Chittum, Singleton, and Horne Claim Super 32 Titles

The SE put 5 in the Super 32 Boys High School Finals and came away with 3 belts. Cody Chittum got the ball rolling with a nice 10-5 win over Jackson Arrington of Pennsylvania at 145 and then the Georgia duo of Matthew Singleton and Chase Horne each finished things off with wins at 170 and 285.

Georgia’s Jake Crapps has a great run to the finals at 113 before coming up just short to Missouri’s Luke Lilledahl and Alabama’s Cory Land dropped his finals match to New York’s PJ Duke at 126. From there the SE turned to Chittum who used a pair of 2nd period takedowns to take control of the match and ended up winning 10-5. Top seed Matthew Singleton took on #2 seed Rocco Welsh at 170 in a match that featured two 2020 Super 32 runners-up. Singleton got a takedown with about 40 seconds left in the first to take a 2-0 lead, Arrington took neutral to start the 2nd and no points were scored. Singleton chose down in the 3rd and got a quick escape to take the 3-0 lead and the win. 2x Super 32 Runner-up Chase Horne wouldn’t be denied a third time … He got taken down about 20 seconds in, but then immediately got a reversal and a turn before getting the fall of KJ Miley of Missouri at 1:08.

The SE had 3 in the consi finals - 2 at 138 with Nini and Crook. This time Lake Highland Prep’s Danny Nini got the win (he had lost to Crook earlier in the tournament) with a 3-2 decision. LHP teammate Jonathan Ley lost his 3rd place match to Oklahoma’s Angelo Ferrari 3-2 and finished 4th at 152. The SE put another 3 in the top 6 as Kilic was 6th at 152, Gunner Filipowicz was 6th at 160, and Gunnar Garriques was 6th at 220 (Garriques is listed as Illinois in the bracket, but wrestles at Baylor). Five more (making it 16 total) made the podium ... Florida’s Eligh Rivera was 7th at 132, Brendon Abdon was 8th at 152, and Mikey Tal-Shahar was 8th at 195; Georgia’s Cole Cochran was 8th at 160 and North Carolina’s Carson Floyd was 7th at 220.

A complete recap of all of the Super 32 action will be posted in SEWrestle+ in the next few days. Several wrestlers had a great tournament and established themselves as ones to watch in the coming year.

Look for pics in the coming days as well on the pics page.

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Rees, Yearby, and Fowler come up just short

The SE put 3 girls in the finals, but none was able to punch their way through and claim a belt. Florida’s Kailey Rees came from the #7 seed through the bottom side of the bracket to make the finals - she then fell in her finals match to #1 seed SaVannah Cosme of Colorado at 130. Tennessee’s Piper Fowler came in unseeded at 148 and took care of business on the bottom side of the 148 lb. bracket - downing #3 seed Nebi Tsarni, #6 seed Amarisa Manuel, and #2 seed Maddie Kubicki before losing to the top seed Reese Larramendy (PA) 4-3 in the finals. South Carolina’s Dasia Yearby downed #3 seed Trinity Monaghan before losing to the #1 seed Alivia White of Washington 10-4 in the finals.

The SE put 5 in the consi finals … Florida’s Mary Manis finished 4th at 97, Juliana Diaz was 4th at 115, Jada Llamido was 3rd at 139; Tennessee’s Ella Murphey was 3rd at 195 and Alabama’s Kalee Holder was 3rd at 160. The SE also put 5 in the 5th place matches (making it 13 girls placing top 6 at Super 32 from the SE). Florida’s Kealonie Vega was 6th at 97, Tennessee’s Maggie Graham was 5th at 148, South Carolina’s Bella Hoffman was 6th at 115; Georgia’s May Prado and Amariah Marenco were 6th at 130 and 195 respectively.

Some tough brackets - we will breakdown all of the SE action in SEWrestle+ in the coming days. I took some pics of the girls on Sunday - whatever I have will be posted in the nent day or two.

Here are Willie Saylor’s pre-seeds … I believe he might be seeding the tournament this year - so they may not change significantly (although changes in weights or no-shows) will impact these. Willie likes to refer himself as the “brain” and to be fair - his knowledge of most things in this sport is spot on. But there are times when he misses by a long shot - you could say the brain had some major lapses at some weights as it relates to SE wrestlers. So below are the top 8 pre-seeds plus any SE wrestlers in the top 32 (top 16 when we get to the big boys) and then my thoughts regarding where he may have some form of dementia (and if any comments related to dementia are offensive - I’m sorry - it is not meant to be - simply a play on Willie’s characterization of being the brain).

Willie’s pre-seeded 32 can be found here

106 lbs

1. Beric Jordan, Graham High School, OH

2. Bo Bassett, Bishop McCort, PA

3. Nathan Desmond, Bethlehem Catholic, PA

4. Cooper Hilton, Wyoming Seminary, PA

5. Seth Mendoza, Mount Carmel, IL

6. Christian Castillo, Valiant College Prep, AZ

7. Louie Gill, hickory, PA

8. Canon Acklin, Collinsville High School, OK

• Brodie Christmas (AL) #18

• Sebastian Degennaro (FL) #24

• Missing … Roman Lermer (FL), Tyler Washburn (FL) and Bryson Terrell (TN) - not sure how Degennaro (who is an outstanding freshman) gets pre-seeded in front of Lermer, Washburn, and Terrell.

• The brain is slightly askew here - Washburn and Terrell (both listed at 106 in Flo) should be ahead of Degennaro.

113 lbs

1. Vinny Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe, PA

2. Anthony Knox, Saint John Vianney High School, NJ

3. Cole Hunt, Cass, GA

4. Luke Lilledahl, Christian Brothers College, MO

5. Tyler Knox, St. John's Prep, MA

6. Dominic Mendez, Righetti, CA

7. Jax Forrest, Bishop McCort, PA

8. Draegen Orine, Seckman, MO

• Jake Crapps (GA) #11

• Ethan Rivera (FL) #23

• Missing … The top 3 from the SE are in the 32 and they are in the right order (in my opinion). Christian Guzman (FL), Daishun Powe (AL), Cam Stinson (NC), and JJ Peace (SC) could be added to the 32, but 113 looks good to me (I don’t know how Guzman and company compare to #32 Jason Torres of PA).

