#WrestleAcapulco

Gray falls as Ecuador wins 2 golds; Dake dominant at Pan-Ams

Saturday, February 24, 2024 - 04:28 By Gaurav Bhatt

Share this article

ACAPULCO, Mexico (February 23) -- Day three of the Pan-American Championships saw two wrestling phenoms take the mat in Acapulco. But while four-time world champion Kyle DAKE (USA) rag-dolled his opponents to win his fourth straight 74kg title at the event, six-time world champion Adeline GRAY (USA) stumbled against eventual 76kg champion Genesis REASCO (ECU) and had to settle for a bronze.

Nick SURIANO (61kg) and Chance MARSTELLER (86kg) also struck gold to make it three for Team USA, while Macey KILTY (USA) grabbed the 65kg gold. 

Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) blanked her 53kg opponents to take Ecuador's second gold of the day.

Kyle DAKE (USA)Kyle DAKE (USA) dominated his way to the 74kg gold. (Photo: UWW / William Bains)

Dake stayed levels apart in the 74kg field as the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist earned victories via fall over Angel CORTES (PAN) and Anthony MONTERO (VEN).

The 32-year-old, who won his first two world titles at 79kg, is not only strong for the 74kg division but also dazzles the field with his explosiveness. He had Bonilla squirming against a pin attempt in less than 5 seconds. Bonilla's desperation only delayed the inevitable, as Dake flattened him inside the first period.

Montero, a former South American champion, made it a scrappy affair but couldn't stop Dake from racking up points. Up against the clock, the Venezuelan went for a last-gasp shot, only for the American to counter into a four-point throw to complete the victory.

Marsteller defeated Jorge LLANO (ARG) in the quarterfinal but didn't get a chance to test his mettle against four-time champion Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB). The 34-year-old withdrew from the competition, paving the way for Marsteller to take home the 86kg gold. He also received a forfeit win from Pedro CEBALLOS (VEN). 

The title continues the remarkable life turnaround for the 28-year-old, whose childhood dreams of dominating the wrestling world were derailed by substance addiction. Addicted to alcohol and opioids — Marsteller, who amassed a 166-0 record in his Pennsylvania high school —  went into rehab in 2016. He went back to rehab in 2020 after an under-the-influencer bender saw him wreck his and his wife’s cars in one night. The 28-year-old has been clean since July 2020 and the gold in Acapulco would serve to boost both his morale and profile.

Suriano defeated two-time silver medallist Joseph SILVA (PUR) on his way to the 61kg gold. The 26-year-old, who was one of the main contenders to make the American Olympic team in 2021 before testing positive for COVID-19, also beat Jose VASQUEZ (PER) 12-2, Edwin SEGURA (GUA) via forfeit, and Juan LAVAT (MEX) with a fall (10-2).

Genesis REASCO (ECU)Genesis REASCO (ECU) blanked Adeline GRAY (USA) 10-0 at 76kg. (Photo: UWW / William Bain)

Gray was outpowered by Reasco in their meeting which saw the Ecuadorian secure two tremendous double-leg takedowns within the opening few seconds. The explosive 25-year-old, a four-time medallist at the event, completed the superiority victory over the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist in little over a minute.

Joining Reasco on top of the podium for Ecuador was Yepez, who continues her meteoric rise with a successful title defense in the 53kg category.

The stage was set for a rematch from last year's final against Betzabeth ARGUELLO (VEN), before the five-time medallist pulled out from the gold-medal clash.

Yepez, who also struck gold at the Pan-American Games last November, was the first Ecuadorian woman to win a wrestling world title at the 2021 U23 Worlds, and medalled at last year's senior World Championships.

Laurence BEAUREGARD (CAN) won the 59kg women's gold. Beauregard — a four-time medallist at the event, including 2019 and 2022 champion — ran roughshod on Friday. The 26-year-old didn't give up a single point over four bouts.

Kilty grabbed the 65kg gold with two dominant wins. Kilty set the tone with a one-sided rout of 2022 silver medallist Miki ROWBOTTOM (CAN).

After a tight opening minute, Kilty set up the Canadian with quick feints before securing a single-leg takedown. After netting five points from the sequence, Kilty wasted little time in getting another takedown, this time attacking Rowbottom's left leg, and completed the fall victory shortly thereafter.  

