The Ultimate Super 32 Preview And Predictions Article
The Ultimate Super 32 Preview And Predictions Article
You've seen the field and studied the pre-seeds. Here's your complete Super 32 preview with predictions for each weight.
Super 32 is right around the corner. We know the field, we have seeds, and we can look forward to some likely matchups. Here is the complete Super 32 preview, complete with predictions for each weight class.
Before diving into each weight, don't forget that we have a whole lot of preview content for this event on FloWrestling. If you're curious about where this year's field comes from, we have it. Want to know where these recruits have committed and which uncommitted recruits are left? We've got you covered. Are you itching to see the complete field? You can do that. Now, check out the pre-seeds for each weight and get a load of our predictions.
106 lbs
Last year's final: #1 Vincent Kilkeary Greensburg, PA DEC #11 Braeden Davis Belleville, MI, 5-2
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Adrian DeJesus, St Peter's Prep, NJ
10 - Dru Ayala, Fort Dodge Senior High School, IA
11 - Blake Beissel, Hastings High School, MN
12 - Edwin Sierra, Poway, CA
13 - Matt Dolan, Spring Mills High School, WV
14 - Colin Martin, Staunton river high school, VA
15 - Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights, PA
16 - Aaron Seidel, Northern Lebanon, PA
17 - Brodie Christmas, Mortimer Jordan, AL
18 - Chase Van Hoven, Brooke Point High School, VA
19 - Eren Sement, Council Rock North, PA
20 - Davis Motyka, Wyoming Seminary, PA
21 - J'veon Clinton, Elyria, OH
22 - Brandon Morvari, Simley, MN
23 - Sebastian Degennaro, Jensen Beach High School, FL
24 - Jason Goodin, Edmond North, OK
25 - Parker Lyden, Forest Lake, MN
26 - Patrick OKeefe, SJV, NJ
27 - Michael Olson, Albert Lea, MN
28 - Tahir Parkins, Nazareth, PA
29 - Shane McFillin, Bethlehem Catholic, PA
30 - Aydan Thomas, Stillwater High School, OK
Commentary: Anthony Knox recently decided to stay at 106 lbs instead of moving up to 113 lbs, the seeds will have to change. We could see a quarterfinal rematch of the Who's Number One futures match between Seth Mendoza and Bo Bassett and a potential Beric Jordan vs Bo Bassett match in the semis.
The potential finals match many people will look forward to would be Anthony Knox vs Bo Bassett. Both were impressive at Who's Number One and could lock horns in a bout with a whole lot of intrigue.
Predictions: 1) Anthony Knox 2) Bo Bassett 3) Beric Jordan 4) Cooper Hilton 5) Seth Mendoza 6) Nathan Desmond 7) Canon Acklin 8) Christian Castillo
113 lbs
Last year's final: #15 Caden Horwath Davison, MI DEC PjJDuke Slate Hill, NY, 4-3
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Gauge Botero, Faith Christian Academy, PA
10 - Alan Koehler, Prior Lake, MN
11 - Jake Crapps, Cass High School, GA
12 - Marcello Milani, St. Marys, MI
13 - Drew Heethuis, Detroit Catholic Central, MI
14 - Sam Herring, Bishop McCort, PA
15 - Logan Swensen, Wayzata High School, MN
16 - Brady Roark, Seneca High School, MO
17 - Marcus Blaze, Perrysburg High School, OH
18 - Kale Petersen, Greene county, IA
19 - Jackson Blum, Lowell, MI
20 - Dan Jones, Delbarton, NJ
21 - Noah Nininger, Staunton River High School, VA
22 - Carter Nogle, Mount Saint Joseph, MD
23 - Ethan Rivera, Lake Highland Prep, FL
24 - Carson Wagner, Northampton Area, PA
25 - Daniel Guanajuato, Valiant college prepatory, AZ
26 - Gabe Giampietro, Smyrna HS, DE
27 - Isiac Paulino, MontyTech, MA
28 - Emmitt Sherlock, Gilman, MD
29 - Scott Moore, Gilroy, CA
30 - Austin McBurney, Massillon Perry, OH
31 - Cael Nasdeo, Williamsport, PA
32 - Jason Torres, Malvern Prep, PA
Commentary: Anthony Knox's departure from the preseeds shakes things up quite a bit. Last year's champ at 106 lbs, Vinny Kilkeary, is the favorite, but this is an extremely deep weight with a whole bunch of potential podium contenders.