• The brain looks to be spot on here at 113.

120 lbs

1. Nathanael Jesuroga, Southeast Polk, IA

2. Joey Cruz, Bullard, CA

3. Caden Horwath, Davison HS, MI

4. Brock Mantanona, Palm Desert High School, CA

5. Aden Valencia, Ann Sobrato High School, CA

6. Kael Lauridsen, Bennington HS, NE

7. Dillon Campbell, Legacy Christian Academy, OH

8. Kyle Montaperto, Central Academy of Technology and Arts, NC

• Amantee Mills (GA) #24

• Drew Gorman (GA) #25

• Jackson Baglio (NC) #30

• Missing … Alabama’s Yanni Vines and Isaiah Powe as well as North Carolina’s Matt Rowland. Mills could be a little higher in my opinion, but given that he didn’t place at GFC - I’m sure that hurt his pre-seeding here. Funny how Crapps is seeded lower at 113 than he might be at 120 - but sometimes that’s the way it works. Willie is big on Fargo and being a double All American certainly helps Gorman (and hurts Vines, Powe, and Rowland).

• The brain might be a bit “off” here as it relates to Powe - in my opinion is definitely one that should be in the top 32.

126 lbs

1. Cory Land, Moody High School, AL

2. Sergio Lemley, Mount Carmel, IN

3. Gabe Whisenhunt, Crescent Valley High School, OR

4. Vincent Robinson, Homewood Flossmoor, IL

5. Kannon Webster, Washington, IL

6. PJ Duke, Minisink Valley, NY

7. Adrian Meza, Valiant College Prep, AZ

8. Kyler Larkin, Valiant College Preparatory, AZ

• Kai Owen (FL) #12

• Keyveon Roller (TN) #20

• Cooper Haase (FL) #22

• Missing … I have no clue how Andrew Austin isn’t in the top 32. That makes no sense. Zero. Other than that I don’t know how deep it is and whether Mark Samuel (NC), Jackson Bond (GA/TN), Jacob Silka (GA), etc. should or shouldn’t be in. Roller is pre-seeded too low in my opinion, but maybe that is my SE bias coming through. The top 8 looks about right except that PJ Duke should be higher in my opinion.

• The brain either simply looked over Austin or had some type of episode. Not including Austin in the top 32 is a mistake.

132 lbs

1. Nic Bouzakis, Wyoming Seminary, PA

2. Brock Bobzien, Poway High School, CA

3. Emilio Ysaguirre, Valiant college prep, AZ

4. Zeke Seltzer, Indianapolis Cathedral High School, IN

5. Danny Nini, Lake Highland Prep, FL

6. Braden Basile, Jesuit- Tampa, FL

7. Greyson Clark, Kaukauna High School, WI

8. Ryder Block, Waverly Shell Rock, IA

• Eligh Rivera (FL) #21

• Missing … obviously our #1 in the SE Dylan Layton of SC. I have no idea why he isn’t in the 32. I can get the argument that he isn’t top 8 - maybe you believe Basile or Nini should be #1 at 132 (although I can’t see Nini making 132), but not in the top 32 is ridiculous. From there … NC’ Jacob Cox, Brandt Fajerman and Marcus Jackson - maybe they are - maybe they aren’t in the top 32. I can get the argument, but I don’t see how Layton isn’t.

• Another brain fart … Dylan Layton should be in the top 32. Otherwise I’m good with it.

138 lbs

1. Richard Fedalen, McDonogh School, MD

2. Beau Mantanona, Palm Desert High School, CA

3. Joel Adams, Millard South High School, NE

4. Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic High School, PA

5. Michael Gioffre, Buchanan High School, CA

6. Tom Crook, Tampa Jesuit, FL

7. Dylan Gilcher, Detroit Catholic Central, MI

8. Kole Brower, Moline, IL

• Brayden Ivy (TN) #17

• Yannis Charles (SC) #30

• Missing … Luke Belcher (TN), Jacob Woodburn (NC) and Ethan Shell (NC).

• Crook at #6, Ivy at #17 … Willie even has Charles coming it at #30. Looks like the Brain is back on track at 138.

145 lbs

1. Cody Chittum, APEX homeschool, TN

2. Jackson Arrington, Forest HIlls, PA

3. Ty Whalen, Clearview Regional High School, NJ

4. Kaleb Larkin, Valiant College Preparatory, AZ

5. Jude Swisher, Bellefonte, PA

6. Pierson Manville, State College Area High School, PA

7. Kelvin Griffin, The Hill School, ME

8. Dylan Evans, Chartiers Valley, PA

• Ethan Mojena (FL) # 21

• Missing … Jeremiah Price (NC) and Thomas Snipes (SC). Melton Powe III, Latona, Schafer, Soto, etc. could all be seeded, but probably not in this very deep weight class. Am surprised that Price and Snipes are not.

• Really deep weight … Chittum is #1 and Mojena is #21. Would expect Price and Snipes to be in the top 32 as well.

152 lbs.

1. Michael Kilic, Woodward Academy, GA

2. Mitchell Mesenbrink, Arrowhead High School, WI

3. Erik Gibson, Bishop McCort, PA

4. Nicco Ruiz, St John Bosco, CA

5. Zack Ryder, Minisink Valley, NY

6. Joseph Sealey, Wyoming Seminary, NC

7. Alex Poore, Caravel Academy, DE

8. Mark Takara, Temecula High School, CA

• Jeremy Paradice (GA) #10

• Aaron Sheffield (GA) #31

• Missing … Brendon Abdon (FL), Seth Larson (GA), and Dominic Bambinelli (GA).

• Kilic is #1 and Sealey is #6 … Paradice at 10 and Sheffield at 31. Would have thought Bambinelli and Abdon would be in the top 32 … Larson also (but he hasn’t wrestled much on the national-scene since NHSCA’s so I understand that).

