Final four U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers weigh in at UWW Junior Worlds in Brazil

SALVADOR, Brazil – The final four U.S. Greco-Roman wrestlers have weighed in and received their draws for day two of the UWW Junior World Championships, the last day of Greco-Roman set for Wednesday.


“This is a high-level Junior competition for sure. But I think we have some veterans going for us. You have to beat people here. We are confident we can win some medals here,” said U.S. coach Mark Halvorson.


Leading the first day for the USA is 2013 UWW Junior World bronze medalist Sam Stoll (Kasson, Minn./Minnesota Storm/Hawkeye WC) at 120 kg/264 lbs. Stoll, who now competes for the University of Iowa, drew Mohammed Sayed Abdelatif of Egypt in his first match.


“Stoll won a medal for us two years ago. I could see it camp, he wrestled a lot with Robby Smith. He looked more mature, seasoned. A year under his belt at the University of Iowa certainly helps,” said Halvorson.


At 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Hayden Tuma (Boise, Idaho/Suples WC) on his fourth age-group World Team, is seeking his first medal. He opens with a wrestler from host Brazil, Soilson Junior.


Tuma was eighth in the 2013 UWW Junior World Championships and ninth in the 2012 UWW Cadet World Championships and a member of the 2011 UWW Cadet World Team.


“Tuma was close two years ago to medaling. He trains at the Olympic Training Center and gets good coaching all year. His strength is that he is very technical. He has been in these battles before and knows what it takes. He is hungry to get it done this year,”


2014 Junior World Greco-Roman team member Josiah Seaton of Kansas returns at 55 kg/121 lbs., one weight class higher than he competed last year. He has an opening bye, then faces the winner of Tony Brala of Croatia and Slavik Galstyan of Armenia.


“Seaton was a member of last year’s team, so he has experience. He did a good job in training camp. He worked with the Senior guys some. He’s a hard worker. Never says a word. Does whatever is asked of him. We are excited about his prospects. He’s really a good kid to have on the team,” said Halvorson.


Wrestling in his first UWW Junior Worlds is Cleveland State wrestler Nick Corba (Beavercreek, Ohio/NEORTC) at 84 kg/185 lbs. Corba’s first opponent is Antonio Sakhno of Belarus.


“This is first time here at Junior Worlds, but he is a tough kid and had a good camp. He did a great job making weight. He does everything he is asked to do. He is ready to go,” said Halvorson.


Team USA did not qualify anybody for the medal rounds on Tuesday, but Coach Halvorson has hopes for a strong finish for the team.


“We would like to have at least two medals. We would like four, but realistically speaking, going in, we have a good shot for two medals from this group, and if we get more than that, it is icing on the cake,” said Halvorson.

UWW JUNIOR WORLD GRECO-ROMAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

At Salvador, Brazil


U.S. Greco-Roman draws for Wednesday


55 kg/121 lbs. – Josiah Seaton, Bonner Springs, Kan. (unattached)

Vs. winner of Tony Brala (Croatia) and Slavik Galstyan (Armenia)


66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Hayden Tuma, Boise, Idaho (Suples WC)

Vs. Soilson Junior (Brazil)


84 kg/185 lbs. – Nick Corba, Beavercreek, Ohio (NEORTC)

Vs. Antonio Sakhno (Belarus)


120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Sam Stoll, Kasson, Minn. (Minnesota Storm/Hawkeye WC)

Vs. Mohammed Sayed Abdelatif (Egypt)