Cassioppi, Wilson Win U23 World Team Trials

LINCLON, Neb. — University of Iowa wrestlers Myles Wilson and Tony Cassioppi won their respective brackets at the UWW U23 Nationals on Saturday to earn spots on the Team USA roster at the UWW U23 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Nov. 1-7.

Cassioppi rolled through the first four rounds at 125 kg, outscoring his opponents 45-0 to advance to the best-of-three finals against Lucas Davisson. He won the opening match in the finals by fall in one minute, 28 seconds. Davisson won by tech. fall 14-4 in the second match, but Cassioppi responded with a 13-5 win in the rubber match to earn the title.

Wilson won the 86 kg title against Chris Foca, winning the first and third matches of the best-of-three finals, 6-1, 8-19, 5-4. He outscored his first four opponents 44-7 to advance to the championship.

Cassioppi and Wilson were two of seven Hawkeyes competing at the tournament. Patrick Kennedy placed third at 79 kg, winning five matches by a combined 51-0. His only loss was a 14-6 decision in the semifinals.

Cullan Schriever placed fourth at 61 kg, posting a 5-2 record. Aaron Costello placed sixth at 125 kg with a 4-3 mark.

HAWKEYE COMPETITORS // U23 FREESTYLE DIVISION
125 kg: Tony Cassioppi, 1st place
86 kg: Myles Wilson, 1st place
79 kg: Patrick Kennedy, 3rd place
61 kg: Cullan Schriever, 4th place
125 kg: Aaron Costello, 6th place
74 kg: Jeremiah Moody, dnp
92 kg: Gabe Christenson, dnp