The Road to Fargo: A Guide for North Carolina Wrestlers — Qualifying, Training, and Succeeding at Fargo Nationals
Building Complete Wrestlers: The Year-Round Approach Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling aren’t just offseason activities—they’re essential components in developing elite wrestlers. These Olympic styles sharpen hand fighting, positioning, mat awareness, and explosiveness that directly elevate Folkstyle performance.
For serious North Carolina wrestlers, the journey is year-round:
- NHSCA Nationals (late March): The true conclusion of the Folkstyle season
- Freestyle/Greco Season (begins immediately after NHSCA): Olympic-style training kicks off
- Fargo Nationals (July): The ultimate summer challenge—the toughest high school tournament in the country
This seamless transition between styles creates complete wrestlers. The best in the country don’t take months off—they evolve between styles and continue developing year-round.
Building an Effective Olympic Styles Season Essential Foundation
- Ensure the club you participate in actively supports freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling
- Incremental to your weekly club training, elite wrestlers have NC United Blue as an option that transitions directly to freestyle/Greco after NHSCA
- In addition to club training, for those that qualify, Regional Training Centers (RTCs) offer tremendous advantages
Recommended Progression
- April-May: Transition to freestyle/Greco technique, compete at Tar Heel Classic and NC State Championships
- May-June: Test yourself at Southeast Regionals, seek elite practice partners, attend national camps
- June-July: Attend specialized Fargo camps, participate in NC Fargo camp, compete at Fargo
Is Fargo Nationals Right for You?
Fargo is a Challenging Tournament — But Success is Within Reach for Committed NC Wrestlers
| Fargo Performance Data 2024 (Freestyle Data Only) | 14% of North Carolina wrestlers had winning records | 28% went 0-2 (zero wins, two losses) |
NOTE: This is not meant to discourage participation, PLEASE CONTINUE READING
Fargo is widely known as one of the most challenging tournaments in high school wrestling. However, with the right preparation and commitment, success at Fargo is absolutely within reach for dedicated North Carolina wrestlers. Our successful wrestlers consistently demonstrate:
- Regular Freestyle/Greco training and competition throughout spring and summer
- National-level competition experience before Fargo
- High achievement in Folkstyle (typically multi-time state champions/finalists, high placers)
- Training with elite partners in competitive environments
- Participation in specialized Fargo preparation camps
- Success at Southeast Regionals
Key Findings: Preparation Creates Opportunity
Wrestlers who placed at Southeast Regionals performed nearly 3× better at Fargo compared to those who did not place. Southeast Regionals success is the strongest predictor of Fargo readiness, and placement should be viewed as THE QUALIFIER—the true indicator of success and readiness. Without this benchmark, Fargo represents a significant investment in time and money with limited potential for return.
2025 Qualification & Preparation
While our strong recommendation is that wrestlers qualify through Southeast Regionals placement, the technical qualification criteria are as follows;
| Event | Date | Location |
| Tar Heel State Classic | April 12, 2025 | Chapel Hill High School |
| NC State Championships | May 3–4, 2025 | Mooresville High School |
| Southeast Regionals | May 17–18, 2025 | Gas South Convention Center (Duluth, GA) |
Technical Qualification Standards
| Top 2 at NC States | Winner of Tar Heel Classic | Top 4 at Southeast Regionals |
Important Note: All wrestlers should participate in all three tournaments, regardless of Fargo plans. These events provide invaluable freestyle/Greco experience essential for complete development.
Mandatory Training Camp
All North Carolina Fargo qualifiers must now attend:
- A 2-day Pre-Fargo Training Camp in July (immediately prior to departure)
- AND either:
- (A) Dual Team Camp plus 1 Regional Day Camp, OR
- (B) 2 Regional Day Camps held across NC (locations: Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Jacksonville)
- (A) Dual Team Camp plus 1 Regional Day Camp, OR
Athletes may attend additional day camps for no extra cost if they wish.
Read the Full National Team Update Here 4/9/25
North Carolina Fargo Wrestling Success Stories
When our elite wrestlers commit to Fargo, we achieve impressive results. When they participate, look at what we have accomplished in recent years:
All-Americans & Top-Performers
- 2022 Freestyle Cadet: Cameron Stinson Jr. (5th Place)
- 2023 Freestyle Junior: Savoy New (8th Place)
- 2018/2019 Greco: Richard Treanor (2nd/8th Place)
- 2019 Junior Greco: Christian Decatur-Luker (6th Place)
- 2024 Top Performers: Bentley Sly (6-2), Jack Harty (5-2), Mac Johnson (5-2)
These performances prove that properly prepared North Carolina wrestlers can compete nationally.
2025 Investment Options:
- Team Travel Package: ~$1,900 (flight, hotel, training camp, coaching, transportation, and team gear)
- Self-Travel Package: ~$995 (all inclusions except flight—athlete/parent arranges own travel)
Thanks to the success of the NC USA recent fundraiser, the first 50 athletes who qualify, sign up, and pay their deposit will receive a $100 discount off the total trip cost.
Optional Parent Travel (Estimate): ~$1,200–1,500
For More Information Visit https://www.ncwrestling.org/news_article/show/1336300
Key 2025 Dates
| Key 2025 Dates | Location: FargoDome, Fargo, ND | Dates: July 10–19, 2025 |
Before Making Your Decision Honestly evaluate
- Have you consistently trained and competed in freestyle and Greco?
- Have you tested yourself against national-level competition?
- Have you placed at Southeast Regionals?
For many wrestlers, investing in freestyle/Greco training and preparatory events like Southeast Regionals is better than attending Fargo prematurely.
Building North Carolina’s National Presence for our wrestling community to elevate nationally.
- Year-round dedication across all wrestling styles
- Regular national-level competition experience
- Elite wrestlers representing North Carolina on the biggest stage
- Top wrestlers from across the state training together—iron sharpens iron
FAQ: Fargo Nationals for NC Wrestlers
Q: How do I qualify for Fargo as a North Carolina wrestler?
A: Wrestlers can qualify by placing in the top 2 at NC States, winning the Tar Heel Classic, or placing in the top 4 at Southeast Regionals.
Q: Is Fargo Nationals worth the investment?
A: For well-prepared wrestlers with national-level training and competition experience, Fargo provides exposure, development, and potential recruitment opportunities. For others, the time and financial investment may be better spent gaining more experience.
Q: What events should I attend to prepare for Fargo?
A: All wrestlers should compete at the Tar Heel Classic, NC State Championships, and Southeast Regionals. Attendance at the NC Fargo Camp is mandatory for qualifiers. Carolina has the talent and potential to become a national wrestling powerhouse.
The path runs through freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, with Fargo as our measuring stick. By committing to complete wrestler development and ensuring our best represent us nationally, we create opportunities for individual success and elevate our entire wrestling community.
The Path Forward North
North Carolina has the talent and potential to become a national wrestling powerhouse. The path runs through freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, with Fargo as our measuring stick. By committing to complete wrestler development and ensuring our best represent us nationally, we create opportunities for individual success and elevate our entire wrestling community.
For our most elite wrestlers: You belong at Fargo. You can place there. The future of North Carolina wrestling is bright—if we commit fully to the preparation pathway outlined above.