Against Andrea LOPEZ (MEX), Kilty showed both speed and strength. After earning a 7-0 lead in the first period, the 22-year-old overwhelmed the hometown favorite and earned the fall win with more than 2 minutes left on the board.

df

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

53kg
GOLD: Lucia YEPEZ (ECU) df. Arguello BETZABETH (VEN), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Gonzalez MARIA (DOM) df. Samantha STEWART (CAN), via fall
BRONZE: Katie GOMEZ (USA) df. Laura HERIN (CUB), 10-0

59kg
GOLD: Laurence BEAUREGARD (CAN)
SILVER: Michaela BECK (USA)
BRONZE: Ana PEREIRA (BRA)

65kg
GOLD: Macey KILTY (USA)
SILVER: Andrea LOPEZ (MEX)
BRONZE: Miki ROWBOTTOM (CAN)

76kg
GOLD: Genesis REASCO VALDEZ (ECU) df. Renteria TATIANA (COL), 9-0

BRONZE: Adeline GRAY (USA) df. Shauna KUEBECK (CAN), via inj. def.
BRONZE: Linda MACHUCA (ARG) df. Bautista EMELYN (DOM), 11-0

Freestyle

61kg
GOLD: Nicholas SURIANO (USA)
SILVER: Joseph SILVA (PUR)
BRONZE: Juan LAVAT (MEX)

74kg
GOLD: Kyle DAKE (USA) df. Julio RODRIGUEZ ROMERO (DOM), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Jones SHANE (PUR) df. Thomson ADAM (CAN), 16-5
BRONZE: Anthony MONTERO (VEN) df. Angel CORTES (PAN), 11-0

86kg
GOLD: Chandler MARSTELLER (USA) df. Ceballos PEDRO (VEN), via fall

BRONZE: Carlos IZQUIERDO (COL) df. Pool AMBROCIO GREIFO (PER), 3-1
BRONZE: Jorge LLANO (ARG) df. Yurieski TORREBLANCA (CUB), via inj. def.

#development

Moldova Hosts UWW Coaching Course

Monday, October 30, 2023 - 12:38 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

KISHINEV, Moldova (October 30) --- Moldova boasts a rich wrestling history and a strong tradition of excellent performance in the sport. In their ongoing efforts to foster the development and growth of wrestling, a Technical Course for Coaches (Level 2) and an Introduction to Refereeing Course were organized. These courses were conducted in partnership with the Moldova Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling.

"As the President of the Wrestling Federation of Moldova, I feel satisfaction in seeing how our shared passion for wrestling unites us," said Ivan GHEORGHIU. "The seminar has brought a wealth of interesting information and knowledge, as well as a valuable opportunity to discuss and exchange experiences. We must use this experience and knowledge to uphold high standards in our sport in Moldova."

Yusup ABDUSALAMOV, UWW Educator, and Arsen JULFALAKYAN, President of UWW Athlete Commission, led the Level 2 Coaching Course, which took place October 16-20. 

MDAParticipants walk through how to develop a practice plan during the Level 2 Coaching Course in Moldova. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Throughout the course, Abdusalamov and Julfalakyan led 59 participants in sessions focused on practice-plan development, long-term athlete development model, risk management, discipline in sport, anti-doping, mental development and athlete safeguarding.

"Overall, the course went well, and I am satisfied with the participants' engagement and progress throughout the training. I anticipate their enhanced coaching skills will have a positive impact on their athletes in the future," said Abdusalamov.

"Since my cadet ages, I had the opportunity to compete with Moldavian wrestlers, be acquainted with their wrestling style and build friendly relations. Until now, I haven't managed to visit their beautiful country to witness their conditions for wrestling and how they run our beloved sport," said Julfalakyan, the world champion and Olympic silver medalist. "We met most of the Moldavian coaches and referees, held very fruitful seminars (theory and practical part), and discussed some important wrestling topics with the NF President and other members. They are very motivated to develop all wrestling styles in their country."

MDA
Participants of the Technical Course for Coaches (Level 2) and the Introduction to Refereeing Course pose for a group photo. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

"As both an athlete and a coach, the information I received at the Technical Course for Coaches Level II was incredibly beneficial, particularly concerning the long-term athlete development model. I also appreciated your personal experiences and the practical applicability of all the information," said Mikhail SAVA.

In addition to the coaching course, Moldova hosted an Introduction to Refereeing course. Igor LIGAY, an IS Referee and UWW Educator, led the course, which 29 participants attended. During the course, the participants focused on the tools needed to excel as a high-level referee. These areas included referee team duties, referee mechanics, controlling the bout, referee position, and scoring situations. 

"Thank you very much for the knowledge, skills, abilities and information you shared with us," said Mihail.

"All seminar participants actively participated in the process, asked questions and participated in discussions. They were often surprised how much the rules had changed. After the seminar, many expressed gratitude for the knowledge they received and expressed a desire to hold similar seminars in Moldova every year," Ligay.