Back on the Big Stage: Delgado and Von Gonten Return to Who’s Number One

Two of the best high school wrestlers in Texas will step onto one of the biggest stages in the sport Saturday when Hailey Delgado and Landri Von Gonten compete at FloWrestling’s Who’s Number One in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The event brings many of the top-ranked wrestlers in the country to Gallagher-Iba Arena, and Texas will be represented by a pair of wrestlers who enter the weekend ranked No. 1 nationally. Delgado will face No. 2 Kaylyn Harrill at 120 pounds, while Von Gonten will take on No. 2 Maddie Marsh at 140.

For Delgado, the trip to Stillwater marks her third consecutive appearance at Who’s Number One. But despite becoming increasingly familiar with the event, the Eastwood standout still views the invitation as something special.

“Being invited to Who’s Number One for a third year in a row is such an amazing opportunity that I am so blessed to have been given,” Delgado said. “I’m so incredibly excited to be the number one seed this year.”

Delgado has competed across several different weight classes during those three appearances, but her place among the nation’s best has remained consistent. For her, that progression is evidence that the work she has put into the sport continues to translate regardless of where she competes.

“I think it’s even more special to me because it proves that if I continue to put in the work and effort, I can stay at the top no matter what weight I compete at,” she said.

That growth has extended beyond her technique. Delgado said her previous experiences at Who’s Number One have also taught her important lessons about handling the pressure that comes with competing on such a prominent stage.

“My past two years competing at this event, I think my biggest issue was the mental block I had faced because of the pressures from the tournament,” Delgado said. “This year I’ve been working more on trusting my abilities and relying on all the hours I’ve put into practice to carry me throughout the match.”

For Von Gonten, this year’s event presents a different challenge.

The College Park standout returns to Who’s Number One after earning a 16-3 technical fall in her debut last year. Since then, she has continued adding to an already impressive national and international résumé, including a U17 Pan-American title and a silver medal at the U17 World Championships.

That first WNO experience also reinforced something important.

“I learned that I belong on big stages and can handle the pressure,” Von Gonten said. “That experience gives me more confidence coming back this year.”

She will need that confidence against Marsh, a Fargo champion who enters Saturday ranked No. 2 nationally at 140.

“I’m expecting a tough, competitive match,” Von Gonten said. “I just need to stay composed, wrestle my match, and take advantage of my opportunities.”

While Delgado and Von Gonten have their own matches and their own goals in Stillwater, they will also share something few other wrestlers in the building can claim: the opportunity to represent Texas together on the national stage.

Delgado said she and Von Gonten have grown close while competing alongside each other at major events around the country.

“One of the most impressive things about her is how she bounces back so quickly from mistakes and always becomes a better wrestler,” Delgado said. “I love how confident she becomes on the mat no matter who her opponent is.”

Von Gonten expressed similar respect for Delgado.

“Hailey is a really tough competitor and has accomplished a lot at a young age,” Von Gonten said. “I respect how hard she works and how she continues to compete at a high level. It’s really cool to have another Texas wrestler representing our state on this stage.”

On Saturday, the two will do exactly that.

The girls portion of Who’s Number One begins at 2 p.m. Central at Gallagher-Iba Arena and will stream on FloWrestling.