Event Details

The 2026-2027 USA Wrestling season welcomes its premiere preseason event, the 2026 U.S Marine Corps Brian Keck Memorial Preseason Nationals & Boys National Recruiting Showcase. Hosted in the vibrant city of West Des Moines, Iowa, from October 29 - November 1st, Preseason Nationals promises an electrifying experience that combines top-notch wrestling action for boys and girls from grades 1st - High School, with an incredible opportunity for aspiring high school wrestlers to showcase their skills and catch the eyes of college recruiters!

Given the high demand and limited availability of slots, we strongly recommend registering early to ensure your participation. This tournament is anticipated to sell out quickly due to its reputation as a prime tournament to kick off the Folkstyle season. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this thrilling wrestling extravaganza and potentially take the first step toward becoming a National Champion and All-American.

Brian Keck tragically passed away at the age 48 during a trip to Mexico in November, 2019. Keck worked with USA Wrestling to found the Preseason Nationals in 2008, a major early season national folkstyle wrestling event for athletes of all ages. The first event was held in Des Moines, then spent nine years in Cedar Falls, Iowa, before returning to Des Moines in 2018. During its 12 years with Keck’s involvement, the competition grew in size and prestige.  

SAVE ON REGISTRATION by booking your hotel room through the booking link below.  Once you have booked your hotel, you will recieve a Registration Discount Code to enter during your event registration process. HOTEL BOOKING LINK

CLICK HERE FOR PARKING MAP - Coming Soon!

Divisions & Registration Caps: 

Registration Caps for 2026 Preseason Nationals/Boys National Recruiting Showcase: 

• 9th-10th Grade Boys
  • Registration Cap: 975  
• 11th-12th Grade Boys 
  • Registration Cap: 975
• Boys High School National Recuiting Showcase
  • Registration Cap: 350
• 7th-8th Grade Boys 
  • Registration Cap: 640
• 9th-12th Grade Girls
  • Registration Cap: 650
• 5th-6th Grade Boys, 3rd-4th Grade Boys, and 6th-8th Grade Girls
  • Registration Cap: 975 (combined)
• 1st-2nd Grade Boys, 1st-2nd Grade Girls, 3rd-5th Grade Girls
  • Registration Cap: 250 (combined)

*Boys National High School Recruiting Showcase athletes must be prequalified, High School age athletes who do not qualify for the National High School Showcase division can enter in the Boys 9th-10th Grade, Boys 11th-12th Grade.

National High School Recruiting Showcase Automatic qualifiers: 

• High School State Champions – Any year  
• 2026 High School State Placers (25-26 school year)
• National Prep Champions 

• USA Wrestling National All-American status Place 1st-8th:
  • Girls and Boys 16U/JR Folkstyle Nationals
  • Boys and Girls National High School Recruiting Showcase,
  • Women’s Freestyle Nationals  (U17 & U20)
  • Preseason Nationals (9th-12th grade divisions)
  • Junior & 16U Freestyle/Greco Nationals
• U15 and U17 National Placer (Must be currently enrolled in High School) 
• NHSCA Virginia Beach Placer (9th –12th grade Divisions ONLY)

Brian Keck Memorial Scholarship:

We are thrilled to announce the Brian Keck Memorial Scholarship, in honor of Brian Keck, a remarkable individual who, like you, possessed a true passion for wrestling. Brian was a HS state champion and a senior national team member. He also was so very thankful for his father who adopted him at the age of 15. Brian was proud of his accomplishments and thankful for his eventual opportunity in life to have a family. Before his passing in 2019, Brian worked tirelessly for 12 years to make this tournament a success and provide athletes with the opportunity to compete against the best in the nation. This scholarship is a tribute to Brian's enduring legacy in the wrestling community and is exclusively open to high school seniors who share both his adopted background and his love for the sport of wrestling.

Deadline for scholarship application is Wednesday, October 14th by 11:59 PM

For more information regarding the Brian Keck Memorial Scholarship - CLICK HERE

This event has sold out in previous years, so do not wait to register. USA Wrestling does not charge for adjusting weight classes, even at weigh-ins, so sign up early to guarantee your spot in the event.

RecPlex Food and Drink Policy- Wrestlers will be allowed to bring in drinks and snacks. Parents will NOT be permitted to bring in any food. NO OUTSIDE COOLERS ALLOWED.