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McNutt and Chou lead Western to victory over Cumberland College

London, Ontario, CANADA - October 23, 2004

Coach Kip Flanik of Cumberland College, Kentucky, USA brought 15 women wrestlers to London's - University of Western Ontario, for a number of dual matches and training. The Mustangs trained with Cumberland, ranked in the top two in the USA for women’s wrestling, and set up the matches as part of a competitive development exchange along with the London-Western Wrestling Club.

Western with a number of injuries to their women's roster had to depend on their captains to carry on. Terri McNutt (53 kg) and Belinda Chou both won all their matches against Cumberland College. McNutt, women’s MVP in 2003-04, posted 4 wins, as did former UWO Female Athlete of the Year in 2000, Belinda Chou, who also won her four matches.

Jess Fitzgerald (70 kg) split, going 2-2 while Althouse student teacher, Megan McGuire (48 kg) failed to post a win. Injured mustangs who did not compete were, Laura Skopelianos (53 kg) - National Junior Champion, Shannon Smart (61 kg)- Ontario Junior Champion, Sara Gil (61 kg) and a rookie Seren Martin (70 kg) -of Woodstock’s Huron Park, - National Junior silver medalist .

Western was helped with their wins from the athletes from London-Western Wrestling Club. Katie Patroch a Club member and a 2003 Commonwealth Gold medalist pinned both of her opponents from Cumberland, while Sisters Olivia & Nicole Gunnell split on win/loss column.

The first day of the duals was won by Western women wrestlers over Cumberland College. On the second day of duals, athletes from London and surrounding area did not fare as well. Toccara Montgomery of Cumberland College (World medalist) led her team to an impressive win over women wrestlers from Guelph University, wrestling under the new FILA rules.

Coach Flanik of Cumberland was generally pleased with his young squad and said " We like coming to Canada to compete as there are many women wrestlers in the province of Ontario and the quality of wrestling is very high". We plan to compete in a number of the open wrestling competitions in London, Hamilton, Thunder Bay and Guelph in 2004 and 2005".

The head coach of Western's wrestling team, Ray Takahashi was satisfied with the results of the matches and liked the competitive development exchange with Cumberland College. Both Coach Flanik and Takahashi agreed to work towards future exchanges between two teams.

photo - Belinda Chou , Western (blue) facing off her Cumberland College opponent (red)

Results of wrestling matches - University of Western Ontario & Cumberland College

Day 1, October 22, 2004

Day 2, October 23/ 2004

1. Terri McNutt win 6-1 Chelsea Rountre (Cumberland)
2. Terri McNutt win 14-0 Lee Simon (Guelph)
3. Belinda Chou win 11-1 Daisy Callado (Cumberland)
4. Belinda Chou win 9-0 Sarah Peasley (Wisconsin)
5. Jess Fitzgerald win pin Chelsea Osborne (Guelph)
6. Jess Fitzgerald win 6-4 Allison Hooper (Cumberland)
7. Megan McGuire lost 2-5 Melissa Girard (Cumberland)
8. Katie Patroch win pin Shelly Sykoula (Cumberland)

photo - Terry McNutt of Western ( red singlet ) - on top

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Chou and Martin lead Women Mustangs to 2nd place team finish at Toronto Open Nov 13th, 2004

by Ray Takahashi

Veteran Belinda Chou breezed through the 57 kg division at the Toronto Open
while first year team member, Seren Martin recorded a stellar performance at 80 kg in her debut start as a Mustang.

Western placed second in team points with 42, narrowly edged out by defending OUA champions, Brock who finished one point ahead with 43 points.

Chou, who was Western’s female athlete of the year in 2001 and now attends Althouse College was spectacular, throwing all her opponents with a “one-arm shoulder throw.” In the final she timed the throw perfectly against her G.
Parahoo of Brock who was trying to drive Chou back, but was thrown when Chou turned in quickly scoring 3 points. Teammate, Laura Skopelianos and Sarah Gil, both placed second at 53 and 61 kg respectively, while Jess Fitzgerald placed third at 65 kg. Coach, Josip Mrkoci said, “Seren wrestled very well and has made a good adjustment to university wrestling.”
Martin defeated last year’s OUA champion, Jen Hanson from Brock in the final.
Queen’s placed third in team standings with 22 points. Team captain, Terri
McNutt did not compete.

The women’s team will travel to Lakehead, Nov 19-21, for their biggest test of the year where they will face competition in dual and tournament format from Canada West and East.

Captain, Tosh Jeffrey, who placed 2nd at 65 kg, once again led the Mustang men.
Jeffrey, who now has placed in all three tournaments to date, lost to his
Montreal wrestling club opponent in the final. “Tosh has had a tough but good
three weeks, I think he’s done exceptionally well and the upcoming week-end off will be much needed.” Said, Coach, Ray Takahashi. The next tournament for the Mustang men will be the Brock duals, Nov. 27. Among university teams, Western
scored 15 points behind Guleph (23 points), McMaster (21 points) and Brock
(20).

