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Table of ContentsInfo3 Schedule

Men’s freestyle5 Roster6 Preview7-11 Bios

Women’s freestyle13 Roster14 Preview15-19 Bios

Greco-Roman21 Roster22 Preview23-27 Bios

Coaches29 Men’s feestyle30 Women’s freestyle31 Greco-Roman

2019 USA Wrestling Cadet World Team Media Guide Credits

The 2019 USA Wrestling Cadet World Team media guide was written, edited and designed by Taylor Miller. Cover design by Taylor Miller. Section photos by United World Wrestling and John Sachs.


Schedule2019 CADET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS at Sofia, Bulgaria (July 29-Aug. 3)

Monday, July 2910:30 a.m. – Qualification rounds (MFS 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)5:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony6 p.m. – Semifinals (MFS 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)

Tuesday, July 3010:30 a.m. – Qualification rounds (MFS 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)10:30 a.m. – Repechage (MFS 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)5:30 p.m. – Semifinals (MFS 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)6 p.m. – Finals (MFS 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)

Wednesday, July 3110:30 a.m. – Qualification rounds (WFS 43, 49, 57, 65, 73 kg)10:30 a.m. – Repechage (MFS 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)5:30 p.m. – Semifinals (WFS 43, 49, 57, 65, 73 kg)6 p.m. – Finals (MFS 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)

Thursday, Aug. 110:30 a.m. – Qualification rounds (WFS 40, 46, 53, 61, 69 kg)10:30 a.m. – Repechage (WFS 43, 49, 57, 65, 73 kg)5:30 p.m. – Semifinals (WFS 40, 46, 53, 61, 69 kg)6 p.m. – Finals (WFS 43, 49, 57, 65, 73 kg)

Friday, Aug. 210:30 a.m. – Qualification rounds (GR 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)10:30 a.m. – Repechage (WFS 40, 46, 53, 61, 69 kg)5:30 p.m. – Semifinals (GR 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)6 p.m. – Finals (WFS 40, 46, 53, 61, 69 kg)

Saturday, Aug. 310:30 a.m. – Qualification rounds (GR 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)10:30 a.m. – Repechage (GR 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)5:30 p.m. – Semifinals (GR 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)6 p.m. – Finals (GR 48, 55, 65, 80, 110 kg)

Sunday, Aug. 44 p.m. – Repechage (GR 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)6 p.m. Finals (GR 45, 51, 60, 71, 92 kg)


MEN’S FREESTYLE

Photo by United World Wrestling


U.S. Cadet men’s freestyle roster45 kg: Marc-Anthony McGowan (Tampa, Fla./BLR)48 kg: Stevo Poulin (Ballston Lake, N.Y./Journeymen WC)51 kg: Richard Figueroa (Sanger, Calif./Sunkist Kids/Monster Garage)55 kg: Robert Howard (Cranford, N.J./Titan Mercury WC/Bitetto Trained)60 kg: Jesse Mendez (Crown Point, Ind./Bulldog Premier WC)65 kg: Ryan Sokol (Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley WC)71 kg: Alex Facundo (Davison, Mich./Team Donahue)80 kg: Clayton Ulrey (Grantville, Pa./TNWC)92 kg: Kyle Haas (Maize, Kan./Kansas-USA Wrestling)110 kg: Hunter Catka (Brookhaven, Pa./Lab Trained)

Coach – Brandon Slay, Philadelphia, Pa.National Developmental Coach – Kevin Jackson, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Medical – Dr. David Haight, Tampa, Fla.Medical – Elizabeth Del Rae, Kempton, Pa.

Referee – Cody Goessl, Medford, Wisc. Referee – Josh Grube, Daytona Beach, Fla.Referee – Fidel Albelo, Miami, Fla.

USA Wrestling communications – Taylor Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Men’s freestyle roster


Led by two World medalists and multiple others with international experience, the 2019 U.S. Men’s Freestyle Cadet World Team is set for the Cadet World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, July 29-Aug. 4.

Returning to the Cadet World Championships for Team USA is 2018 World silver medalist Richard Figueroa, 2018 World bronze medalist Alex Facundo and three-time Cadet World Team member Robert Howard.

Figueroa made his international debut last year at the 2018 Cadet World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, shocking the field with an exciting run to the finals. He wrapped up his tournament with a World silver medal at 48 kg.

