Burroughs, Varner, Metcalf, Kennedy get their draws World Championships in Uzbekistan

The final four U.S. men’s freestyle wrestlers have weighed in and received their draws for competition on Tuesday at the 2014 World Wrestling Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The U.S. will have a talented and experienced group on the mats to conclude the freestyle competition.
2012 Olympic champion and two-time World champion Jordan Burroughs (Lincoln, Neb./Sunkist Kids) is seeking to defend his title at 74 kg/163 lbs. He opens against Augusto Midana of Guinea Bisau.

“He is under the microscope, but he continues to impress. It’s his desire to win. He’s looking to do some amazing things with his life and his career. He continues to innovate and improve. He brings something new every time he steps on the mat. He has looked sharp. He’s not just talented. He is smart and works hard,” said USA Wrestling Assistant National Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick.

2012 Olympic champion and 2011 World bronze medalist Jake Varner (State College, Pa./Nittany Lion WC) returns at 97 kg/213 lbs. after taking a year off. His first match is against William Harth of Germany.
“Jake has looked as good as we have seen in awhile. He was not sure if he wanted to continue and took a year off. This year, coming back, he’s looked as good as we have seen. We are excited to see him do what he’s capable of doing,” said Zadick.
Three-time U.S. World Team member Brent Metcalf (Iowa City, Iowa/NYAC) opens his competition at 65 kg/143 lbs. against Park Seoungun of Korea. Metcalf was a two-time NCAA champion for Iowa.
“Brent has a lot of experience. You know he is training hard. He has great coaches. He has been there. He holds himself to a very high standard. He’s looked great all summer and he’s beaten some of the best guys in the world. He should have confidence with what he’s done and how he’s prepared,” said Zadick.
Jimmy Kennedy (Ann Arbor, Mich./New York AC) is competing in his first Senior World Championships at 61 kg/134 lbs., and drew Heorhi Kaliyeu of Belarus.
“Jimmy is a rookie on the World Team but he has had a lot of success internationally the last couple of years. He has medalled in several tournaments and won some big tournaments. He has proven he can beat foreigners on their turf. It gives him a lot of confidence going in. If he executes his brand of wrestling, he will be in the position he wants to be in,” said Zadick.
This group is capable of helping the team to improve its position in the final team standings.
“It is a strong group. We are excited about these individuals. They have had a great summer of training. They look sharp. There is no guarantees as we saw the first day. We have to execute when we step out on the mat. We need them to come out and show what they have got, and have the attitude to have fun and let it fly,” said Zadick.
For complete coverage of the World Wrestling Championships, visit TheMat.com
WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

At Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 8-14


U.S. Men’s freestyle first round draws
61 kg/134 lbs. - Jimmy Kennedy, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC/Cliff Keen WC)
Vs. Heorhi Kaliyeu (Belarus)
65 kg/143 lbs. - Brent Metcalf, Iowa City, Iowa (New York AC/Hawkeye WC)
Vs. Park Seoungun (Korea)
74 kg/163 lbs. - Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids/Nebraska Wrestling TC)
Vs. Augusto Midana (Guinea Bisau)
97 kg/213 lbs. - Jake Varner, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
Vs. William Harth (Germany)