- are very likely to find themselves in the hunt. Billy Sullivan (LOG), a Fargo champ in ‘19, is an athletic marvel who blends quick, decisive action on the feet with a stalking demeanor that puts pressure on opponents from whistle to whistle. Then there is Conor Knopick (MWC), who made the Cadet squad in ‘19, and like Sullivan, boasts an assortment of relevant overseas experiences. Knopick and Sullivan aren’t miles apart stylistically, though the one line of demarcation is that Knopick tends to veer more towards classical technique in tie-ups while Sullivan is keen to force the issue if the tempo wanes. You really hope they wind up paired together at some point on Friday. 

One athlete who very well might assert himself, though if he does no one shall feign surprise, is Carter Stephenson. He, too, has layered on some international seasoning and brought home medals. It has been a while for all of these competitors, and folk/free types who moonlight in domestic Greco usually perform well. At 55, that would be interesting, given the presence of a handful of participants who have their minds set on future full-time, international careers. 

60 kg

In a weight category that is similar in a lot of ways to 55, which hosts a large sampling of domestic age-group stars, the one wrestler for whom everyone needs to account is David Stepanian of Northern Michigan. Ignore for a moment tha Stepanian has acquitted himself well overseas. Those performances arrived at Junior. Instead, look at how Stepanian caught fire last fall. In New York, he downed a pair of extremely tough US Seniors, and even when he lost still put up a vicious fight. He is yet to qualify for the Olympic Trials, but he has also had a lot of time to improve since the pandemic shut everything down. He has the partners, he has the size, strength, and skill. It’s a US tournament, so tabbing someone as a “favorite” is a reach. Too much craziness can happen. But there’s no question Stepanian is going to make a definitive impact in Omaha, one way or another. 

The next question is ‘Who might be Stepanian’s biggest challengers?’ Not a simple one to answer but you start with three names: Robert Perez III (GR EAP), Chayse LaJoie (Spartan), and Camden Russell (MWC). All three have won at Fargo (Perez and LaJoie twice), and Russell grabbed gold in Austria two seasons ago -- which is sort of a big deal considering that event’s relative prestige. Russell also didn’t love his outing last month in Iowa, so he could have a little extra fire burning going into this tournament. 

Caleb Gross (Jackrabbit WC) is a Wisconsin product who nearly hit the money in Fargo two summers ago. He put in a very solid body of work for South Dakota as a freshman last season, as well, restricted more or less to open events. But he is very, very durable. Very, very game. Few will want to deal with what he brings to the table. 

63 kg

Not a lot of registrants at 63, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get interesting. 

On one hand, you’ve got Tarrell Wallace Jr. (Garage Boyz), a hungry, full-body wrestler whose instincts for Greco are a coach’s dream. He might benefit from a little refinement just like any other Junior, yet the raw material is the stuff of champions. Wallace springboards for takedowns and throws, and can extend his range to fly inside on openings few would even dare attempt. This style has worked for him. Wallace has been in the thick of things at various top age-group tournaments before, and he will look to take another step up this week. 

On the other, there is Mr. Payton Jacobson (Topper WC), who has at this stage collected of string of gold medals from overseas with the hardcore training that goes along with such trips. He is also coached very well stateside, and Greco is his first concern. What does Jacobson do? He figures you out. He works for positions that favor his arsenal, opens up with underhooks, and then can finish with a flowery technique of his choosing. Jacobson is a little different than most, and as is the case with Wallace, is someone on whom the US program is keeping a close eye. 

Russell, Stepanian, and Jacobson have all won an Austrian Junior title over the past two years. Know who else has? Jakob Murillo (MI). Another wrestler who competes in folk but is Greco-minded, Murillo is an under-the-radar type compared to most of the others in this age category, just don’t let that obscure the facts at hand. An athlete with even just a little seasoning but with a whole lot of talent can make big waves at a tournament like this when given the chance. 

