Kennedy, Marable earn titles at Phase II World Team Trials in freestyle

Jimmy Kennedy (in blue) takes control against Coleman Scott at the Phase II World Team Trials on Thursday in Fargo. John Sachs photo.

FARGO, N.D. – Jimmy Kennedy and Nick Marable used strong performances to land the final two spots on the U.S. World Team. 

Kennedy and Marable continued their superb seasons by winning titles at the Phase II World Team Trials in freestyle on Thursday afternoon at the Fargo Dome.

Kennedy swept two straight matches against 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Coleman Scott at 61 kg/134 lbs. to earn a trip to September’s World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

Kennedy, 26, also downed Scott in April’s U.S. Open finals.

“I’ve been telling myself that I’m going to be on the podium at the Worlds in September,” Kennedy said. “This is just one steppingstone to get to this point. It feels good when you see all the hard work paying off for a good cause.” 

The powerful Marable took two straight matches from 2014 University World silver medalist James Green in the finals at 70 kg/154 lbs.

Marable won here after capturing a U.S. Open title in April. Marable has broken through in a season where he owns a win over Olympic gold medalist and two-time World champion Jordan Burroughs earlier this year. 

Marable, 27, has dropped down a weight class after previously competing at 74 kg/163 lbs.

“This is awesome,” Marable said. “This is what I’ve been working on for so long. I’m pumped to be on the World Team. James Green is tough. I had to stick to my game plan and do what I’m good at.” 

Kennedy and Marable join Burroughs (74 kg/163 lbs.), Tony Ramos (57 kg/125.5 lbs.), Brent Metcalf (65 kg/143 lbs.), Ed Ruth (86 kg/189 lbs.), Olympic gold medalist Jake Varner (97 kg/213 lbs.) and World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev (125 kg/275 lbs.) on the U.S. World Team in freestyle.

The Phase II Trials were held in the two non-Olympic weight classes in each style here in Fargo.

Phase II World Team Trials – Freestyle

Fargo Dome, Fargo, N.D.


Finals results
61 kg/134 lbs.
Jimmy Kennedy, Ann Arbor, Mich. (NYAC/Cliff Keen WC) def. Coleman Scott, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Titan Mercury WC), 2 matches to 0
Kennedy dec. Scott, 4-2
Kennedy won by tech. fall over Scott, 10-0
70 kg/154 lbs.
Nick Marable, Columbia, Mo. (Sunkist Kids/Missouri WF) def. James Green, Willingboro, N.J. (Titan Mercury WC), 2 matches to 0
Marable dec. Green, 2-1
Marable dec. Green, 8-2