This year, he will move up a weight class, representing the USA at 51 kg in Bulgaria.

Facundo, who finished third in the world last summer in his first international tournament at 71 kg, putting together an impressive performance, including a massive come-from-behind win in the bronze match.

Nationally, Facundo has shown his dominance in freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle, winning and placing at major national and regional tournaments in all three styles.

This year, Facundo returns to the 71 kg weight class and looks to improve on last year’s finish.

Making his third appearance on the Cadet World stage is Howard, who took 13th at Cadet Worlds in 2017 and ninth in 2018. Despite having not medaled at Cadet Worlds, Howard is determined that the third time is a charm.

In late-2018, not long after falling short of his goals at the World Championships, Howard redeemed himself, becoming one of the first American wrestlers to win a Youth Olympic Games gold medal, dominating the 55 kg field in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Next week, he will also compete at 55 kg.

Three other members of the 2019 Cadet World Team come to Bulgaria with past international experience, including Marc-Anthony McGowan at 45 kg, Stevo Poulin at 48 kg and Jesse Mendez at 60 kg.

McGowan won freestyle and Greco-Roman titles at the 2018 U15 Pan American Championships in Villahermosa, Mexico.

Poulin competed in the 2018 Cadet Pan Am Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala, winning gold in freestyle and bronze in Greco.

Most recently, Mendez represented at the 2019 Cadet Pan Ams in Morelia, Mexico, where he won back-to-back golds in freestyle and Greco. In 2016, Mendez secured a U15 Pan Am bronze in freestyle.

Making their international debuts next week are Ryan Sokol at 65 kg, Clayton Ulrey at 80 kg, Kyle Haas at 92 kg and Hunter Catka at 110 kg.

All four athletes have proven themselves on the national scene and now they get the chance to show the world.

The men’s freestyle portion of the tournament is set for July 29-31. Fans can watch the action live on Trackwrestling.com and follow along on Twitter @USAWrestling.

MEN’S FS PREVIEW


MARC-ANTHONY MCGOWANHometown: Tampa, Fla. Club: BLRHigh school: Citrus Park Christian SchoolBorn: May 6, 2004Weight: 45 kg/ 99 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2019 men’s freestyle FloNationals champion• 2018 U15 Pan Am champion in Greco and freestyle

2019: Cadet Men’s Freestyle World Team Trials champion… FloNationals champion in men’s freestyle… Second at FloNationals in Greco-Roman…2018: U15 Pan American champion in Greco and freestyle…

Instagram: marcanthony.mcgowan

STEVO POULINHometown: Ballston Lake, N.Y. Club: Journeymen WCHigh school: Shenendehowa HSBorn: Sept. 15, 2002Weight: 48 kg/106 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• Two-time Fargo All-American• 2018 Cadet Pan American champion in freestyle

2019: Cadet Men’s Freestyle World Team Trials champion…2018: Cadet Pan American champion in men’s freestyle… Third at Pan American Championships in Greco-Roman… Third at Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials… Second at Cadet Pan Am Trials… Third at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)… 2017: Fifth at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)…

Instagram: stevowrestle

mcgowan & poulin


RICHARD FIGUEROA IIHometown: Sanger, Calif. Club: Sunkist Kids WC/Monster GarageHigh school: Selma HSBorn: September 29, 2002Weight: 51 kg/112 lbs.

Career highlights• 2018 Cadet World silver medalist• Two-time Cadet World Team member (2018, 2019)

2019: Cadet Men’s Freestyle World Team Trials champion… Second at FloNationals in men’s freestyle…2018: Cadet World silver medalist… Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… California State champion… 2017: Third at 16U Freestyle Fargo nationals… Seventh at Cadet World Team Trials…

Twitter: @stunnamanrichInstagram: richard.figueroa21

ROBERT HOWARDHometown: Cranford, N.J.Club: Titan Mercury WC/Bitetto TrainedHigh school: Bergen Catholic HSBorn: March 1, 2002Weight: 55 kg/121 lbs.

