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McDanel Dominates U23 Trials, Secures World Team Spot
1 Jun
Summary
- Camden McDanel won the U23 Freestyle National Championship.
- Mac Crosson competed in both U20 and U23 trials, wrestling 12 matches.
- Ethan DeLeon finished the U23 tournament with a 4-2 record.

Camden McDanel, a former U20 World bronze medalist, has earned a spot on the 2026 U23 World Team by winning the U23 Freestyle National Championship at 97 kg. He demonstrated exceptional skill, securing multiple victories through technical superiority and pinfalls, culminating in a swift pinfall win against Garavous Kouekabakilaho in the final series.
McDanel's performance includes dominant wins over opponents like Mustafa Hadi and Justin Griffith. His success follows a strong college career with the Huskers, where he is a two-time All-American. The U23 World Championships are scheduled for October 12-18 in Las Vegas.
Also competing was Mac Crosson, a 2027 commit for Nebraska. He participated in both the U20 and U23 Trials, wrestling a demanding 12 matches over three days. Despite facing older competitors, Crosson showed promise, winning several matches against collegiate wrestlers.
Ethan DeLeon, preparing for his junior season with the Huskers at 184 pounds, also competed in the U23 division at 86 kg. He achieved a 4-2 record in the tournament, showcasing solid performances in his matches. Both Crosson and DeLeon are seen as key future assets for Nebraska's wrestling program.