#NFRoundup

NF Roundup Blog, Feb. 16 - Feb. 21

By United World Wrestling Press

FEARNSIDE, MENSAH-STOCK AND GUILFORD INSTRUMENTAL IN CAPTAINS’ CUP WIN FOR TEAM MENSAH-STOCK

Click HERE for USA Wrestling's full release.

Team Mensah-Stock, coached by two-time World medalist Afsoon Johnston, came away with the inaugural Captains’ Cup on Sunday night, defeating Team Winchester, coached by 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann, in the finals, thanks to heroic performances from Amy Fearnside, Tamyra Mensah-Stock and Dymond Guilford. 

Fearnside, a National Team member, started the dual with a bang for Team Mensah-Stock, upending two-time World bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe in the dual’s opening bout. Down 9-0, Fearnside scored a takedown and gutted her way to a one-point deficit early in the first period. The two continued to battle and Fearnside eventually captured a 14-11 win. 

Team Winchester rattled off three-straight wins coming from Captain Jacarra Winchester (53 kg), Gracie Figueroa (57 kg) and Macey Kilty (62 kg). 

2019 World champion Winchester collected a first-period 10-0 technical fall against Alisha Howk. Figueroa, a multiple-time age-group World Team member, edged out two-time U23 World Team member Abby Nette, 4-3, to push Team Winchester ahead in the team score. Cadet World champion and three-time age-group World silver medalist registered a dominant 10-0 win over Xochitl Mota-Pettis. 

Captain and World champion Mensah-Stock swung things in a different direction with a second-period fall over 2018 U23 World bronze medalist Alex Glaude at 68 kg. Leading 9-0, Mensah-Stock stuck Glaude at the 4:32-mark. 

Going into the finale, Team Winchester led in the team score 3-2. Team Mensah-Stock needed shutout decision at the very least to take the dual. 

Guilford, a Junior World Team member, took on Geneva Gray at 76 kg. Scoring takedown after takedown, Guilford collected a 10-0 tech fall and secured the Captains’ Cup for Team Mensah-Stock. 

The other placement duals took place earlier in the day with Team Francis, coached by Life head coach Ashley Sword, edging out Team Burkert, coached by nine-time World medalist Kristie Davis for third place and Team Hildebrandt, coached by Beat the Streets Development Director Emma Randall, defeating Team Miracle, coached by four-time World champion Tricia Saunders, for fifth place. 

2021 CAPTAINS’ CUP PRESENTED BY TITAN MERCURY
Feb. 13-14 | Iowa City, Iowa

1st place dual

Team Mensah-Stock df. Team Winchester, 3-3 (13-12 classification points)

50 kg: Amy Fearnside (Mensah-Stock) df. Alyssa Lampe (Winchester), 14-11
53 kg: Jacarra Winchester (Winchester) df. Alisha Howk (Mensah-Stock), 10-0
57 kg: Gracie Figueroa (Winchester) df. Abby Nette (Mensah-Stock), 4-3
62 kg: Macey Kilty (Winchester) df. Xochitl Mota-Pettis (Mensah-Stock), 10-0
68 kg: Tamyra Mensah-Stock (Mensah-Stock) df. Alex Glaude (Winchester), fall 4:32
76 kg: Dymond Guilford (Mensah-Stock) df. Geneva Gray (Winchester), 10-0­

Former Wrestler Usman Defends UFC Welterweight Title
Over the weekend, former wrestler turned MMA superstar Kamaru USMAN (USA) defended his UFC welterweight title. "The Nigerian Nightmare" knocked out Gilbert BURNS (BRA) in the third round and successfully defended his title for a third consecutive time.

In early 2020, Usman was on the world-famous Joe Rogan Experience Podcast and talked about the origins of his dominant mindset -- which stemmed from his #WrestlingRoots.

#development

Learn, Wrestle, Use youth camp organized in Croatia

By United World Wrestling Press

POREC, Croatia (May 6) -- The Croatian Wrestling Federation, in cooperation with United World Wrestling and the Croatian School Sports Federation, successfully organized an international youth wrestling camp titled “Learn, Wrestle, Use”, held from April 14 to 19, 2025, in the renowned wrestling hub of sunny Porec.

The camp brought together 300 young athletes from four European countries -- Croatia, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany -- in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups. In addition to intensive wrestling training, the camp included targeted educational sessions of learning English, proper nutrition, and digital safety, particularly regarding responsible behavior on social media.

This innovative project stands out for its integrated approach, combining athletic preparation with personal development. Through a balance of physical training and structured education, “Learn, Wrestle, Use” supports the holistic — both physical and psychological — development of young athletes. It encourages not only sporting excellence, but also intercultural exchange, communication skills, and lifelong healthy habits.

The camp was led by a team of distinguished Croatian coaches: Hrvoje SAVUK (U13 Boys Group), Eugen JAKOVLJEVIC, head coach of the Croatian U15 boys national team (U15 & U17 Boys Groups), and Women’s Wrestling national team coaches Dinko KREMIC and Nenad GREZINA (Girls Group). A total of 30 experienced coaches participated in the delivery of the training and educational components.

This international initiative is a strong example of how youth sport can go beyond competition — creating space for learning, connection, and empowerment across borders.