Career highlights• 2018 Youth Olympic Games champion• Three-time World Team member (2017-19)• 2018 New Jersey State champion

2019: Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… New Jersey State runner-up…2018: Youth Olympic Games champion… Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… New Jersey State champion… 2017: Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… New Jersey State runner-up…

Twitter: @Robbie__HowardInstagram: robert__howard

figueroa & howard


JESSE MENDEZHometown: Crown Point, Ind. Club: Bulldog Premier WCHigh school: Crown Point HSBorn: April 28, 2003Weight: 60 kg/132 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2019 Pan Am champion in Greco and freestyle• 2019 FloNationals champion in men’s freestyle

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… Pan American champion in Greco and freestyle… 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion… FloNationals champion in freestyle… Second at FloNationals in Greco-Roman…2018: Second at 16U Folkstyle Nationals…

Twitter: @PhenoMendez Instagram: mendezjesse3

RYAN SOKOLHometown: Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Club: Simley WCHigh school: Simley HSBorn: Sept. 14, 2002Weight: 65 kg/143 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2017 Cadet Freestyle Fargo champion

2019: Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… Third at Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials… Junior Western Regional champion in Greco and freestyle… 2017: 16U Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)…

Twitter: @sokol914Instagram: sokol956

mendez & sokol


ALEX FACUNDOHometown: Davison, Mich. Club: Team DonahueHigh school: Davison HSBorn: Feb. 24, 2002Weight: 71 kg/156 lbs.

Career highlights• 2018 Cadet World bronze medalist• Two-time Cadet Freestyle World Team member (2018, 2019)• Two-time Michigan State champion (2018, 2019)• 2017 16U Fargo nationals champion

2019: Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… Junior Folkstyle Nationals champion… Junior Central Regional champion in Greco and freestyle… Michigan D1 State champion…2018: Cadet World bronze medalist… Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… Junior Greco-Roman and Freestyle Central Regional champion… Junior Folkstyle nationals champion… Michigan D1 State champion… 2017: 16U Freestyle Fargo nationals champion… Fourth at 16U Greco-Roman Fargo nationals… 16U Greco-Roman and Freestyle Central Regional champion… 16U Folkstyle national champion…

Instagram: alexfacundo_24

CLAYTON ULREYHometown: Grantville, Pa. Club: TNWCHigh school: Lower Dauphin HSBorn: Feb. 4, 2002Weight: 80 kg/176 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2019 FloNationals champion

2019: Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… FloNationals champion in freestyle… 2018: Fifth at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)…

Twitter: @clayton_ulreyInstagram: clayton_ulrey

facundo & ulrey


KYLE HAASHometown: Maize, KansasClub: Kansas-USA WrestlingHigh school: Maize HSBorn: June 20, 2002Weight: 92 kg/202 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member in men’s freestyle• 2019 Cadet World Team Trials champion in Greco and men’s freestyle• Three-time Fargo All-American

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion in Greco and freestyle… Junior Folkstyle Nationals champion… 2018: Second at 16U Greco Nationals (Fargo)… Third at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)… Fifth at Cadet Greco World Team Trials… Third at Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials… 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion2017: Eighth at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)…

Instagram: kyle__haas

HUNTER CATKAHometown: Brookhaven, Pa. Club: Lab TrainedHigh school: Sun Valley HSBorn: Jan. 8, 2002Weight: 110 kg/242 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2019 FloNationals champion

2019: Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials champion… FloNationals champion in freestyle… 2018: Second at Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials… Third at Cadet Pan American Trials…2017: Sixth at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)… Seventh at 16U– Greco-Roman Nationals (Fargo)…

Twitter: @hunter_catkaInstagram: hunter_catka

haas & catka


WOMEN’SFREESTYLE

Photo by United World Wrestling


U.S. Cadet women’s freestyle roster40 kg: Sterling Dias (Las Vegas, Nev./Slam WC)43 kg: Alexandra Szkotnicki (Riva, Md./Southern Maryland WC Wolfpack)46 kg: Sage Mortimer (Mapleton, Utah/Champions WC)49 kg: Cristelle Rodriguez (Fresno, Calif./Red Wave Wrestling)53 kg: Adriana Dorado Marin (Denver, Colo./Betterman Elite)57 kg: Skylar Hattendorf (Hooksett, N.H./Maine Trappers)61 kg: Kylie Welker (Franksville, Wisc./Burlington WC)65 kg: Lillian Freitas (Modesto, Calif./Pitman Wrestling)69 kg: Amit Elor (Walnut Creek, Calif./Bay Area Titans WC)73 kg: Kennedy Blades (Broadview, Ill./Izzy Style WC/Wyoming Seminary)

National Developmental Coach – Jessica Medina, Colorado Springs, Colo.Coach – Erin Vandiver, Kingston, Pa. Coach – Brent Barnes, Lake Stevens, Wash.




