By Al Fontes

Spokane, Washington — Idaho’s performance at the USA Wrestling Women’s Nationals wasn’t about a single standout result. It reflected steady progress across multiple age groups, showing a program that is developing structure and depth at every level.

The upper divisions confirmed Idaho can compete on the national stage. The younger divisions made it clear that the foundation underneath is strong and continuing to grow. Rather than a sudden breakthrough, Spokane felt like a continuation of momentum that has been building over time.

14U: Composure Beyond Their Years
The 14U group set a strong tone, competing with a level of control and awareness that stood out.

Addelyn Gorringe led the way with a 3rd-place finish in freestyle, establishing position early and managing matches effectively. Katie Byrne followed with a runner-up finish, showing the ability to stay composed in tight situations. Reygan Bullington’s success in both freestyle and Greco-Roman highlighted versatility and mat awareness.

Additional podium finishes from Camille Fisher and Lilyanna Erekson reinforced the overall consistency of the group. This wasn’t built around one athlete—it reflected a broader level of readiness.

12U: Depth on Display
The 12U division provided some of the clearest evidence of Idaho’s development.

Avery Moss delivered one of the tournament’s most notable performances, winning national titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. Her ability to compete across styles pointed to both skill and composure.

She was supported by a strong group. Kinley Leonard, Madison Holland, and Ava Hernandez all placed in freestyle, with Hernandez also earning a Greco-Roman podium finish. The number of athletes reaching the podium in the same division spoke to a training environment that is producing results across the board.

10U: Early Signs of Growth
At the youngest level, Idaho continued to show encouraging signs.

Hattie Brown and Isabelle Harvey each earned 3rd-place finishes, competing with confidence and control. Alessandra Hernandez added placements in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, while Sawyer Eldred and Saige Silva expanded Idaho’s All-American presence.

At this stage, the results are less about immediate outcomes and more about long-term development—and that development is trending in the right direction.

Upper Divisions: Continued Progress
Idaho’s success extended beyond the youth levels, showing continuity through older age groups.

At the U17 level, Olivia Bezdicek placed 8th at 61 pounds, gaining valuable experience against top national competition. In the U20 division, Joely Slyter (7th at 57 pounds) and Zoe Fries (8th at 65 pounds) added further national placements.

The U23 division continued that trend:

• Kinzie Williams — 6th place at 53 kg
• Liv Wieber — 4th place at 68 kg
• Elise Twait — 6th place at 68 kg

These results show that development is not limited to younger athletes but is carrying through into higher levels of competition.

The Bigger Picture: Steady Development Across Levels
What stands out most is the distribution of success. Idaho athletes placed across multiple age groups, weight classes, and styles. No single division defined the weekend—each contributed.

That kind of consistency suggests a program built on structure, coaching continuity, and internal competition.

Conclusion: A Step in an Ongoing Climb
The results in Spokane are part of a larger trend. As these athletes move into high school and collegiate competition, the experience gained here will continue to matter.

This wasn’t a peak moment—it was another step forward. Idaho wrestling is progressing, and the foundation in place suggests that growth will continue.

IDAHO ALL-AMERICANS

U23 DIVISION 

53 – Kinzie Williams, 6^th Place 

68  – Liv Wieber, 4^th Place

68 – Elise Twait, 6^th Place 

U20 DIVISION

57  – Joely Slyter, 7^th Place 

65 – Zoe Fries, 8^th Place 

U17 USA Wrestling Nationals 

61 – Olivia Bezdicek, 8^th

U15 DIVISION

42 – Kalaya Baxter, 4^th Place 

14U DIVISION

90 – Camille Fisher, 5^th Place (FS)

125 – Reygan Bullington, 7^th Place (FS)

165 – Addelyn Gorringe, 3^rd Place (FS)

98-108 – Lilyanna Erekson, 6^th Place (GR)

120-129 – Reygan Bullington, 7^th Place (GR)

140 – Katie Byrne, 2^nd Place (FS)

12U DIVISION

75 – Kinley Leonard, 4^th Place (FS)

75 – Allison Tieken, 8^th Place (FS)

112 – Madison Holland, 5^th Place (FS)

112 – Ava Hernandez, 7^th Place (FS)

126 – Avery Moss, Champion (FS)

112.6-123.1 – Avery Moss, Champion (GR)

104.7-112 – Ava Hernandez, 4^th Place (GR)

10U DIVISION

57 – Hattie Brown, 3^rd Place (FS)

73 – Isabelle Harvey, 3^rd Place (FS)

73 – Sawyer Eldred, 8^th Place (FS)

100 – Alessandra Hernandez, 7^th Place (FS)

92.2-98.6 – Alessandra Hernandez, 5^th Place (GR)

90 – Saige Silva, 7^th Place (FS)

Photo Images: IDUSA Wrestling; Nate Gugelman, University of Providence athletics, Missouri Baptist athletics, and Tina Slater.