Original Article: uww.org

UWW today has released the top 8 seeds for each weight class for the 2022 Senior World Championships that kick off on September 10th. The United States will have 7 wrestlers in the top 8 seeds with two as the top seed that include Sarah Hildebrandt (50 KG) and Helen Maroulis (57 KG). For the rest, Dom Parrish (53 KG) is the 7 seed, Jacarra Winchester (55 KG) is the 4 seed, Kayla Miracle (62 KG) is the 3 seed, Mallory Velte (65 KG) is the 8 seed, Tamyra Mensah-Stock (68 KG) is the 2 seed.

Here are the seeds that were released today:

50 KG

1. Sarah Hildebrandt (United States)
2. Yui Susaki (Japan)
3. Miglena Selishka (Bulgaria)
4. Emilia Alina Vuc (Romania)
5. Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (Mongolia)
6. Madison Parks (Canada)
7. Mariya Stadnik (Azerbaijan)
8. Evin Demirhan (Turkey)

53 KG

1. Akari Fujinami (Japan)
2. Iulia Leorda (Moldova)
3. Samantha Stewart (Canada)
4. Katarzyna Krawczyk (Poland)
5. Emma Malmgren (Sweden)
6. Zeynep Yetgil (Turkey)
7. Dom Parrish (United States)
8. Maria Prevolaraki (Greece)

55 KG

1. Nina Hemmer (Germany)
2. Oleksandra Khomenets (Ukraine)
3. Andreea Beatrice Ana (Romania)
4. Jacarra Winchester (United States)
5. Roksana Marta Zasina (Poland)
6. Karla Godinez Gonzalez (Canada)
7. Sushma Shokeen (India)
8. Marina Sedneva (Kazakhstan)

57 KG

1. Helen Maroulis (United States)
2. Evelina Nikolova (Bulgaria)
3. Giullia Rodrigues Penalber De Oliveira (Brazil)
4. Alma Valencia Escoto (Mexico)
5. Sandra Paruszewski (Germany)
6. Mansi (India)
7. Alina Hrushyna Akobiia (Ukraine)
8. Anhelina Lysak (Poland)

59 KG

1. Sarita (India)
2. Shoovdar Baatarjav (Mongolia)
3. Jowita Maria Wrzesien (Poland)
4. Alyona Kolesnik (Azerbaijan)
5. Anastasia Nichita (Moldova)
6. Grace Bullen (Norway)
7. Diana Kayumova (Kazakhstan)
8. Elena Heike Brugger (Germany)

62 KG

1. Aisuluu Tynybekova (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Lais Nunes (Brazil)
3. Kayla Miracle (United States)
4. Nonoka Ozaki (Japan)
5. Ilona Prokopevniuk (Ukraine)
6. Marwa Amri (Tunisia)
7. Ana Godinez Gonzalez (Canada)
8. Luisa Niemesch (Germany)

65 KG

1. Miwa Morikawa (Japan)
2. Elis Manolova (Azerbaijan)
3. Kriszta Incze (Romania)
4. Mimi Nikolova Hristova (Bulgaria)
5. Tetiana Rizhko (Ukraine)
6. Koumba Larroque (France)
7. Asli Demir (Turkey)
8. Mallory Velte (United States)

68 KG

1. Meerim Zhumanazarova (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Tamyra Mensah-Stock (United States)
3. Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria)
4. Adela Hanzlickova (Czech Republic)
5. Natalia Iwona Strzalka (Poland)
6. Irina Ringaci (Moldova)
7. Zhou Feng (China)
8. Pauline Lecarpentier (France)

72 KG

1. Zhamila Bakbergenova (Kazakhstan)
2. Buse Cavusoglu Tosun (Turkey)
3. Masako Furuichi (Japan)
4. Davaanasan Enkh Amar (Mongolia)
5. Alexandra Nicoleta Anghel (Romania)
6. Bipasha (India)
7. Kendra Dacher (France)
8. Anastasiya Alpyeyeva (Ukraine)

76 KG

1. Aiperi Medet Kyzy (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Samar Hamza (Egypt)
3. Epp Maee (Estonia)
4. Yasemin Adar (Turkey)
5. Francy Raedelt (Germany)
6. Anastasiia Osniach Shustova (Ukraine)
7. Martina Kuenz (Austria)
8. Catalina Axente (Romania)

57 KG

Round of 16 – Jore Volk vs Ahmad Mohammadnezhad (Iran)

Volk starts the match out with a takedown but Mohammadnezhad gets a reversal and a gut wrench to lead 3-2. Volk gets another point to make it 3-3 and then a takedown to make it 5-3 after 1. Mohammadnezhad gets a takedown in the 2nd period with 36 seconds left and leads 5-5 on criteria. Volk with short time gets behind Mohammadnezhad but no 2 was rewarded. USA challenged the call and it was overturned. Volk picks up the win 7-5.

Quarterfinals – Jore Volk vs Azizbek Naimov (Uzbekistan)

This match starts out hot with Volk and Naimov exchanging exposure points to tie it 2-2 and Volk picks up a takedown to make it 4-2. Volk adds another takedown to make it 6-2 at the break. In the 2nd period Volk picks up a step out point to make it 7-2 and that’s it. Volk wins the match 7-2.

Semi-Finals – Jore Volk vs Luke Gvinjila (Georgia)

Gvinjila opened up the scoring with a takedown on an arm spin to take a 2-0 lead. Volk answered with his own takedown and takes the 2-2 lead on criteria headed to the break. Slow start to the 2nd period until Volk hits a go behind that turns into a single leg for 2, add a caution and 1 to take a 5-2 lead. Volk is on top in Par Terre after the caution and locks up a gut wrench and rolls Gvinjila 4 times to take the lead 13-2, Gvinjila comes out on top and picks up 2 after the challenge was won, it’s 13-4. Gvinjila hits a leg lace after start in Par Terre and picks up 2 points to make it 13-6. That’s it, Jore Volk is in the Finals winning 13-6.