67 kg

Let’s not entertain pretense. Benji Peak (Sunkist/NTS, 5PM #11) is the man to beat at 67 kilograms with a fair amount of distance separating him from the field. Peak, who won the Junior Trials in ‘18, is coming off of emerging victorious at the Senior Open last month. In addition, he has garnered nearly a dozen international medals, including quite a few golds, since arriving in Marquette some three years ago. No one here can match those credentials. No one here is as versatile, experienced, or trains in as tough of an environment. 

What you look for here are pushers, wrestlers who are going to make a case for themselves as the day progresses. One candidate is Noah Wachsmuth, who called the US Olympic Training Center home until the bottom fell out on that joint recently. Wachsmuth is an intense operator. Long, strong, and convicted. Guess what else? He has been across the Atlantic for competitive opportunities that have made a difference in his viability. 

A collection of US domestic age-group wrestlers could hit the limelight if things break the right way. Take a look at Payne Carr, the Kentuckian who survived and thrived through an incredibly difficult bracket to come away with fourth at Fargo ‘19. Incredible resilience. The same can be said of Aaden Valdez (La Gente WC). Valdez demonstrated impressive skills during his most recent Fargo foray, and is a talented all-style beast whom you’ll enjoy watching do some damage. 

72 kg

Unlike the first four weight categories, 72 kg for Junior does not offer a handful of those sporting what we refer to as “relevant overseas experience”, but that does not mean it is lacking in quality (though it is short on quantity). 

Jacob Stefanowicz (Pennsylvania RTC) is sure to be a problem. The Wyoming Sem grad is a jack of all trades on the mat and performed admirably at Fargo. He can and will grind people down. That is Weston Milnes’s gig, too. Milnes, a USOPTC wrestler back before the chaos swarmed, is interested in focusing only on Greco, appearingly, making this tournament a proper showcase of his potential.

Stefanowicz and Milnes aren’t alone. Ohio’s Nick Burgard, who ripped it up during high school, could wind up in the argument here. Burgard has Greco experience at the local level, and it’s easy to tell that this discipline would present a nice fit should he buy into it later down the road. NMU’s Brody Olson, really the only wrestler here according to entries with international miles logged, may very well be primed to demonstrate the progression necessary to turn back the folk enthusiasts -- which he will absolutely need to do. 

But of course, there is always that one wrestler of whom everyone is aware, even if it has been a minute or two. At 72, that happens to be McKay Foy, who electrified Fargo three years ago in the Cadet division. Utah born and bred, Foy -- whose height and reach can be weaponized -- hasn’t been on the scene for a little while but all that does is set up a possible dramatically-tinged storyline. 

77 kg

In terms of name recognition, Jack Ervien (WA) leads all comers due to his prior success in this realm (he was second at the JR Trials in ‘18 and WT member last year) -- as well as his actual ability. Ervien was a respected member of that ‘19 squad, primarily because of his attitude and workrate. Washington has a habit of churning out those kinds of wrestlers. As a Greco combatant, Ervien began to illustrate discernible improvement that you would have loved to see flourish throughout an entire campaign (i.e. full-time). Alas, he’s at Campbell University redshirting it up, so he is expecting to put one more Junior chapter in the books with an appropriate performance. 

Speaking of names, there’s one people will pass right over but might regret doing so: Desmond Bowers. Bowers, who wrestles for NWCA Grays Harbor College, is the product of what has been a growing system in Nevada and he has the log sheet to prove it. An iron-tough folkstyler who will also likely end up in the running is Virginian George Moseley (Cougar WC). He is just getting started at Averett (D3), but you know, YouTube him up. Moseley doesn’t have a pronounced Greco background, though if you squint your eyes you can see the possibilities. 

82 kg

A lot of folks in and around the US program were impressed with Jake Hendricks (Pennsylvania RTC) when he was a Cadet WT member a few years back, but they also knew he was heavily desired on the folkstyle side of things. Hendricks was a worker that year; the Worlds didn’t pan out like he had hoped, but he was game for the cause. He came back the next two years and nearly made those Teams, as well. Now, Hendricks is all-in for the Quakers, and it is a good bet that sort of environment and system will prove valuable as he navigates the bracket. 

The feel-good entrant here is Jacob Anderson, who wow’ed just about everyone with a brain at the ‘19 Fargo tournament. Anderson had quite the run in that event, making this thing in Nebraska a potentially memorable sequel. 

