2012 Cadet Freestyle Preview

Last 5 Years All-Americans

Last year Indiana brought home five All-Americans including two National Champions in Cadet Freestyle.  Two of those All-Americans return to Fargo with goals of bringing home some more hardware.  Leading the way is defending National Champion Stevan Micic.  Micic ran through the field at 98lbs last year and continued that hot streak through the IHSAA season and into this spring.  His unbeaten streak was halted in June when he lost to Tommy Thorn at FILA Cadet Nationals.  If Thorn is in Fargo, look for another barnburner of a match and do not be surprised to see Micic get revenge.  Brandon James returns to Fargo looking to improve on his 8th place performance last year.  He placed 3rd this year as a freshman with only one loss to state champion Jarred Brooks.

There are numerous other cadets to keep an eye out for this year.  Cody LeCount is making his Fargo debut this year and looking to make a big impact nationally.  In the state of Indiana he only has two career losses along with a runner-up finish this year.  All three Cadet Greco-Roman All-Americans are looking for a Fargo double.  Sage Coy, Gavin Jolley-Little and Conner Tolley all had impressive showings in the Greco portion of the tournament.  Drew Hildebrandt and Jose Champagne both had disappointing runs in Greco, which should lead to them wrestling with a chip in their shoulder during freestyle.  Two freshman state placers round out the Indiana wrestlers to watch.  Robert Steveson placed 5th this year during the IHSAA season and was a Folkstyle Nationals runner-up.  He is no stranger to national success, so don’t be surprised to see him on the raised platform on Friday.  Ben Harvey placed 7th this year and is no stranger to national level competition.