Finals – Jore Volk vs Merey Bazarbayev (Kazakhstan)

Great attack from Volk to start but he couldn’t bring Bazarbayev down, he does get the step out point to lead 1-0. Deep single for Volk and he gets the takedown, it’s 3-0. Volk is hit with passivity and goes on the shot clock and gives up a point, 3-1 Volk. Volk is hit with a caution and 1 so it is only 3-2. Volk holds off a late flurry by Bazarbayev and wins GOLD!

61 KG

Round of 32 – Nic Bouzakis vs Arslan Rakhimov (Uzbekistan)

Rakhimov opens up the scoring with a 2 and 2 and then a leg lace to take a 6-0 lead. Bouzakis the locks up a cradle and we have exposure points. Bouzakis picks up 4 exposure points and then tightens the cradle and picks up the fall in 1:25.

Round of 16 – Nic Bouzakis vs Abdullah Toprak (Turkey)

Deep single from Toprak and he gets the finish but with the scramble Bouzakis get 2 exposure and so does Toprak and it’s 4-2 Toprak. Bouzakis is now in on a shot and it is defended by Toprak but Bouzakis throws in a deep half and turns Toprak on his back. Bouzakis picks up the fall in 1:58 to advance.

Quarterfinals – Nic Bouzakis vs Armin Habibzadeh (Iran)

Habibzadeh gets an early takedown after countering a shot to go up 2-0. Bouzakis was in on a shot but it was well defended by Habibzadeh, Bouzakis gets a step out but Iran challenges. Challenge lost for Iran so another point for Bouzakis, Habibzadeh still leads on criteria 2-2. Habibzadeh gets a takedown quickly but Bouzakis defends a gut wrench and picks up exposure points, Habibzadeh still has 4-4 lead on criteria. Habibzadeh answers with a takedown and now leads 6-4 to the break. Bouzakis opens up the 2nd period with a takedown and a leg lace to take the lead 8-6. The two trade step out points to make it 9-7. Habibzadeh then gets a takedown and locks up a leg lace to make it 13-9. Bouzakis gets a takedown to make it 13-11 but that’s it, Habibzadeh wins 13-11.

Repechage – Nicholas Bouzakis vs Mykyta Abramov (Ukraine)

Quick start for Abramov as he picks up 2 and 2 and adds a gut wrench to make it 6-0 a minute into the match. Failed inside trip attempt by Abramov leads to a Bouzakis takedown to cut the deficit to 6-2. Another 2 and 2 for Abramov off of an inside trip and it is 10-2. Bouzakis quickly answers with a 4 point move off of a double leg to make it 10-6 at the break. Bouzakis opens up the 2nd period with a takedown and it is now 10-8 Abramov. Bouzakis drops in a double that turns into a single leg attack for a takedown, Abramov leads on criteria 10-10. Bouzakis goes behind on a front head lock position to get the takedown, Abramov gets a reversal and 2 exposure points and it is 13-13 Abramov on criteria with 48 seconds left. Abramov gets a takedown to make it 15-13, USA challenges. Challenge lost is 16-13 with 15 seconds left. Bouzakis gets a takedown but cannot get a turn and that is it. Abramov wins 16-15.

65 KG

Round of 32 – Robert Cornella vs Olzhas Olzhakanov (Kazakhstan)

All Cornella in his opening match. Cornella was on the clock early with both wrestlers not doing much but Olzhakanov was holding center. Before a passivity point could be rewarded, Cornella threw in under hooks and hit an inside trip, this made it 4-0 after 1. Cornella controlled most of the second period picking up two takedowns to make it 8-0 and that was were it ended.

Round of 16 – Robert Cornella vs Ismail Pomakov (Bulgaria)

Cornella opened up the match with a takedown and 4 subsequent exposure points to take a quick 6-0 lead. Cornella then picks up a take down with 1 minute to go in the period and then picks up 2 for exposure. Quick 10-0 tech fall for Cornella.

Quarterfinals – Robert Cornella vs Mohammad Reza Asadollah Shakeri (Iran)

Shakeri picks up a passivity point after Cornella was put on the clock. Shakeri then adds a takedown to take a 3-0 lead headed to the break. Shakeri picked up a step out point to make it 4-0 with 2 minutes left. Cornella turns around and picked up a takedown put gave up a reversal to trail Shakeri 5-2. Cornella picked up a takedown on a throw-by with 30 seconds left but still trails 5-4. Cornella completes the comeback with another throw-by late in the match to win it 6-5.

Semi-Finals – Robert Cornella vs Umidjon Jalolov (Uzbekistan)

Not much happening in the 1st period. Cornella was hit with passivity and put on the clock. Jalolov scores on a shot clock point and leads 1-0 at the break. Cornella was put on the shot clock again and gives up a point and it is 2-0. Jalolov picks up a takedown with a minute to go to make it 4-0 and that is it. Cornella loses in the Semi-Finals 4-0 and will await his opponent in the Bronze Medal match.

Bronze – Robert Cornella vs Yoshinosuke Aoyagi (Japan)

Aoyagi is put on the shot clock and Cornella is in on a shot, Cornella gets the shot clock point and 2 for exposure and it is 3-0 headed to break. Aoyagi opens up the 2nd period with a takedown to cut Cornella’s lead to 3-2. Aoyagi comes back to take a 4-3 lead on Cornella after a takedown but Cornella gets 2 of his own on an exposure to take the lead back at 6-4, Japan challenged. Japan wins the challenge and the score is 6-6 with Aoyagi winning on criteria.