A wrestler who deserves recognition and is on the come-up -- yet few are bothering to notice, unfortunately -- is Dane Harter (UA). Harter hung in there at Juniors last year, and looked even better, in an albeit somewhat limited sample size, in Iowa. He doesn’t have the same advantages others do, particularly when it comes to a full-time, full-scale Greco training environment. If he can make that happen, Harter will become a locked-in Senior competitor. 

87 kg

87? 87 is going to have some action.  

Tyler Hannah, “The Truck”, as it were, is doing his part to stay aligned with the American tradition of producing World-level upper-weights. He comes from a full-time system, even if he’s not quite a full-timer; and for an age-grouper, Hannah boasts mature sensibilities when it comes to the dirty work which often lead to advantageous positions. That he has won Fargo, made a Cadet Team, and medaled overseas doesn’t hurt, either. 

But then there are two very substantial threats available -- Joey Braunagel (IRTC) and Jack Darrah. Braunagel, from a wrestling family with twin siblings who also do alright for themselves, is well-schooled and plenty strong. Solid fundamentals will help him in this event. Darrah, in a way, is similar to Braunagel (except with a little more experience). This is a powerful young wrestler who will compete against anyone in any style. The goal remains the same, whatever the rules may be. A Cadet Pan-Am champ last year, Darrah also knows what it feels like to gain a big win whilst requiring adaptation to different looks. 

Little Rock freshman Zane Davis could be out there causing a fuss if only because he is a very gifted wrestling-athlete, and as we all know, that sort usually transitions quite well. Davis isn’t a “Greco guy”, but he’s hard-nosed and a potential issue for some in Omaha. DeAndre Rucker (Spartan) is just starting to get his feet wet in this discipline, but it might just be a more natural fit for him than leg-grabbing. 

97 kg

Rylan Bonds (Spartan Mat Club)

Cameron Dubose (WA)

Sione Halo (Tri-Cities WC)

Denzel Mabry (San Francisco WC)

Isaac Trumble (NC)

Victor Vargas (IL)

Here is an opportunity for several wrestlers, none of whom are huge on Greco, to get a definitive feel for and reintroduction to the discipline while their collegiate seasons are on hold. The best example of this is Isaac Trumble (NC). Ready to rep the Wolfpack, Trumble is a highly-skilled athlete with excellent hips for a big man and swift, sound movement that will present great chances to stalk for meaningful attempts. He’s a Fargo guy, too, after going on one of those prolonged runs in ‘19 that displayed his considerable nose for points. 

Elmhurst’s Victor Vargas has not checked in for a Greco tournament in a while. Vargas is and has been a “folk first” wrestler, which isn’t news around these parts. But gameness counts, and he is seasoned enough overall to benefit from Friday’s action one way or another. Coming off of an “All-American” showing last month in Iowa is Denzel Mabry (San Francisco WC). Mabry demonstrated some gusto out there in a bracket that was certainly top-heavy. He has some prior showings, like at Juniors in ‘19. But this time, things are different. Mabry should be working with some confidence this week and the expectation is his best showing yet. He also snagged a win over Trumble at Fargo, though it’s difficult to imagine if that makes any difference whatsoever given the circumstances. 

130 kg

It’s always good to see legitimately-skilled wrestlers, especially at heavyweight, run towards Greco when the opportunity arises. That’s what you have with Spencer Trenary, now a Jackrabbit for South Dakota, but prior to that, an up-and-coming youth who knew how to throw and make it look natural. He has been in some high-profile bouts, as well, having won Fargo back four years ago before missing out on a second title in ‘19 to Luke Luffman. The keys with Trenary are motion and position, and he exemplifies both quite well when the action dictates as such. 

Trenary, he’s easy to mention. How about Apollo Gothard (Izzy Style)? Resume bulletpoints are fine, and for Greco they usually at least indicate a degree of competence. Gothard doesn’t share Trenary’s breadth of experience, and this isn’t a make-or-break tournament for him. But you want to see how he responds. Gothard, a beast for Lemont High in Illinois, is a devout competitor who is taking a step up by entering this tournament -- which is important for him both in terms of folk as well as any potential future Greco excursions. 

