Wrestlers Invading Fargodome
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The Fargodome has seen an influx in activity the past couple of days.
No, not in preparation for Bison football, but because of the Cadet and Junior Wrestling championships scheduled to run through Saturday, July 26 at Fargodome and the Bison Sports Arena.
Competition kicks off at 9:30 a.m. today with the first session of Cadet Greco-Roman wrestling.
In total, the tournament has had 4,300 entries in its six events and two divisions of wrestling.
Head NDSU wrestling coach Bucky Maughan has been logging hours all week to make sure the largest wrestling tournament in the world starts without a hitch.
“This is the best wrestling tournament for development of talent in the country,” Maughan said. “It takes a lot of work and a lot of volunteers to put it on.”
The tournament, which is entering its 16th year in Fargo, will feature a Cadet division (ages 15-16) of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling and a Junior division (grades 9-12) of freestyle and Greco-Roman along with both a women’s dual championship and women’s wrestling event.
Though entries are down slightly from last year, Maughan said he’s optimistic every year when it comes to tournament time.
“We are always trying to bring in new people every year,” he said. “A lot of people think we’re out in the middle of nowhere, but are always surprised when they come.”
The surprise Maughan speaks of usually sets in when the tournament gets going and all 34 mats at the Fargodome and the Bison Sports Arena are being used for competition at once.
That kind of action also makes an impact beyond the mat.
“The tournament has had a major impact on the city of Fargo,” Maughan said. “I don’t think you’d be able to find an open hotel room in town all week.”
Since 1996, the tournament has been a combined Cadet and Junior championship that has put Fargo on the United States wrestling map.
Pete Isais, Director of National Events for U.S.A. wrestling said the tournament is known worldwide as ‘Fargo’ and attacks a lot of competition and recognition.
“This tournament also kicks off the recruiting season for college coaches around the country.”
Another bragging point for the tournament is that it has a history of producing strong amateur wrestlers at the Olympic and collegiate levels.
“Every wrestler on the United States Greco-Roman and freestyle team going to Beijing has wrestled in this tournament.”
Among those Olympic wrestlers is 18-year old Jake Deitchler of Ramsey, Minn. who won a Junior National Greco-Roman Championship in 2007 at the 145-pound weight class.
Deitchler will not defend his title at this year’s event after qualifying for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Greco-Roman Olympic team that will compete in Beijing in August.
He will, however, attend the championships in Fargo on Tuesday to train and sign autographs.
If you go
- What: 2008 Accelerad Cadet and ASICS/Vaughan Junior National Championships
- When: Today through Saturday, July 26
- Where: Fargodome and Bison Sports Arena
- Info: Admission: Session pass $90 for adults, $60 for ages 17 and under; Single day pass $15 for adults, $10 for ages 17 and under. To volunteer, call (701) 730-8186.
Junior National freestyle
Name State Weight
Max Nowry Illinois 98
David Taylor Ohio 105
Jon Morrison Illinois 112
Jordan Oliver Pennsylvania 119
Nate Moore Iowa 125
Colin Johnston Pennsylvania 135
Michael Mangrum Washington 140
Mario Mason New Jersey 145
Scott Winston New Jersey 160
Junior National Greco-Roman
Name State Weight
Max Nowry Illinois 98
David Taylor Ohio 105
Andrew Long Iowa 112
Kendrick Saunders Florida 140
*Jake Deitchler Minnesota 145
Ty Vinson Montana 171
Ryland Geiger Oregon 189
Marcel Dubose Michigan 215
* - 18-year-old Jake Deitchler will not defend his title after qualifying for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling team. He will compete at the Beijing Games in August.
Junior National Women
Name State Weight
Hanna Martin Oklahoma 95
Helen Maroulis Maryland 109
Micheala Hutchinson Alaska 119
Randi Beltz Missouri 124
Tatiana Padilla California 132
Veronica Carlson Illinois 139
Adeline Gray Colorado 146
Brittany Delgado South Carolina 190
Lakia Henderson Florida 220
Cadet National freestyle
Name State Weight
Hayden Zillmer Minnesota 84
Carson Kuhn Utah 91
Hunter Stieber Ohio 98
Chris Phillips Ohio 171
Cadet National Greco-Roman
Name State Weight
Hayden Zillmer Minnesota 84
Valyen Rauser Montana 91
Jesse Thielke Wisconsin 98
Dylan Ness Minnesota 112
Andrew Campalattano New Jersey 189
Readers can reach Forum reporter Tom Mix at (701) 451-5651
Tags: cadet nationals, fargo, junior nationals
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