The 2025 U20 Freestyle World Team Trials concluded in Geneva, Ohio, with ten elite athletes earning the right to represent the United States at the U20 World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, this August. With a mix of returning medalists and rising stars, Team USA looks poised for another strong international performance.
🇺🇸 2025 U20 Men’s Freestyle World Team
| Weight Class | Wrestler | Club/RTC |
|---|---|---|
| 57 kg | Anthony Knox | SCRT |
| 61 kg | Marcus Blaze | TMWC |
| 65 kg | Luke Stanich | LVWR |
| 70 kg | PJ Duke | KTCT |
| 74 kg | Ladarion Lockett | CRTM |
| 79 kg | William Henckel | BWC |
| 86 kg | Max McEnelly | MIRT |
| 92 kg | Connor Mirasola | NLTM |
| 97 kg | Justin Rademacher | BDWR |
| 125 kg | Cole Mirasola | NLTM |
🏆 Finals Highlights and Match Recaps
57 kg – Anthony Knox (SCRT)
Knox dropped the first bout 3-2 to Ignacio Villasenor (CWC) but stormed back with a dominant 13-5 win, followed by a 10-0 technical fall in just 36 seconds to secure the title.
61 kg – Marcus Blaze (TMWC)
A returning world bronze medalist, Blaze showed his class with a 10-0 tech and 4-1 decision over Kyler Larkin (VWC).
65 kg – Luke Stanich (LVWR)
Stanich and Bo Bassett (TMWC) went the distance in a dramatic best-of-three. Stanich took the opener 3-2, dropped the second by the same score, then shut the door with a commanding 10-0 tech fall.
70 kg – PJ Duke (KTCT)
Duke took out Landon Robideau (CRTM) in straight matches, 7-0 and 9-4, using sharp finishes and solid defense throughout.
74 kg – Ladarion Lockett (CRTM)
Lockett, the 2024 U20 World silver medalist, was in peak form again. He defeated Jayden James (KTC) with a 6-1 decision and a 15-2 tech fall.
79 kg – William Henckel (BWC)
Henckel was dominant against Brock Mantanona (CKWC), posting back-to-back 10-0 techs to make his first world team.
86 kg – Max McEnelly (MIRT)
After falling 10-2 to Aeoden Sinclair (TSWC) in match one, McEnelly bounced back with 6-5 and 3-2 victories to win the series.
92 kg – Connor Mirasola (NLTM)
Mirasola controlled his series with Dillon Bechtold (BVRT), winning 10-0 and 4-1 to earn his second U20 World Team berth.
97 kg – Justin Rademacher (BDWR)
Rademacher won a physical series over Camden McDanel (NWTC) with scores of 10-5 and 7-1, punching his ticket to Bulgaria.
125 kg – Cole Mirasola (NLTM)
In the heavyweight final, Mirasola defeated Dreshaun Ross (SWA) 4-1 and 5-2 to complete the Mirasola brothers’ sweep of their respective weight classes.
🔍 Notable Highlights
- Marcus Blaze proved why he’s a world medal threat, making his second consecutive U20 World Team.
- Ladarion Lockett, already a silver medalist at the world level, looks ready to take the next step toward gold.
- William Henckel scored 20 unanswered points in the finals, demonstrating the most dominant offensive performance of the day.
📅 What’s Next
The 2025 U20 World Championships will take place August 18–24 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Team USA will be looking to build on its 2024 performance, which included multiple medal finishes and standout global debuts.