This field is poised to create a whole lot of upsets, and the podium is sure to be nearly impossible to predict.
Prediction: 1) Vinny Kilkeary 2) Luke Lilledahl 3) Daniel Guanajuato 4) Cole Hunt 5) Tyler Knox 6) Drew Heethuis 7) Jax Forrest 8) Sam Herring
120 lbs
Last year's final: #3 (126) Cooper Flynn Seymour, TN DEC #7 Mason Gibson South Fork, PA, 6-1
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Matthew Lopes, Blair Academy, CT
10 - Maddox Shaw, Thomas Jefferson, PA
11 - Paul Kelly, Poway, CA
12 - Dalton Perry, Central mountain, PA
13 - Benjamin Davino, St Charles East, IL
14 - Alessandro Nini, Christian Beothers Academy, NJ
15 - Caleb Thoennes, STMA, MN
16 - Tyler Ferrara, Chenango Forks, NY
17 - Jaxon Joy, Wadsworth, OH
18 - Zan Fugitt, Nixa, MO
19 - Mason Leiphart, Dover, PA
20 - Luke Stanich, Roxbury High School, NJ
21 - Jaden Pepe, Wyoming Area, PA
22 - Conor Collins, Southern Regional, NJ
23 - Dawson Johnson, Cumberland, WI
24 - Amantee Mills, Brookwood High School, GA
25 - Drew Gorman, Buford High School, GA
26 - Kade Davidheiser, The Hill School, PA
27 - Brady Pruett, Archbishop Spalding, MD
28 - Troy Hohman, Penn Trafford, PA
29 - Jacob Joyce, Ponaganset, RI
30 - Jackson Baglio, Central Cabarrus High, NC
31 - Ian Radintz, Glenwood City High School, WI
32 - Hunter Hollingsworth, Edmond North, OK
Commentary: The seeds could get shaken up here as it sounds like Joey Cruz won't be in attendance. With 13 ranked wrestlers in action, most of the round of 16 matches will be between ranked opponents.
Guys like Mantanona, Horwath, Collins, Thoennes, and Gorman are moving up from 113 and looking to make an impact at 120. Don't be surprised if they do just that. This bracket should be a lot of fun.
Predictions: 1) Nate Jesuroga 2) Kyle Montaperto 3) Caden Horwath 4) Kael Lauridsen 5) Aden Valencia 6) Brock Mantanona 7) Dalton Perry 8) Matty Lopes
126 lbs
Last year's final: #1 (120) Drake Ayala Fort Dodge, IA DEC #4 Troy Spratley Bainbridge, NY, 3-2
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Evan Mougalian, Kinnelon High School, NJ
10 - Fernando Barreto, Walnut high school, CA
11 - Luke Poore, Caravel Academy, DE
12 - Kai Owen, Wyoming Seminary, FL
13 - Landon Robideau, STMA, MN
14 - Nikolaus O’Neill, Malvern Prep, PA
15 - Grigor Cholakyan, St John Bosco, CA
16 - Evan Frost, Dowling Catholic, LA
17 - William Baysingar, Prospect High School, IL
18 - Brennen Cernus, Wyoming Seminary, OH
19 - Max Gallagher, Bayport Blue Point High School, NY
20 - Keyveon Roller, Lakeway Christian Academy, TN
21 - Kollin Rath, Bethlehem Catholic, PA
22 - Cooper Haase, Kissimmee Osceola, FL
23 - Jacob Myers, Ponderosa High School, CO
24 - Gable Porter, Underwood, IA
25 - DJ Gillett, Crescent Valley HS, OR
26 - Santino Robinson, Mascoutah H. S., IL
27 - Christopher Vargo, Charleroi Area/ co op Bentworth, PA
28 - Brady Conlin, Lake Highland Prep, NJ
29 - Ryan Ford, Bergen Catholic, NJ
30 - Logan Frazier, Crown Point High School, IN
31 - Jacob Macatangay, Plainfield North High School, IL
32 - Tyson Charmoli, St. Francis High School, MN
Commentary: Sergio Lemly is currently the top-ranked man at 126 lbs, but that ranking will be put to the test against a brutal field in Greensboro. Some of the top contenders to take over that top spot are Greco Cadet World silver medalist Cory Land, Fargo champ Kannon Webster, and Super 32 finalist PJ Duke.
