April 22, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Brent Metcalf’s quest for the United States Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team fell short Sunday evening in front of 13,712 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, site of so many memorable victories as a collegian.
Metcalf was knocked off in the 66 kg final by former Hawkeye assistant coach Jared Frayer. Frayer, now coaching at his alma mater Oklahoma, won the first round, 5-1, 1-4, 6-0, and came back to make the Olympic team with a 2-1, 0-1, 2-2 win in the second round.
“It was a combination of him being good there and my shots were not in good position,” Metcalf said. “Later in the match when there was something on the line, my urgency went up, and I was able to finish two shots.”
Metcalf won three matches to reach the finals. He defeated Jordan Oliver 1-0, 0-1, 1-0; Chase Pami 0-1, 4-1, 1-0; and Josh Churella 1-0, 0-3, 1-0. Frayer blew threw his first three opponents by a combined score of 24-3, including a 3-1, 4-2 win over top-seeded Teyon Ware in the semifinals. Frayer has reached the finals of the Trials four times and this is his first championship.
“This year I am a year older and wiser and did things right; listened to my body,” Frayer said. “I was actually taught by coach (Tom) Brands himself: `You are going to be a champion in everything you do.’ I took that from my time here and my time in the training center. Life is not about one thing. I want to be the best coach in the country, the best recruiter, the best father, the best son, and now I get to represent the United States and go win a gold medal.”
Metcalf felt the encouragement of the pro-Hawkeye crowd.
“I appreciate all the support of all the fans that came out and I hope that they continue to support freestyle wrestling,” Metcalf said.
In other action featuring current or former Hawkeye wrestlers, Matt McDonough went 2-2 at 55 kg, Joe Johnston was 1-2 at 66 kg, Phillip Keddy was 2-2 at 84 kg, and Steve Mocco was 2-1 and placed third at 120 kg.