70 KG

Round of 32 – Mitchell Mesenbrink vs Muhammad Abdurachmanov (Belgium)

This match went quick in favor of Mesenbrink. Mesenbrink started off quickly picking up a quick 2, then about 20 seconds later another 2 with 4 exposure points subsequently on a leg lace. Mesenbrink finished the match out with a 4 pointer on the edge to take the match 12-0.

Round of 16 – Mitchell Mesenbrink vs Kanat Kerimbekov (Kyrgyzstan)

Don’t blink because Mesenbrink works quick. Mesenbrink started out with a quick takedown to make it 2-0 early. Then Mesenbrink picks up two more takedowns and adds in a gut wrench for exposure to make it 8-0 1:10 into the match. Then Mesenbrink locks up the win with a takedown to pick up the 10-0 tech.

Quarterfinals – Mitchell Mesenbrink vs Hossein Mohammad Aghaei (Iran)

Aghaei opened up the match with a takedown to make it 2-0. Aghaei picked up another takedown off of a scramble but Mesenbrink picks up the reversal but trails 4-1. Aghaei then gets a step out to lead 5-1 at the break. Mesenbrink opens up with a takedown to cut the lead to 5-3 but Aghaei picks up two of his own to make it 7-3 and then it was 7-4. Mesenbrink picks up a takedown on a go-behind to make it 7-6 and then after blood time Mesenbrink picks up another takedown to take an 8-7 lead. Aghaei was hit with passivity and gives up a point to extend Mesenbrink’s lead to 9-7 and that’s where it ended. Mesenbrink wins 9-7.

Semi-Finals – Mitchell Mesenbrink vs Hayk Papikyan (Armenia)

Massive flurry to start off the match but there were no points. Mesenbrink gets hit with passivity and goes on the shot clock and gives up a point giving Papikyan a 1-0 lead that he holds to the break. Papikyan got in with a deep double to pick up 2 and leads 3-0. Papikyan takes a bad shot and Mesenbrink counters for 2 to cut the lead to 3-2 with 2 minutes left. Mesenbrink quickly gets another 2 on the edge to take a 4-3 lead. Mesenbrink gets in on a deep double to take a 6-3 lead and that’s it. Mesenbrink is headed to the finals winning 6-3.

Finals – Mitchell Mesenbrink vs Kanan Heybatov (Azerbaijan)

Heybatov gets an early takedown and sinks a half in to get exposure points, Mesenbrink picks up a reversal but it is 6-1 Heybatov. Mesenbrink picks up a step out to cut the lead to 6-2. Heybatov gets a step out point to end the period 7-2. Mesenbrink picks up a step out quickly into the 2nd period and it’s 7-3. Heybatov gets a takedown off of a deep single to naked it 9-3 with 2 minutes left. Takedown for Mesenbrink off of a front headlock to make it 9-5. Mesenbrink scores off a caution and 1 to make it 9-6. Heybatov with a crucial takedown with 42 seconds left to extend his lead to 11-6. Mesenbrink gets a step out to make it 11-7. Off the whistle Heybatov gets in on a deep double to make it 13-7 and that’s it. Mesenbrink will take home SILVER.

74 KG

Round of 16 – Alex Facundo vs Erfan Elahi (Iran)

Elahi gets a step out to take the early lead but Facundo gets a takedown to take a 2-1 lead. Elahi picks up a takedown with under a minute to go in the period to lead 3-2 and the score holds there  to the break. Nice single leg for Elahi to get a takedown and is up 5-2. Facundo picks up a big takedown with 1:25 left to cut the deficit to 1, 5-4. Facundo with a late shot but Elahi gets out of it and holds on for a 5-4 win over Facundo.

79 KG

Round of 16 – Brayden Thompson vs Sobhan Yari (Iran)

Yari opens up the match with a throw-by and the takedown and adds 2 for exposure on the gut wrench to make it 4-0 after 1. Yari is hit with passivity and gives up a point but still leads Thompson 4-1. Yari picks up a takedown with 35 seconds to go to make it 6-1 and that’s the final score. Thompson will need Yari to win in the Semi-Finals to pull him into the repechage.

Repechage – Brayden Thompson vs Bekir Ovec (Turkey)

Slow start to this match. Thompson was hit with passivity and gives up a point, 1-0 Ovec with 1 minute to go in the period and that score held to the end of the period. Thompson is put back on the shot clock to start the 2nd period and gives up a point, 2-0 Ovec with 1:40 left. Ovec was hit with passivity and goes on the shot clock. Thompson gets a point off the shot clock but trails 2-1 with 40 seconds left and the score holds there. Thompson loses 2-1 in the repechage.

86 KG

Round of 32 – Bennett Berge vs Gurgen Simonyan (Armenia)

Quick one here for Berge as he got a takedown and locked up a leg lace for 4 turns and picks up a quick 10-0 tech. Not much more to say with that one.

Round of 16 – Bennett Berge vs Nandor Hajduch (Hungary)

Slow start for this match but Hajduch picks up a takedown out of a back and forth scramble to open up the scoring, he leads 2-0. Berge gets in on a nice ankle pick for 2 and then locks up a leg lace for another 2 and Berge now leads 4-2. In the 2nd period Berge hits a go-behind and picks up 2 and locks up a leg lace for another 2 and it is 8-2 Berge. Berge finishes off the match with 2 more takedowns and wins 12-2.

Quarterfinals – Bennett Berge vs Nazar Dod (Ukraine)

Berge in on a deep double to pick up 2 on the edge to take a 2-0 lead. Berge comes off blood time and gets a takedown and locks up a leg lace to take an 8-0 lead with 1 minute left in the period. Bad shot attempt by Dod and Berge makes him pay with a nice double to get the takedown. Berge gets the 10-0 win to advance.

