Binghamton wrestlers to compete at U23 Nationals this weekend

The Bearcat Wrestling Club is set for a significant weekend of competition as 18 members of the Binghamton wrestling team head to the 2026 U23 Nationals Freestyle competition. The event, hosted at the SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, will feature a wide range of talent from the program across multiple weight classes.

Tournament Schedule and Competition

Action begins this Saturday with preliminary and consolation matches scheduled throughout the day. The opening session is set to kick off at 9:30 a.m., followed by a second session starting at 4 p.m. The competition concludes on Sunday, with the final session beginning at 10:30 a.m., featuring medal matches and the best two-out-of-three finals.

Did You Know? The New York Army National Guard serves as the presenting sponsor for Bearcats Wrestling.

Key Athletes to Watch

Among the group representing the Bearcat Wrestling Club is Carson Wagner, a Nazareth, Pa., native who is looking to build on his past success. Wagner earned All-America honours at the 2025 U23 Nationals after placing sixth in the 57 kg bracket.

Carter Baer also returns to the mat this weekend. Baer, a 2026 NCAA tournament qualifier, recently completed his season with a 20-6 record and a 2-2 performance at the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championships. His participation at the U23 Nationals marks a swift return to high-level competition just two months after the national tournament.

Expert Insight: For athletes like Carter Baer and Carson Wagner, the U23 Nationals represent a critical bridge between collegiate folkstyle seasons and the demands of international freestyle wrestling. Success in this tournament could provide momentum for the athletes as they look to refine their technical skills and gain valuable experience against a national field of competitors.

Looking Ahead

The depth of the Binghamton roster will be on full display in Geneva, with athletes competing in weight classes ranging from 61 kg to 125 kg. While the focus remains on the upcoming matches, the performance of these 18 wrestlers may provide a clearer picture of the team’s trajectory heading into the next academic and athletic cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 2026 U23 Nationals being held?
The competition is taking place at the SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

How many Binghamton wrestlers are competing in the event?
There are 18 members of the Binghamton wrestling team competing at the tournament.

When do the medal matches take place?
The medal matches and the best two-out-of-three finals are scheduled for Sunday, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Which of these 18 athletes do you believe is most poised to make a deep run in their respective weight class this weekend?