Caspian Grabowski (Arkansas RTC) is patient with underhooks, but persistent. He knows his positions. He knows what works. Is starting to sense what might not. Fifth at the Cadet Trials and a Fargo qualifier, Grabowski is a developmental case study in why position and posture make for a great base from which to build. A solid showing here would go a long way towards cementing his upward climb. 

U23 Divisions

55 kg

’18 Junior/’19 U23 World Team Brady Koontz (TMWC/Ohio RTC, 5PM #12) checking in is good for Koontz, good for this bracket, and good for the sport. He knows the landscape all too well, and his arsenal is considerable. Like a wiry freight train, Koontz pours into tie-ups, slithers underhooks, and puts opponents on their heels repeatedly. Add in that ultra-reliable gut, and it’s easy to see why he is the kind of guy others would prefer to avoid. 

Though if it is in fact true that Mason Hartshorn (CYC) will be present at 55, the dynamic hits a bit of a middle ground. A Junior World Teamer in ‘19, Hartshorn -- who originally began his full-time career at NMU -- is classically-trained, as they say, and a fluid technician with loads and loads of relevant experience (and that includes against foreigners). There is nothing Hartshorn can’t do on a mat and make it look crisp. It also helps that he knows how to turn on the jets when it matters most. The seeding, who knows? But if Koontz is #1 and Hartshorn is #2, watching this final would be time well-spent. 

Samuel Braswell is not exactly a newbie, not exactly a veteran. In folkstyle, he’s a monster for Averett. In Greco, he is raw but explosive. Braswell, for Greco, is actually patient and not all rush, rush, rush. He might not have the degree of elite GR training going for him, but if he opens up with abandon it could be something to watch. 

60 kg

Light bracket. Heavy competition. 60 kilograms is almost as if a few top young guys got together on their own, grabbed some singlets, and hired a few officials just to make everything look proper. 

Taylor LaMont (Sunkist/UVRTC, 5PM #8) and Randon Miranda (NYAC/CYC, 5PM #10) have been in this spot plenty of times. Most expected them to renew pleasantries at the Senior Nationals last month, but no, it was upset-city as both dropped matches in the championship bracket before Chance Rich decimated the possibility of a third-place showdown by clipping Miranda in the consolation semis. 

Their recent history matters. LaMont and Miranda have gone back and forth in their time together, including in ‘19, when LaMont decisioned Miranda for the National Team spot. But then a week later, Miranda defeated LaMont in the U23 Trials’ best-of-three. It would be appropriate for them to run this whole thing back once again, but it’s also not a lock they get the chance to do so -- even if it feels natural to assume otherwise. 

That’s mainly because of Dylan Koontz (TMWC/Ohio RTC), who had one of his best showings to date in Coralville. Dylan’s general workmanship is similar to twin brother Brady’s, but he goes about it a little differently. He prowls, he pushes; but he’s also willing to extend himself a little more if he senses scoring chances. Position is a big thing for Koontz, and if he has that locked down, he’s very tough to move in the ties. 

Since becoming a full-timer, Corbin Nirschl (MWC) has done nothing other than Senior events, though he hasn’t had a match in 11 months. In a “normal” U23 situation, Nirschl would benefit from having a full bracket. That’s not an option this week. Instead, he will be forced to reckon with one of the top-3, and it is likely he looks pretty good in the process. Nirschl, now operating within a high-speed training environment on a daily basis, is going to eventually blossom. Whether that starts in full on Friday or not is not crucial for his career, but you’d like to see more glimpses. 

The deal with Thomas Hicks (TN) is this: he’s new but comes from a good system; he is also technically with the Marine Corps, but then again, not in an official capacity as a competitor. Hicks is said to be extremely game, motivated, and well-rounded after having latched onto ‘19 World Team member Ray Bunker. But being that this will be Hicks’ first delve into true National competition, the bar is low. This is much more about surveying the landscape than anything else. 