Semi-Finals – Bennett Berge vs Ismail Kucuksolak (Turkey)

Slow start to this match and Berge gets hit with passivity and gives up a point, 1-0 Kucuksolak. A nice move from Kucuksolak gives him 2 and 2. He is up 5-0 at the break. Berge is on the board with a step out point, Berge trails 5-1. Berge gets another step out point to cut the deficit to 5-2. Berge picks up 3 more step out points to tie it at 5-5, Kucuksolak holds criteria. Berge comes all the way back after countering a poor shot attempt from Kucuksolak, 7-5 Berge. Berge picks up another takedown and it’s 9-5, Kucuksolak with a late takedown but that’s it, Berge wins 9-7.

Finals – Bennett Berge vs Rakhim Magamadov (France)

1 minute in and both have traded half shots, Magamadov has been warned for passivity. Berge has also been warned for passivity. Berge has been put on the shot clock but gets in on a shot, he gives up a point but gets a takedown to go up 2-1. Berge then gets 2 off the whistle and now leads 4-1 at the break. Berge was in on a shot but Magamadov flips him over for exposure points and Berge is on top with a reversal, 5-3. Magamadov picks up a 4 point move to lead 7-5. Berge was in on a double leg and gets behind but it was called 2 exposure for Magamadov, no challenge from the US and its 9-5. Magamadov gets a step out and it’s 10-5. That is it, Magamadov wins and Berge will take home SILVER.

92 KG

Round of 16 – Jaxon Smith vs Ion Demian (Moldova)

Smith opens up with a takedown to lead 2-0 and then a quick step out for another point, 3-0 Smith. Smith with another step out to make it 4-0. Smith picks up another takedown and that’s the end of the period, 6-0 Smith. Smith picks up another takedown on a nice single leg to make it 8-0 but Demian gets a step out to make it 8-1 and that’s it. Smith wins 8-1.

Quarterfinals – Jaxon Smith vs Andro Margishvili (Georgia)

Margishvili starts out with a takedown but Smith answers with his own takedown to tie it 2-2. Margishvili gets a 4 point move and holds a 6-2 lead at the break. Margishvili opens up the 2nd period with a takedown and exposure points to make it 10-2. Margishvili finishes the match with another takedown to win 12-2.

Repechage – Jaxon Smith vs Kiril Kildau (Germany)

Smith opens up with a takedown and 3 turns to make it 8-0 early. Smith is looking to finish this match off but Kildau fights off a single leg attack. Jaxon Smith finishes off Kildau with a single leg to advance to the BRONZE Medal Match winning 10-0.

Bronze – Jaxon Smith vs Sergey Sargsyan (Armenia)

Smith capitalizes off of a poor shot from Sargsyan and picks up 2 on a takedown to take a 2-0 lead. Sargsyan is put on the shot clock but picks up a takedown and now leads 2-2 on criteria and that score will hold to the break. Sargsyan gets a step out and it is 3-2. Sargsyan gets in on a deep double to go up 5-2. Sargsyan gets a step out point and it’s 6-2. Sargsyan gets a takedown and locks up a leg lace and that will do it. Sargsyan wins 12-2.

97 KG

Round of 16 – Ben Kueter vs Dimitros Duscov (Moldova)

Kueter controlled this match from the start. This match did start out slow but Kueter picked up a takedown 50 seconds into the period. Kueter would then pick up two more takedowns in the period to make it 6-0 after 1. The 2 period ended in under a minute with Kueter picking up 2 takedowns to end the match 10-0.

Quarterfinals – Ben Kueter vs Niraj (India)

Niraj picked up a step out point to take a 1-0 lead early on. Kueter picks up 4 exposure points after countering an attack to take a 4-1 lead. Kueter will add 2 more points and leads 6-1 at the break. Slow 2nd period but Kueter picks up a takedown to make it 8-1 and that’s where it will finish. Kueter gets the win 8-1.

Semi-Finals – Ben Kueter vs Luka Khutchua (Georgia)

Quick takedown from Khutchua off the whistle and he locks up a gut and turns Kueter 3 times to take an 8-0 lead. Kueter picks up a takedown and 2 for exposure to cut the deficit to 8-4. Kueter cuts the deficit to 2 after a takedown to make it 8-6. Khutchua then gets a step out to go up 9-6. Kueter comes back off the whistle and picks a single leg for 2 on the edge and a caution and 1. It’s 9-9 with Kueter leading after 1. Khutchua opens up the scoring in the 2nd period with a step out but off the whistle Kueter picks up 2 and 2 exposure to take a 13-10 lead. Kueter goes behind for 2 to go up 15-10. Khutchua gets a takedown and works a gut for 2 and 2 to make it 15-14 but Kueter counters on top to pick up 2 exposure and leads 17-14. That’s it, Kueter wins 17-14 in a wild match.

Finals – Ben Kueter vs Rifat Gidak (Turkey)

Gidak gets a great go behind and breaks the quad pod for 2 exposure. Kueter hips out and gets on top of Gidak for 2 exposure and settles in a bar. Kueter works that bar for 3 more tilts and on the fourth tilt Kueter settles in and looks for the fall. After a failed bridge attempt by Gidak, Kueter flattens him and picks up the Fall in 1:39 for World GOLD!

