One of USA Wrestling’s largest and most prestigious national events — the 2025 U.S. Open — kicks off this week, April 23-27, at its new home: The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. With seven age divisions and 14 tournaments, including the Masters, this is where experience meets grit.

Minnesota has an impressive 19 entries this year — and the squad is loaded with accomplished veterans and former champions.

Leading the way is Rudy James, a master of all styles and competing at the highest levels. Last year, Rudy defended his Masters C (ages 43-50) freestyle world title and brought home bronze in Greco from Croatia. Since 2010, his accomplishments have been extraordinary and he’s not done yet.

• 2x Greco-Roman National Champion
• 6x Freestyle National Champion
• 9x Folkstyle National Champion

Returning to competition is 1998 State Champion Michael Duncombe of STMA, who wrestled to a 131-35 high school record and is now entered in Masters C.

Also in the mix: — Jason Klohs (Osseo), who went 92-20-1 in high school, placed 2nd in 1990 and 3rd in 1991, and won the 1991 Junior Nationals at 220 lbs.
— Jose Trevino (St. Paul Humboldt), a 1992 State Champion, finished with a 144-16-1 record, placed 3rd at Junior Nationals in both ’91 and ’92, and became a Junior Greco-Roman National Champion in 1993 at 154 lbs. Trevino now coaches alongside Don Nihart at South St. Paul — Nihart also placed 6th in that same legendary ’93 bracket that Trevino won.

These athletes represent the heart of Minnesota wrestling: grit, passion, and love for the sport no matter what age.

Thinking about making a comeback? Here's how USA Masters Wrestling is structured: Masters Division is open to wrestlers 25 and older, with Freestyle and Greco-Roman opportunities.
Age Groups:

• Division A: 25–34 years old
• Division B: 35–42
• Division C: 43–50
• Division D: 51–58
• Division E: 59–66

Weight Classes:

• 58 kg (127.6 lbs)
• 62 kg (136.6 lbs)
• 70 kg (154.2 lbs)
• 78 kg (172 lbs)
• 88 kg (194 lbs)
• 100 kg (220.4 lbs)
• 130 kg (286.6 lbs)

Whether you’ve been off the mat for 20 years or 20 days, it’s never too late to compete.

Watch the action this week live on Flowrestling and follow all Minnesota updates here on the Minnesota/USA Wrestling channels. #Mnstorm #mnusawrestling #USOpen2025 #MastersDivision