WOMEN’S FREESTYLE ROSTER


The 2019 U.S. Women’s Freestyle Cadet World Team is set to compete in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the Cadet World Championships, July 29-Aug. 4.

Leading the squad is returning Cadet World medalist Sterling Dias, who won a bronze last year at 40 kg. Since then, she won the USA Wrestling 16U and Junior Folkstyle Nationals, and earlier this week, she claimed her second-straight 16U Fargo title at 94 pounds.

Dias is set to compete at 40 kg in Bulgaria. She is the only team member with Cadet World experience.

By her side is 2019 U15 World champion Alex Szkotnicki, who is competing at 43 kg. She broke out onto the national scene this year, winning spots on the U15 and Cadet World Teams as well as tallying a runner-up finish at 16U Folkstyle Nationals. At Fargo, Szkotnicki took fifth at 94 pounds.

She won her U15 World title in June, showing her prowess on the international stage as well.

Two of the most anticipated up-and-comers will represent the USA at the upper weights in Bulgaria with Amit Elor registered at 69 kg and Kennedy Blades set at 73 kg.

Both athletes eased their ways onto the World Team, dominating the Trials in May.

Elor, a native of Walnut Creek, Calif., has won every USA Wrestling tournament she has competed in, dating back to 2016. Last year, she earned a gold medal at the U15 Pan American Championships in Mexico.

After falling short to Macey Kilty in the World Team Trials last year, Blades worked her way onto the 2019 squad and appears to be serious trouble for her competition.

With a second place finish last year at Trials, Blades earned the opportunity to compete at the 2018 Cadet Pan American Championships, where she won a gold medal in Guatemala.

Most recently, Blades, who attends Wyoming Seminary, secured her second 16U Fargo championship, winning at 164 pounds. Days later, she picked up her first Junior Fargo title.

Putting together a similar performance is Fargo was Sage Mortimer, who will compete for the Red, White and Blue at 46 kg. Mortimer won her second-straight 16U Fargo title and followed it up with her first Junior championship.

For years, Mortimer has been a strong threat on the national scene. Last year, in addition to winning her first Cadet Fargo title, Mortimer became the first female to All-American in Greco-Roman at Fargo, taking seventh in the Junior division. She also finished second in Junior women’s freestyle.

Other names to watch out for include Kylie Welker at 61 kg and Adriana Dorado Marin at 53 kg.

After taking some time off from wrestling due to an injury, Welker is back on the mat and ready to take on the world.

In 2016, Welker was a U15 Pan Am bronze medalist. So far this season, she has won a spot on the World Team as well as the 16U Folkstyle Nationals and the USA Wrestling Tour of America: Dominate in the Dells.

Dorado Marin has had national success, winning a 16U Fargo title last year and taking third at the same tournament last week.

Newer to the scene and representing at the World Championships are Cristelle Rodriguez at 49 kg, Skylar Hattendorf at 57 kg and Lillian Freitas at 65 kg.

The women’s freestyle portion of the tournament is set for July 31-Aug. 2. Fans can watch the action live on Trackwrestling.com and follow along on Twitter @USAWrestling.

WOMEN’S FS PREVIEW


STERLING DIASHometown: Las Vegas, Nev. Club: Slam WCHigh school: Slam AcademyBorn: August 19, 2003Weight: 40 kg/ 88 lbs.

Career highlights• 2018 Cadet World bronze medalist• Two-time Cadet World Team member (2018, 2019)• Two-time 16U Fargo champion (2018, 2019)• 2017 Schoolboy/girl Pan-American gold medalist

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)... 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion… Junior Folkstyle Nationals champion… 2018: Cadet World bronze medalist…Cadet World Team Trials champion… 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Western Regional champion… 2017: U15 Pan-American champion…

Instagram: simplysterling

ALEXANDRA SZKOTNICKIHometown: Riva, Md. Club: Southern Maryland Wrestling Club WolfpackBorn: March 19, 2004Weight: 43 kg/95 lbs.