63 kg

Dylan Gregerson (URTC) wanted to wrestle in Iowa, but didn’t. Dylan Gregerson has wanted to wrestle all year, but hasn’t. Even without a World Team spot on the line, it’s hard to imagine that this tournament is “just a tournament” to him. After barely missing out on a National Team spot and finishing second to Dalton Roberts in the U23 finals, Gregerson had a bad cut entering the ‘19 Senior event and wants to redeem himself as well as ignite the engine for the remainder of the season. Chances are that he makes both happen in Omaha. 

A trio of Division I athletes could prove problematic, or at least get in each other's respective ways -- and two of them are literal Jackrabbits. But we’ll go with the Spartan first, and that’s Matt Santos, who isn’t huge on the classical style necessarily, yet could deliver a staunch test to those overlooking his overall wrestling acumen. Then there are Clay Carlson and Rylee Molitor from South Dakota State. Both are Minnesotans, both know their way around a Greco environment, and both will be very, very difficult to deal with should they pick up steam. 

Jarod Maes (X-Factor) has some seasoning. Maes is no stranger to National type of competition, and on occasion, has shown very solid upside. The issue is that at Senior, especially, this weight is not kind to anyone other than completely locked-in full-timers. Too compressed. Maes has gone up to 67, too, but he’s hoping for greener pastures at 63 for U23. 

67 kg

Just like nearly every weight category in Omaha, 67 kilograms is offering a variety of tough, motivated collegians, some of whom would make for excellent Greco prospects eventually. 

But there is an issue. 

Too much firepower from lifers. 

‘19 Junior World bronze Peyton Omania (CYC/MSU) -- also the U23 World representative a year ago, along with a couple of other World Team appearances prior to all of that -- is back, and ardently focused on displaying how much he has missed competition. Omania, more than others, has been waiting for this tournament. Not because it is extra special. It’s not. Omania is one of only two entrants here qualified for the Olympic Trials, and that matters more. Rather, it is because this is the longest the Cali native has gone without an event in his entire career. His sense of urgency is intact, and it is a safe bet he will come out guns ablaze as soon as his name is called on-deck. 

Redemption isn’t an appropriate theme for Nolan Baker (NYAC, 5PM #7), because in order for that to be the case, he would have to be married to abject disappointment. Just not his gig. That being said, Baker didn’t have the performance of his life at the Senior tournament last month, and he is not going to want to repeat that result. He still finished fifth, rebounded, etc. And that’s the thing: Baker is so joyful just to wrestle, that even in his losses he comes out of the deal more popular due to how gracious he behaves. Baker loves this journey, but he loves cranking heads and necks in half, too. Assume there is a spark working in his favor here, and maybe even a return date with Omania Friday evening. 

One more U23 World Teamer is in the mix -- Lenny Merkin (NYAC, 5PM #13). Coming off of taking third last month, Merkin should have some confidence flowing through the bloodstream. But forget about the results for a moment and recognize the threat level. Merkin has been very good throughout most of this prolonged quad. The difference is that he is now beginning to turn a definitive corner. He is still a little reliant on bombing overhooks, which at times is an occupational hazard for him. But he is also better-determining his own movement and finding pockets of rhythm that work to his advantage. These are vital concepts for Merkin, especially since he is a marquee name still in need of cementing a spot in the Olympic Trials. 

It wasn’t lightning in a bottle for Josiah Williams (CSU-Pueblo) last month. At the time, the whole thing seemed “out of nowhere”, that is until you go back and watch what exactly happened. Williams, who isn’t even devoted to Greco, portrayed the kind of sensibilities and mat smarts that can make an awfully big difference when it comes to winning matches. Williams had to capitalize on available openings as soon as they materialized; and once he gained traction, he became more aggressive. Greco is a flow sport, and Williams wrestles that way. A great fit. 

Even now, people are unsure as to how they are supposed to view Duncan Nelson’s (NMU/NTS) candidacy at an event like this. Hardcores, they’ve seen what Nelson can do. Others still need some convincing. Nelson, injured most of the past two years, came back for the Iowa Nationals and looked out of sync at times; other times, he looked like a potential World beater. The wavelength flickered up and down. However, Nelson is unquestionably talented, and dedicated, and beholden to a great support structure at NMU. For Merkin, Omania, and Baker, this event isn’t a life-changing proposition. It isn’t for Duncan, either, but a medal-winning outing would go a long way towards reaffirming his health and long-term viability. 