Other serious threats include #7 Vincent Robinson whose upset victory over Dean Peterson at Fargo opened a lot of eyes, Kyler Larkin, who took out Mason Gibson in Fargo, and Adrian Meza who won the 16u division in Fargo.
This bracket has depth way beyond those guys as well, so make this weight a priority this weekend.
Predictions: 1) PJ Duke 2) Kannon Webster 3) Vincent Robinson 4) Cory Land 5) Sergio Lemley 6) Gabe Whisenhunt 7) Kyler Larkin 8) Adrian Meza
132 lbs
Last year's final: #1 Nic Bouzakis Shavertown, PA MD #5 Chance Lamer Corvallis, OR, 13-4
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Jake Niffenegger, Cincinnati Lasalle, OH
10 - Chase Deblaere, Simley, MN
11 - Tyler Vazquez, Delbarton, NJ
12 - Dario Lemus, Clovis High School, CA
13 - Camron Lacure, Legacy Christian, OH
14 - Mac Church, Waynesburg, PA
15 - Koy Buesgens, New Prague, MN
16 - Jordan Soriano, W. Tresper Clarke High School, NY
17 - Sam Cartella, Western Reserve Academy, OH
18 - Cameron Catrabone, Williamsville North, NY
19 - Jacob Frost, Dowling Catholic, LA
20 - Spencer Barnhart, Malvern Prep, PA
21 - Eligh Rivera, Lake Highland Prep, FL
22 - Collin Guffey, Granite Hills High School, CA
23 - Ty Wilson, Dublin Scioto, OH
24 - Cheaney Schoeff, Avon High School, IN
25 - Jeremy Ginter, Whitmer, OH
26 - Colton Stoneking, Waynesburg, PA
27 - Logan Rozynski, Wyoming Seminary, NJ
28 - Cole Thomas, Ryle High School, KY
29 - Cash Raymond, Simley High School, MN
30 - Dominic Hargrove, Discovery Canyon Campus, CO
31 - David McClelland, St. Francis DeSales High School, OH
32 - George Rosas, Clovis High School, CA
Commentary: Despite Nic Bouzakis' loss to Emilio Ysaguirre in Fargo, he'll be the favorite here, but Ysaguirre proved that Bouzakis isn't invincible, a fact that many wrestlers in this field might find comforting.
Ysaguirre became known as an upset specialist last year when he took out Jordan Titus, but he'll have the target on his back this time as the #3 man in the country. He'll be joined in this field by three other guys who finished in the top four at Super 32 last year: Zeke Seltzer, Mac Church, and Jacob Frost.
Those guys, however, will all need multiple ranked wins to place in the top eight in Greensboro with 16 ranked wrestlers and 14 more just outside the rankings.