Career highlights• U15 World champion• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2019 16U Fargo All-American

2019: U15 World champion… Cadet World Team Trials champion… U15 World Team Trials champion… Fifth at 16U Nationals (Fargo)... 16U Folkstyle Nationals runner-up…

Instagram: alexszkotnicki

diaz & szkotnicki


SAGE MORTIMERHometown: Mapleton, Utah Club: Champions WCHigh school: American Leadership AcademyBorn: Jan. 7, 2003Weight: 46 kg/101 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• Two-time 16U Women’s Freestyle Fargo champion (2018, 2019)• 2019 Junior Women’s Freestyle Fargo champion• 2018 Junior Greco-Roman All-American

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Junior Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Junior Women’s Freestyle Western Regional champion… Junior Greco Western Regional runner-up…2018: 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Junior Women’s Freestyle Nationals runner-up (Fargo)… Third at Cadet World Team Trials… Seventh at Junior Greco-Roman Nationals (Fargo)… Seventh at Junior Folkstyle Nationals…Note: Mortimer became the first female to earn All-American status in Greco-Roman at the Junior National Championships (Fargo).

Twitter: @mortimersageInstagram: 1blondiebeast_sage

CRISTELLE RODRIGUEZHometown: Fresno, Calif. Club: Red Wave WrestlingHigh school: Buchanan HSBorn: Jan. 18, 2004Weight: 49 kg/108 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2019 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion… Third at Junior Folkstyle Nationals… Sixth at U15 World Team Trials…

Instagram: cristellenoelle

mortimer & rodriguez


ADRIANA DORADO MARINHometown: Denver, Colo. Club: Betterman EliteHigh school: Springs Studio for Academic Excellence/Betterman Elite AcademyBorn: July 6, 2003Weight: 53 kg/117 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2018 16U Fargo champion• 2019 16U Fargo All-American

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… Third at 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)... Northwest Regional runner-up…2018: 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)…

Instagram: adriana.doradomarin

SKYLAR HATTENDORFHometown: Hooksett, N.H. Club: Maine TrappersHigh school: Bow HSBorn: Sept. 10, 2004Weight: 57 kg/125 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… 2018: Preseason Nationals champion…

Instagram: skylar_hattendorf

dorado & hattendorf


KYLIE WELKERHometown: Franksville, Wisc. Club: Burlington WCHigh school: Burlington HSBorn: Dec. 17, 2003Weight: 61 kg/134 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2016 U15 Pan Am bronze medalist

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion… Dominate in the Dells champion…2016: U15 Pan American bronze medalist…

Instagram: kylie_welker24

LILLIAN FREITASHometown: Modesto, Calif. Club: Pitman WrestlingHigh school: Pitman HSBorn: Oct. 10, 2004Weight: 65 kg/143 lbs.


2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion…

welker & freitas


AMIT ELORHometown: Walnut Creek, Calif. Club: Bay Area Titans WCHigh school: College Park HSBorn: Jan. 1, 2004Weight: 69 kg/152 lbs.


2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… Western Regional champion in folkstyle, Greco-Roman and freestyle

Instagram: amitelor1

KENNEDY BLADESHometown: Broadview, Ill. Club: Izzy Style WC/Wyoming SeminaryHigh school: Wyoming SeminaryBorn: Sept. 4, 2003Weight: 73 kg/161 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team member• 2018 Cadet Pan American champion• Two-time 16U Fargo champion (2018, 2019)• 2019 Junior Fargo champion

2019: Cadet World Team Trials champion… Cadet Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Junior Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)…U17 Lady Klippan Cup champion…2018: Cadet Pan American champion… 16U Women’s Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Cadet World Team Trials runner-up…

Instagram: kennedyblades

elor & blades


GRECO ROMAN

Photo by John Sachs


U.S. Cadet Greco-Roman roster45 kg: Mason Gehloff (Waseca, Minn./Sebolt WC)48 kg: Cory Land (Moody, Ala./Ironclad WC)51 kg: Jett Strickenberger (Monument, Colo./Sons of Thunder Academy)55 kg: Conor Knopick (Omaha, Neb./MWC Wrestling Academy)60 kg: Parker Decker (Keller, Texas/ Mile High WC Texas)65 kg: Robert Perez III (Long Beach, Calif./American Born Grappler)71 kg: Daniel Segura (Columbus, Ohio/Team Miron)80 kg: Tate Picklo (Mustang, Okla./Matrix Grappling)92 kg: Tyler Hannah (Genoa, Wisc./Viroqua WC)110 kg: Braxton Mikesell (Spokane, Wash./Central Valley WC)

National Developmental Coach – Gary Mayabb, Colorado Springs, Colo.Coach – Shawn Sheldon, West Palm Beach, Fla.




