FARGO, N.D. (JULY 2026) — USA Wrestling and the United States Marine Corps have announced that the Junior Nationals National Championship Team Trophy will now be known as the “Battles Won Award.” This award will be presented to the top team in each premier division at the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.
This change highlights the ongoing partnership between USA Wrestling and the Marine Corps, which focuses on developing disciplined, resilient, and high-performing young people through sports and service. As the Marine Corps enters its eighth year as the Title Sponsor of the event, the introduction of the “Battles Won Award” adds significant meaning to this prestigious team honor.
A Championship Defined by Collective Effort
The “Battles Won Award” will recognize the national team champions in:
- Girls Freestyle
- Boys Freestyle
- Boys Greco-Roman
Unlike individual awards, this honor reflects the effort of an entire program. Every match, every point earned, and every athlete contributes to a common goal. This showcases a team’s depth, consistency, and capability to excel throughout a national tournament.
More Than a Trophy
While this award signifies a national championship, its name carries a deeper significance. The “Battles Won Award” represents the journey of a team: the challenges faced during the season, the obstacles overcome, and the determination needed to compete at a high level.
Rooted in the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, this award emphasizes that true success is defined not just by the outcome but by the discipline, accountability, and perseverance developed along the way. Each team earning this award has shown the ability to maintain focus under pressure, support one another during challenges, and perform when it matters most. These qualities are essential in both wrestling and life.
Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
Since 2017, USA Wrestling and the Marine Corps have collaborated to promote the growth of wrestling in the United States. This partnership has connected athletes, coaches, and communities through a shared belief in leadership development, personal responsibility, and service to others.
Renaming the Junior Nationals Team Championship Trophy to the “Battles Won Award” marks a significant evolution of that partnership, aligning one of the sport’s highest honors with the values both organizations uphold.
A Symbol of Team Excellence
At the Junior & 16U National Championships, the largest wrestling tournament in the world, achieving a team title requires more than talent. It demands unity, preparation, and consistent performance across multiple weight classes and divisions.
The “Battles Won Award” represents that achievement, celebrating teams that rise to the top through collective effort, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As teams from across the nation compete in Fargo, the quest for a national title now holds even greater significance, honoring not just victory but the battles that led to it.
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