Predictions: 1) Nic Bouzakis 2) Emilio Ysaguirre 3) Zeke Seltzer 4) Brock Bobzien 5) Ryder Block 6) Jake Niffenegger 7) Danny Nini 8) Mac Church
138 lbs
Last year's final: #9 Caden Mccrary CARTERSVILLE, GA DEC #10 Levi Haines Arendtsville, PA, 8-2
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Alex Almeyda, Saint Joseph Regional, NJ
10 - Maxwell Petersen, Byron, MN
11 - Cross Wasilewski, Delbarton, NJ
12 - Carter McCallister, Rock Bridge High School, MO
13 - Gavin Drexler, Stratford High School, WI
14 - Matthew Repos, Central Dauphin High School, PA
15 - Zach Hanson, Lakeville North, MN
16 - Jackson Polo, Cold Spring Harbor High School, NY
17 - Brayden Ivy, Lakeway Chrisitian Academy, TN
18 - Joseph Cangro, Bergen Catholic High School, NJ
19 - Weston Dalton, Pueblo East, CO
20 - Cameron Steed, Collinsville High School, OK
21 - Joe Davi, Delbarton, NJ
22 - Evan Holloway, New Kent High School, VA
23 - Drayden Morton, Sibley East, MN
24 - Daniel Sheen, Wyoming Seminary, IL
24 - Dominic Findora, Downingtown West High School, PA
25 - Luke Simcox, Central Mountain, PA
26 - Jaydon Robinson, Homewood Flossmoor, IL
27 - ZACHARY PARKER, FOUNTAIN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, CA
28 - Joe Fongaro, Boonton High School, NJ
29 - Trevor Reinke, Beatrice High school, NE
30 - Yannis Charles, Clover, SC
31 - Cade Siebrecht, Lisbon High School, IA
32 - DONTE LOPEZ, GILROY HIGH SCHOOL, CA
Commentary: Jesse Mendez was registered initially, but now he won't be in Greensboro. While that eliminates the front-runner, it doesn't diminish the depth of this incredible bracket that still has 15 ranked studs looking to bring home the belt.
Virginia commit Michael Gioffre sits on the top of the ranked list. He's coming off losses up at 145 at the California Super 32 Qualifier and at Freakshow but will look to flex his folkstyle skills in Greensboro.
We could see a Fargo finals rematch between high-flying Joel Adams and super savvy Tyler Kasak. Adams took home the stop sign over Kasak in dramatic fashion this summer, but Kasak tends to be even better in folkstyle than he is in the international styles, so he'll look to capitalize on that potential advantage should the two meet.
Predictions: 1) Tyler Kasak 2) Joel Adams 3) Michael Gioffre 4) Richard Fedalen 5) Beau Mantanona 6)Tom Crook 7) Dylan Gilcher 8) Zach Hanson
145 lbs
Last year's final: #19 Alek Martin Urbana, OH DEC #8 (132) Rocco Welsh Fredericktown, PA, 6-4
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Gavin Brown, Legacy Christian Academy, OH
10 - Noah Tolentino, Poway, CA
11 - Joel Jesuroga, Southeast Polk, IA
12 - Kyler Lake, Buchanan High School, CA
13 - Joey Blaze, Perrysburg High School, OH
14 - Fin Nadeau, Flathead High School, MT
15 - Reese Davis, Tuttle High School, OK
16 - William Henckel, Blair Academy, CT
17 - Tommy Curran, Dekalb HS, IL
18 - Kael Voinovich, Stillwater HS, OK
19 - Kal Miller, Park Hill, MO
20 - KJ Evans, Heritiage Hall, OK
21 - ETHAN MOJENA, LAKE HIGHLAND PREP, FL
22 - Ethan Stiles, Conant High School, IL
23 - Caleb Meunier, Winneconne, WI
25 - Cael Erickson, Cedar Grove-Belgium, WI
26 - Brock Woodcock, St. Clair Highschool, MO
27 - Koa Ruiz, Calvary Chapel High School, CA
28 - Aiden Davis, Dundee High School, MI
29 - Hayden Watson, Center Grove High School, IN
30 - Killian Foy, MacArthur HS, NY
31 - James Chance, Western Reserve Academy, OH
32 - Clayton Gabrielson, St. Mary's Ryken, MD
Commentary: This weight class might be the best combination of top talent and depth in the entire tournament. Fans of high-paced wrestling won't want to miss the best matches at 145 lbs.
At the top of this weight, Jackson Arrington looks to defend his #1 ranking for the first time since taking over that honor at Who's Number One. That will be a tall order since Cody Chittum is returning to the mat at Super 32. That potential matchup is enticing as both Arrington and Chittum love nothing more than to let it fly. Chittum has held the #1 spot for a long time himself, so the winner of this potential final would settle the #1 debate definitively if both can navigate the insane minefield that awaits.
