Michigan’s Cardenas, Mantanona embracing growth ahead of Big Ten schedule

Michigan Wrestling is a storied program with success at the collegiate level that has transferred into success internationally. From NCAA titles to World and Olympic medals, the Wolverines have built a strong reputation for fostering growth and developing athletes at all levels of the sport.

Jacob Cardenas, a fifth-year graduate student, joined the program in 2024. Cardenas is a two-time NCAA All-American for Cornell, and found a home in Ann Arbor. Ranked third in the latest FloWrestling rankings, the Kearney, New Jersey, native is looking to improve on his past performances come March. Cardenas is a three-time U23 World medalist, and is working to refine his technique in the Michigan room.

Making his season debut this week in Maize and Blue, Beau Mantanona is excited to make an impact on the mat for the Wolverines. Mantanona, a redshirt freshman, competed in three tournaments and three dual meets at 165 pounds last season.

Michigan is also home to the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club. Senior level athletes Alec Pantaleo and Mason Parris have continued their wrestling careers in the same room since their collegiate debuts.

Pantaleo, a two-time age-group World Team member and Senior Pan American Championships gold medalist, credits a part of his success to the coaches, training partners and support staff at Michigan. Parris is one of the most successful alumni of the program, and is a 2024 Olympian and 2023 Senior World bronze medalist, as well as a 2023 NCAA Champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner.

As the college wrestling season continues, and the anticipation for international events builds, the Michigan Wolverines are ready for the challenges ahead.

Check out All Access: Michigan Wolverines on the USA Wrestling YouTube page.