GRECO-ROMAN ROSTER


The United States is sending 10 prepared Greco-Roman athletes to the 2019 Cadet World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, July 29-Aug. 4. All 10 wrestlers will be making their World Championships debuts next week.

Five athletes on the roster have won Greco-Roman national titles at Fargo, including Mason Gehloff at 45 kg, Parker Decker at 60 kg, Robert Perez III at 65 kg, Tyler Hannah at 92 kg and Braxton Mikesell at 110 kg.

Jett Strickenberger, the USA representative at 51 kg, owns a 2017 Cadet Freestyle Fargo championship.

Gehloff was a 2018 Triple Crown winner, meaning he won national titles in Greco-Roman, freestyle and folkstyle.

Perez III is the only member of the team to claim two Cadet Greco titles at the prestigious event, winning in 2018 and 2019.

Decker, Hannah and Mikesell all won their Cadet Greco national titles in 2018.

In addition to his domestic success, Mikesell has also made a name for himself internationally as he won Cadet Pan American gold medals in Greco and freestyle earlier this summer in Morelia, Mexico.

Wrestling at 80 kg in Bulgaria, Tate Picklo competed at Fargo this year, finishing second in Cadet Greco and adding a third-place finish in Cadet freestyle.

There are two other Cadet Greco Fargo All-Americans in the lineup, including Conor Knopick at 55 kg and Daniel Segura at 71 kg. Knopick was a 2017 runner-up, while Segura finished fifth in 2018.

Rounding out the team is Cory Land at 48 kg, who won the Cadet Greco World Team Trials and finished second in the Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials.

The Greco-Roman portion of the tournament is set for Aug. 2-4. Fans can watch the action live on Trackwrestling.com and follow along on Twitter @USAWrestling.

GRECO-ROMAN PREVIEW


MASON GEHLOFFHometown: Waseca, Minn.Club: Sebolt WCHigh school: Waseca HSBorn: April 22, 2003Weight: 45 kg/ 99 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2018 Triple Crown winner• Two-time Fargo champion

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… Greco and Freestyle Northern Plains Regional champion…2018: 16U Folkstyle Nationals champion… 16U Greco national champion (Fargo)… 16U Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Triple Crown winner…

Twitter: @mason_gehloffInstagram: masongehloff

CORY LANDHometown: Moody, Ala. Club: Ironclad WCHigh school: Moody HSBorn: Feb. 4, 2004Weight: 48 kg/ 106 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials runner-up…

Twitter: @therealloryInstagram: lorycand

gehloff & land


JETT STRICKENBERGERHometown: Monument, Colo.Club: Sons of Thunder AcademyBorn: Nov. 6, 2002Weight: 51 kg/ 112 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2017 Fargo champion

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… fifth at Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials… Western Regional champion…2018: Third at Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials… Third at Western Regional…2017: 16U Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… Sixth at 16U Greco-Roman Nationals (Fargo)…

Instagram: jett_strickenberger

CONOR KNOPICKHometown: Omaha, Neb.Club: MWC Wrestling AcademyHigh school: Millard South HSBorn: Aug. 14, 2002Weight: 55 kg/121 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• Two-time Greco Western Regional champion

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… Western Regional Junior Greco-Roman champion… Third in Western Regionals in Junior freestyle…2018: Third at Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials… Third at 16U Greco-Roman Nationals (Fargo)… Western Regional 16U Greco-Roman champion… Third in Western Regionals in 16U freestyle…2017: 16U Greco-Roman Nationals runner-up (Fargo)…

Twitter: @conorknopickInstagram: conor_knopick_

strickenberger & knopick


PARKER DECKER Hometown: Keller, TexasClub: Mile High WC TexasHigh school: Keller HSBorn: April 12, 2002Weight: 60 kg/132 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2018 16U Greco Fargo champion