The field below Arrington and Chittum is comprised of 12 ranked wrestlers, 4 of whom are positioned in the top ten. Ty Whalen is as tough as they come and Jude Swisher, William Henckel, and Pierson Manville are surging after strong summers in Fargo.
Speaking of Surging, #15 Noah Tolantino is coming off a Freakshow title as well as a victory over Michael Gioffre at the California Super 32 Qualifier. He could shake things up here. The top work of Kelvin Griffin is also among the best of high school wrestlers and could become a big-time factor. There are too many tough guys to mention, but this weight should have fireworks.
Predictions: 1) Cody Chittum 2) Jackson Arrington 3) Ty Whalen 4) Jude Swisher 5) Kelvin Griffin 6) Noah Tolantino 7) Kyler Larkin 8) Pierson Manville
152 lbs
Last year's final: #14 (145) Caleb Henson Cartersville, GA DEC #4 Anthony Ferrari Stillwater, OK, 4-3 UTB
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Derek Raike, Point Pleasant High School, WV
10 - Jeremy Paradice, Colquitt County High School, GA
11 - Thor Michaelson, Bremerton High School, WA
12 - Andrew Troczynski, Delbarton, NJ
13 - Nicholas Vafiadis, New Kent High School, VA
14 - Chris Moore, Mchenry, IL
15 - Michael Bobola, Xaverian Brothers, MA
16 - Delaney Ruhlman, Bloomington High School South, IN
17 - Carter Schubert, Wyoming Seminary, NY
18 - Braden Stauffenberg, Aurora Christian, IL
19 - Benjamin Shvartsman, Deerfield High School, IL
20 - Jason Smith, Boonton high school, NJ
21 - Braxton Strick, Ozark High School, MO
22 - Timothy Bova, Arlington High School, LaGrangeville, ny, NY
23 - Wyatt Reisz, Logan-Magnolia High Schiol, IA
24 - Moses Espinoza-Owens, Viewmont High School, UT
25 - Bam West, MUSTANG HIGH SCHOOL, OK
26 - Sam Goin, Crown Point High school, IN
27 - Abel Nava, Toppenish High School, WA
28 - Koufax Christensen, Waukee Northwest, IA
29 - Joseph Fisk, Archbishop Spalding, MD
30 - Sloan Swan, Buchanan, CA
31 - Aaron Sheffield, Central High School, GA
32 - Michael Duggan, Boiling Springs High School, PA
Commentary: The field at 152 lbs might have the most legitimate contenders of any weight at Super 32. Matchups will matter here, and any number of top talent could come away with the belt.
The #3 ranked wrestler at this weight, Mitchel Mesenbrink, didn't place at Fargo after losing to two tough guys who are now college freshmen. He's coming off an undefeated performance at the AWA Duals and will look to keep his winning streak going.
#6 Nicco Ruiz recently balled out at Journeymen in a performance that included a solid victory over #8 Joe Sealey. Both Sealey and #7 Zack Ryder announced themselves as national threats as freshmen last year, and both are capable of winning this whole bracket.
#5 Erik Gibson has been on the scene for a long time but is still looking for a tournament title at an event as big as Super 32, and based on how close he was to making the Fargo finals this summer, this could be his time. Every year there also seems to be a Georgia boy who has been close and gets it done at Super 32. If that trend holds, #12 Michael Kilic is an excellent contender to punch through. This bracket was very tough to pick, so take these predictions with a grain of salt.
