Cornell University Athletics

A two-time All-American at 197 pounds, Cardenas finished eight as a junior and fourth his senior year. A three-time unanimous first-team All-Ivy pick, he won an EIWA title as a junior and was second as a senior. The three-time NCAA qualifier posted a 71-22 record over three season, helping Cornell to three Ivy League and EIWA titles and a pair of NCAA team podium finishes (fourth in 2023, second in 2024). Cardenas was a perfect 15-0 against Ivy League opponents in his three seasons. He won a bronze medal at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in the summer of 2023.