160 lbs

1. Levi Haines, Biglerville High School, PA

2. Landen Johnson, Owatonna, MN

3. M.J. Gaitan, Temecula Valley HS, CA

4. Ceasar Garza, Oakdale, CA

5. Sergio Desiante, Jesuit High School, FL

6. Jared Keslar, Connellsville, PA

7. Hunter Mays, Howell, NJ

8. Jonathan Ley, Lake Highland Prep, FL

• Gunner Filipowicz (GA) #9

• Cole Cochran (GA) #12

• Jake Swink (GA) #22

• Missing … Keenan Wyatt (AL), Dominic Rodriguez (FL), David Hunsberger (SC), Tyler Secoy (GA), and Kodiak Cannedy (TN).

• Desiante, Ley, Filipowicz, Cochran, and Swink in that order works for me, but incredibly surprised that the list doesn’t include Kodiak Cannedy and David Hunsberger. Wyatt, Rodriguez, and Secoy could be seeded in the top 32, but I don’t understand not having Cannedy (he’s not in the top 32 up at 170 either) and Hunsberger. Big miss by the brain at 160.

170 lbs

1. Matthew Singleton, Woodward Academy, GA

2. Rocco Welsh, Waynesburg Central High School, PA

3. Brayden Thompson, Lockport High School, IL

4. Tate Naaktgeboren, Linn-Mar High School, IA

5. Rune Lawrence, Frazier, PA

6. Cody Merrill, Gilroy High School, CA

7. Ceasar Garza, Oakdale, CA

8. Markell Rivera - Cain, Ironwood High School, AZ

• Jonathan Conrad (FL) #10

• Tre Wilfong (NC) #17

• Daniel Williams (FL) #19

• Missing … Aiden McCafferty (NC) or AJ Dickerson (SC) could be pre-seeded in the top 32. Not surprise with Singleton #1 and Conrad #10. Wilfong is a hammer, but given we haven’t seen him much - it is interesting to see him at #17

• Garza must be tough - pre-seeded at both 160 and 170. I joke - look mistakes happen. We all miss things. Another reason to take all of these things with a grain of salt. No complaint about the pre-seeds here.

182 lbs

1. Brian Soldano, High Point, NJ

2. Hayden Walters, Crescent Valley High School, OR

3. Clayton Whiting, Oconto Falls, WI

4. Ryder Rogotzke, Stillwater, MN

5. Kole Mulhauser, Central Square HS, NY

6. Joseph Martin, Buchanan High School, CA

7. Andrew Donahue, Liberty, OH

8. Mickey Griffith, Des Moines Lincoln High School, IA

• Brian Burburija (FL) #18

• Dominic Joyce (FL) #20

• Devon Bell (NC) #31

• Missing … Hunter Adams (GA) and Nolan Pozzobon (GA) but the top 32 looks right to me.

• Several names appeared on the list after I wrote the Fan’s Guides … Soldano being a big one and Burburija from Florida also being on the list. So good to see 182 really fill out with a very strong field. Devon Bell won’t be there so one of the pre-seeds places is gone. Adams could take that place, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it went to a large number of others in the field.

195 lbs

1. Seth Shumate, Dublin Coffman, OH

2. Rylan Rogers, Coeur D'Alene High School, ID

3. Kolby Franklin, Wyoming Seminary, PA

4. Martin Cosgrove, Camden Catholic, NJ

5. Wyatt Voelker, West Delaware High School, IA

6. Jacob Meissner, osseo, MN

7. Max Ramberg, Baldwin-Woodville, WI

8. Michael Tal-Shahar, American Heritage, FL

• Luke Cochran (GA) #11

• Missing … a little surprised that NC’s Caleb Beaty isn’t in the top 16 pre-seeds.

• Really good weight class … Shumate, Rogers, Franklin, and Cosgrove highlight the top. Heard Voelker is out, but we will have to wait and see. Florida’s Mikey Tal-Shahar is the top pre-seed from the SE and that makes sense. In my opinion - the brain is spot on with the top 8.

220 lbs

1. Christian Carroll, New Prairie, IN

2. Jack Darrah, Wyoming Seminary, MO

3. Logan Shephard, Perry High School, OH

4. Parker Ferrell, Christiansburg High School, VA

5. Dylan Russo, Olentangy Liberty High School, OH

6. Evan Anderson, Western Reserve Acadamy, OH

7. Ronald Gunnar Garriques, Baylor, IL

8. Caden Ferris, Delton Kellogg, MI

• Missing … Carson Floyd (NC), but in reality when only pre-seeding the top 16 - I can see where Floyd isn’t in that group.

• Christian Carroll is an absolute beast and Darrah is certainly #2. SE’s Gunnar Garriques is a legit threat to make a run toward the top of the podium … don’t think he can beat Carroll, but he can certainly beat everyone else in the field. Being on the opposite side of Carroll gives him the best shot.

285 lbs

1. Chase Horne, West Laurens High School, GA

2. Keith Miley, Whitfield School, MO

3. Aidan Fockler, Massillon Perry High School, OH

4. Jamier Ferere, Southern Guilford High School, NC

5. Max Acciardi, Paramus Catholic, NJ

6. Matthew Cruise, Easton Area High School, PA

7. Matthew Moore, Mesa Ridge HS, CO

8. Alex Semenenko, Poly Prep, NY

• Ethan Vergara (FL) #10

• Matthew Jimenez (FL) #13

• Adrian Sans (FL) #16

• Missing … none. Good seeds for the SE and seems about right. Horne is definitely #1, Ferere is in the top 6, and then the 3 Florida 285’s are in the top 16. Excited to see Georgia’s Galloway either here or 220 and Cane Fernandez (FL) … see how our SE big biys matchup.

Standard disclaimer at the top of each post … 1. not everyone registered will compete, 2. athletes can change weights so just because they registered at one weight doesn’t mean that is the weight they will compete at, 3. these are my best guess without seeing a bracket or anything (just trying to give everyone a decent idea of what they might see). Despite the #’s you might have seen from Flo or others - the total # of participants on the boys side is 1438 (for some reason there are multiple entries for some wrestlers). If you are interested in the breakdown overall - visit the Super 32 overview.

Note: This was written this past weekend and shared in SEWrestle+. I have updated a few things, but for the most part it is exactly as it was written previously.

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106 lbs.