Predictions: 1) Zack Ryder 2) Nicco Ruiz 3) Erik Gibson 4) Joe Sealey 5) Mitchell Mesenbrink 6) NIck Fea 7) Michael Kilic 8) Fin Nadeau
160 lbs
Last year's final: #3 Dean Hamiti jr Joliet, IL F #4 (170) Matthew Singleton Moreland, GA, 2:36
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Gunner Filipowicz, Woodward Academy, GA
10 - Domonic Baker, New Kent High School, VA
11 - J Conway, Floyd Central High School, IN
12 - Cole Cochran, Woodland, GA
13 - Dakota Morris, Kingsway, NJ
14 - Nick Fea, Bergen catholic HS, NY
15 - Daschle Lamer, Crescent Valley, OR
16 - Angelo Ferrari, Stillwater Oklahoma High School, OK
17 - Drake Acklin, Collinsville High School, OK
18 - Luke Gayer, Calvary Chappel Santa Ana, CA
19 - Colby Isabelle, The Hill School, NH
20 - Murphy Menke, Ponderosa High School, CO
21 - Marcus Espinoza-Owens, Viewmount, UT
22 - Jake Swink, Holy Innocents Episcopal, GA
23 - Aydin Rix McElhinney, Springs studio for academic excellence, CO
24 - Micah Porter, Gilroy High School, CA
25 - Mateo De La Pena, Kennedy Catholic High School, WA
26 - Dominic Federici, Wyoming Seminary, PA
27 - Peyton Westpfahl, Liberty High School, MO
28 - Rafael Hipolito, Independence high school, VA
29 - Thomas Potter, Union, VA
30 - Kaden Renner, Bismarck High School, ND
31 - BRODY HALLIN, MCHENRY, IL
32 - Cooper Willis, Union Grove High School, WI
Commentary: Levi Haines was so close to the belt last year, but now he's in pole position. With Aiden Riggins out of the field, he'll be a pretty big favorite, but a hungry group awaits
The crowd chasing Levi Haines at 160 lbs is talented and chock full of capable competitors. Campbell bound Dom Baker racked up victories over Paniro Johnson and Erik Gibson at Northeast Regionals in the spring and could make a big impact here.
Nobody should overlook Jonathan Ley, one of last year's breakout stars at Super 32. The Lake Highland Prep senior hasn't hit his ceiling yet despite finishing third here a year ago.
Tyler Lillard is another obvious contender. After spending some time up at 170 lbs, he's back down in pursuit of a Super 32 title. The tough group behind these guys is sure to make things interesting.
Prediction: 1) Levi Haines 2) Jonathan Ley 3) Dom Baker 4) MJ Gaitan 5) Daschle Lamer 6) Kodiak Cannedy 7) Sergio Desiante 8) Angelo Ferrari (This prediction depends on the premise that Caesar Garza competes at 170 instead of 160)
170 lbs
Last year's final: #10 Manuel Rojas Bay City, MI DEC #11 James Rowley Corvallis, OR, 3-2
Pre-seeds
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 - Markell Rivera - Cain, Ironwood High School, AZ
8 - Louie Cerchio, Delbarton, NJ
9 - Jonathan Conrad, Carrollwood Day School, FL
10 - Justin Rademacher, West Linn, OR
11 - Abraham Wojcikiewicz, Civic Memorial High School, IL
13 - Nolan Lear, Benton, PA
14 - Justin Onello, Bergen Catholic, NJ
15 - Orlando Cruz, Crown Point High School, IN
16 - Tre Wilfong, Charlotte Christian School, NC
17 - Bryce Phillips, Mount Saint Joseph, MD
18 - Daniel Williams, Lake Highland Prep School, FL
19 - Toby Schoffstall, Liberty Christian Academy, VA
20 - Shadrick Slone, Willard, OH
21 - Brock Zurawski, Lower Cape May Regional, NJ
22 - Lorenzo Norman, Blair Academy, NJ
23 - Harvey Ludington IV, Brick Memorial HS, NJ
24 - Will Ebert, Fairfield Warde HS, CT
25 - Cole Han-Lindemyer, Farmington High School, MN
26 - Zane Cox, Benedictine College Prep, VA
27 - Trevor Wilson, Hannibal High School, MO
28 - Domenic DAgostino, Interboro high school, PA
29 - Brody Hemauer, Deforest High School, WI
30 - Cole Glazier, Kasson-Mantorville, MN
31 - Aiden Poe, Indian River High School, NY
Commentary: While nothing is certain, this bracket looks like one where the top few guys should have relatively clear paths to the quarterfinals. If that happens, we would have some seriously exciting bouts to look forward to.
