113 lbs at the Journeymen Fall Classic is Loaded

Sunday's Journeymen Fall Classic in Schenectady, New York promises to deliver fireworks across multiple weight classes, but none more explosive than the loaded 113 pound division. What we're witnessing isn't just a tournament bracket; it's a preview of the future of American wrestling at the lighter weights

The depth at this weight class reads like a who's who of prep wrestling royalty. Xavier Seabury, Chase Dubuque, Anthony Curlo, Jake Benyo, Paden Alyea, and Reid Grandmason headline a field that could legitimately produce six different champions on any given day. 

Each brings unique credentials and proven ability to perform under pressure.

The Frontrunner

Xavier Seabury of North Babylon enters Sunday as the wrestler to beat. His US Open National Championship at U15 Freestyle, where he dominated elite competition, represents the most impressive individual achievement in this loaded field. While freestyle and folkstyle present different challenges, a Fargo-level championship carries tremendous weight in assessing elite talent.

The New York freshman's technical arsenal translates perfectly between wrestling styles, and his Section 11 championship proves his folkstyle credentials remain elite. His victory over Paden Alyea at Fargo showcased his ability to score consistently against top competition, though the 11-2 result requires context. 

Nine of his eleven points came from stepouts, non-controlled exposures, a step-over leg laces, and feet-to-back takedowns out of bounds. While these scoring opportunities won't exist in Sunday's folkstyle event, Seabury's underlying technical ability and competitive drive remain formidable.

His consistent national rankings and ability to peak for major tournaments make him the logical favorite entering Schenectady.

The Physical Advantage

Chase Dubuque represents perhaps the most dangerous wrestler in the bracket, and his physical maturity sets him apart in a significant way. As a senior competing at 113 pounds, Dubuque brings a level of physical development that carries tremendous weight at this level. 

The Delran, New Jersey product's strength and conditioning advantages become magnified against younger competition.

What makes Dubuque particularly dangerous is his southpaw attack. As one of the pure lefties in the field, he presents unique challenges that many opponents rarely face. His ability to score from the outside with a lefty swing single creates constant threat, while his lefty high crotch provides close-quarters offense. These techniques, refined through his Fargo Junior Freestyle All-American experience, give him multiple pathways to points against any opponent.

His NJ high school record includes quality victories over nationally-ranked opponents, and his recent performances suggest he's hitting peak form at the perfect time. The combination of physical maturity, technical versatility, and championship experience makes him a legitimate threat to emerge from this loaded field.

The Blair Effect

Anthony Curlo brings the pedigree and training that comes with representing perennial powerhouse Blair Academy. The New Jersey prep school has a long history of producing some of the best young talent in the country, and Curlo exemplifies the technical precision and tactical awareness that defines Blair wrestling.

What sets Curlo apart is his positional wrestling and defensive awareness. He holds position exceptionally well and relies on his Blair training to avoid coming out of position and giving up meaningless points. This defensive foundation was on full display in his NHSCA finals appearance against Jake Benyo, where only one point was scored in the entire match. Interestingly, that lone point came when Curlo made the tactical decision to cut Benyo loose for an escape in the second period, demonstrating the calculated risk-taking.

The daily training environment at Blair, facing elite competition in practice, provides preparation that should serve him well against this loaded field.

The Eastern PA Grinder

Jake Benyo of West Scranton embodies everything that makes eastern Pennsylvania wrestling legendary. The stereotypical eastern PA wrestler, Benyo's cross wrist tilts are absolutely elite, as demonstrated in his performance against Vincenzo Mannello where his top prowess was on full display.

His NHSCA Freshman National Championship victory over Anthony Curlo tells a fascinating story of tactical wrestling. The only point scored came when Curlo cut Benyo loose for an escape in the second period, meaning Benyo's ability to neutralize Curlo's offense and force that tactical decision proved decisive. This type of grinding, positional wrestling exemplifies the eastern PA style that has produced countless champions.

The Pennsylvania sophomore's training at Mat Assassins Wrestling Club has refined his natural grinding ability into a complete skill set. His cross wrist tilts provide a constant threat from top position, while his defensive awareness and ability to win low-scoring matches make him dangerous against any style of wrestler.

The Multi-Style Master

Paden Alyea's dual-style state championships in both freestyle and Greco demonstrate technical versatility that makes him dangerous in any format. The Skyline High School junior's victory over Anthony Curlo at the America's Cup Fall Duals proved his ability to score consistently against elite competition.

His dominant 10-0 tech over the number one seed at Fargo showcased the offensive firepower that makes him dangerous in any bracket. While his loss to Seabury in freestyle competition might raise questions, the format differences and his proven folkstyle credentials suggest Sunday could produce different results.

The Perfect Foundation

Reid Grandmason's undefeated freshman season and New Hampshire state championship represent the type of consistent excellence that often translates to breakthrough performances at national events. 

The Exeter High School product's perfect record demonstrates both technical proficiency and the mental approach necessary for sustained success.

His regular participation in national-level tournaments provides the experience base necessary to compete with this elite field, while his youth suggests significant upside potential.

The Format Factor

Sunday's folkstyle format creates fascinating strategic considerations for wrestlers accustomed to competing across multiple styles. The emphasis on control, riding time, and traditional takedowns favors wrestlers with strong positional awareness and grinding ability. This could particularly benefit wrestlers like Curlo, whose Blair Academy training emphasizes positional control and avoiding unnecessary risks.

The absence of freestyle's step-out and exposure scoring removes some weapons from wrestlers like Seabury, while potentially favoring the grinding, positional style that characterizes elite folkstyle wrestling. Dubuque's lefty attack becomes even more valuable in folkstyle, where opponents have less time to adjust and adapt.

Championship Implications

What makes this bracket particularly compelling is its preview of the future 106-pound landscape. Many of these wrestlers have the ability to drop down for the postseason, making Sunday's results a potential roadmap for state tournaments and beyond. The head-to-head results and stylistic matchups provide crucial data points for coaches and wrestlers preparing for championship season.

Dubuque's physical advantages as a junior could become even more pronounced at 106 pounds, while Seabury's technical ability and championship experience translate to any weight class. The Blair Academy system that has shaped Curlo's approach will be tested against diverse styles and backgrounds.

The Verdict

The Journeymen Fall Classic has consistently produced breakthrough performances and established new hierarchies within weight classes. Sunday's 113-pound bracket possesses all the ingredients for another classic chapter in the tournament's storied history.

With Seabury's championship pedigree leading the way, Dubuque's physical and technical advantages creating intrigue, and proven competitors like Curlo bringing elite program training, Sunday's 113 pound division promises to deliver the type of elite competition that defines championship wrestling. The future of 106 pounds will be on full display in Schenectady.