125 KG

Quarterfinals – Nicholas Feldman vs Georgi Ivanov (Bulgaria)

Nice single leg shot for Feldman turns into a takedown and he has a 2-0 lead with 1:30 to go in the period and the score holds to the break. Feldman drops down for an ankle pick and lifts it up and drives Ivanov out of bounds for a step out point, 3-0 Feldman. Feldman was hit with passivity, was in on a shot and awarded 2, Bulgaria challenged and won so its 3-1. Feldman picks up a takedown to make it 5-1 and Ivanov gets a step out but that’s it. Feldman wins 5-2.

Semi-Finals – Nicholas Feldman vs Amirreza Masoumi (Iran)

Masoumi opens up with a takedown to lead 2-0 and shortly after adds a step out to go up 3-0. Masoumi is keeping the pressure up with a step and a caution and 1, Masoumi leads 5-0. Another step out and caution and 1 for Masoumi who now leads 7-0 after 1. Nice single attempt from Feldman but a great counter from Masoumi to take a 9-0 lead. Feldman is on the board with a step out 9-1. Masoumi finishes it off with a takedown to win 11-1.

Bronze – Nicholas Feldman vs Merab Suleimanashvili (Georgia)

Suleimanashvili scores a takedown to open up the scoring after a failed arm whip by Feldman, it’s 2-0. Feldman in on a single and will score a takedown and exposure for 4 and Suleimanashvili gets an exposure plus a step out and it’s 5-4 Suleimanashvili. Feldman in on a shot and converts put Suleimanashvili flips Feldman over on his back and sticks him. Suleimanashvili wins by Fall in 2:32.

The 2022 USA Wrestling World Team Trials kicks off on Saturday and it is the last step in the process of determining who will be in Final X to compete for a Senior World Team spot.

These predictions are based on the seeds released by USA Wrestling on 5/16. All the seeds are subject to change up until the start of the tournament.

79 KG

Jordan Burroughs will wrestle in Final X

Seeds

(1) David McFadden (Penn RTC)

(2) Vincenzo Joseph (California RTC)

(3) Alex Dieringer (Cliff Keen WC)

(4) Carter Starocci (NLWC)

(5) Chance Marsteller (Annapolis RTC)

(6) Isaiah Martinez (Beaver Dam RTC)

(7) Taylor Lujan (Panther WC)

(8) Nick Reenan (Wolfpack WC)

(9) Brayden Thompson (Illinois)

79 KG has been one of the deepest weights in the US, and that field is just as deep this year. In the top half, Chance Marsteller will take on Carter Starocci in a battle of PA natives. Marsteller has looked very impressive in his post-college career but has not been able to get over the hump. We all know the 2x NCAA champ Carter Starocci and how talented he is. I will go with Starocci in this one. Also, McFadden should be good enough to beat either Reenan or Thompson.

The bottom half is very interesting. Not only will we see Lujan vs Joseph in a good match, but Isaiah Martinez vs Alex Dieringer as well. First off, I see Joseph getting past Lujan in that Quarter. Martinez vs Dieringer is the true coin flip. Martinez is a top 3 wrestler in this weight class but needed the Last Chance Qualifier last week to get in, and that is why he is in this position. Plus, both wrestlers have been to Final X in the past, so it should show the magnitude of the matchup. The coin was flipped, and I will go with Alex Dieringer.

The first Semi-Final between McFadden and Starocci should be a good one. I am going with Starocci in that one. The second Semi is between Joseph and Dieringer, and I will go with Dieringer in a tight one. Dieringer vs Starocci final will be a best of 3, and I see Dieringer pulling it out in the first 2 matches. Now those will not be tech falls, but I think Dieringer will be in control. It sets up a massive Final X showdown between Dieringer and Jordan Burroughs.

86 KG

David Taylor will wrestle in Final X.

Seeds

(1) Mark Hall (Penn RTC)

(2) Zahid Valencia (Sunkist Kids)

(3) Pat Downey (Florida)

(4) Trent Hidlay (Wolfpack WC)

(5) Drew Foster (Panther WC)

(6) Marcus Coleman (Iowa)

(7) Owen Webster (Gopher WC)

(8) Caden Steffen (Mustang WC)

(9) Caleb Hopkins (Buies Creek WC)

(10) Julien Broderson (Iowa)

(11) Andrew Morgan (Spartan Combat RTC)

86 KG has 2 favorites on both sides of the bracket in Mark Hall and Zahid Valencia. Drew Foster vs Trent Hidlay will be a great Quarterfinal, and I see Hidlay pulling that one out in a close one to meet Mark Hall in the Semi-Finals. We will likely see Marcus Coleman vs Pat Downey in the Quarters, and I will go with Downey to meet Zahid Valencia in the Semi-Finals.

Hidlay vs Hall will be an incredible Semi-Final, and I think a close one. Hall should be able to pull it off and advance to the finals. Zahid Valencia looked very impressive at the Pan-Ams on his way to Gold, and I think he continues that momentum into the Finals to face off in a best of 3 final. I see Hall and Valencia splitting the first 2 matches, but eventually, in the third match, Valencia will pull off the victory and advance to Final X to take on David Taylor.

92 KG

J’den Cox will wrestle in Final X.

Seeds

(1) Cameron Caffey (Michigan WC)

(2) Nathan Jackson (NYAC)

(3) Jay Aiello (Cavalier WC)

(4) Isaac Trumble (Wolfpack WC)

(5) Max Shaw (Tar Heel WC)

(6) Levi Hopkins (Buies Creek WC)

(7) Michael Battista (Cavalier WC)

It’s a small field at 92 KG, and everybody has a shot of winning it. Barring an addition, Caffey will start out in the Semi-Finals and will face either Isaac Trumble or Max Shaw. Going off of NCAA results, Trumble beat Shaw twice, and I do not see why it would change now.

