The High School On SI Boys Postseason National Wrestling Rankings Set the Stage for Fargo
The final rankings before USA Wrestling’s 16U and Junior Nationals feature weight-class shakeups, a new No. 1 at 157 pounds and the usual Fargo surprises.
We have reached the end of the line. The 2026 Boys Postseason National Wrestling Rankings period will come to a close over the next week at the Fargodome in North Dakota at USA Wrestling’s 16U and Junior Nationals, aka “Fargo.” Boys Freestyle begins on Friday and concludes on Sunday with both divisions competing on all three days. Greco Roman follows that and then the ladies will close out the action.
State rosters were released over the last few weeks, and while there can still be changes at the scale – this is what it looks like heading into Fargo.
Weight Changes Shake Up the Rankings
We moved folks around based on their listed weight on the rosters. Last year we recall scrambling on the first day of boys’ competition to make last-minute changes that were presented at the scales. Weight changes are permitted at weigh in and every year there are at least a handful or more who do so.
A New No. 1 at 157 Pounds
The results of the weight class shuffle due to roster construction gives us a new number one at 157 pounds in Lake Highland Prep, Florida’s Charlie DeSena, who moved up from 150 pounds, where he was ranked second. The previous number one at 157, Melvin Miller (Bishop McCort, Pennsylvania) has migrated up to 165 pounds. Miller is ranked second behind Delbarton, New Jersey’s Jayden James, who defeated him at Ironman.
We will not be getting a rematch at Fargo, though, as James is sitting it out as he prepares for what he hopes will be another gold medal run at the World Championships later this summer. In fact, most of the wrestlers who qualified for the World Team are skipping Fargo.
No Penalty for Sitting Out
There are a lot of stars missing from the Fargo field. Between the World Team members, graduating seniors just taking the summer off, and others choosing different events to attend, a lot of the top ten guys are not registered for Fargo.
One thing we’ve never done and will not start now, is penalizing wrestlers for not competing. If you’ve made your way into our rankings, you will stay there unless you are forced out by your own actions or those of others. While inactivity doesn’t necessarily hurt you, it can lead to a tumble down the ranks as others emerge. … more at … https://www.si.com/high-school/wrestling/the-high-school-on-si-boys-postseason-national-wrestling-rankings-set-the-stage-for-fargo-01kx1n587n0n?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Women’s College Wrestling Is Changing (Fast)
Here’s what’s happening in women’s college wrestling and what to expect during the 2026-27 season.
This has been one of the most important years in college women’s wrestling. Let’s look at what’s transpired and what we can expect.
And Then There Were 10
Presbyterian kicked things off as the first Division I women’s wrestling program with a December 7, 2017, announcement. Today, there are 10, with Mercyhurst, Iowa State, and Columbia adding in 2026.
Here are the 10 colleges that offer Division I women’s wrestling with the year the program was announced.
Lindenwood started in 2008 but didn’t receive D1 designation until 2022.
| College | Year Announced | Location | Head Coach |
| Presbyterian | 2017 | Clinton, SC | Brian Viutianitis |
| Sacred Heart | 2020 | Fairfield, CT | Paulina Biega |
| Iowa | 2021 | Iowa City, IA | Clarissa Chun |
| Lindenwood | 2022 | St. Charles, MO | Frank Yattoni |
| Lehigh | 2025 | Bethlehem, PA | Brazel Marquez |
| Delaware St. | 2025 | Dover, DE | Kenya Sloan |
| Kent State | 2025 | Kent, OH | Pending |
| Mercyhurst | 2026 | Erie, PA | Alexia Wagner |
| Iowa State | 2026 | Ames, IA | Alli St. John |
| Columbia | 2026 | New York, NY | Emma Randall |
Iowa State Got To Work
The Cyclones begin competition during the 2027-28 season, but new head coach Alli St. John has already built a title contender within weeks of recruiting. She hired former William Penn coaches Jake Kadel and Cash Wilcke, then made a full-court press for top high school, portal, and club talent.
Here’s who Iowa State has (so far).
Jumoke Adekoye, 131, JR, Akure, Nigeria
Two-time NAIA champion (2025-26) for Dickinson State
Molly Allen, 124, SO, Oakland, Iowa
Spent a season with Oklahoma State’s club team
Greta Brus, 145, FR, Blue Grass, Iowa
Flipped her commitment to McKendree
Makennah Craft, 103, SO, Jackson, Ohio
3rd at the 2026 NAIA Championships for Campbellsville … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/16051433-womens-college-wrestling-is-changing-fast?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
35 athletes eligible for USA Wrestling Triple Crown entering 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals
Jul 8, 2026, 10:20 AM EDT
by Richard Immel, USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling Triple Crown contenders Cason Craft (left) and Peggy Susan Dean (right).
