April 27, 2009
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- 2008-09 UI wrestling media guide
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IOWA CITY, IA — Eight current and former Hawkeyes recently competed in national and international competition, earning places at their respective weight classes.
Former Hawkeye Steve Mocco won the 120 kg men’s freestyle gold medal at the 2009 Pan American Senior Championships in Maracaibo, Venezuela, last weekend. He was the only one of the seven-member United States men’s freestyle team to earn a gold medal at the event. Mocco pinned Canada’s Michael Neufeld in the first period of his finals match. The United States team, which was coached by former Hawkeye and current USA Wrestling Assistant National Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick, placed second with 62 points behind Cuba’s 68 points. All seven United States competitors earned medals, taking home one gold, four silvers and two bronzes. Former Hawkeye Eric Luedke placed second at 84 kg, losing a 2-0, 6-0 decision to R. Salas Perez of Cuba. Hawkeye junior Brent Metcalf went 3-1 to tie for a bronze medal at 66 kg.
Junior Ryan Morningstar led the five Hawkeyes competing at the ASICS University Men’s Freestyle National Championships in Akron, OH, last weekend, placing second at 74 kg. He lost a 1-0, 4-2 decision to Lloyd Rogers, who was competing unattached, in the finals. Redshirt freshman Jordan Johnson placed third at 120 kg, juniors Dan LeClere (66 kg) and Jake Kerr (74 kg) placed sixth and sophomore Matt Ballweg placed seventh at 70 kg.
2009 Pan American Championships Results
2009 ASICS University & FILA Cadet National Championships Results