Nathan Jackson is a stellar wrestler when it comes to Freestyle which was surprising to see that he had to wait until last week’s Last Chance Qualifier to get into the World Team Trials. However, I think he gets past Michael Battista in that matchup. The other Quarter will see Jay Aiello vs Levi Hopkins, and I will give the edge to Aiello.

I see Trumble taking out Caffey in a close matchup in the first Semi-Final. In the second Semi I see Nathan Jackson handling Jay Aiello to set up the best of 3 final versus Trumble. I see Jackson being too much for Trumble to handle, especially off of his performance last week at the Last Chance Qualifier. It will set up a J’den Cox vs Nathan Jackson Final X matchup.

97 KG

Kyle Snyder will wrestle in Final X.

Seeds

(1) Michael Macchiavello (Wolfpack WC)

(2) Kollin Moore (Ohio RTC)

(3) Timothy Dudley (Sunkist Kids WC)

(4) Samuel Mitchell (Bulls WC)

(5) Ethan Laird (Broncs WC)

(6) Duncan Lee (Iowa)

(7) Jason Carter (MontCo WC)

Another small field that I think is a little more straightforward. Macchiavello is the clear favorite out of the top half of the bracket. Macchiavello should be able to handle either Mitchell or Laird. Kollin Moore is also a clear favorite on that bottom side, and I do not see anyone beating Moore.

Kollin Moore vs Michael Macchiavello will be an explosive best of 3 finals matchup. I see them splitting the first 2 matches, which will set up match 3 for all the marbles. I give the edge to Kollin Moore in that final match to advance to Final X to take on former Ohio State teammate Kyle Snyder.

125 KG

Seeds

(1) Hayden Zillmer (Gopher WC)

(2) Nick Gwiazdowski (Spartan Combat RTC)

(3) Anthony Cassioppi (Hawkeye WC)

(4) Dom Bradley (Sunkist Kids)

(5) Ty Walz (Spartan Combat RTC)

(6) Kyven Gadson (Sunkist Kids WC)

(7) Demetrius Thomas (Pittsburgh WC)

(8) Lucas Davison (Wildcat WC)

(9) Jordan Wood (Lehigh)

(10) Christian Lance (NWTC)

(11) Derek White (CKWC)

(12) Ceron Francisco (NLWC)

With Gable Steveson moving on in his career path, we see the US looking for a new Heavyweight, or maybe a familiar one. The top half of the bracket seems loaded with land mines all over the place. Hayden Zillmer will have to face either Lucas Davison or Jordan Wood, and I see Zillmer being able to get past both of them. Dom Bradley vs Ty Walz will be a good Quarterfinal, and I see Walz pulling that out to set up a Semi-Final match against Zillmer.

On the bottom side, it is interesting. Starting with potentially seeing Kyven Gadson vs Anthony Cassioppi. Gadson has been a historically great wrestler down at 97 KG and will bump up, but he draws the 2021 U23 World Champ Anthony Cassioppi. I give the edge to Cassioppi. Gwiazdowski, fresh off of Pan-Am Silver, will see either Christian Lance or Demetrius Thomas in the Quarterfinals, and I think he gets past either one.

The Semi-Finals will determine the 125 KG Final X matchup, so these are huge. First up, I see Zillmer getting past Ty Walz in a close match. Zillmer has just been consistently good throughout his Freestyle career, and I do not see that ending now. The other Semi-Final will be incredible between Gwiazdowski and Cassioppi. This match will be about as tight as you can get, but I see Cassioppi pulling off the huge win. That sets up a Final X matchup between Hayden Zillmer and Anthony Cassioppi.

The 2022 USA Wrestling World Team Trials kicks off on Saturday and it is the last step in the process of determining who will be in Final X to compete for a Senior World Team spot.

These predictions are based on the seeds released by USA Wrestling on 5/16. All the seeds are subject to change up until the start of the tournament.

57 KG

Thomas Gilman will wrestle in Final X.

Seeds
(1) Matthew Ramos (Boilermaker RTC)
(2) Vitali Arujau (Spartan Combat RTC)
(3) Zane Richards (Illinois RTC)
(4) Jakob Camacho (Wolfpack WC)
(5) Anthony Molton (Buies Creek WC)
(6) Caleb Smith (Boone RTC)
(7) Gregory Diakomihalis (Spartan Combat RTC)
(8) Gabriel Townsell (NYAC)
(9) Aden Reeves (Viking WC)
(10) Michael Tortice (Knights RTC)
(11) Timothy Levine (NERTC)

All weights are interesting, but I think 57 KG takes the cake. Vitali Arujau, in my eyes, is the clear favorite, but he holds a difficult path to reaching the finals. Barring the seeds holding up, Arujau could see fellow Cornell and club teammate Greg Diakomihalis in the Quarters. Then he will likely face Zane Richards in the Semi-Finals, who finished fourth in the 2020/21 Olympic Team Trials.

The top side looks relatively straightforward till the Semi-Finals, where we could see Matthew Ramos vs Jakob Camacho. Gabriel Townsell could throw a monkey in the wrench as he will see Matthew Ramos early. It could be a matchup to watch out for early. Now Ramos beat Camacho at the US Open 3-3 with criteria, so we should be looking for a repeat performance.

I see Camacho pulling out a close win over Ramos and Arujau cruising through the bottom side. There will be a best of 3 finals at 57 KG to determine Thomas Gilman‘s opponent in Final X. I think Arujau cruises in the finals here, winning two matches back to back. So we will see a repeat of the 2020/21 Olympic Team Trials final between Arujua and Gilman.

61 KG

Daton Fix will wrestle in Final X.