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Jeffrey wins men’s individual gold at 65 kg; McNutt leads women Mustangs to second place team finish Nov 6th, 2004

by Ray Takahashi 11/6/04

Wrestling Results – McMaster Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Nov 6, 2004

Tosh Jeffrey posted his second gold medal performance in two weeks winning the 65 kg division in the first OUA tournament of the season. “It’s the best start for any of our Mustang men in a long time,” remarked Assistant Coach, Josip Mrkoci. “He reversed his Lakehead opponent on a counter attack and turned it into a pinning hold.” The third year Social Science student and captain defeated teammate Jason Carrier in the final. Jeffrey won gold at the Concordia Invitational Oct 31. The Mustangs finished 4th overall with 18 points, behind Lakehead (39 points), McMaster (34 points) and Brock (25 points). Ian Patton placed 3rd in the heavy weight division as did teammate, Keenan Miller at 72 kg.

Terri McNutt won gold at 53 kg beating Maggie Kauck from Kentucky’s Cumberland College in the final. The Mustangs finished second overall with 14 points, well behind Cumberland’s 37 points who easily won the team title. The Cumberland women are ranked first in the U.S. and regularly compete in CIS league tournaments. Alberta was third with 13 points followed by host McMaster with 10 points. “It was good to finally get to compete in our first tournament of the season,” remarked McNutt who captains the team along with Belinda Chou who placed third at 57 kg. “I was really nervous, especially for my first match. It’s good to get it out of the way.” Chou, who lost to Cumberland’s Othella Luca by decision wasn’t satisfied with her performance. “I didn’t have my best tournament, but it gives me things to work on.” The veteran Mustang is enrolled at Althouse College was Western’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2001. “Belinda brings a great work ethic into the room.” Comments coach, Ray Takahashi. “It’s great to have her back.. She’ll lead by example.” Second year Science student, Jessica Fitzgerald placed third at 65 kg.

Medal Place finishers:
Gold Terri McNutt 53 kg women
Gold Tosh Jeffrey 65 kg men
Silver Jason Carrier 65 kg men
Bronze Jessica Fitzgerald 65 kg women
Bronze Belinda Chou 57 kg women
Bronze Keenan Miller 72 kg men
Bronze Ian Patton 130 kg men

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Lakehead Univ. to host Championship Cup of Women’s Wrestling, featuring top U.S. and Canada teams, Nov. 19-21; Bouts to be webcast

11/17/2004
Michael Aylward/Lakehead Univ.

Lakehead University will be staging the second annual Championship Cup of Women's Wrestling this Friday to Sunday at the C. J. Sanders Fieldhouse (the Thunderdome) at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

This unique meet will feature host Lakehead, Simon Fraser University, Brock University, the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, Western University, Memorial University, Cumberland College from Kentucky for the team duals and individual competitions and the team from the United States Olympic Education Center (USOEC) based at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan for special exhibition duals team events.

Grappling fans around the world can catch the mat action online as Friday's and Saturday's wrestling will be video webcast live at www.realtimescorebook.com

The Championship Cup will feature many CIS champions, 11 American wrestlers ranked in the USA themat.com Top 10 for their weight classes, Canadian and American Senior national team members, Pan-American Champions, world medallists, and Olympians.

Championship Cup organizer and Lakehead Head Coach Francis Clayton said this meet is important in helping to develop women's wrestling. "It is our hope that this event becomes one of the premiere women's wrestling events anywhere."

This year's Cup differs from last year's duals-only team format in that this year will feature three sections; Friday will see some of the top U.S. Olympic Education Center wrestlers take on the University of Calgary and Simon Fraser University in two exhibition duals team events.

Saturday will have the CIS teams and Cumberland College face each other in the team duals event. In addition, the OUA Selects and Canada West Selects wrestle off against the USOEC team in two more team challenges. Sunday will feature an open individual event for all the wrestlers at the meet.

Lakehead Athletic Director Tom Warden said Lakehead is committed to support women's wrestling. "It is of fundamental importance that Lakehead University continue to support the sport of women's wrestling. Our institution and conference continue to be leaders in this sport, this tournament is a example of that."

