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Matt Betzold named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week

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by Gary Abbott USA Wrestling

Matt Betzold (Phoenix, Ariz./U.S. Grappling World Team) has been named TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week.


Each week, TheMat.com will select an Athlete of the Week, based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling, from youth programs through the Senior level.


Betzold won the 57 kg/125.5 lbs. gold medal in No-Gi Grappling at the UWW Pankration World Championships on Oct. 24 in Kecskemet, Hungary.


Betzold defeated Seiduali of Kazakhstan with a rear naked choke submission, then stopped Nykonets of Ukraine 4-1.


For Betzold, it was his fifth career World Grappling medal, but his first gold. He had won three previous No-Gi silver medals, plus a bronze medal in Gi Grappling.


Betzold has been a world-class Grappler in spite of the challenge of competing with the lower part of his left leg amputated. He has developed a unique style in the standing position, and is well known for his ability to get submissions on his opponents.

Note: To nominate a wrestler for TheMat.com Wrestler of the Week, send the athlete's name, accomplishments for the week and career accomplishments to USA Wrestling Senior Communications Manager Craig Sesker at csesker@usawrestling.org

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