Seeds
(1) Nico Megaludis (Pittsburgh WC)
(2) Joshua Rodriguez (NLWC)
(3) Tyler Graff (NJRTC)
(4) Jesse Mendez (Region Wrestling Academy)
(5) Seth Gross (Sunkist Kids)
(6) Daniel Deshazer (Gopher WC)
(7) Josh Kramer (Sunkist Kids WC)
(8) Shelton Mack (New York City RTC)

61 KG has the best chance for seeds to hold up to the Semi-Finals, but that does not mean we will not see some shake-ups. Nico Megaludis looked strong at the US Open but will have to face one of the most potent 8 seeds in the tournament, 2021 Pan-Am Gold medalist Shelton Mack. I think the marquee matchup will come between Jesse Mendez and Seth Gross. Mendez has had a solid start to his young career, not even stepping a foot in college, and has placed third at the US Open. Gross had a strong performance in last year’s Olympic Trials, placing fourth. I think we see Megaludis vs Gross in the Semi-Finals.

The bottom half looks manageable for Joshua Rodriguez and Tyler Graff until they meet in the Semi-Finals. The best chance for a hiccup early is against Deshazer, but I think he will win that. After that, Graff vs Rodriguez is going to be a good Semi-Final.

I see Megaludis and Graff in the finals at 61 KG. This will also be the best of 3 finals to see who faces Daton Fix at Final X. I think this will take all 3 matches; with Megaludis and Graff splitting the first 2 matches in the third match, I believe Graff will pull it out. So it will be Fix vs Graff at Final X.

65 KG

Seeds
(1) Kendric Maple (Sunkist Kids WC)
(2) Yianni Diakomihalis (Spartan Combat RTC)
(3) Joey McKenna (Penn RTC)
(4) Nick Lee (NLWC)
(5) Matthew Kolodzik (NYAC)
(6) Ian Parker (Cyclone RTC)
(7) Luke Pletcher (Pittsburgh WC)
(8) Evan Henderson (Ohio RTC)
(9) Patricio Lugo (Hawkeye WC)
(10) Dean Heil (Oklahoma RTC)
(11) Beau Bartlett (NLWC)
(12) Carter Young (Cowboy RTC)
(13) Joshua Saunders (Spartan Combat RTC)

65 KG is absolutely loaded with excellent talent. There is not anyone sitting in Final X at this Wright, so the Semi-Finals will determine who will advance. Looking at the top half of that bracket, the matches to watch would be Kolodzik vs Young early on, Kolodzik looked really good at the US Open, but Young had that third-place finish in last year’s World Team Trials. Kendrick Maple should not have an issue getting to the Semi-Finals. I think he can handle Henderson or Lugo, and I think Lee will be able to handle either Kolodzik or Young, but the match will be tight.

The bottom looks to be challenging to say the least. Yanni Diakomihalis has to be the favorite to come out of the bottom half, but with Pan-Am Gold medalist Joey McKenna, Ian Parker, and Luke Pletcher in the way, it won’t be easy. Beau Bartlett could give Ian Parker a run for his money being a Junior World Bronze Medalist, but I think Parker will pull it out. It sets up McKenna vs Parker and Pletcher vs Diakomihalis in the Quarters, and I believe McKenna and Diakomihalis will pull it out.

I think Nick Lee will take out Maple in a close match, and McKenna will take out Diakomihalis on one of those wild matches Yanni seems to have. It sets up an intriguing Final X matchup between Nick Lee and Joey McKenna, which could go all 3 matches.

70 KG

Seeds
(1) Alec Pantaleo (Cliff Keen WC)
(2) Ryan Deakin (Wildcat WC)
(3) Jordan Oliver (Sunkist Kids WC)
(4) Zain Retherford (NLWC)
(5) Doug Zapf (Penn RTC)
(6) Michael Blockhus (Gopher WC)
(7) Sammy Sasso (Ohio RTC)
(8) Tyler Berger (Sunkist Kids)
(9) Anthony Ashnault (NJRTC)
(10) Dayne Morton (Wolves WC)
(11) Jarod Verkleeren (Cavalier WC)

Same as 57 KG, 70 KG is an exciting weight. Alec Pantaleo should breeze to the Semi-Finals as I think he will beat Tyler Berger. Zain Retherford vs Doug Zapf is going to be a good Quarterfinal. Retherford has not wrestled much as of late and did not compete at Pan-Ams because of an illness. On the other hand, Zapf had an impressive run at the US Open all the way to the Semi-Finals beating 3 wrestlers in this field, including Blockhus, twice. So I give the edge to Zapf to set up a rematch of the US Open Semi-Final versus Pantaleo.

The bottom half could see a lot of upsets seed-wise. Sammy Sasso vs Ryan Deakin should be a great Quarterfinal with Deakin being such a strong finisher, but Sasso virtually never gives up a takedown; I give the edge to Deakin. The other Quarter will be just as good between Jordan Oliver and Michael Blockhus. Both wrestlers are very impressive, but I give the edge to Oliver to set up a huge Semi-Final matchup against Ryan Deakin.

Like 65 KG, the finalists at this weight will face off at Final X. Pantaleo vs Zapf was a tight match at the US Open, with Pantaleo winning 3-2. I think Pantaleo will win this match in a similar outcome with it being close but pulling it out. The other Semi-Final will be incredible. Deakin vs Oliver will be a very tightly contested match. I give the edge to Oliver in this one to set up a US Open Final rematch against Pantaleo at Final X.

74 KG

Seeds
(1) Jason Nolf (NLWC)
(2) Joshua Shields (Sunkist Kids)
(3) Thomas Gantt (Wolfpack WC)
(4) David Carr (Cyclone RTC)
(5) Collin Purinton (Sunkist Kids WC)
(6) Peter Pappas (Unattached)
(7) Joey Lavallee (LVWC)

Smaller field at 74 KG with only one coming out of the World Team Trials to face Kyle Dake at Final X. The top half is all Jason Nolf. Nolf will advance to the Semi-Finals to face either David Carr or Collin Purinton. I give the edge to Carr in that one, but Nolf will take control in the Semi-Finals.