Championship Cup of Women's Wrestling Schedule:

Friday, Nov. 19th (1 mat)

7:15 pm USOEC (Team 1) vs U of Calgary (Team 2)
8:15 pm USOEC (Team 1) vs Simon Fraser University (Team 2)

Saturday, Nov. 20 (4 mats)

9:00 am Round 1 (1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4) Web cast of Lakehead vs. SFU
10:00 am Round 2 (1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 4) Web cast of Lakehead vs. Brock
11:00 am Round 3 (1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3) Web cast of Uof Calgary vs. Cumberland
12:00 pm OUA Selects vs. USOEC Web cast
1:30 pm CAN West vs. USOEC Web cast
3:00 pm Semi Finals (cross over 1 vs 2 and 3 vs. 4) Web cast of #1 pool A vs. #2 pool B
4:00 pm 3rd and 4th, 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th Web cast TBA
6:00 pm FINALS Web cast TBA

Saturday Duals Team Round Robin Pools:
Pool 1:
1. SFU
2. Lakehead
3. Alberta
4. Brock

Pool 2:
1. Calgary
2. Memorial
3. Western
4. Cumberland

Sunday, November 21
Open Individual Tournament, Wrestling Starts at 9 am.

THE TEAMS

Lakehead University

Coach Clayton said his very young team should be able to give a good account of themselves against some of the best female wrestlers in North America and the world. "Lakehead's women's team is young. We only have one Fourth year wrestler, one Third year, and the remaining all in their first and second years. This makes this event an important one in our development. Our team will see a wide variety of competitors, from world medalists to University level wrestlers and this will be a great challenge for our young wrestlers."

The Fourth year wrestler is Melody McCague (3rd at 2004 CIS @ 57 kg). Melody is a leader by example, a hard worker with a good team attitude. Melody missed last year's Challenge Cup because of an injury, and is really looking forward to this championship. She was bronze medallist at last year's CIS National Championships. The third year wrestler is Michel Gorrie who will wrestle at 53 kg. The second year wrestlers are Emily McCague at 70 kg, Sarah Swan at 57 or 61 kg, and Christina Jones at 65 or 70 kg. The first year wrestlers are Mary Jo Michell at 48, Sarah Silva at 53 or 57, Tasha Eady at 61 and Katie Woodinfinden at 80kg. The CIS No. 9 Thunderwolves are coming off a fifth place team finish at the McMaster Invitational. Last year Lakehead placed fourth at the first Championship Cup of Wrestling in the team standings.

Lakehead Roster:
Demars, Alex 53 kg
Eady, Tasha 61 kg
George, Jessica 53 kg
Gorie, M 53 kg
Jones, Christina 65 kg
McCague, Emily 70 kg - 80 kg
McCague, Melody 57 kg - 61kg
Mitchell, Mary Jo 48kg
Silva, Sarah 53kg - 57 kg
Swan, Sarah 57 kg
Woodfinden, Katie 80 kg

For more information about Lakehead Wrestling go to:
Lakehead women's wrestling

University of Alberta

The CIS No. 6 University of Alberta Pandas have added a number of women to their roster this year, with hopes of returning to the CIS Team Podium. Three-time CIS Medallist Heidi Kulak (5th Year), and CIS Bronze Medallist Jaclyn Hedges are joined by several newcomers; including former Juvenile National Champion Holly Battig and Juvenile National Silver Medallist Jennifer Zubrack, and Provincial Champion Kathleen White. Other newcomers include Jennifer Obst, a Medical student, and Lisa Lamour, a transfer student who competed at Lakehead University last season, and is therefore ineligible this season, but will compete for exhibition purposes. Perhaps the most prolific addition to this year's squad is Erica Sharp, a World Silver Medallist and three-time CIS Champion at the University of Calgary. Erica's most recent accomplishments include a bronze medal at the World Cup and a silver medal at the Sunkist International. One of Canada's most accomplished female wrestlers, Erica is definitely a nice addition. Along with Erica, Heidi Kulak will lead this young team, and is already showing the way. She has a perfect 10-0 record so far this year, with wins at the Dino and McMaster Invitationals.

Head Coach Vang Ioannides said his team is looking forward to the Championship Cup. "Lakehead University has taken a leadership role in the development of women's wrestling at the CIS Level. This event is the premier event in Canada, and perhaps North America in terms of offering quality competition in the excitement that only dual meets can provide. The opportunity to webcast this event will hopefully lead to increased awareness of the incredible opportunities that exist for women to compete and study."

Alberta Roster:
48 KG - Lisa Lamour (Exhibition only)
53 KG - Erica Sharp
57 KG - Jennifer Obst
61 KG - Holly Battig
65 KG - Heidi Kulak
70 KG - Jaclyn Hedges
80 KG - Jennifer Zubrack and Kathleen White

For more information on Alberta Wrestling, go to
Alberta women's wrestling

Brock University

CIS No. 3 Brock will be a force at the Championship Cup of Wrestling. The team is fresh off winning the women's team titles at the Concordia Open and the Toronto Invitational. Three-time CIS Champions Heather Sweezey (55 kg) will be a force as she won gold at the SFU Invitational last weekend against Calgary's Brit Laverdure. Other wrestlers to watch are Alana King at 57 kg who won gold at Concordia and Golda Parahoo who won gold at Concordia and silver at Toronto.

