U17 World Silver Medalist Castillo to Iowa State

It’s a big week for Iowa State as the Cyclones are ready to wrap up their regular season with a mega dual against Big 12 foe #9. Kevin Dresser’s team has started the week with positive news on the recruiting trail with a verbal commitment from the #10 overall recruit in the Class of 2025, Christian Castillo (Valiant Prep, Arizona). 

Castillo is a 2022 U17 World silver medalist in freestyle. Not only that, but he also represented the United States in Greco-Roman at the same tournament that same weekend in Rome. Also in 2022, Castillo captured Pan-American gold medals in both styles at the 48 kg weight class. 

On the domestic front, Castillo has placed three times at the Super 32, winning the 106 lb weight class in 2022 and finishing fourth last fall at 120 lbs. He was also sixth in 2021. A few months before that, Castillo made the 16U national freestyle finals in Fargo. 

Because Valiant Prep is not allowed to compete in the Arizona postseason, Castillo doesn’t have any state champion-type credentials to his name. 

Castillo has missed significant time during the 2023-24 season so he doesn’t currently appear in MatScouts national rankings. In the post-Super 32 rankings, Castillo came in sixth in the 120 lb weight class. 

At the next level, Castillo projects at the always-coveted 125 lb weight class. Castillo is the second wrestler from the Class of 2025 to commit to the Cyclones. He’ll join fellow Arizona native Carlos Stanton (Sunnyside, AZ), who is currently ranked #133 amongst all juniors. 

For all of your up-to-date recruiting information, check InterMat’s College Commitment Page.