Two members of this year's 4-man group at 170 lbs, Rocco Welsh and Brayden Thompson, are in the field, and they're joined at the top by Matt Singleton who's back at 170 lbs after spending time up at 182 lbs. One of those three seems like a relatively safe bet to win the belt.
#7 Hunter Lyden had a strong 4th place performance here a year ago, and he'll look to build on that. Cody Merrill was a runner up at Fargo to Gabe Arnold this summer and Tate Naaktgeboren's Folkstyle Nationals title included a victory over Brayden Thompson. Needless to say, that group presents a serious threat to the front runners.
Up-and-coming sophomores Rune Lawrence and Louie Cerchio could make even bigger names for themselves this weekend in a bracket you won't want to miss.
Prediction: 1) Matt Singleton 2) Rocco Welsh 3) Brayden Thompson 4) Rune Lawrence 5) Hunter Lyden 6) Tate Naaktgeboren 7) Cody Merrill 8) Caesar Garza
182 lbs
Last year's final: #8 Brian Soldano Wantage, NJ F #6 Bennett Berge Mantorville, MN, 5:48
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Dominic Thebeau, Belleville East HS, IL
10 - Jude Correa, Wyoming Seminary, NH
11 - Ian Bush, Cameron, WV
12 - Nate Taylor, Greens Farms Academy, CT
13 - Drake Buchanan, Center Grove, IN
14 - Oscar Williams, Edmond North, OK
15 - Shay Addison, Rumson Fair Haven, NJ
16 - Matthew Furman, Canon McMillan, PA
17 - Damion Schunke, Brandon valley, SD
18 - Brian Burburija, Countryside, FL
19 - Remy Cotton, Davison, MI
20 - Dominic Joyce, North Port High School, FL
21 - Kingsley Menifee, Fauquier High School, VA
22 - Fernando Villaescusa, Gilbert, IA
23 - R.J. May, Maggie Walker, VA
24 - Joshua Cordio, Nashoba Regional High School, MA
25 - Caleb Uhlenhopp, Green Valley High School, NV
26 - Brian Finnerty, Thomas Jefferson, PA
27 - CJ Walrath, Burlington Notre Dame, IA
28 - Garrett Wells, Glenpool High School, OK
29 - Donnie Hidden, washington hs, IL
30 - Chase Cordia, School of the Osage, MO
31 - Devon Bell, Laney High School, NC
32 - Hunter Sonnenberg, Eatonville High School, WA
Commentary: Super 32 coincides with football season which does take some of the potential juice out of the upper weights, but make no mistake, many of the best big men in the country will be throwing down in Greensboro. Two of these weights have returning champs looking to defend, and all of them will have plenty of high-paced big guys.
The returning champ Soldano is on the must-watch list for the entire tournament. Not only is he incredibly accomplished, he's unpredictable, can score from any position, and is fearless. He'll put guys on their backs from anywhere, including from his own back.
A potential semi-final awaits between Soldano and #10 Rogotzke, and if that happens, it could be a match for the ages. Rogotzke has the same gun-slinging quality that makes Soldano so fun to watch, so if those two cross paths, buckle up.
The group of #5 Walters, #6 Whiting, #7 Mulhauser, and #8 Maartin is rock solid. Any one of those guys is capable of putting it all together this weekend. In Fargo, Walters beat Whiting on the back side of the bracket, and that could be a rematch in the semi on the bottom half in Greensboro. There is no shortage of challengers, so keep your eyes peeled on 182 lbs.
Prediction: 1) Brian Soldano 2) Clayton Whiting 3) Hayden Walters 4) Kole Mulhauser 5) Ryder Rogotzke 6) Joseph Martin 7) Remy Cotton 8) Andrew Donahue
195 lbs
Last year's final: #15 (220) Christian Carroll Elkhart, IN DEC #10 Gavin Nelson Inver Grove Heights, MN, 3-1
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Michael Bartush, Greens Farm Academy, CT
10 - Gabe Sollars, Mater Dei High School, IN
11 - Luke Cochran, Jefferson, GA
12 - Remy Brancato, Bergen Catholic High School, NJ
13 - Noah Wenzel, Dakota High School, IL
14 - Giovanni Martinez, Centennial Highschool, CA
15 - Mark Ayala, St. John Bosco, CA
16 - Gabriel Monroe, Windsor Central High School, NY
Commentary: This bracket has the opportunity for redemption for a number of guys who had their sights set on bringing home a belt last year but came up a little short. We could also see some matchups wrestling fans have been looking forward to for a long time.
