Washington Puts Seven on the Podium in Freestyle at 2026 U.S. Marine Corps 16U and Junior National Tournament

The Newby Effect

While sporting their new Team WA Bigfoot singlets, the boys tallied seven All-Americans in the 16U (6) and Junior (1) boys divisions, bringing their all-time total to 842 Fargo All-Americans.

Junior Results

Kade West, 7th at 285lbs. Kade became the lone junior All-American for Team Washington after he opened the tournament with four straight victories. After dropping the quarterfinal bout, he raced back to eventually place seventh in a loaded 285-pound bracket, with the eventual champion being Iowa commit Michael Macco of Florida.

16U Results

Austin Shield, 2nd at 138lbs. The returning freshman state champ became a Fargo runner-up in the freestyle division, winning his first five matches of the tournament by way of technical fall and pin, before dropping the first-place match in a 5-3 decision vs. Oklahoma.

Duane Leslie, 2nd at 190lbs. After a 3rd-place finish in the Greco-Roman tournament at Fargo in 2025, he moved up one spot on the podium in freestyle, tallying four technical falls and one pin on his way to the finals before dropping a 6-2 battle in the final — a hot start for Leslie's second trip to Fargo.

Elijah Jensen, 3rd at 88lbs. Earned All-American status after winning his first four matches by way of technical fall and pin. After losing in the semifinals, he worked the backside and won an 8-5 grudge match against Pennsylvania to secure a 3rd-place finish for Team Washington.

Dakota Anderson, 5th at 150lbs. The Orting Cardinal tallied five technical falls in his Fargo campaign. After falling in the quarterfinals, he rallied back and took his 5th-place match in a 10-7 nailbiter over Indiana.

William Moran, 6th at 175lbs. After an impressive overall 12-1 showing at the 16U Duals for Team WA in June, the INWTC grappler earned All-American status after tallying six technical falls, before medically forfeiting his 5th-place match. Nevertheless, Moran had an incredible first Fargo showing.

Ryder Owen, 7th at 132lbs. The returning Greco-Roman Fargo champion snagged another stop sign for his trophy case. He dropped the Round of 16 against Pennsylvania, then battled back to the 7th-place match where he won a 7-4 rematch against the same Pennsylvania opponent. The Spokane native looks to repeat his 2025 Fargo Greco success and go back-to-back at the top of the podium later this week.

Team Washington looks to add to their All-American tally at the U.S. Marine Corps 16U and Junior Greco-Roman tournament later this week. The Juniors session kicks off Tuesday, July 14th, with first whistle set for 8:00 PST, while 16U is set for 3:30pm PST.

Jackson Losee, July 14th. Washington Wrestling Network.