Fargo, N.D. — Women’s freestyle set a strong tone for the  U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals on Saturday with two action-packed sessions to kick off the week-long series of national events, running July 12–19. The teams pushed a total of 23 wrestlers into the second day of competition from a massive field reported at 2,247 girls by USA Wrestling. 

This year, Wisconsin brought its largest combined roster to date—42 athletes in 16U and 40 in Juniors. Both divisions powered through four rounds on the front side and six rounds of wrestlebacks on Saturday. 

The top-ranked Juniors did what they came to do. Five remain on the front side of the bracket and are headed to the quarterfinals. Brooke Huffman, the No. 1 seed at 190, had three straight falls. With her, three No. 2 seeds—Taylor Whiting (115), Riley Hanrahan (140), and Madi Peach at (125)—all pushed through to day two with clean 3-0 records. At 135, returning All-American Lillie Banks joins them in the quarterfinal round.

Nine more juniors battled their way into day two and will continue their runs on the consolation side. Starting tomorrow in the consi sub-quarters are Kylee Kurszewki (125), Carley Ceshker (130), Dealya Collins (135), Hayli Fletcher (135), Natalie Klavetter (140), Hallie Krueger (155), Emersyn Miller (155), Isabelle Olesen (155), and Merin Yates (190).

Neysa Bianchi called session one “fast and furious,” and that tracks. Over 2,000 matches were wrestled in the first six hours of competition, followed by an hour break for the 16Us to warm up, and then it was right back to the action.

The afternoon session saw an eager group of Wisconsin’s young talent get after it right away. Out of the mix of hard-fought battles and ups and downs of Fargo, an impressive 7 wrestlers advanced to the 16U national quarterfinals, including Cora Stewart (110) who is 4-0. Cassidy O’Connell (95), Harlow Skenandore (140), Stella Pettitt (140), Kit Alasker (130), Erika Sleznikow (135), and Autumn King (207) all have three wins and continue on the championship side.

Daelin Cody (120) and Layla Risler (145) dropped just one match and will continue in the consolations. Faye Schachtner has also advanced at 125 pounds after a protested Round of 16 win was re-wrestled and went in favor of her opponent—she’ll keep battling in the consolations.

Every single athlete that advanced to day two is within striking distance of the podium. For those still on the championship side, a semifinal berth guarantees All-American status. For those in the consis, a win or two stands between them and the podium.

While the field advancing to day two might read narrow compared to the entries, the level of wrestling and fight across the board in the round wrestled on day one can’t go unmentioned. A large majority are coming home with multiple victories, big lessons, and part of a culture that’s larger than the individual—a shift Bianchi said she’s noticing as Wisconsin cultivates a can-do culture. “Wisconsin is good, and the girls are coming out here to represent Wisconsin. It’s more like a team concept, and I think that's big.”

In total, Wisconsin has 24 wrestlers set for an exciting championship Sunday here in Fargo. Wrestling resumes for both divisions at 9 am Sunday, with the championship finals slated to begin at 2:30 pm. All of the action is live on FloWrestling.

→ Results: 16U Day 1 | Juniors Day 1
 

Featured photo of Brooke Huffman by Rita Huffman, Snap and Shoot Photography

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The Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, guided by USA Wrestling, provides quality opportunities for its members to achieve their full human and athletic potential. Wisconsin Wrestling Federation will strive to be USA Wrestling’s best state organization.