What to Watch - Episode 1 - Schoolboy and Cadet Duals
USA Wrestling’s Schoolboy (14U) and Cadet (16U) Duals kick off later this week in Indiana. The Schoolboys are in Franklin and the Cadets will be in Westfield - if you happen to be in the neighborhood. I have worked to track down the SE teams that are scheduled to compete - to give you a preview of who to watch. Note: Not every state responded to the requests … so the info below is what I was able to find. Some are missing coach quotes. I’m also assuming North Carolina and South Carolina are not taking teams this year.
Schedules
14U Schedule
16U Schedule
Where to Watch (or follow the dashboard)
I’d be surprised if the event is not streamed on trackwrestling - but know you will need a Gold+ subscription in order to watch it live.
14U Duals
Teams to Watch:
It is difficult to project the teams to watch in 2021 because of two important factors: 1) none of the duals happened in 2020 - so we are two years removed from the competition, and 2) the names and faces change year to year with kids moving for age group to age group. Many of the 14U’s were wrestling 12U the last time this event happened. Still we can look at the traditional powers to give us a sense of who might be the teams to watch in 2021.
Pennsylvania Blue downed Minnesota Red 47-30 to claim the 14U (Schoolboy) Greco title in 2019. Oklahoma Red, Washington, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana Gold, and Oklahoma Blue each made the Gold/Silver Pool.
Pennsylvania Blue also took home the Freestyle title with a 39-33 win over Oklahoma Blue. Minnesota Red, California, Ohio, New Jersey Red, Washington, and Illinois finished out the top 8.
Most of the wrestlers compete in both styles - so the PA Blue squad (which featured Bo Bassett, Mason Gibson, the Williams brothers, etc.) had most of their squad win in both styles.
Blue? Red? Gold? New to USA Wrestling’s Duals competition?
Blue, Red, Gold, or whatever is simply a way to designate different teams from the same state. Most states brought (or will bring) a single team to the event, but if you see a color designation after the state - you should know that the state has two teams in the competition.
How does the tournament work?
There are multiple steps to the final placement of teams …
Step 1: Teams are “seeded” into one of 4 pools to begin the competition.
Step 2: Each team advances through a bracket with wins (or is put into the consolations with a loss). Ordering teams 1 through 8 (typically it is 8, but it depends on how many teams are in the bracket) after Day 1 of competition.
Step 3: Day 2 the teams are placed into their “final” pool - in this competition there is a Gold/Silver Pool, a Bronze/Copper Pool and so on. If a team took 1st or 2nd in their bracket from Day 1 - they are placed in the Gold/Silver Pool. If they finished 3rd or 4th then the are placed in the Bronze/Copper Pool and so on.
Step 4: Each “pool” (a pool is a setup where each team wrestles every other team in that pool) has a Pool A and Pool B and every team in Pool A will wrestle every other team in Pool A (same with Pool B).
Step 5: The final match for each team is a “cross-over” between pools A and B in their larger Gold/Silver, etc. pool. That match determines a team’s final place.
NOTE: The Places out the side of a wrestler are their finish at SE Regions (GR = Greco Roman and FS = Freestyle).
SE Teams
Alabama
71 - NONE
77 - Jameson Thomas
83 - Will Atkinson (8th FS at 77)
87 - NONE
92 - Nick Sykes (4th GR; 6th FS)
97 - Joseph Marcum
102 - Bradley Hastings (8th FS)
106 - Evelyn Holmes-Smith (1st FS Girls 105)
106/110 - Kiowa Vines (2nd GR; 3rd FS at 102)
110 - Trae Peeler
114 - Bradley Williams (2nd GR; 4th FS)
119 - Carter Blalock
125/130 - Cruz Rainwater
125/130 - Adam Wheeler
136 - Skyler Hernandez
149 - Sheldon Sharp
165 - Braxton Reeves
187 - None
250 - None
The trip will still be very exciting … The goal of this trip is to get some of our newer kids exposure at the national scene. Winning isn't the focus for the new kids, but mat time and understanding of olympic styles and how it will help them when folkstyle season comes this fall. - Coach Williams
Who to Watch: Sykes, Holmes-Smith, Vines, Peeler, and Williams are the strength of the squad. Each has post-season folkstyle experience (state qualifiers or state placers as middle schoolers this past year) and it will be interesting to see how they fair against some of the top Schoolboys/Schoolgirls in the nation.
