#Fortaleza2018

USA Finishes Team Sweep with Nine Freestyle Champions at #Fortaleza2018

Monday, August 20, 2018 - 00:35 By Taylor Miller

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FORTALEZA, Brazil – The United States ran away with its third team title of the week, producing nine freestyle champions at the 2018 Junior Pan American Championship in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Piggybacking off the team titles in Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle, the U.S. men’s freestyle team scored 240 points for the top spot on the podium, followed by Canada with 147 points and Mexico with 100 points.

Four of USA’s champions won gold in the Greco-Roman tournament earlier this weekend.

Dylan GREGERSON (USA) spent less than a period on the mat in the 61 kg final, defeating Marco PALMERO (CAN), 10-0, in 2:41.

At 97 kg, Austin HARRIS (USA) picked up his second gold medal with a fall over Emiliano PRADO GUZMAN (MEX), locking up a cradle halfway through the first period to get the fall at 1:42.

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 92 kg.

The U.S. dominated in its other four finals, tallying two tech falls, one pin and one come-from-behind decision.  

Andrew ALIREZ (USA) recorded his third 10-0 technical fall of the day, defeating 2015 Cadet Pan American freestyle champion Cristian SANTIAGO PEREZ (MEX) in the 65 kg finals.

Following his teammate’s lead, Austin O’CONNOR (USA) rattled off 14 unanswered points against Jose VARELA GARCIA (GUA) for at 14-4 tech fall and the crown at 70 kg.

At 79 kg, Anthony MANTANONA (USA) capped off an impressive day, which included two tech falls and two pins.

His championship bout only lasted 21 seconds as he stuck Miguel ORNELAS REYNOSO (MEX).

Surviving a thrilling match in the 74 kg final was Jeremiah MOODY (USA), who scored seven points in the last 60 seconds to edge out Ty BRIDGEWATER (CAN), 12-10.

At 86 kg, Kordell NORFLEET (USA) snagged his fourth first-period technical fall, finishing off Connor PATTISON (CAN), 10-0, in 1:12.  

At 57 kg, 2017 Cadet South American champion Jonathan PRATA ALAS (ARG) won the title in a thrilling victory over Kevin CHAVEZ BETANCUR (COL) that saw multiple points scored in the final 30 seconds. Prata had his hand raised in a 10-6 win.

His performance earned Prata the freestyle Golden Boot.

Team scores (top five)
1. USA – 240
2. Canada – 147
3. Mexico – 100
4. Brazil – 96
5. Colombia - 75

Final results

57 kg
GOLD - Jonathan PRATA ALAS (ARG)
SILVER - Kevin CHAVEZ BETANCUR (COL)
BRONZE- Brandon COURTNEY (USA)

61 kg
GOLD - Dylan GREGERSON (USA)
SILVER - Marco PALMERO (CAN)
BRONZE - Angel TINOCO TORRES (PER)
BRONZE - Oscar CALVOPINA CANCIO (ECU)

65 kg
GOLD - Andrew ALIREZ (USA)
SILVER - Cristian SANTIAGO PEREZ (MEX)
BRONZE - Connor MCNEICE (CAN)
BRONZE - Enrique PEREZ CASTELLANOS (GUA)

70 kg
GOLD - Austin O'CONNOR (USA)
SILVER - Jose VARELA GARCIA (GUA)
BRONZE - Gunnar SALES (CAN)

74 kg
GOLD - Jeremiah MOODY (USA)
SILVER - Ty BRIDGEWATER (CAN)
BRONZE - Marcos QUESADA MARTINEZ (PER)

79 kg
GOLD - Anthony MANTANONA (USA)
SILVER - Phelipe DOS SANTOS RIBEIRO (BRA)
BRONZE - Miguel ORNELAS REYNOSO (MEX)

86 kg
GOLD - Kordell NORFLEET (USA)
SILVER - Nicolas BAEZ (ARG)
BRONZE - Jhon CARMONA ALCANTARA (COL)

92 kg
GOLD - Cameron CAFFEY (USA)
SILVER - Hunter LEE (CAN)
BRONZE - Pedro GARAY LOPEZ (MEX)

97 kg
GOLD - Austin HARRIS (USA)
SILVER - Guilherme PRADELLA LIMA (BRA)
BRONZE - Richard DESCHATELETS (CAN)

125 kg
GOLD - Anthony CASSIOPPI (USA)
SILVER - Aly BARGHOUT (CAN)
BRONZE - Andrew GUNNING (PER)

 

 

UWW's Event Organization Workshop heats up in Athens

Friday, August 1, 2025 - 07:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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ATHENS, Greece (July 30) -- United World Wrestling held a new edition of its Event Organization Workshop in Athens, Greece, from July 24-29.

The activity was conducted by the UWW Sports Department and took place on the sidelines of the U17 World Championships, offering participants an immersive experience to learn directly within the context of a major international event.

A total of 25 participants from 16 countries attended the workshop -- with nearly 50 percent of the attendees being women -- representing national federations and upcoming event organizers.

The attendees took part in theoretical sessions and field-based learning covering critical areas such as accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics. They also had the chance to observe the live execution of the Championships, attend the Technical Conference, and tour key competition areas.

The Local Organizing Committee played an important role in supporting the delivery of the workshop, facilitating access to venues, providing logistical coordination, and sharing their experience in hosting a major international event. Their collaboration was key to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

To complement the technical content, the group also enjoyed a cultural visit to the Acropolis, one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. This excursion helped foster exchange and camaraderie among participants, while providing a connection to the host city’s rich heritage.

UWW
Attendees walk through accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics at the Event Organization Workshop in Athens. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The workshop was facilitated by members of the UWW team, who shared their expertise and provided hands-on guidance throughout the sessions. The collaborative format encouraged knowledge exchange and open dialogue, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the content and format of the workshop, noting its relevance and practicality. The mix of classroom instruction, real-event exposure, and networking opportunities made the experience both educational and inspiring.

This edition of the Event Organization Workshop reinforced UWW’s commitment to building local capacities and delivering high-standard wrestling events across the world. Athens 2025 once again proved the value of this initiative and the importance of continuing to invest in professional training for sport event delivery.

Ramil AHMADOV, UWW Senior Competition Manager, and Yuri MAIER, Sports & Development Officer, conducted the workshop. We were honored to have Theodoros HAMAKOS, Vice-President of UWW, award the certificates.