USOEC's Greco-Roman Wrestlers dominate at Championships
Courtesy of the USOEC
Marquette, Mich.—United States Olympic Education Center Greco-Roman wrestlers dominated the mat today at the ASICS University National Championships in Akron, Ohio, winning seven out of nine weight classes. Team member Kendrick Sanders of Homestead, Fla., was named the outstanding wrestler of the competition.
Sanders, who grappled with an injury throughout the competition, earned a hard-fought win against John Stefanowicz of the United States Marines in the 79-kilogram weight class championship match. He defeated Stefanowicz 3-0, 1-0.
“I started off sluggish and gave up some points,” said Sanders. “I had a hamstring injury and I didn’t get into this tournament until the last minute. I got stronger as this tournament went along. I’ve worked hard this year and I’ve made great strides with my wrestling.”
USOEC’s Max Nowry of Wheeling, Ill., repeated as University Nationals champion in the 55-kg weight class. Nowry, who is a 2012 Olympic Trials runner-up, beat his two opponents by a combined 25-0 margin. Nowry won by technical fall over Michael Cooker of Middle Wrestling Club, 6-0, 7-0. He also defeated David Rivera of UPRA Wrestling Club, 5-0, 7-0.
In the 60-kg weight class, Paul Tellgren of Anoka, Minn., brought home a University Nationals Greco-Roman title, outlasting Alan Waters of the Missouri Wrestling Foundation in three periods, winning 2-3, 1-0, 1-0.
Nick Alvarez of Miami took home his title for the USOEC in the 66-kg weight class. Alvarez won the first period of the championship round against Daniel Owebey of North Carolina Pembroke 3-0. He pinned Owebey in the second period.
Tanner Andrews of North Aurora, Ill., downed USOEC teammate Bo Beckman of Orem, Utah, 2-1, 6-0 in the finals at 74 kg.
Mark Stenberg of Lockport, Ill., also faced a USOEC teammate, repeating as champion at 84-kg by defeating Lee Wildes of Oviedo, Fla., 5-0, 1-0.
Junior World bronze medalist Toby Erickson of East Helena, Mont., won the University Nationals title at 120-kg. He stopped Anthony Edgren of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, 2-0, 1-0.
Three other USOEC wrestlers also earned hardware. Thrasher Porcher of Chuluota, Fla., and Marcus Finau of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, took home silver at 63 kg and 96 kg, respectively. Jason Chudziniski of Colonie, N.Y., earned bronze, at 63 kg.
Rounding out the USOEC competitors were Alex Fleming of Sterling, Va., and John Bozarth of El Paso, Ill., who placed fourth and sixth, respectively, at 70 kg. Josh Castellano of Wood Dale, Ill., placed fifth at 79 kg.