#Fortaleza2018

Junior Pan American finale set for Sunday night in Brazil

Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 19:53 By Taylor Miller

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FORTALEZA, Brazil – The United States put on a show in the first half of the Junior Pan American Championships freestyle tournament, with seven athletes in position to compete for gold tonight at 5 p.m. ET in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Two other U.S. wrestlers, Anthony CASSIOPPI and Cameron CAFFEY, already claimed Junior Pan American freestyle titles to double up on 2018 Pan Am golds after successful morning sessions, with each wrestler going 4-0.

Cassioppi, who won the Golden Boot in Greco-Roman, secured the crown at 125 kg, while Caffey won at 97 kg.

With the highest amount of entrants among the three styles, there are five weights with finals, 57 kg, 61 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg and 74 kg.

At 57 kg, Kevin CHAVES BETANCUR (COL) will challenge 2017 Cadet South American champion Jonathan PRATA ALAS (ARG) for gold.

Greco champion Dylan GREGERSON (USA) will go up against Marco PALMERO (CAN) for the title at 61 kg.

The 65 kg finals features Andrew ALIREZ (USA) and 2015 Cadet Pan American freestyle champion Cristian SANTIAGO PEREZ (MEX). Alirez outscored his opponents, 20-0, while Santiago outscored his opponents, 20-5.

Emerging from pool play at 70 kg was Jose VALERA GARCIA (GUA) and Austin O’CONNOR (USA). Both athletes bounced back from first-round losses to move on to the finals.

At 74 kg, Junior World representative for Canada Ty BRIDGEWATER won by two technical falls to advance to the finals. Tonight, he will go against Jeremiah MOODY (USA) for gold, who was also dominant.

Anthony MANTANONA (USA) went 3-0 in the morning session at 79 kg to enter tonight as the only undefeated wrestler at the weight. Should he win his match against Miguel ORNELAS REYNOSO (MEX), he will seal the gold medal in the 79 kg bracket.

Ornelas and Phelipe DOS SANTOS (BRA) head into the final round with 2-1 records.

It’s a similar situation at 86 kg, with Kordell NORFLEET (USA) collecting a 3-0 record. He will face Connor PATTISON (CAN) in the fifth round.

In the other 86 kg match, Junior Pan Am Greco-Roman bronze medalists Nicolas BAEZ (ARG) and Jhon CARMONA (COL), who each are 2-1, will go head-to-head.

Should Austin HARRIS (USA) win his third-round match against Emiliano PRADO GUZMAN (MEX) at 97 kg, he will secure the gold medal. Harris won tech falls over Richard DESCHATELETS (CAN) and Guilherme PRADELLA LIMA (BRA) in the morning session.

The finals are set for 5 p.m. ET live on unitedworldwrestling.org.
 

Development

Divcibare hosts 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 12:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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DIVČIBARE, Serbia (February 13) — Nestled in the scenic mountains of Serbia, DivČibare served as the host city for the 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course, held from January 23-26. This event gathered 28 participants from 17 different countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Olympic and world champions, referees, and experienced coaches, all eager to enhance their instructional skills and contribute to the development of wrestling education worldwide.

The course was expertly led by Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA), with the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling (UWW). Over four days, participants engaged in a dynamic and interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports education. Microteaching sessions provided a hands-on approach, allowing attendees to refine their skills by delivering lessons and receiving constructive peer feedback.

4.0Participants go through an on-the-mat training course at Serbia. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A highlight of the program was the diverse exchange of experiences among participants. “As an Olympic champion, I will definitely incorporate many of the concepts from this course into my future programs,” noted Komeil GHASEMI (IRI). Mo EGYPT, a world champion, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies and interactive teaching methods into coaching strategies, while Nenad ZUGAJ (CRO) described the experience as “a course where we all participated through various tasks, helping and guiding each other.”

Beyond the classroom, the event fostered camaraderie among educators, strengthening global collaboration for future wrestling education initiatives. Participants enjoyed their stay at a tranquil mountain hotel, enhancing team dynamics and cultural exchange.

srb 2UWW staff walk through the interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports educatio. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the significance of this course at the start of a new Olympic cycle, stressing UWW’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its educational programs by involving high-level experts and supporting athletes in their transition to coaching roles.

With a renewed sense of purpose and enriched teaching methodologies, the educators left Divččibare prepared to contribute to the continuous growth of wrestling education worldwide. The course not only elevated professional capacities but also reinforced the shared mission of developing the next generation of wrestling instructors through innovation and excellence.