# registered: 100

# State Champs: 12

# State Placers: 23

Favorite: Beric Jordan (OH)

Contenders:

• Nathan Desmond (PA)

• Cooper Hilton (PA)

• Seth Mendoza (IL)

• Christian Castillo (AZ)

• Canon Acklin (OK)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Lucas Chittum (TN)

• Brodie Christmas (AL)

• Chaz McDonald (GA)

• Allen Calderon (GA)

• Roman Lermer (FL)

• Bryson Terrell (TN)

Darkhorse:

• Bo Bassett (PA)

Bassett is a Cadet World Champ and has to be amongst the favorites … he isn’t ranked by Flo and Isn’t a returning medalist and as a result is the darkhorse in the group, but he has proven that he can beat anyone. Beric Jordan is the only returning Super 32 Placer in the group and is an Ohio State Champ - as a result he is the favorite and is also the highest ranked of the 106’s in the field. Cooper Hilton has a PA next to his name, but is really a #dirtysouth hammer from Tennessee now wrestling at Wyoming Seminary … he has a legit shot to claim a belt this coming weekend. The other 106 from outside the SE that I think finishes high on the podium is Seth Mendoza of Illinois … he was dominant at the GFC and is a Fargo Champ.

SE Take: Everyone is sleeping on the SE crew and that’s a mistake. There are several that could make a legit run at a spot on the podium. Christmas and Terrell are rankedup at 113, but either makes the weight - they will be a force in this bracket. Roman Lermer is our #1 in the SE at 106. He should make a run deep into the bracket, but making the top 8 in a field of 100 is going to be a challenge. Keep an eye on the little Chittum as well … you know those Boom Ranch kids will be ready for anything.

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113 lbs.

# registered: 119

# State Champs: 36

# State Placers: 46

Favorite: Anthony Knox (NJ)

Contenders:

• Luke Lilledahl (OH)

• Vinny Kilkeary (PA)

• Alan Koehler (MN)

• Drew Heethuis (MI)

• Gauge Botero (PA)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Cole Hunt (GA)

• Ethan Rivera (FL)

• Christian Guzman (FL)

• Tyler Washburn (FL)

• JJ Peace (SC)

Darkhorse:

• Logan Swenson (MN)

Knox is simply outstanding … another reason to get to the Georgia Super 32 Qualifier is the future - this kid came down 2 years ago to compete. PA’s Vincent Kilkeary is a returning Champ and beat Knox a year ago at 106 in the quarters. As a returning Champ he could be the favorite, but Knox looked superb in Fargo and I would consider him the favorite based on their most recent accomplishments. Lilledahl, Koehler, and others are all nationally-ranked (if fact there are so many nationally-ranked wrestlers that it is borderline ridiculous). Two names that aren’t ranked are Sam Herring and Jax Forrest … both are former #dirtysouth hammers that have taken their talents to Bishop McCort in PA. Both are 8th-graders that should make some noise at the weight. I watched Logan Swenson at the GFC and came away super impressed - he is way down the list for many people, but I’d keep an eye on him.

SE Take: Cole Hunt and Ethan Rivera are our #1 and #2 and both could be listed under the contender section and not just the SE Wrestler to Watch. Both are that good and have the ability to beat anyone in the field. Hunt is a real legit threat to claim the belt before heading off the UNC next year. Two Florida hammers - Christian Guzman and Tyler Washburn - as well as South Carolina State Champ JJ Peace are also on the short-list of ones to watch. Each has the ability to really make a name for themselves this weekend. The SE has a ton of wrestlers registered at 113 … a few names that are “off the national radar” but have the ability to make a run include Will Anderson of Alabama (if he is at 113), Cam Stinson of North Carolina who had a good run at GFC, and Daishun Powe of Alabama. Jayden Morris is legit and as a freshman will not likely make the podium here, but watch him compete - he will be on the Super 32 podium in the near future.

Update: Looks like Jake Crapps will be down at the weight as well. The Cass 1-2 punch is tough and both could finish high the podium at 113.

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120 lbs.

# registered: 143

# State Champs: 43

# State Placers: 57

Favorite: Nate Jesuroga (IA)

Contenders:

• Caden Horwath (MI)

• Zan Fugitt (MO)

• Caleb Thoennes (MN)

• Brock Mantanona (CA)

• Kael Lauridsen (NE)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Jake Crapps (GA)

• Kyle Montaperto (NC)

• Drew Gorman (GA)

• Jackson Baglio (NC)

• Yanni Vines (AL)

• Matt Rowland (NC)

• Amantee Mills (GA)

• Isaiah Powe (AL)

Darkhorse:

• Aden Valencia (CA)

Michigan’s Horwath won it a year ago and is back to take home a 2nd belt this year, but I believe Iowa’s Nate Jesuoriga is the favorite after beating Joey Cruz at Who’s Number 1. Fugitt, Mantanona, Lauridsen will all be in the hunt, but you can’t sleep on a slew of SE hammers that each have the ability to beat anyone in the field. Trust me. California’s Aden Valencia is outstanding and is the darkhorse (although the idea of someone with Valencia’s credentials and talents being the darkhorse is almost laughable … he is outstanding).

SE Take: The SE is brining the heat at 120. Crapps beat Tallmadge and Montaperto at GFC and he is being completely overlooked by Flo and the other “experts”. Not mention of those wins at the GFC in the write-up. It doesn’t mean Crapps will do it again - but it does mean he is in the hunt. Just as Montaperto is. Montaperto had one helluva run at the 2020 Super 32 and finished 5th (his only losses were to Jore Volk of Minnesota). He has all of the tools to claim the belt, but will need to beat some national, as well as, SE hammers to get there. The SE is super deep at 120 with Crapps and Montaperto, but also with Gorman, Baglio, Vines, Rowland, Mills, and Powe. Each can make a run deep into the tournament … in reality, each has the ability to climb all the way to the top, but it will take 5 or more close matches over some of the best competition to make that happen. The matchups here will get “stupid” early - like Corday vs. Jesuorga in the Round of 32 a year ago. That level of competition will come early - who will be ready for it? Keep an eye on 2 more Alabama kids that are a bit off the radar, but have a chance to increase their stock in a significant way with a good run … keep an eye on Hudson Waldrop and Chad Strickland as well as North Carolina’s Noah Luna.

