Braunagel Captures Freestyle Gold and Greco-Roman Bronze, Jackson Dominates at 86 kg, While Richards and Caliendo Earn Silver Medals
By Illinois Matmen | November 8, 2026
Illinois wrestling was well represented on the international stage this weekend, as five former Illinois high school standouts combined to earn six medals at the 2026 Bill Farrell Memorial International Open, held November 6–7 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City.
The Illinois contingent produced two freestyle champions, two runners-up, and two bronze medals, showcasing the talent that continues to emerge from the state’s high school wrestling programs.
Leading the way was former Belleville Althoff Catholic standout Zac Braunagel, who delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive performances by capturing the 92 kg freestyle championship just one day after earning bronze at 97 kg in Greco-Roman.
Former Marian Catholic state champion Nathan Jackson was equally impressive, dominating the 86 kg freestyle field and earning the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler award.
Meanwhile, Carbondale’s Zane Richards (57 kg) and Batavia’s Michael Caliendo (74 kg) advanced to their respective freestyle championship matches before settling for silver medals.
Plainfield East graduate Michael McGee rounded out the Illinois medalists, capturing bronze at 61 kg in men’s freestyle.
The performances provided another reminder that Illinois wrestlers continue to compete among the nation’s best long after their high school careers have ended.
Braunagel Delivers Double-Medal Performance
Zac Braunagel — Althoff Catholic | Freestyle Champion, 92 kg; Greco-Roman Bronze, 97 kg
No Illinois wrestler enjoyed a more productive weekend than Braunagel.
The two-time IHSA Class 1A state champion from Belleville Althoff Catholic demonstrated his versatility by reaching the podium in both international wrestling styles, highlighted by a freestyle championship on Saturday.
Braunagel opened his freestyle tournament with a convincing 10-0 technical fall over South Korea’s Sung Ryu in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinals, he faced Israel’s Uri Kalashnikov and continued his aggressive approach, rolling to a 16-5 technical fall to secure his place in the championship match.
Waiting in the finals was top-seeded Garavous Kouekabakilaho, a 2025 U23 World Team member who entered the tournament among the favorites at 92 kg.
Unlike Braunagel’s first two matches, the championship bout became a defensive battle in which scoring opportunities were limited.
Braunagel remained patient and capitalized on a second-period stepout to gain the advantage.
Final: Zac Braunagel defeated Garavous Kouekabakilaho, 2-1.
The victory completed a perfect 3-0 freestyle tournament for Braunagel, who scored 28 points while surrendering just six.
But his weekend began a day earlier.
Competing in Greco-Roman at 97 kg on Friday, Braunagel advanced through the opening rounds with victories over Adames Palmer of the Dominican Republic and American David Orndorff.
His championship hopes were halted in the semifinals by 2025 U.S. World Team member Michial Foy, who defeated Braunagel by technical fall, 10-0.
Rather than allowing the loss to derail his tournament, Braunagel rebounded through the consolation bracket.
He defeated Boykin in the consolation semifinals before earning a rematch with Orndorff in the bronze-medal bout.
Third-Place Match: Zac Braunagel defeated David Orndorff, 5-3.
The victory secured his first medal of the weekend and set the stage for Saturday’s freestyle championship.
For Braunagel, a former University of Illinois standout and 2023 Senior Greco-Roman World Team member, the two-medal performance demonstrated his ability to compete successfully in both disciplines.
Moving between Greco-Roman and freestyle requires significant technical adjustments. Greco-Roman prohibits attacks below the waist, while freestyle allows leg attacks and creates different scoring opportunities.
Braunagel’s ability to navigate those differences against international-level competition made his performance particularly noteworthy.
Two days, two wrestling styles, and two medals — including a championship — made Braunagel one of the weekend’s biggest Illinois success stories.
Jackson Dominates His Way to Outstanding Wrestler Honors
Nathan Jackson — Marian Catholic | Freestyle Champion, 86 kg
Former Marian Catholic standout Nathan Jackson delivered arguably the most dominant championship performance of the tournament.
Jackson, who won the 2012 IHSA Class 2A state championship at 170 pounds before wrestling collegiately at Indiana University, entered the 86 kg freestyle bracket unseeded.
That designation did little to slow him down.
Jackson opened his tournament with a 10-0 technical fall over Colombia’s Marlio Guzman Ipuz in the quarterfinals.
The victory set up a semifinal showdown with top-seeded Mekhi Lewis, a former NCAA champion and 2018 U20 World champion.
Jackson controlled the matchup and earned a 5-2 decision, knocking off the tournament’s No. 1 seed and securing his place in the finals.
There, he faced Tanner Hodgins, a talented high school wrestler and 2025 U17 World bronze medalist.
The championship match was over almost as quickly as it began.
Jackson attacked immediately, using an explosive double-leg takedown and consecutive gut-wrench exposures to overwhelm his younger opponent.
Final: Nathan Jackson defeated Tanner Hodgins, 10-0, by technical fall in just 47 seconds.
The victory completed a perfect 3-0 tournament in which Jackson outscored his opponents 25-2.
His combination of offensive explosiveness, technical execution, and dominance against quality opposition earned him the tournament’s Men’s Freestyle Outstanding Wrestler Award.
Jackson’s accomplishments are another example of the lasting impact of Illinois high school wrestling.
More than a decade removed from his state championship at Marian Catholic, Jackson continues to demonstrate that his development as a wrestler extends far beyond his high school and collegiate careers.
His performance in New York showed that he remains a formidable competitor on the senior international freestyle circuit.
Richards Advances to Finals Before Falling to Rising High School Star
Zane Richards — Carbondale | Freestyle Runner-Up, 57 kg
Few Illinois wrestlers have enjoyed the sustained international success of former Carbondale standout Zane Richards.
