3X North Dakota state champion Jared Franek, who won a USA Wrestling Folkstyle national title last spring, chose the FloNationals route this season and was upended in the finals by #8 ranked Jaden Mattox of Ohio. The West Fargo product navigated through four matches to make the finals, including a convincing 11-4 decision in the quarterfinals over Illinois Class A state champion Danny Braunagel. In the semifinals, Franek dug himself a hole by giving up an early slide-by takedown to Josh Stillings of Green Lane, PA. After a Stillings escape to start the second, Franek was able to grab a takedown to narrow the gap to 3-2, but was reversed and ridden out. Down 5-2 entering the third, Franek chose neutral and scored a takedown, stalling point, and riding time point for the come from behind 6-5 victory.
ndwrestle.com 