Joshua Shields also looks like the clear favorite out of the bottom half, but we cannot count out Thomas Gantt or Joey Lavallee. Shields will be too much for those two guys, and will move on.
Nolf and Shields will meet in a best of 3 Final to see who goes to Final X. Nolf are too much to handle for many wrestlers in the world, and I think it will be the same here. However, Nolf should cruise in the Finals to set up an explosive Final X matchup versus Kyle Dake.

From the first whistle sounding off on Thursday to the last whistle on Sunday night, United States wrestlers dominated the whole way. It was a performance that made USA wrestling fans proud, and as expected as it was, the performances were still very impressive.

Greco-Roman

It started on Thursday when the Greco-Roman team showed up in a big way. Thursday had seven weights scheduled, and the US team picked up five medals, including four gold medals from Brady Koontz (55 KG), Randon Miranda (60 KG), Samuel Jones (63 KG), and Pat Smith (72 KG) with a bronze medal coming from Nicholas Boykin (97 KG) to wrap up night one. On Friday, only three weights were wrestled in Greco-Roman, but the US still picked up two bronze medals from RaVaughn Perkins (77 KG) and Tyler Cunningham (82 KG). With those excellent individual performances, it gave the United States a run-away team title over Mexico and Cuba.

Women’s Freestyle

Women’s Freestyle kicked off their action on Friday with four weights in action, which were all round Robin brackets. The US picked up four medals on Friday, including two gold medals from Forrest Molinari (65 KG) and Skylar Grote (72 KG). Jaccara Winchester (55 KG) picked up a silver medal, and Xochitl Mota-Pettis (59 KG) also picked up a bronze. Saturday saw the remaining six weights in action, and the US saw the similar success they had on Friday. The US picked up an additional four medals, including three gold medals from Sarah Hildebrandt (50 KG), Dom Parrish (53 KG), and Dymond Guilford (76 KG) in a loaded bracket. Kayla Miracle (62 KG) picked up a silver medal for her efforts, but she forfeited the last match due to an injury. She has accepted her birth into Final X, so hopefully, she will be healthy by then. The US Women won their team race over Canada and Mexico, beating Canada by 25 points.

Men’s Freestyle

Saturday marked the start of the Men’s Freestyle tournament. Two weights were wrestled on Saturday, and the US picked up two gold medals from Jordan Burroughs (79 KG) and J’den Cox (97 KG). Sunday was the final day of competition and included eight weights in action. The US picked up seven medals, including six gold medals from Thomas Gilman (57 KG), Daton Fix (61 KG), Joey McKenna (65 KG), Kyle Dake (74 KG), Zahid Valencia (86 KG), and Kyle Snyder (97 KG). Nick Gwiazdowski (125 KG) took home silver after losing to form Oregon State heavyweight Amari Dhesi (Canada). The only Men’s Freestyle wrestler to not place was Zain Retherford (70 KG) due to him forfeiting out of the tournament due to illness.

Takeaways

Greco-Roman

The US team picked up seven medals including four gold medals and three bronze medals. As a team, the US went 22-6 overall for the weekend with Pat Smith and Randon Miranda picking up the most wins with 4 wins respectively.

Women’s Freestyle

The women picked up eight medals with five of those medals being gold, two being silver, and one being a bronze. Overall, US women went 24-6 for the weekend. Dymond Guilford had the most wins of anyone on Team USA with 4 total wins on her way to winning gold. Sarah Hildebrandt was one of the most dominant wrestlers outscoring her opponents 32-0 and being on the mat for just over 1 period in her combined three matches.

Men’s Freestyle

The men showed the most dominance by winning nine medals with eight of those being gold and one being a silver. The US went 27-1 overall for the weekend with Jordan Burroughs collecting the most wins on the weekend with four. It is hard to pinpoint who exactly was the most dominant wrestlers for the US since they were all so good, but I will go with Daton Fix. Fix outscored his opponents 31-0 with his final match ending by fall. Fix really showed off that inside leg trip that he has patented and opponents had no answer for it.

Overall

I mean, what was there not to like about this weekend? The US showed up and mainly dominated every weight that they wrestled in. Although some of the perceptions about the competition at Pan-Americans, the wrestling was so good even from our international foes. The United States is leaps ahead of the rest of the competition, and some can try to argue that, but they would be wrong. When a single country takes home 24 medals out of 30 weights, it classifies as pure dominance. Although the spotlight is on the US, Canada had a great showing this weekend and their women’s team. Canada’s women have been progressively increasing their performance level in recent years, and this weekend shows that the improvements are continuing. Looking at some of the results, Karla Godinez Gonzalez (55 KG) looked impressive, including her win over Jacarra Winchester in the finals after Jacarra looked virtually unbeatable early on. Canada had seven total medalists at the Pan-Americans, including three gold medals. Canadian wrestling is improving, and who would not like to see a little US vs Canada rivalry in the years to come?

NCAA Wrestlers Dominate

Despite our US representatives at the Pan-American Championships, there were multiple wrestlers with NCAA ties competing this weekend. Puerto Rico was loaded with former NCAA talent who picked up silver medals, including former Lehigh wrestler Darion Cruz (57 KG), former Northwestern and Rutgers wrestler Sebastian Rivera (65 KG), and former Michigan State great Frank Gomez (74 KG). Canada also had a former NCAA wrestler who won gold in Amari Dhesi and wrestled at Oregon State.

For full results visit Pan-American Results