Slinger, WI – Five standout athletes from Slinger High School are heading to Fargo, North Dakota this week to compete in the U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U National Championships—the largest and most prestigious youth wrestling tournament in the country.
Known simply as “Fargo,” the event draws thousands of wrestlers from across the nation and is considered a proving ground for future collegiate and Olympic champions.
This year, Slinger High School boasts one of the largest groups of athletes competing at Fargo from any Wisconsin High School program, a testament to the team’s growing strength and commitment to excellence.
“I’m really proud to have so many wrestlers putting in the work this offseason. Having four guys competing at Fargo is outstanding.” — Coach Cody Tonsor, Slinger Varsity Boys Wrestling
Slinger Athletes to Watch
Samuel Gehring, incoming senior, finished 2nd at WIAA State Tournament at 150 pounds this past season. This marks his third trip to Fargo, and after narrowly missing the podium at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas this spring, Gehring enters as a serious All‑American contender for Team Wisconsin Junior at 150 pounds.
Riley Longdin, incoming junior, is a State qualifier ranked No. 7 by Wisconsin Grappler. A WIAA state qualifier this past winter, Riley has competed for Team Wisconsin for National Duals the past two seasons. For freestyle this year, he captured 1st at Wisconsin State Freestyle and 4th at Northern Plains Regionals, earning his second Fargo appearance for Team Wisconsin Junior at 106 pounds.
Baron Krueger, incoming junior, placed 6th at Wisconsin State Freestyle and 5th at Junior Folkstyle Nationals, both at 175 pounds. He’ll wrestle for Team Wisconsin 16U at 190 pounds.
Jonathan Marth, incoming sophomore, is a two‑time Fargo qualifier and will compete for Team Wisconsin 16U at 138 pounds for both Freestyle and Greco. Ranked No. 14 by Wisconsin Grappler, Marth is coming off a strong season and looks ready to make noise on the national stage.
Brianna Gehring, incoming junior, continues to make history for the Slinger program. Ranked #4 by Wisconsin Grappler at 145 pounds, she is not only the school’s first girls WIAA State Tournament placer, but also the first female wrestler to represent Slinger at Fargo. Brianna took 4th at the Wisconsin Freestyle State tournament and 6th at Northern Plains, punching her ticket to Fargo. At Fargo, Brianna will compete for Team Wisconsin Junior at 155 pounds.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the action on Flo Wrestling—the boys freestyle tournament begins Friday, July 10, and the girls tournament starts Thursday, July 16.
The U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals began in the early 1970s to unite the nation’s top high‑school wrestlers. After moving to Fargo in 1993, it became the world’s largest wrestling event. The Marine Corps partnership, formed in 2000, added prestige and discipline, emphasizing shared values of honor, courage, and commitment.
“Knowing I’m part of a wrestling community that continues to grow is exciting. Wrestling never lies — it builds character in the most honest way, and our society needs more of that. Success is measured by those who lay a foundation strong enough for others to rise. Wrestling is more than a sport; it’s leadership in action. As a Marine Corps veteran, I know this well, and I’m proud to see their sponsorship of Fargo. The best leaders aren’t remembered for standing above others, but for lifting others high enough to stand on their own. Slinger wrestling is telling their story — and we should all take time to add to their chapters.” — Slinger Girls Varsity Coach, Carlo Davila