Fargo, North Dakota — Greco-Roman wrestling is widely considered one of the oldest and most demanding forms of wrestling in the world. As one of only two styles contested at the Olympic Games, it holds a revered place in the history of combat sports. For fans of the sport, there is nothing quite like it. If you enjoy watching wrestlers lock up and launch each other through the air in explosive, upper body throws, you most likely love Greco-Roman.

This week, the premier proving ground for high school talent is the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo. The Junior Greco-Roman Division returns to the mats tomorrow for the highly anticipated quarterfinals and the grueling consolation rounds.

Team California is making its presence felt. The Golden State has successfully sent 11 grapplers into the championship quarterfinals, with another 15 wrestlers still alive and fighting in the consolation bracket.

The Stakes: Surviving the “Blood Rounds”

In Fargo, the margins between heartbreak and glory are razor thin. For the 11 California wrestlers in the championship bracket, the mission is simple: a win in the quarterfinals guarantees All-American status.

For the 15 athletes in the consolation rounds, the road is steeper but no less rewarding. These wrestlers will need to grind out two more consecutive victories to earn a spot on the podium and cement their own All-American honors.

Here is the breakdown of the California wrestlers returning to the mats tomorrow to fight for a Fargo stop sign.

Championship Quarterfinalists

One win away from guaranteed All-American status.

106 lbs – Frank Fuentes

126 lbs – Thiago Silva

138 lbs – Matthew Orbeta

138 lbs – Jack Baker

138 lbs – Cael Humphrey

157 lbs – Jayden De La Rosa

157 lbs – Greg Torosian

175 lbs – Mason Camrite

215 lbs – Carter Vannest

285 lbs – Matthew Cooley

285 lbs – Noah Larios

(Note: California is showing incredible depth at 138 lbs, pushing three separate wrestlers into the final eight!)

Consolation Rounds

Needing two wins to secure All-American honors.

100 lbs – Nathan Dornin

106 lbs – Rex Kohner

113 lbs – Gabriel Martinez

113 lbs – Landon Quirk

120 lbs – Camm Colgate

126 lbs – Rene Cordero

132 lbs – Lytning Hazen

138 lbs – Ames-Michael Hoevker

144 lbs – Jack Bronte

144 lbs – Frankie Zambada

150 lbs – Carlos Valdiviezo

157 lbs – Diego Valdiviezo

175 lbs – Pratham Sharma

175 lbs – Angelo Adame

190 lbs – Mason Savidan

As the tournament enters its final and most punishing stages, these 26 athletes will look to leave it all on the mat and bring some heavy hardware back to California.

Photo Courtesy – Joshua Niemann