(FARGO, N.D.) Senior Jared Theiler competed in the Fargo National Wrestling Tournament held in Fargo, North Dakota, during the week of July 14-22, winning the coveted title of All-American, an honor achieved by only three wrestlers in the history of St Paul’s School.

“In November of 2014, Jared couldn’t win JV tournaments in Louisiana. Since that time, he has placed in state three times, won a state championship, placed fifth in the UWW Cadet trials, and now finished eighth in the toughest tournament in the country,” assistant wrestling coach Matt Pinero said. “It takes tremendous discipline and many sacrifices to accomplish what he has in such a short span of time.”

The U.S. Marine Corps Cadet and Junior National Tournament, also known as Fargo, is the largest and toughest high-school tournament in the United States of America. The cut-throat level of competition is second to none, as colleges recruit athletes straight from the finals matches. Every athlete in attendance is wrestling their hardest to make it to the finals and impress the many college scouts scouring the mats looking for untapped potential they can add to their roster.

“The competition level in Fargo compared to Louisiana was like comparing varsity to junior varsity,” Theiler said.

The Fargo tournament is divided into four smaller tournaments: Cadet Greco, Cadet Freestyle, Junior Greco and Junior Freestyle. Thieler competed in the 138 weight class and placed eighth in the Greco tournament, beating a returning national champion and a national runner-up, and losing close matches with another national runner-up. Theiler and New Orleans-native Josh Ramirez were the only two Louisiana wrestlers who made All-American and two of only three who finished with a winning record.

“As a coach, all you want to do is see your guys succeed: in life and wrestling,” said a proud Pinero.