USA Wrestling Triple Crown Award Winners
Heading into the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals, 35 athletes are eligible for the USA Wrestling Triple Crown Award at the Junior and 16U age levels, with 32 boys and 3 girls still in the running for one of the top honors in the sport.
The USA Wrestling Triple Crown Award culminates for the Junior and 16U age divisions in Fargo, N.D., each year. The boys earn the prestigious award by winning national titles in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman in the same year. Similarly, girls must win folkstyle and freestyle national titles, plus win a third championship at either the National High School Recruiting Showcase or Women’s Nationals.
Here’s a snapshot of who can capture the Triple Crown this season.
Junior Boys Triple Crown
Nine athletes have won a Triple Crown in the Junior Boys division since the program began in 2007. The most recent win came in 2022 from a pair of Idaho teammates—Mack Mauger at 106 pounds and Aden Attao at 285 pounds.
The 15 individuals eligible for the Junior Boys Triple Crown entering Fargo are the 2026 Junior Folkstyle Nationals Champions:
100 lbs. – Max Lindquist (Missouri)
106 lbs. – DeVaughn Miller (Alabama)
113 lbs. – Cason Craft (Oklahoma)
120 lbs. – Isaiah Jones (Oklahoma)
126 lbs. – Hendrix Schwab (Iowa)
132 lbs. – Maxwell Cumbee (Illinois)
138 lbs. – Gavin Landers (Iowa) … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/july/08/35-athletes-eligible-for-usa-wrestling-triple-crown-entering-2026-u-s-marine-corps-junior-nationals?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Newberry’s Will Betancourt to Coach Puerto Rico at 2026 Grand Prix of Spain
NEWBERRY, S.C. – Newberry College Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach Will Betancourt will once again represent Puerto Rico on the international stage this week, serving as a coach for the Puerto Rican National Team at the 2026 Grand Prix of Spain, scheduled for July 10-12 in Madrid, Spain. The prestigious United World Wrestling event annually attracts many of the world’s top senior-level freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s freestyle competitors.
Betancourt will corner several members of Team Puerto Rico throughout the tournament, including standout 74-kilogram freestyle wrestler Sammy Alvarez. Alvarez is one of the most accomplished wrestlers to represent Puerto Rico in recent years. A former NCAA Division I All-American and multiple-time NCAA qualifier, Alvarez earned national recognition during his collegiate career through successful stops at Rutgers and Rider, establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier lightweight wrestlers before transitioning to international competition.
Since joining the Newberry coaching staff earlier this summer, Betancourt has already made an immediate impact on the Wolves’ program. A decorated international competitor himself, Betancourt is a four-time Puerto Rican World Team member, two-time Pan American silver medalist, NCAA Division I National Qualifier, and one of the most respected technicians in the sport.
His continued involvement with Puerto Rico Wrestling provides Newberry student-athletes with direct access to current international coaching philosophies, elite-level tactical development, and firsthand experience from wrestling’s highest stages.
“Having a coach actively working with national team athletes at premier international events is an incredible asset for our program,” said Newberry Head Coach Deral Brown. … more at … https://newberrywolves.com/news/2026/7/8/mens-wrestling-newberrys-will-betancourt-to-coach-puerto-rico-at-2026-grand-prix-of-spain.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Former White Oak assistant Dave Morgan tabbed as Lackawanna’s men’s wrestling coach
Lackawanna College is bringing in a former national champion and Scranton native to its athletic department, as the school prepares to compete in NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Dave Morgan was recently hired as the Falcons’ men’s wrestling coach, replacing John Fox, who will continue to coach the women’s wrestling program.
“As we continue our transition to NCAA Division II and build a championship-level experience, Dave’s background in working closely with students and supporting both academic and personal development will be a tremendous asset,” Lackawanna athletic director Erik Larson said in a press release. “He understands the critical role athletics plays in complementing the work of our coaches, and his ability to connect with student-athletes will help foster a culture of accountability, growth and success both on the mat and in the classroom.”
A 2004 West Scranton graduate, Morgan was a two-time state medalist — fourth place as a sophomore and runner-up as a senior — and finished his high school wrestling career with 144 wins, which is still a program record.
After earning a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh and spending a year with the Panthers, Morgan transferred to King’s College and became a two-time Division III national champion (2007, 2008) and three-time conference champion, finishing his career with an 86-7 record.
Morgan started his coaching career at King’s as an assistant from 2008-2010, and later coached at Scranton High School alongside his brother, Jim, for four years. Then, Morgan built and coached a club program in southern North Carolina and was an assistant at White Oak High School.
Morgan not only has experience on the mat, but also in the cage — with his amateur MMA career starting in 2006. Four years later, he captured a title and entered the professional ranks. He had a 6-12 professional record, securing a belt in 2022.
