U17 Men’s Freestyle Team Prepares for Athens
Photo by Tony Rotundo
Las Vegas, NV – The future of American wrestling was on full display at the 2025 US Open, where ten standout young athletes earned their spots on the U17 Freestyle World Team. The team, formed after a weekend of intense competition, is now setting its sights on the global stage in Athens, Greece.
These rising stars battled their way through deep brackets at the US Open in Las Vegas, showcasing exceptional skill, discipline, and resilience to earn their places on the team:
45 kg – Keegan Bassett
48 kg – Ariah Mills
51 kg – Samuel Sanchez
55 kg – Grey Burnett
60 kg – Ashton Besmer
65 kg – Arseni Kikiniou
71 kg – Jayden James
80 kg – Aaron Stewart
92 kg – Tanner Hodgins
110 kg – Alex Taylor
Wrestling for Peace Executive Director Dan Russell was on-site to personally congratulate the athletes following their qualification. A longtime advocate for international sports diplomacy, Russell spoke with the team about the importance of representing Team USA and using their platform to make a difference both locally and globally through humanitarian efforts.
“To wrestle is to struggle and overcome,” Russell said. “And we come alongside people in the wrestling match of life to encourage them to overcome.”
Russell continued, “This team isn’t just about winning medals — it’s about representing values, building bridges across borders, and showing the world what respect and sportsmanship look like at the highest levels. These athletes are not only top competitors, but also young ambassadors of peace.”
Dan Russell - W4P Ambassador, J’Den Cox - US Freestyle Men’s Coach, Joe Russell - USA Freestyle Team Manager
In Athens, Team USA and Team Greece plan to join efforts in a Wrestling for Peace Humanitarian outreach led by Wrestling for Peace ambassadors, SportsLife Wrestling, US Freestyle Coach J’Den Cox, and US Teams Chaplain Tim Hess. The team now enters a critical phase of preparation as they look ahead. With training camps, mentorship sessions, and international strategy on the horizon, the U17 squad is ready to take on the world, united by purpose and passion.