Many people picked Seth Shumate to win Super 32 a year ago, but losses to Gavin Nelson and Martin Cosgrove landed him in 5th, a respectable finish but not what he wanted. Both Shumate and Rogers competed in Who's Number One in 2020 at 195 lbs and 182 lbs respectively and came up just short of their goal of remaining #1. Now, we could see those two collide in a fascinating clash of styles if both can navigate this tough bracket.
Prediction: 1) Seth Shumate 2) Rylan Rogers 3) Wyatt Voelker 4) Franklin 5) Cosgrove 6) Max Ramberg 7) Jacob Meissner 8) Michael Tal-Shahar
220 lbs
Last year's final: #4 Bennett Tabor Inver Grove Heights, MN DEC #9 Noah Pettigrew Valdosta, GA, 3-0
Pre-seeds
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
9 - Sam Sorenson, Homer, NY
10 - CALEB VANBUSKIRK, PALM DESERT, CA
11 - Nicholas Sahakian, Saint John Bosco High School, CA
12 - Riley Godek, Crescent Valley High School, OR
13 - Nathan Critchfield, Mater Dei High School, IN
14 - Dylan BravoPacker, Brighton High School, CO
15 - Hayden Linkerhof, Corry, PA
16 - Gabriel Garibaldi, Iona Prep, NY
Commentary: Christian Carroll loves to compete, and the wrestling world is better for it. Not only is he coming to Super 32 to defend his belt, he couldn't be more excited about it. He'll be one of the biggest favorites of the tournament, but don't write off the field.
While Carroll will be a big favorite, keep an eye on Logan Shephard and Jack Darrah. Both have been on the scene for a while and have been looking for a big-time breakthrough. An upset of #1 Carroll would certainly be that.
Parker Ferrell finished third in 16u at Fargo, and the Christiansburg, VA sophomore is an up-and-comer that will be making noise for a while. This is one of the weights where we could see some lesser-known entities make big names for themselves, and I'm excited to find out who that might be.
Prediction: 1) Christian Carroll 2) Logan Shephard 3) Jack Darrah 4) Parker Ferrell 5) Dylan Russo 6) Chase Crayton 7) Evan Anderson 8) Sam Sorenson
285 lbs
Last year's final: #3 Hayden Copass Georgetown, IL DEC #1 Chase Horne Dudley, GA, 3-1
Pre-seeds
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 - Gage Cook, Granger Highschool, WA
9 - Ethan Vergara, Mater Lakes Academy, FL
10 - Aiden Lacoma, Christiansburg high school, VA
11 - Riley Ucker, Dublin Coffman, OH
12 - Matthew Jimenez, Somerset academy, FL
13 - Liam Akers, North Hunterdon High School, NJ
14 - Charlie Tibbitts, New Hartford/Sauquoit Valley, NY
15 - Adrian Sans, Miami Southwest High school, FL
Commentary: Chase Horne came up just short in Fargo and at Super 32 last year. This just might be the weekend where he puts it all together. The NC State commit will be the favorite, but this heavyweight bracket is no walk in the park.
In addition to #3 Horne, the field here also includes #10 Keith Miley, #15 Gage Cook, #19 Ethan Vergara, and #20 Alex Semenenko, who's up from 220 where he competed in Fargo.
Miley and Cook are college-bound seniors headed to Little Rock and Army West Point respectively. A tournament victory here for either would establish them as more than ready for the next level and would demonstrate significant progress. Vergara and Semenenko are also seniors trying to prove that they belong among the nation's elite heavyweights, and they just might do it this weekend.
Prediction: 1) Chase Horne 2) Keith Miley 3) Ethan Vergara 4) Gage Cook 5) Aidan Fockler 6) Matthew Moore 7) Riley Ucker 8) Max Acciardi