112 lbs – Alexandra Szkotnicki, Maryland
Szkotnicki punched her ticket to Who’s Number One as she defeated Pennsylvania’s Aubre Krazer, 6-2 in the 112-pound Fargo finals. On top of that, Szkotnicki also became the first junior women’s national champ for Maryland since world and Olympic champion Helen Maroulis!
Aside from being a national High School champion, Szkotnicki brings impressive credentials – the U17 world team member in 2019, the U15 champion in 2018, and a finish at the Last Chance World Team Trials qualifier where she took 2nd.
Janida Garcia had a tight, 6-4 victory over Skylar Little Soldier in the Junior Women’s Fargo finals and was then given a golden ticket for her efforts.
This is Garcia’s second straight trip to Who’s Number One. Last year, she only lost by 8 points against her competitor Hanna. After that performance, along with her placing third at the U20 2022 nationals, Garcia demonstrated her abilities where she even was younger than others in the competition. 120 lbs – Nate Jesuroga, Iowa
Despite his impressive resume, Jesuroga may now be one step closer to challenging the world’s best in the UFC welterweight division. He won a matchup with last year’s champion, Joey Cruz, and recently added a heavyweight belt to his illustrious collection by winning Super 32.
Jesuroga, who will be in his senior year next year. He’s already committed to the University of Iowa in 2023. He’s a high-paced lightweight fighter and was undefeated when competing at Fargo’s heaviest weight division going 7-0 over his opponents with a 74-2 record.
152 lbs – Cody Chittum, Tennessee
At 152 lbs, he did not compete against anyone in the field in Fargo who did not come close to him because he was 7-0 with six straight wins by technical superiority and another by 9 points. His final point tally was 85 to his opponents’ 12.
Despite being a Who’s Number One alumni, Chittum defeated Wyatt Henson at the event in 2020. He’s been at or near the top of the rankings for most of his high school career and will look to stay on top on September 9 in Ann Arbor.
As the 2020-21 Ohio State Buckeyes Wrestling Team was in a dead heat with the Penn State Wrestling Team, they got a huge win on Tuesday afternoon by defeating Dillon Aldenberg and then gear and gear down to defeat Rocco Welsh. This victory came after only one year since Barr had lost to Aiden Riggins of the Iowa Wrestling team in 2019-2020.
This will be Barr’s second trip to Who’s Number One. He lost in 2021 by an upset to finalist Levi Haines, but could look to win this year on September 9 at home in Michigan.