Metcalf, U.S. Score Win Over Russia

May 6, 2011

NEW YORK — Former University of Iowa NCAA Wrestling Champion Brent Metcalf earned a victory over Magomedmurad Gadzhiev to help the United States defeat Russia 5-2 in a freestyle wrestling dual meet in Times Square Thursday.

The United States and Russia split the first two matches before Metcalf used a first period leg clinch and a third period takedown to secure a 1-0, 1-4, 1-0 win in the 66kg/145.5 lbs. match. Metcalf’s victory gave the U.S. a lead it never relinquished.

“Times Square. America. Wrestling. That was the difference today,” said U.S. National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. “The training, the confidence, the relaxed atmosphere. The team energy was good. We were intent on winning today. They were going to get this. They would not be denied.”

Billed as “The Battle on Broadway,” Thursday’s dual was part of the 2011 Beat the Streets Gala, a fundraiser for that has provided wrestling opportunities for thousands of middle school and high school students in New York City. Beat the Streets leader Mike Novogratz announced over $1 million was raised.

Metcalf and other members of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club return to the mat June 9-11 at the USA Wrestling World Team Trials in Oklahoma City, Okla. The event will begin Friday, June 10, 2011, with the first session beginning at 10 a.m. and the second session beginning at 6:30 p.m. The World Team Trials will continue through Saturday with two more sessions. The presentation of the World Championship teams will conclude the event. The winners will earn the right to represent the United States in the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

Iowa City will host the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials April 21-22 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The trials will determine which athletes will represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The event will be held April 21-22, 2012, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Tickets to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials go on sale Monday, June 6, 2011 at 9 a.m. Visit iowacitytolondon.com for more information.