Florida
71 - Everett Stephens (3rd FS; 3rd GR))
77 - Uy`Kwon Wimberly
83 - William Buckley (4th FS)
87 - Lincoln Sledzianowski (8th FS)
92 - Landon Quiroga
97 - Tyler Gray
102 - Johnathan Moder (4th GR; 4th FS)
106 - Andres DiGrigoli (1st GR; 1st FS at 110)
110 - Dustin Kohn (6th FS at 106)
114 - James Kosza (8th FS)
119 - Benjamin Wolgamuth (4th GR at 114)
125 - Micah Wittenberg (1st FS)
130 - Landen Holley
136 - Gavin Isaacs
136 - Kalias Nazario
149 - Bryan Picallo
165 - Michael Mocco (1st GR; 1st FS)
187 - Alex Smith (1st FS)
250 - None
Who to Watch: Another solid group from top to bottom. Mocco and DriGrigoli each won both styles at SE Regions and should lead the way for the boys from Florida. Micah Wittenberg and Alex Smith each claimed the title in Freestyle. The key to how well Florida fares later this week will likely fall to how well SE placers Stephens, Buckley, Moder, Kohn, and others wrestle.
Georgia
71 - Teequavious Mills
77 - Cooper McArthur (4th FS; 1st GR)
83 - Gabe Swann (4th GR; 6th FS at 77)
87 - Roman Belardo (3rd GR; 3rd FS)
92 - James Sievers
97 - Isaac Hoshide
97 - Cash Prado
102 - Nick Owens
106 - Scott Swann
110 - None
114 - Phillip Jax (4th GR; 6th FS at 119)
119 - Ronan An
125 - David Jewell
125 - Paul Lanier
130 - Connor Stevens (8th FS)
136 - Moose Bringer
149 - Matt Vanwettering (3rd GR; 4th FS)
165 - Kriecg Roe
187 - Robert McCoy
250 - None
It was an awesome experience to see the schoolboy team train for three days at our National Tram Camp. We have some good kids with National experience, so we expect to compete to be in the All-American rounds. - Coach Moistner
Who to Watch: Cooper McArthur, Roman Belardo, Phillip Jax, and Matt Vanwettering each placed top 4 at the SE Regions and should lead the way. Mills, Owens, An, Lanier, and Bringer didn’t wrestle in Jacksonville (as far as I can tell), but should be some names to watch this weekend. Georgia may not have any superstars (like the last time they brought a team to schoolboys), but they are solid from top to bottom and should be in the hunt.
Tennessee
71 - Noah Watkins
77 - Hudson Chittum (1st GR; 2nd FS at 71)
83 - Jose Cordero (3rd GR; 2nd FS at 77)
83 - Tanner Tran
87 - Axle Ritchie
92 - Kellan Sanders
92 - Charles Phillips (4th GR; 6th FS at 87)
97 - Nate Boger (1st GR; 1st FS)
102 - Chase Walker (1st GR; 1st FS)
102 - Zachary Little
106 - Zac Bosken (3rd GR; 3rd FS)
106 - Blake Cogden
110 - Malachi Puckett
110 - Findley Smout (3rd GR; 5th FS)
114 - Kaden Rice (5th FS)
119 - David Cook
125 - Blaise Meeks
136 - Eli Lane
149 - Cy Fowler (2nd GR; 2nd FS)
165 - Fred Casto
187 - Xavier Vizacon
250 - Amos Huan
Mattox High (do not have a weight for Mattox)
Who to Watch: From top to bottom - Tennessee might have the best team from the SE (but if any of the teams cross paths - we should get some good battles). Chase Walker won a stacked 102 lb. bracket (both styles) at SE Regions and is definitely one to keep an eye on. Nate Boger won both styles at 97 in Jacksonville and Hudson Chittum was in the finals at 71 (winning Greco and taking 2nd in freestyle - but is listed at 77 for the duals). Cy Fowler took 2nd at 149 (both styles) and should be another to watch for this weekend. Zac Bosken was 3rd in both styles at 106 in Jacksonville and Jose Cordero was 2nd in freestyle (and 3rd in Greco) at 77 (but like Chittum is listed to be up a weight for duals).
