USOEC wrestlers compete in New York

Courtesy of the USOEC

MARQUETTE, Mich. – United States Olympic Education Center Greco-Roman wrestler Kendrick Sanders helped Team USA defeat Russia in The Rumble on the Rails competition held Wednesday, May 15, in New York City’s Grand Central Station.

The competition consisted of two dual meets. One meet was between Team USA and Russia in Greco-Roman, and men and women’s freestyle wrestling with Team USA defeating Russia eight matches to one. The second meet featured a dual competition in men’s freestyle wrestling between Team USA and Iran, in which Iran overtook Team USA six matches to one.

Sanders, of Homestead, Fla. and a Northern Michigan University sophomore, did his part to help Team USA win its meet against Russia by defeating Asker Orshokdugov 1-0, 1-0 in the 66-kilogram weight class. Also winning in the Greco-Roman part of the event was Olympian and USOEC alumnus Ben Provisor, who defeated Ambako Vachadze of Russia, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 at 74 kg.

Winning her match in women’s freestyle was USOEC alumna Helen Maroulis, who defeated Irina Kisel of Russia by pin, 2-0, 0:35 in the 55-kg weight class.

The event brought athletes from the United States, Russia and Iran together to show unity in an effort to help retain wrestling as a sport in the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee earlier announced possibly eliminating wrestling from Olympic competition starting with the 2020 Summer Games, a decision that will be finalized in September.