Update: Joey Cruz was added after I dowloaded the info from Super 32 - Cruz is definitely a threat here … but Jesuorga is still my favorite entering the weight. Looks like Crapps is at 113.

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126 lbs.

# registered: 161

# State Champs: 48

# State Placers: 56

Favorite: Cory Land (AL)

Contenders:

• Sergio Lemley (IN)

• PJ Duke (NY)

• Evan Frost (IA/LA)

• Kannon Webster (IL)

• Kyler Larkin (AZ)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Keyveon Roller (TN)

• Andrew Austin (FL)

• Cooper Haase (FL)

• Jacob Silka (GA)

• Jackson Bond (GA/TN)

• Mark Samuel (NC)

Darkhorse: Vincent Bouzakis (PA)

Another extremely deep weight class and we believe that Alabama’s Cory Land is the favorite … Land has been in the finals and has also finished elsewhere in the podium at Super 32. It is his year to take home the belt and put it next to that World Silver he claimed this summer. PJ Duke was finalist last year andSergio Lemley is ranked #1 by several different rankers. Keep an eye on Evan Frost (who is not in Iowa?) as well as Kannon Webster and Kyler Larkin (Webster beat Cooper Flynn in Fargo this past summer - I believe and Larkin downed Mason Gibson). As I said before, this weight is super deep with GFC Champ Vincent Robinson (IL), Gabe Whisenhunt (OR), and PA’s Vincent Bouzakis has really come on as of late and has some outstanding wins … he isn’t likely to be seeded in the top 8 and that makes him our darkhorse.

SE Take: Great group from the SE. Austin and Haase had a great GFC final and each can compete with anyone in the county. Roller is ranked #3 by us up at 132 and if he makes 126 he will be a force and has all the tools to claim the belt himself. Georgia’s Jacob Silka and Jackson Bond as well as NC’s Marks Samuel should make deep runs as well. Flo gave a little love to south Georgia hammers in Dom Ditomasso and Ethan Sellers … look for them to be in the mix also. One other to keep eyes on is Joseph Morris. The SE has 14 State Champs in the field along with countless State Placers - it is the biggest weight of the tournament so we are certain to see some outstanding Round of 32 matches and from there on in to the finals. Making the top 8 out of the 161 registered would be an outstanding accomplishment.

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132 lbs.

# registered: 147

# State Champs: 37

# State Placers: 72

Favorite: Nic Bouzakis (PA)

Contenders:

• Emilio Ysaguirre (AZ)

• Zeke Seltzer (IN)

• Mac Church (PA)

• Ryder Block (IA)

• Chase Deblaere (MN)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Danny Nini (FL)

• Braden Basile (FL)

• Eligh Rivera (FL)

• Dylan Layton (SC)

• Jacob Cox (NC)

Darkhorse: Jacob Frost (IA/LA)

Bouzakis was “upset” this summer in Fargo by Ysaguirre - I’d expect that Bouzakis is looking forward to getting that one back. Add in Indiana hammer Zeke Seltzer as well as new Hokie commit Mac Church, Ryder Block, and Chase Deblaere and we’ve got quite a spectacular core group of contenders. Each of the wrestlers to watch could also be listed in that group, but we will talk more about them below. Former Louisiana hammer Jacob Frost is the darkhorse … the Columbia commit can beat anyone in the field and may not be seeded in the top 8 (depends on how much weight they put on his Super 32 place from a year ago).

SE Take: Layton is our #1 at 132 with Basile #2. Nini is #1 at 138 and all three are registered for Super 32 at 132. It seems crazy to think Nini will be down to 132, but we will go with it. Layton and Basile both lost in the GFC finals and both have a style that fits this type of tournament … grinding through people and enjoying the next tough match that comes up. There will be no gimmes here and these two are built for this. Keep an eye on Eligh Rivera … with Nini, Basile, and Layton getting much of the SE focus - Rivera has the ability (along with Cox) to make a deep run. I’m really interested to see how North Carolina 1A State Champ Jayden Nowell does … the competition is up from NC 1A and matching that intensity will say a ton about where Nowell falls in NC as well as the SE. Keep an eye out for Brock Carey and Reese Jones - interested to see how they do as well.

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138 lbs.

# registered: 144

# State Champs: 27

# State Placers: 69

Favorite: Jesse Mendez (IN)

Contenders:

• Tyler Kasak (PA)

• Danny Sheen (IL)

• Joseph Cangro (NJ)

• Kody Ketchum (MO)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Tom Crook (FL)

• Brayden Ivy (TN)

• Luke Belcher (TN)

• Jacob Woodburn (NC)

• David Panone (GA)

• Devin Stone (AL)

Darkhorse: Yannis Charles (SC)

World Team member Jesse Mendez is the easy favorite at 138. He is motivated and ready to go … which could be tough on the rest of the field. Kasak, Sheen, Cangro, and Ketchum are each distinguished and could make a run to the top step as well - but Mendez would figure to be a significant favorite here. The SE has a number of wrestlers that have the ability to make a run as well … Tom Crook won the GFC at 140 and will be in the hunt. Brayden Ivy didn’t compete at GFC after registering and I’m not sure if that is because he was injured or if something came up. If Ivy is healthy he will be in the mix for a spot on the podium as well.

SE Take: Tennessee’s Luke Belcher, Georgia’s Panone, and Alabama’s Stone have a great opportunity to make a lasting impression with a good run in the bracket … each has the ability to make the podium, but will need to grind through some tough matches to put themselves in position. South Carolina Runner-up and GFC Champ Yannis Charles has been trending up since making the podium in Fargo and he is someone that could really make a good run this weekend in Greensboro … for everyone thinking that the South Carolina kids are going to be an easy out are going to be shocked running into the likes of Peace, Snipes, and especially Charles who has been wrestling great. Two other names that people outside the SE might overlook, but shouldn’t are Jacob Woodburn … who can beat anyone in the bracket and Florida’s Jewell Williams - who as I’m writing this is in the Freakshow semis at 138. I expect to see as many as 4 SE hammers on the podium when all is said and done at 138.

