Jason Nolf has his hand raised after defeating Hossein Abouzaripashkolaei (Iran) in the gold medal match at the Zagreb Open.
Jason Nolf named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week
by Savannah Asmann, USA Wrestling
Jason Nolf (State College, Pa./Titan Mercury WC/Nittany Lion WC) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week on Jan. 17, 2024.
Nolf earned gold at the Zagreb Open in Zagreb, Croatia, last week, building on last year’s gold at the tournament to go back-to-back. Nolf had a strong first session in Zagreb, advancing to the finals where he matched up against Hossein Abouzaripashkolaei of Iran at 74 kg. Nolf cruised to victory by technical fall in his first two matches, including a 12-2 win over 2023 Senior World bronze medalist Ramazan Ramazanov of Bulgaria. In the quarterfinals, he used a 7-0 decision to get past three-time Senior World team member Murad Kuramagomedov of Hungary. Nolf pinned U23 European Champion Georgios Kougioumtsidis of Greece in just 35 seconds in the semifinals.
Nolf earned a punishing 10-1 decision against Abouzaripashakolaei of Iran in the 74 kg gold medal match. Nolf trailed 1-0 at the break but came back with relentless pace to score four second-period takedowns, plus a gut wrench exposure, to run away with the match.
Nolf has secured gold medals in his last three international competitions, claiming the top spot at the Zagreb Open twice and the Bill Farrell Memorial International in New York last November. In the past two seasons, he has finished as Final X runner-up and U.S. Open champion. Positioned as one of the leading candidates to join the U.S. Olympic Team at 74 kg, Nolf is recognized by college wrestling enthusiasts as a three-time NCAA champion and a four-time national finalist for Penn State University.
To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.