16U Duals
Teams to Watch:
Just like the Schoolboys - it is hard to know what will be the make-up of the Cadet teams this year. We can look at the schoolboy duals from 2 years ago and get a good idea of some of the wrestlers you might see at Cadets in 2021. If we take 2 years ago as the barometer … Pennsylvania has a team that few in the country can compete against. But Bassett has made a U15 World Team and don’t be surprised if the hammers from that squad (Mason Gibson, Williams x2, etc.) are gearing up for Fargo. Still the competition should be very steep - especially with everyone trying to get a ton of mat time. Oklahoma, Illinois, and Washington are always in the hunt and it would be surprise if 2021 was any different.
NOTE: The Places out the side of a wrestler are their finish at SE Regions (GR = Greco Roman and FS = Freestyle).
SE Teams
Alabama
88 - Wallace Blue
94 - None
100 - Cale Tucker
106 - Brodie Christmas (8th FS at 113)
113 - William Anderson (4th GR at 120; 5th FS at 120)
120 - Hudson Waldrop (3rd GR; 3rd FS)
120 - Noah Smith
126 - Chad Strickland (6th FS)
126 - Nicolas Dempsey (4th GR)
138 - Bryce Alli
145 - Clay Johnston (3rd GR 152; 6th FS t 152)
145 - Jacob Wheeler
152 - Cole Sykes (4th GR)
152 - Collin Burroughs
160 - Kyle Oliveira
170 - Logan Ransom
182 - William Conlon (2nd GR; 4th FS)
182 - Ian Osbourn
195 - William Caneer
220 - Mason Ellis
285 - Willie Cox (4th GR; 4th FS)
The coaches are very excited with this squad and what we have to work with. We have a good mix of very experienced kids and lesser experienced kids. Several members of the team have past national duals experience and the ability to bring 20 kids to compete is going to be huge in our ability to be competitive. - Team Leader Dave Johnston
Who to Watch: The Alabama Cadet Team should be very tough from 100 through 126. Tucker, Christmas, Anderson, Waldrop, Strickland, and Dempsey all have national experience … add in Noah Smith and the team has some flexibility to create some matchups. Alabama also has some tough wrestlers “up top” with Johnston, Sykes, Conlon, and Cox. This is probably the best Cadet team Alabama has put together for the duals … the competition will be tough, but this team should be in the hunt.
Florida
88 - None
94 - Derrick Williams
100 - Fredrick Mitchum
106 - Christian Fretwell
113 - Ethan Vugman (4th GR)
120 - Anderson Heap (1st GR; 2nd FS)
126 - Elvis Solis
132 - Reid Noble
132 - Gavin Balmaceda (6th FS)
138 - Brandon Cody (1st GR; 8th FS)
145 - Gianni Maldonado
152 - Kendrick Hodge (3rd FS)
160 - Cordell White Jr
170 - Brian Burburija (2nd GR; 1st FS)
182 - Connor Hackett (3rd GR; 6th FS)
195 - Sawyer Bartelt
220 - Branden Marrero
285 - Caleb Rodriguez (2nd GR; 1st FS)
Who to Watch: Florida will be tough in spots throughout the lineup. Heap and Burburija each won a style and took 2nd in the other style at SE Regions. Vugman, Balmaceda, Cody, Hodge, Hacket, and Rodriguez also made the podium in at least one of the two styles. The best wrestler of the group is Sawyer Bartelt who didn’t compete at SE Regions, but is a legit threat to claim a stop sign in Fargo. Fretwell, Solis, Noble, Maldonado, and White had good folkstyle seasons … how will that translate to Greco and Freestyle? Florida should be in the hunt … it will be interesting to see if they can take care of business on day one and advance to the Gold/Silver pool for Day 2.
Georgia
* Georgia will be bringing two squads for both Greco and Freestyle (a Blue and Red team). Both are listed below. A wrestler will compete in both styles for their squad unless otherwise noted.