After 10 years away from Scranton, Morgan returned … more at … https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/07/08/local-college-morgan-tabbed-at-lackawannas-mens-wrestling-coach/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
McCall Hires Calkins as Assistant Wrestling Coach
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel wrestling head coach Tim McCall announced the addition of Kegan Calkins as an assistant coach hire for his new staff.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Coach McCall and everyone in The Citadel administration for the opportunity to join such a historic program,” Calkins said. “I’m incredibly honored and excited to be part of Bulldog wrestling and am fully committed to helping develop these young men into champions on the mat and leaders in life. I look forward to the work ahead.”
Kegan Calkins joins The Citadel’s coaching staff after a successful stint at SIUE as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, during which he played a key role in the program’s rise. He helped secure multiple nationally-recognized recruiting classes and contributed to SIUE’s first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular-season championship and the program’s most successful season since entering Division I in 2008. Working primarily with the lighter weight classes, Calkins helped develop three NCAA qualifiers.
“Kegan will be a great addition to our program. He brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and energy to the sport, and I know our student-athletes will benefit from having him in their corner,” McCall said. “Throughout his coaching career, he has demonstrated a genuine commitment to investing in his athletes and helping them grow on and off the mat. “He has experience across multiple levels of wrestling, including coaching internationally with … more at … https://citadelsports.com/news/2026/7/8/mccall-hires-calkins-as-assistant-wrestling-coach.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer Named a 2026 All-American Icon
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Mike Moyer, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), was named a 2026 All-American Icon Honoree at the official All-American Icon Awards presentation, held during the Countdown 250 Ball at the Washington Hilton.
Moyer was recognized alongside fellow wrestling honorees Jordan Burroughs and Sally Roberts, joining a broader class of All-American Icons celebrated for their impact on and off the mat.
For over two decades, Moyer has led the NWCA’s mission to grow and protect the sport of wrestling, championing coaching development, scholastic and collegiate programming, and initiatives that expand access to wrestling nationwide. His recognition as an All-American Icon reflects that body of work and its lasting influence on the wrestling community.
“This honor belongs to every coach and wrestler who has poured themselves into this sport,” Moyer said. “Wrestling coaches change lives, and I’m proud to have spent my career helping build the programs and people that make that possible.” … more at … https://nwcaonline.com/news/2026/7/6/national-wrestling-coaches-association-nwca-executive-director-mike-moyer-named-a-2026-all-american-icon.aspx?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
J Robinson Celebration of Life set for Saturday, July 18
For those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate J’s incredible journey, a Visitation, Service, and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026. All events are open to the public, and the family welcomes anyone whose life was touched by Coach Robinson. … more at … https://theguillotine.com/2026/07/j-robinson-celebration-of-life-set-for-saturday-july-18/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Jordan Burroughs to battle current UFC contender in RAF debut
Jordan Burroughs has his first RAF assignment, and it comes in the form of a UFC welterweight contender.
Thought by many to be the greatest freestyle wrestler of all time, Burroughs will headline RAF 12 on Aug. 22 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland when he battles Sean Brady. The event will stream on Fox Nation.
Burroughs, 37, is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist at 74kg (163.1 pounds) and a six-time world champion. He’s also a two-time NCAA champion at the University of Nebraska and a Dan Hodge Trophy recipient. He joins an ever-expanding roster of wrestling and MMA notables on the RAF roster.
Brady, 33, also makes his promotional debut as he awaits his next UFC assignment after a unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley in May. While Brady is known for his strong MMA grappling, he did not wrestle in college nor high school. … more at … https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2026/07/03/raf-12-jordan-burroughs-vs-sean-brady-cleveland/90798329007/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals Championship Trophy Renamed the “Battles Won Award”
FARGO, N.D. (JULY 2026) — USA Wrestling and the United States Marine Corps have announced that the Junior Nationals National Championship Team Trophy will now be known as the “Battles Won Award.” This award will be presented to the top team in each premier division at the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.
This change highlights the ongoing partnership between USA Wrestling and the Marine Corps, which focuses on developing disciplined, resilient, and high-performing young people through sports and service. As the Marine Corps enters its eighth year as the Title Sponsor of the event, the introduction of the “Battles Won Award” adds significant meaning to this prestigious team honor.
A Championship Defined by Collective Effort
The “Battles Won Award” will recognize the national team champions in:
Girls Freestyle
Boys Freestyle
Boys Greco-Roman
Unlike individual awards, this honor reflects the effort of an entire program. Every match, every point earned, and every athlete contributes to a common goal. This showcases a team’s depth, consistency, and capability to excel throughout a national tournament.
More Than a Trophy
While this award signifies a national championship, its name carries a deeper significance. The “Battles Won Award” represents the journey of a team: the challenges faced during the season, the obstacles overcome, and the determination needed to compete at a high level. … more at … https://www.themat.com/news/2026/july/06/2026-u-s-marine-corps-junior-nationals-championship-trophy-renamed-the-battles-won-award-?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
