Member of Addison Trail Boys Wrestling Team continues to achieve success at state and national levels

To reach the elite level in a sport takes motivation, determination, perseverance and relentless dedication – and it takes a unique individual to be willing to put in the time and effort necessary to get to the top.

Addison Trail’s Nikolas “Niko” Duarte (pictured above, class of 2028) possesses those distinctive attributes to a tee, said Addison Trail Boys Wrestling Head Coach Mike Rosengrant.

“To be great, you have to fully commit,” Rosengrant said. “Very few people are actually willing to do what it takes to be great. Duarte wants to succeed so bad that you don’t have to ask him to do the work – he’s already showing up.”

As a result, Duarte (who competes in the 120-pound division) continues to achieve tremendous success.

• He was selected to represent Team Illinois during the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals, which took place from July 10 to 18 in Fargo, N.D. Duarte competed at the 16U level and finished 4-2 in Freestyle, including an injury default. He qualified for the event by placing 1^st in Greco-Roman and 2^nd in Freestyle during the Illinois/USA Wrestling State Championships.
  
  
• He also was selected by Team Illinois to compete in the 2026 USA Wrestling 16U National Duals (team format), which took place from June 9 to 13 in Utah. Duarte finished 4-3 in Freestyle and 5-2 in Greco-Roman.
  
  
• He qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys Wrestling State Tournament his freshman year (2025) and sophomore year (2026). He finished in 4^th place and in the top 8, respectively.

Rosengrant said he’s extremely proud of Duarte’s performance and looks forward to what Duarte will accomplish in the future. Duarte’s goals include becoming a national champion, an IHSA champion and competing at a top Division I wrestling program.

“He practiced twice a day or more to prepare, and it’s paying off,” Rosengrant said. “He’s on the cuff of placing in the top 8 at Nationals and earning All-American status – he’s right there. His style is evolving into a Division I-caliber wrestler. His defense, attacks and stance are solid and All-American level.”