Tucson Teen Wins National Wrestling Title

Patrick Pina III claims 126-pound championship at USA Wrestling 16U & Junior Folkstyle Nationals

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:12am

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Patrick Pina III, a 14-year-old wrestler from Tucson, Arizona, won the 126-pound national championship at the 2026 USA Wrestling 16U & Junior Folkstyle Nationals in West Des Moines, Iowa. Pina, who trains at the new Roman Bravo-Young Wrestling Club, went 5-0 in the tournament, capping his run with a 4-3 decision over Scout Scott of Team Idaho Wrestling in the final.

Why it matters

Pina's victory is a significant accomplishment for a young wrestler, showcasing his talent and the impact of the new RBY Wrestling Club in Tucson. The club, founded by four-time state champion and two-time national champion Roman Bravo-Young, is providing elite-level training and opportunities for up-and-coming wrestlers in the area.

The details

Pina, who will be a freshman at Sunnyside High School in the fall, dominated his opponents throughout the tournament. He recorded a major decision, two decisions, a technical fall, and a 4-3 win in the final. Bravo-Young, who is Pina's coach, was on hand to watch the young wrestler's championship performance.

  • The 2026 USA Wrestling 16U & Junior Folkstyle Nationals took place on Sunday, March 17, 2026 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The players

Patrick Pina III

A 14-year-old wrestler from Tucson, Arizona, who trains at the new Roman Bravo-Young Wrestling Club and won the 126-pound national championship at the 2026 USA Wrestling 16U & Junior Folkstyle Nationals.

Roman Bravo-Young

A four-time state champion and two-time national champion wrestler who founded the RBY Wrestling Club in Tucson, where he coaches young wrestlers like Patrick Pina III.

Scout Scott

A wrestler from Team Idaho Wrestling who finished as the runner-up to Patrick Pina III in the 126-pound championship match at the 2026 USA Wrestling 16U & Junior Folkstyle Nationals.

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What they’re saying

“I've still gotta keep grinding and working. It's cool but there's still more work to do.”

— Patrick Pina III

“My coach, RBY, has got all of these opportunities for us to learn from these world-class wrestlers. I'm so lucky to have a coaching staff like that, a good circle of people I can trust and hang out with.”

— Patrick Pina III

What’s next

Pina's next significant challenge is competing in the 2026 Fargo USA Wrestling 16U & Junior Nationals in July at the FargoDome in Fargo, North Dakota.

The takeaway

Patrick Pina III's national championship victory showcases the growing strength of the RBY Wrestling Club in Tucson and the opportunities it is providing for young wrestlers to develop and compete at the highest levels of the sport.