Update: No Mendez in the pre-seeds - which almost certainly means he is out. Fedalen, Adams, and Mantanona weren’t listed when I downloaded the data and each could make a case for being the favorite without Mendez here. It seems this weight is significantly different than when I downloaded the names last Friday. The SE group is still intact (no Hunter Mason), but everyone else is here. The top contenders are different though.

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145 lbs.

# registered: 134

# State Champs: 32

# State Placers: 65

Favorite: Cody Chittum (TN)

Contenders:

• Jackson Arrington (PA)

• KJ Evans (OK)

• Ty Whalen (NJ)

• Kal Miller (MO)

• Kelvin Griffin (ME)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Jeremiah Price (NC)

• Thomas Snipes (SC)

• Ethan Mojena (FL)

• James Latona (AL)

• Melton Powe III (AL)

• Jaden New (AL)

Darkhorse: Pierson Manville (PA)

Very good weight that is headlined by former #1 overall Cody Chittum. Chittum has been on the shelf for a bit and is finally recovered from some injuries and ready to get back into the mix. The 145 lb. bracket is deep, but we will take Chittum as the favorite. Expect Jackson Arrington, KJ Evans, and Kal Miller to all be in the mix. Arrington is a PA State Champ and was 5th at Super 32 at 126 a year ago. KJ Evans and Kal Miller was both midwest State Champs (Evans in Oklahoma and Miller in Missouri) and neither made the trip for last year’s Super 32. New Jersey Champ Ty Whalen was 6th at the Super 32 a year ago and Maine’s (or PA) Kelvin Griffin was 8th at 138. One wrestler to keep an eye on is Pierson Manville - 3-2 at last year’s Super 32 with close losses to both Brenner and Menke.

SE Take: This is another weight where I expect several SE wrestlers to be on the podium. NC’s Jeremiah Price is at the top of the list - he was 3-2 at last year’s Super 32, but has really turned it on this fall with outstanding performances at Journeymen and GFC and looks locked in and ready to make a run this year. The same could be said for Florida’s Ethan Mojena - who was 3-2 here a year ago and finished off the podium. Mojena, like Price, has had a really good summer and fall and should be on the podium this year. New Citadel commit Thomas Snipes had a great Journeymen about a month ago … he wasn’t at Super 32 last year or at the GFC this year - but I’d expect him to make a run here as well. Three Alabama wrestlers - Melton Powe III, James Latona, and Jaden New have all the tools to knock off anyone in the bracket - they key will be putting together several tough wins in a row. New Tennessee hammer (and former Virginia hammer) Colin Dupill is another to keep an eye on.

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152 lbs.

# registered: 116

# State Champs: 32

# State Placers: 54

Favorite: Michael Kilic (GA)

Contenders:

• Mitchell Mesenbrink (WI)

• Daniel Cardenas (CO)

• Erik Gibson (PA)

• Fin Nadeau (MT)

• Nicholas Vafiadis (VA)

• Nick Fea (NY)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Brendon Abdon (FL)

• Andrew Cory (GA)

• Jeremy Paradice (GA)

• Seth Larson (GA)

• Aaron Sheffield (GA)

• Dominic Bambinelli (GA)

Darkhorse: Joe Sealey (PA/NC)

Kilic is the favorite - he is a multiple time Georgia Champ and was 3rd at Super 32 a year ago (his only loss coming in the quarters to the eventual champ Alek Martin of Ohio). We could see a future all-PAC12 final if both Kilic and Colorado’s Daniel Cardenas make their way to the finals. Cardenas was 7th at this weight a year ago - losing to Florida’s Jonathan Ley in the quarters. Wisconsin’s Mitchell Mesenbrink and PA’s Erik Gibson are two others to watch as both made the podium in 2020. Montana’s Fin Nadeau, Virginia’s Nic Vafiadis, and New York’s Nick Fea each have a ton of titles and other accolades and will certainly be in the hunt. Freshmen Joe Sealey - new PA hammer (former NC hammer) - is a legit threat here and could knock off any of the top hammers here at 152.

SE Take: Kilic is the favorite, but he isn’t the only Georgia hammer in the field that could make a run at the podium. Andrew Cory, Jeremy Paradice, and Aaron Sheffield join the next wave of Georgia hammers in Seth Larson (Sophomore) and Dominic Bambinelli (freshman) as real threats to make the podium. Florida State Champ Brendon Abdon was 5th at GFC with losses to Joe Gonzalez and Bambinelli - Abdon is also a threat to make a run for a spot on the podium. A few other SE names that will look to make a splash with a good run this weekend include South Carolina’s Weston Eadie and Robert Wattenbarger, Georgia’s Creed Thomas and Tyler Secoy, and NC’s Maxwell Kiel.

Update: No Cardenas in the pre-seeds - meaning it is likely he won’t make the trip east. Fin Nadaeu is pre-seeded at 145 and Nick Fea is pre-seeded at 160 (meaning Willie has probably been alerted to some weight changes). California’s Nicco Ruiz and Mark Takara as well as Delaware’s Alex Poore would take their spots as contenders. The SE wrestlers look the same as what is listed above.

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160 lbs.

# registered: 107

# State Champs: 32

# State Placers: 48

Favorite: Levi Haines (PA)

Contenders:

• Jonathan Ley (FL)

• Grant Mackay (PA)

• Gunner Filipowicz (GA)

• Drake Acklin (OK)

• Dominic Baker (VA)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• David Hunsberger (SC)

• Sergio Desiante (FL)

• Cole Cochran (GA)

• Kodiak Cannedy (TN)

• Dominic Rodriguez (FL)

• Mason Alley (TN)

Darkhorse: Daschle Lamer (OR)

Pennsylvania State Champ Levi Haines was 2nd here a year ago - losing to Georgia’s Caden McCrary in the 138 lb. final. Haines is one of a number of returning Super 32 Placers and has to be amongst the favorites to claim the belt this year. PA State Champ Grant Mackay and Florida hammer Jonathan Ley each claimed a spot on the podium a year ago at 152 - Mackay in 8th and Ley in 3rd. Georgia’s Filipowicz downed Ley in the GFC finals at this weight and is also in the mix for a run at the top of the podium. Oklahoma State Champ Drake Acklin went 3-2 at 145 a year ago and should also be one to keep an eye on. Lamer and Baker headline a solid group that are also ready to make a run at the podium.