72 kg

Is it big news that Riley Briggs (NMU/NTS) is back down at 72? Does it mean anything? Is it of crucial value, Briggs’ weight?

Yes and no. Briggs would be a contender at 77. At 72, he is the favorite. 

One of several current full-time athletes from the Community Youth Center in CA, Briggs walked into NMU a few years ago already outfitted with sound fundamentals, not to mention experience against foreigners. His canvas has expanded greatly. Briggs has wrestled all over Europe, and the only thing that has really held him back domestically is weight class fluctuation and the need for just a little more refinement. A very skilled, highly-capable young athlete who keeps improving year to year. 

A real danger could be Caden Moore. Along with various Fargo and domestic exploits, Moore was a full-time athlete at Legends of Gold in South Dakota prior to enrolling at Northern State. Moore has competed in large international tournaments in his life, which in conjunction with his training, has provided a solid base and understanding of what this discipline entails. 

Two former NMU wrestlers, Zach Grimes (CO) and Zach Tolver (Interior Grappling Academy), will look to have their say in a weight class that is, of course, a mish-mash of full-time Greco and college moonlighters. One of those collegians is Seth Vosters (Wisconsin RTC), an athlete with whom many are familiar. Out of all the folk types in this weight, Vosters presents an approach that blends well with Greco mechanics. He is a hard charger with patience. He also owns some valid age-group experience from previously in his career, though in this event that is likely inconsequential. 

77 kg

A triumvirate of established competitors adorn the top of 77 kilograms -- Jesse Porter (NYAC/NTS, 5PM #14) and two recent Junior World Team members, Tyler Dow (Wisconsin RTC, ‘18) and Jack Ervien (WA, ‘19, also pulling double-duty as mentioned above). Porter, he’s the U23 king of the US, having made the Team the past three years. No such incentive this week, other than the opportunity to compete for the first time in nearly a year. You know what Porter is about: he’s highly-skilled, highly-experienced, and highly-explosive. And unlike Dow and Ervien, Porter has made his mark, plenty of times, in fact, at Senior events. If the cobwebs are appropriately cleared, a big performance is the anticipation. 

Dow, who did actually acquit himself decently at the ‘19 Open, is an underhooks machine (though even more so prior at 72). The long arms and natural swim to preferable tie-ups allowed him to dictate movement and negotiate attacks. He has some of that going for himself at 77, too. Fundamentally-sound, sharp, and tenacious, Dow is an excellent young, well-rounded athlete. 

Ervien is expected to be among the main players in the Junior division and that’s the case here, as well, but the presence of Porter looms large, for both he and Dow. Nevertheless, what works is what works, and Ervien’s steady tempo and hardcore attitude should prove more than enough to keep him in the running. 

CSU-Bakersfield Augustine Garcia profiles as just the sort who, without top-level experience, can still go out and make an impression. Last year, Garcia wrestled for JuCo Fresno City, but on and off before that had logged some meaningful time in the international disciplines developmentally. We’ve seen Eddie Smith (Dubuque WC) before, and that’s a good thing. Smith has been a player, what you’d call an “active participant”. He demonstrates some of the “Greco feel” and knows what he should be doing along with what his body needs to do, just lacks a little of the nuance necessary to work towards advantageous positions. A threat once he begins to zero in on this style. 

82 kg

We begin with Tommy Brackett, who left Northern Michigan last year in favor of the Olympic Training Center -- only to watch the OTC close up shop in the wake of the pandemic. Wherever he trains is besides the point. Brackett, now no longer a teenager, remains a key member of Greco’s future in the US, and it is not entirely because of his results. Sure, he has been in Trials finals and other high-profile bouts; he has also performed overseas on occasion. But with Brackett, it’s a maturity thing. He sticks to the basics as much as he can muster on the feet, which is to say that he plunges underhooks and moves guys around, bullies, and looks to engineer offensive attacks from stable positions. It is that reason, primarily, what sets him apart from most age-groupers. At the same time, it has been a couple of years since Brackett has appeared in a “stop sign or else” match, a streak he is in a good spot to break when wrestling starts tomorrow. 