Georgia (Blue)
88 - Eli Bowman
94 - Ty Murray
100 - Antonio Mills (1st GR at 94; 4th GR at 100; 1st FS at 94)
106 - Kieron McCormack
113 - Drew Gorman (1st GR; 1st FS)
120 - Noah Danforth
126 - Logan Paradice
132 - Cade Parent (2nd GR)
138 - Josh Denson
145 - Emil Necula (GR)
145 - Latrell Scaffer
152 - Dominic Bambinelli (4th GR 145; 3rd FS at 145)
160 - Creed Thomas
160 - Tyler Secoy
170 - Hoke Poe-Hogan (1st GR; 3rd FS)
182 - Omaury Alvarez
195 - None
220 - Tre Butler (GR)
220 - Ivan Thurman (FS)
285 - Hayden Roy
Georgia Red
88 - None
94 - None
100 - Cael Kusky
106 - Brayden Mitchell
113 - Jonathan McDaniel
120 - Maddox McArthur
126 - Collin Mullins (2nd GR; 3rd FS)
126 - Gunner Chambers (3rd GR; 4th FS)
132 - Jackson Mills (8th FS)
138 - Jace Parent
145 - Jason Clark (6th FS)
145 - Emil Necula (FS)
152 - Micah Wood
152 - Zach Wallace
170 - Brock Hacker
182 - None
195 - None
220 - Gatlin Sugarman (GR)
220 - Tre Butler (FS) (3rd FS)
285 - Ivan Thurman (GR)
285 - Gatlin Sugarman (FS)
We have two goals. First, to compete for a national title. This team has some individuals that will be hunting for stop signs in Fargo … they should expect to be in the hunt for a national title as a team. Second, we are building to Fargo. Understanding how to handle 7 or 8 matches in a day to get to the bloodround or a medal round match. The duals give you the best opportunity to replicate that. - Coach Davis
What to Watch: Coach Davis hit the nail on the head with his comment … the expectations are high for the Georgia Cadets. This is a team that should be competitive at every weight and will be favored at many of the weight classes. Emil Necula nearly made a U15 World Team a few months ago, but the wrestler to watch is Drew Gorman. Gorman is a monster at 113. Add in Alvarez, Hogan, Bambinelli, Danforth, Mills, and others … Georgia Blue will be a tough team to beat. Georgia Red also features several very good wrestlers, but with 4 forfeits - the battle will be uphill. Keep an eye on Mullins and Chambers - both wrestled well at SE regions and should help lead Georgia Red in both styles.
Tennessee
88 - None
94 - None
100 - Mason Jacob (2nd FS)
106 - Cooper Hilton
113 - Jarvis Little
120 - Casen Roark (1st FS)
126 - Hunter Sturgill (1st GR; 2nd FS)
132 - Landon Deselle
138 - Connor Payne (6th FS at 132)
145 - James Strong
152 - Clark Vaughn
160 - Kaiden Bates (8th FS)
170 - ?
182 - Landon Williams
195 - Hayven Jenkins
220 - Miles Workman
285 - Dion Stutts
What to Watch: The top wrestler on any SE team (and perhaps on any team at the event) is 15U World Team Member Cooper Hilton. Hilton made Team USA in both Greco and Freestyle at 44 kg (about 10 lbs lighter than he will wrestle at the duals). Regardless all 106’s should be on notice. The Tennessee Cadets are very tough from Mason Jacob (100) through Connor Payne (132) … but with at least 2 forfeits - the team (in terms of dual wins) could struggle. Hilton, Roark, Sturgill, and Deselle can go with anyone, but it takes more than 4 to win a dual. How far Team Tennessee climbs will be up to how well the 145-285 group performs.
In Summary …
The duals are a great way to see top competition and learn (especially for the newer wrestlers) how to handle 8 matches in one style and then switch it up and wrestle 8 in another style. Over the years - the Duals have been a good gauge on who is ready to perform well in Fargo and who needs to put in some extra work in the month between.
You should see …
SE teams be very competitive, but any forfeits could push a team into a lower placing pool
Several wrestlers will go unbeaten (in one or both styles)
Several wrestlers will struggle with the level of competition … but will they win the matches they “should” win.