SE Take: The SE group at 160 is super deep and is headlined by Filipowicz and Ley. But there are a number of SE wrestlers that could push for a spot on top of the podium. In fact, there are 27 wrestlers from SE states - meaning more than a quarter of the bracket is filled with a #dirtysouth wrestler. Florida’s Sergio Desiante comes in as a runner-up, but had a great summer in Fargo … and is #4 in our latest rankings - right behind Georgia’s Cole Cochran and in front of South Carolina’s David Hunsberger. We didn’t get the Cochran vs. Filipowicz match at GFC, but don’t be surprised if we them battle it out in the quarters, semis, or bloodround in Greensboro - it is a potential Georgia 5A State Championship match. Tennessee’s Kodiak Cannedy is ranked up at 171 and it will be interesting to see if he makes the cut to 160. Tennessee’s Mason Alley, Florida’s Dominic Rodriguez as well as Roman Garcia and Keenan Wyatt are ranked and should be in the hunt for a spot on the podium. Don’t sleep on North Carolina’s Aiden Curry - DQ’d at the GFC - it will be interesting to see him in the bracket as well. One last note - 2021 Alabama State Champ Rafael Hipolito is now in Virginia at Independence High School and he is in the bracket (definitely one to watch).

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170 lbs.

# registered: 89

# State Champs: 17

# State Placers: 47

Favorite: Matthew Singleton (GA)

Contenders:

• Rocco Welsh (PA)

• Hunter Lyden (MN)

• Ceasar Garza (CA)

• Rune Lawrence (PA)

• Cody Merrill (CA)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Jonathan Conrad (FL)

• Aiden McCafferty (NC)

• AJ Dickerson (SC)

• Anthony Pyron (TN)

• Seth Blackledge (NC)

Darkhorse: Jaxon Randall (OK)

Another outstanding weight … fewer total # as compared to some of the lower and middle weights, but the top-end talent is outstanding. Georgia’s Matt Singleton came up just short of a belt a year ago (after losing to IL’s Dean Hamiti, Jr. in the 160 final) and is back to take home the belt this year. The same can be said for Pennsylvania State Runner-up Rocco Welsh who lost to Ohio’s Alek Martin in the 145 lb. final a year ago. Add in Super 32 Placer Hunter Lyden of Minnesota (who fell to Singleton in last year’s semis) as well as California State Champs Caesar Garza and Cody Merrill, Pennsylvania State Champ Rune Lawrence, and many others and you could have one of the best finals happen in this weight. Don’t sleep on Oklahoma State Champ Jaxon Randall.

SE Take: 4x Florida State Champ Jonathan Conrad and 3x South Carolina State Champ AJ Dickerson headline (besides Singleton) a quality group from the SE. Both will look to make a run at a spot on the podium this coming weekend. Keep an eye on North Carolina State Runners-up Seth Blackledge and Aiden McCafferty as well as Tennessee State Placer Anthony Pyron … each should be battling all the way through the weekend. Jackson Harms, Zachary McKnight Danil Korochensky, and Danny Williams are just a few of the others to keep an eye on. Florida’s Riley Orr has had a very good fall by winning the Florida Super 32 Qualifier and taking 6th at the GFC - the 2021 6th place Florida finish isn’t likely to make thisbracket pause, but he has wrestled extremely well and could shake things up this weekend.

Minnesota’s Hunter Lyden isn’t in the top 32 pre-seeds - meaning he is likely out. I think Garza will be at 170 - but is pre-seeded at both 160 and 170. IL’s Brayden Thompson would step in and take Lyden’s spot as a contender. SE looks fairly similar … NC’s Tre Wilfong is pre-seeded above McCafferty, Dickerson, etc.

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182 lbs.

# registered: 71

# State Champs: 18

# State Placers: 29

Favorite: Clayton Whiting (WI)

Contenders:

• Hayden Walters (OR)

• Andrew Donahue (OH)

• AJ Heeg (OK)

• Damion Schunke (SD)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Hunter Adams (GA)

• Kyle Fink (NC)

• Nolan Pozzobon (GA)

• Brady Ross (NC)

• Dominic Joyce (FL)

Darkhorse: Remy Cotton (MI)

Fairly open weight as compared to the others in Greensboro. Both Whiting and Walters have placed at Super 32 and both are ranked in the top 10 - so either could be the “favorite” heading into the tournament. Whiting is a Wisconsin State Champ and was 3rd here a year ago at 170 losing to Oregon’s James Rowley. Hayden Walters is an Oregon State Champ and was 5th at this weight a year ago. Ohio State Champ Andrew Donahue and Oklahoma State Champ AJ Heeg are both in the field in 2021 (neither made the trip back East last year). South Dakota’s Damion Schunke was also absent a year ago, but was most recently on the east coast a few weeks ago at the GFC. The weight - for the most part - is fairly open and whoever can put together a good run will have the belt by Sunday evening. We didn’t get to see Remy Cotton at GFC - and he could make some noise in Greensboro.

SE Take: SE ranked wrestlers Hunter Adams (GA), Nolan Pozzobon (GA), Kyle Fink (NC), and Dominic Joyce (FL) are in the field, but several of the top 10 are missing for one reason or another. NC’s Devon Bell is out with an injury (was registered, but had to pull out), FL’s Lance Schyck (I would assume) is still recovering from knee surgery, and Brian Burburija and Cory Cannan aren’t registered. This opens the door for NC State Champ Brady Ross, TN’s Gervacio Gonzalez, FL’s Joseph Nicolosi, etc. to put together a good weekend and either vault into the rankings or move up in a significant way. Keep an eye on Ranson Coons and Will Conlon.

Update: Probably the one weight with the biggest changes … didn’t see Brian Soldano, Joseph Martim, and Ryder Rogotzke in the original download. In fact with that info - Soldano would be the favorite with Whiting and Walters both being contenders. Big change for SE as well because Florida’s Brian Burburija wasn’t on the original list we downloaded but is now included. Interested to see how one of our top SE 182’s match up with the group.