Unfortunately, 82 is not well-participated. Hendricks, he of the Pennsylvania RTC and mentioned above in the Junior section, is on-board to get in as many matches as possible. In normal circumstances, he would be a lock to pose serious problems for Brackett. As long as he isn’t fatigued, that should still occur, perhaps. 

87 kg

A breath of fresh air is what it is. Why? Because we get to see Bear Hughes and Cameron Caffey take their respective places on a potential collision course. Hughes was a Junior Greco World Team member in ‘18, Caffey the next year, and both are obviously embroiled in college folkstyle when they aren’t out here doing this sort of thing. Their styles are not similar, however. Hughes is a bruising, push-pull Greco competitor while Caffey’s mechanics don’t generally change too much, aside from staying away from the legs. Given that approach, Caffey is more apt to put up points, he’s just too open and unpredictable. What a match-up this could make. 

It will be up to ‘18 U23 World Teamer George Sikes (NYAC/NTS) to calm everyone down. And, he could do it. The most compact wrestler in this weight category, Sikes knows how to square off his position and dogfight for angles and leverage. Not a chain-scorer (who really is at 87?), but that’s okay. Sikes tries to observe an amenable tempo without betraying vulnerabilities in the pocket. That he comes from the best developmental system in the country is another huge plus. 

Is there a chance Sikes, Hughes, or Caffey might have to answer to Brodey Beckman? The multi-time DIII All-American fits the mold of a rugged athlete who might bulldoze those unsuspecting of his charge. Again, not an enormous Greco practitioner, like so many others this week. Still, nice to see. 

97 kg

With several wrestlers who are U23-eligible sitting out of this one, including Senior National champ Nick Boykin, 97 would appear to be up for grabs. Right off the bat, you look at George Hooker, normally an All-Army representative. Hooker has the most experience at this level and above; he is quite solid all-around, as well. This would be a nice tournament for him to get a piece of, a confidence booster that makes sense. 

Brady Vogel (Dubuque WC) can do some solid work when the action moves in his direction. He didn’t have an easy time at the Senior Nationals, but then again, was it supposed to be otherwise? Vogel has power, he appears to sport good hips and at the least a baseline idea of where that fine line between feel and clicking the ‘go’ button resides. More matches, more polish. That’s the key. 

130 kg

U23 Greco closes with a juggling routine at heavyweight. Not one well-known Junior or U23 competitor is on the docket. Good. Let this crew figure it out on their own. Because you never know -- maybe one or two of them stick around for more either this season or next. 

Zach Schrader (CA) of California Baptist showed up to last month’s Nationals. He had been in that spot before, but October, it was...a strange tournament. But the book on Schrader, who is actually quite the nimble big man, reads like this: you can see that there are tools available, yet in order to sharpen them, more time on target is necessary. That’s why it’s good for Schrader, this event. It is more matches, and an opportunity for him to participate in a developmental level tournament from which he might be able to build confidence. 

Augsburg’s Luke Zaiser could assert himself. You have to look at video, that’s how you can tell. Not a lot of meaningful Greco footage but a two-on-one is everyone’s friend. Extending the arms? Not so much. What you have is an all-around grappler who has that oomph; if he has some clean technique, particularly from top, then there you go. 

After Schrader and Zaiser, there are Octavio Alejandre of Grays Harbor and Nebraska-Kearney’s Lee Herrington. Both are very, very athletic. Considering all the legs involved in their lives, you’d presume well-rounded, too. Herrington has competed at Senior, so you’ve likely caught a peek. Tough wrestler, just not full of GR mechanics and seasoning.  Alejandre is a similar story, though he has All-American’ed at Fargo. With or without that, he is young, stout, and a capable prospect. If this were Senior, that Fargo bit wouldn’t matter a whole lot. For this tournament, it actually might.

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