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… 2018: 16U Greco-Roman Nationals champion (Fargo)… Fifth in Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials… Pan American Team Trials runner-up in Greco-Roman and freestyle…2017: Junior Greco-Roman Nationals runner-up (Fargo)… Second in Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials…

Twitter: @parker_decker12Instagram: parker.decker

ROBERT PEREZ IIIHometown: Long Beach, Calif.Club: American Born GrapplerHigh school: St. John BoscoBorn: July 6, 2003Weight: 65 kg/143 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• Two-time 16U Greco Fargo champion (2018, 2019)• 2019 FloNationals champion in Greco-Roman

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… Cadet Pan American champion in Greco-Roman and freestyle… 16U Greco-Roman Nationals champion (Fargo)…Greco-Roman FloNationals champion… Third at FloNationals in freestyle… 16U Folkstyle Nationals… 2018: 16U Greco-Roman Nationals champion (Fargo)… Fifth at Cadet Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)… 16U Folkstyle National champion… Western Regional champion in Greco-Roman, freestyle and folkstyle…

Twitter: @grapplersrusInstagram: americanborngrappler

decker & perez


DANIEL SEGURAHometown: Columbus, OhioClub: Team MironHigh school: Dublin Scioto HSBorn: Feb. 6, 2002Weight: 71 kg/157 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2018 16U Fargo All-American

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… 2018: Fifth at 16U Greco-Roman Nationals (Fargo)…

Twitter: @danielsegura32Instagram: danielsegura32

TATE PICKLOHometown: Mustang, Okla.Club: Matrix GrapplingHigh school: Mustang HSBorn: Jan. 9, 2003Weight: 80 kg/176 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2018 16U Freestyle Fargo champion• 2019 Cadet Greco Fargo runner-up• 2019 Cadet Freestyle Fargo All-American

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… 16U Greco-Roman Nationals runner-up (Fargo)… Third at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)…2018: 16U Freestyle Nationals champion (Fargo)… third at 16U Greco-Roman Nationals (Fargo)… Southern Plains Regional champion in Greco-Roman and freestyle…

Twitter: @bpickloInstagram: pateticklo

segura & picklo


TYLER HANNAHHometown: Genoa, Wisc.Club: Viroqua WCHigh school: Viroqua HSBorn: Jan. 5, 2002Weight: 92 kg/203 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2018 16U Greco Fargo champion

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials runner-up… 2018: 16U Greco-Roman Nationals champion (Fargo)… Eighth at Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials… 16U Greco Northern Plains Regional champion… 16U freestyle Northern Plains Regional runner-up… 2017: 16U Greco-Roman Nationals runner-up (Fargo)…

Instagram: truckhannah

BRAXTON MIKESELLHometown: Spokane, Wash.Club: Central Valley WCHigh school: Central Valley HSBorn: April 29, 2002Weight: 110 kg/243 lbs.

Career highlights• 2019 Cadet World Team Member• 2019 Cadet Pan Am champion in Greco and freestyle• 2018 16U Greco Fargo champion

2019: Cadet Greco-Roman World Team Trials champion… Cadet Freestyle World Team Trials runner-up… Cadet Pan American champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman… Junior Greco Western Regional champion… Fourth at Junior Freestyle Western Regional… Greco-Roman FloNationals champion… Third at Freestyle FloNationals… 2018: 16U Greco Nationals champion (Fargo)… Third at 16U Freestyle Nationals (Fargo)… Fourth at Cadet Greco World Team Trials… 16U Western Regional champion in Greco and freestyle… Third at 16U Folkstyle Nationals… 16U Northwest Regional champion in Greco and freestyle…

Instagram: braxton_mikesell

hannah & mikesell


coaches


The assigned coach for the men’s freestyle team is 2000 Olympic champion Brandon Slay. A wealth of coaching knowledge, Slay is the Executive Director and Head Coach of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center in Philadelphia and has served as USA Wrestling’s National Development Coach from 2009-2016.

As an athlete, Slay was a U.S. National champion, two-time University National champion, two-time All-American for Penn and a two-time Cadet World medalist.

In 2016, Slay was inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member, the highest honor. He is also a member of the University of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, EIWA Hall of Fame, & Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame.

Coaching alongside Slay is fellow Olympic champion and current USA Wrestling National Development Coach Kevin Jackson.