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195 lbs.

# registered: 44

# State Champs: 13

# State Placers: 16

Favorite: Martin Cosgrove (NJ)

Contenders:

• Seth Shumate (OH)

• Kolby Franklin (PA)

• Max Ramberg (WI)

• Wyatt Voelker (IA)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Mikey Tal-Shahar (FL)

• Caleb Beaty (NC)

• Luke Cochran (GA)

• Thomas D’Avanzo (FL)

Darkhorse: Remy Brancato (NJ)

Both Cosgrove and Shumate are returning State Champs in very tough states (New Jersey and Ohio) and are also returning Super 32 placers at this weight. In fact, Cosgrove beat Shumate in the consi semis a year ago to make the consi finals. Kolby Franklin has long been a standout in Pennsylvania … first making the podium as a freshman at St. Joseph’s Academy before transferring to Wyoming Seminary. He will certainly be in the hunt for the top spot on the podium this weekend. Ramberg is a Wisconsin State Runner-up and just missed the podium here a year ago. Iowa’s Wyatt Voelker is another name to keep an eye on … he has been on fire since grabbing a Junior Greco National Title in Fargo this summer - he is also an Iowa State Champ and made the podium at this weight in freestyle as well. Bergen Catholic’s Remy Broncato is a Jersey Runner-up and a current Lehigh commit … he isn’t really a darkhorse, but given the depth of the field he might not be seeded in the top 8.

SE Take: Florida State Champ Mikey Tal-Shahar - #3 in the latest SE Rankings - grabbed a Journeymen hammer earlier this fall and has to be one of the contenders heading into the weekend. North Carolina’s Caleb Beaty, Georgia’s Luke Cochran, and Florida’s Thomas D’Avanzo are also SE hammers to keep an eye on. Beaty and D’Avanzo both wrestled up at Journeymen with Tal-Shahar and Cochran most recently competed at the Grappler Fall Classic. NC’s Owen Clark and Louden Peters, SC’s Patrick Brophy, and FL’s Cayden Bevis are a few others to watch … making a good run against this field can only boost their stock as we get ready to start the season. We are missing our top 2 195’s in David Harper and Sawyer Bartelt. Bartelt will be on the shelf for a bit with an injury - not sure why we won’t see Harper this weekend.

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220 lbs.

# registered: 39

# State Champs: 7

# State Placers: 12

Favorite: Christian Carroll (IN)

Contenders:

• Jack Darrah (MO)

• Caden Ferris (MI)

• Dylan Russo (OH)

• Ben Kueter (IA)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Gunnar Garriques (TN)

• Carson Floyd (NC)

• Dylan Galloway (GA)

• Chase Thompson (FL)

Darkhorse: Evan Anderson (OH)

Indiana’a Christian Carroll has been absolute monster over the last 12 months - not sure anyone is taking a Super 32 belt away from him. Carroll is the only 2020 Super 32 Champ to return and defend his belt. Missouri’s Jack Darrah, Michigan’s Caden Ferris, Ohio’s Dylan Russo, and Iowa’ Ben Kueter are just a few of the names that stand in the way of Carroll taking home another belt in 2021. Keep an eye on Ohio’s Evan Anderson - he is certainly under the national radar, but is tough and will look to create some chaos in the bracket.

SE Take: With no Noah Pettigrew or Ashton Davis - the SE will be led by Tennessee State Champ Gunnar Garriques. Gunnar took home the Grappler Fall Classic a few weeks ago and has looked great over the last year … he is currently ranked #3 in the SE. Garriques should make the podium - how high he climbs will be something to watch. North Carolina’s Carson Floyd is another name the keep an eye on - was DQ’d to Garriques at GFC and then unable to wrestle - he finished 6th. He is anxious to get back out there are make a run to the podium as well. Georgia Dylan Galloway most recently took 2nd to Matthew Jimenez at 285 at the Grappler Fall Classic - the Georgia State Runner-up is now back to his “fighting” weight and should be in the mix as well. Keep an eye on Florida’s Chase Thompson, like his American Heritage teammate Tal-Shahar, has missed several months of wrestling (don’t know if that was simply a break or recovering from injury), but he is a wrestler that could make some waves.

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285 lbs.

# registered: 24

# State Champs: 5

# State Placers: 9

Favorite: Chase Horne (Georgia)

Contenders:

• Miguel Perez (ID)

• Matthew Moore (CO)

• Gage Cook (WA)

• Aiden Lacoma (VA)

• KJ Miley (MO)

SE Wrestlers to Watch:

• Jamier Ferere (NC)

• Ethan Vergara (FL)

• Matthew Jimenez (FL)

• Adrian Sans (FL)

Darkhorse: Ben Kohler (OH)

Two time Super 32 runner-up Chase Horne headlines the 285 lb. weight. Horne lost 2 years ago to Braxton Amos at 220 and then fell to Hayden Copass in the 285 lb. final last year. Is this the year that big mama final takes home a Super 32 belt? Horne is joined by returning Super 32 placers Miguel Perez, KJ Miley and Matthew Moore as well as some very good wrestlers in Gage Cook, Aiden Lacoma, Ben Kohler, and others. The path will not be easy, but Horne has shown he has the ability to get to the final match … getting over that last hurdle is his next challenge.

SE Take: North Carolina’s Jamier Ferere wasn’t listed in the original registration, but has popped up on the registration in Flo. So I’m assuming he will be here. The Naval Academy commit should be in the mix to make the podium this year - but with 4 Super 32 placers returning he will need to bring his “A” game from the start. Florida has quite a few heavy’s making their way to Greensboro this weekend and each should feel confident … Vergara, Jimenez, and Sans have each made the podium in Florida (Vergara is the only returning Champ). Sans and Ferere each went 1-2 a year ago and we expect that to be different this year. Jimenez lost in the bloodround and most certainly has his sights set on making the podium this time around. Keep an eye on NC’s John Domencic and Karek Stewart-Karolewics, Georgia’s Aaron Garcia, and Florida’s Cane Fernandez as they look to measure themselves against some of the best 285’s in the country.