Jackson has garnered countless achievements as an athlete and coach. Most notably, during his athletic career, Jackson was the 1992 Olympic champion and a two-time World champion, winning gold in 1991 and 1995.

On a coaching level, Jackson has extensive experience. This is his second stint with the USA Wrestling National Coaching Staff. He previously served as USA Wrestling’s National Freestyle Coach from 2000-2008, and as the National Freestyle Resident Coach from 1998-2000.

During that time, Jackson coached Henry Cejudo and Cael Sanderson to Olympic titles as well as helping the U.S. to 11 World medals.

Jackson also spent eight years as Iowa State’s head coach, producing four NCAA champions and 14 All-Americans.

The men’s freestyle competition will kick off the World Championships, taking place July 29-31.

men’s fs coaches


Helping lead the women’s team is Erin Vandiver, girls wrestling head coach at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School in Kingston, Pa., a high school powerhouse.

Vandiver served several years as the U.S. Women’s Assistant National coach in Colorado Springs, Colo. During that time, which included two Olympic Games, Vandiver coached many women to World and Olympic medals, including Olympic champion and 2015 World champion Helen Maroulis, Olympic bronze medalist Clarissa Chun and three-time World champion Adeline Gray.

As an athlete, Vandiver was a U.S. Olympic Training Center resident and a two-time World Team member, finishing seventh at the 2006 World Championships and 13th in 2001.

She also boasts two bronze medals from the 1998 and 1999 Cadet World Championships.

In Bulgaria, she will team up with Brent Barnes, who is a legendary high school coach out of Washington. Vandiver and Barnes coached together at the 2017 Junior World Championships.

Barnes heads a very successful program at Lake Stevens High School that has won more than 10 state titles, produced multiple state champs and several state place winners. He has been a tremendous influence for many girls in the state of Washington during their developmental years, providing a great foundation for many young wrestlers. He cares about developing successful people of character as well as successful wrestlers.

Barnes has been heavily involved with USA Wrestling’s women’s program since 2003 and is a multiple-time Cadet and Junior World Team coach. Most recently, he coached the 2016 and 2017 Junior World Teams in Macon, France, and Tampere, Finland, respectively.

Alongside them will be USA Wrestling Women’s Freestyle National Development Coach Jessica Medina, who joined the staff in early 2019.

Also a former USOPTC resident athlete, Medina was a six-time U.S. Senior National Team member and 2009 and 2010 Senior World Team member. She also won a 2006 Junior World bronze medal.

Medina joined the USA staff after serving as Ferrum’s women’s wrestling head coach for two seasons.

The women’s portion of the competition will take place July 31-Aug. 2.

women’s fs coaches


Heading up the Greco-Roman team is Shawn Sheldon, who was a 1991 Greco World silver medalist.

In addition to winning a World medal, Sheldon represented the United States at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and seven other World Championships. He was on the U.S. National Team for 13-straight seasons.

Sheldon owns eight U.S. National Greco-Roman Championships and was a seven-time runner-up.

As a college athlete, SUNY Albany where he was a 1986 NCAA Division III National Champion and a three-time All-American.

Coaching-wise, Sheldon is one of the most active Greco-Roman coaches, serving as an Olympic and World coach and leading numerous U.S. tour teams. Currently, he is a coach for the New York Athletic Club. He has also coached at the high school and club levels in Florida as well as with Florida’s USA Wrestling state association.

Working with Sheldon is Gary Mayabb, USA Wrestling Manager of Greco-Roman Programs.Mayabb’s position focuses on improving USA Wrestling’s performance in Greco-Roman wrestling at all levels while growing the sport in the United States. He was a successful high school coach in Missouri, developing champion teams and athletes.

One of the best developmental coaches in the country, Mayabb has tons of experience, coaching nearly 15 age-group World Teams over the years.

As an athlete, he was a 1990 U.S. Open runner-up in Greco-Roman, and qualified to compete in four U.S. Olympic Team Trials series (1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992). In college, he was a two-time captain for the wrestling team at the University of Central Missouri, where he was an NCAA qualifier and the MIAA Conference Most Outstanding Wrestler in 1983.

The Greco-Roman portion of the competition will take place Aug. 2-4. Watch live on Trackwrestling.com or follow @USAWrestling on Twitter.

Greco-roman coaches

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