Brock Roster:
Melanie Howitt 112 pounds
Alana King 121 pounds
Heather Sweezey 134 pounds
Liz Martindale 117 pounds
Jesse Bondy 125 pounds
Golda Parahoo 132 pounds
Jenn Aitken 135 pounds
Lindsay MacDonald
Buffy Ainsworth 160 pounds
Jen Hanson 176 pounds
Jocelyn Dresser 165 pounds

For more information on Brock Wrestling; go to
Brock women's wrestling

University of Calgary

CIS No. 2 Calgary returns to Thunder Bay hoping to win the Championship Cup after placing second last year behind SFU. Wrestlers to watch are team Captain Britt Laverdure at 57 kg who won Silver at last year's CIS National Championships and Andrea Ross at 53 kg, also a Silver medallist at the CIS Championships.

Calgary Wrestling Head Coach Mitch Ostberg said the Dinos are ready to wrestle. "We're thrilled to participate in the Championship Cup of Women's Wrestling. It's a unique event in the country and a valuable addition to our season because it brings together a wide array of teams from across Canada and the US and gives us an opportunity to match up against opponents we wouldn't normally see. My compliments to Coach Clayton for putting together an event that benefits women's wrestling nationwide."

Leading the Dinos at the Cup will be special Assistant Coach, Christine Nordhagen who is 6-time World Champion, Olympian, and pioneer in women's wrestling.

Calgary Roster:
48 kg Krista Wells
53 kg Andrea Ross
57 kg Britt Laverdure
61 kg Justine Bouchard
65 kg Vanessa Wilson
70 kg Elisa Howes
80 kg Mycal Martin or Katherine Musekamp

Cumberland College
This powerhouse team from Williamsburg, Kentucky is ranked No. 1 in the USA and returns to the Championship Cup with the goal of challenging for the team title. Last year they placed third behind SFU and Calgary. Head Coach Kip Flanik believes he has assembled what may be the strongest ever Cumberland squad. Led by Olympian Tocarra Montgomery and a strong group of returnees and freshmen, Cumberland will be a threat at the Cup. This team features a plethora of US national team members, Pan American, and world medallist. Alaina Berube at 63 kg is presently ranked No. 3 in the US, Shelly Ruberg is No. 8 at 63 kg, and Chelsea Roundtree is No. 8 at 53 kg.

Coach Flanik said his team is looking forward to their return to Canada. "We look forward to returning to Thunder Bay to compete in the Lakehead tournament. Coach Clayton ran a first-rate tournament last year and I expect this year to be even better with the addition of more teams and an individual tournament. I'm pleased to get the opportunity to wrestle against some of Canada's best teams!!"

Cumberland Roster:
48kg Aquilla Hills, Sophomore, Philadelphia, Pa.
48kg Daisy Callado, Sophomore, South Grand Praire, Texas
48kg Jessica Medina, Freshman, Okie, Ca.
53kg Othella Lucas, Sophomore, San Diego, CA.
53kg Chelsea Rountree, Freshman, Crestwood, Ky.
57kg Suekoilya Shelly, Sophomore, Bedford, Texas or Alaina Berube, Jr, Escanaba, Michigan
61kg Alaina Berube, Jr, Escanaba, Mi. or Suekoilya Shelly, Sophomore, Bedford, Texas
65kg Heather Martin, Freshman, LaGrange, Ohio or Shelly Ruberg, Junior, Harrison, Ohio
70kg Toccara Montgomery, Senior.,Cleveland, Ohio
80kg Tabitha Golt, Freshman, Chesapeake, Va., or Megan Nevill, Sophomore, Claire, Mi.

For more information on Cumberland Wrestling; go to
Cumberland women's wrestling

Memorial University

The CIS No. 10 squad from St. John's hopes to make some noise at this year's Cup. This team features a contigent that are all natives of Newfoundland. There is only one member new to University wrestling. The single rookie is Allison Rockwood, who has an extensive high school background. Kerri-Ann Evely is a very strong wrestler and should be very competitive at the Championship Cup.

Head Coach Glenn Clark is optimistic about his team this season. "I expect that they will improve somewhat on their 8th place finish in the CIS last year."

Memorial Roster:
Lisa Martin, 48 kg, second year from Bell Island
Carla Bryant, 53 kg, second year from Heart's Content,
Kellee Melendy, 57 kg, second year from Gander
Joanne Hall, 61kg, second year from Stephenville, but missing last year due to medical problems
Allison Rockwood, 65 kg, first year from heart's Content
Gina Keeping, 80kg second year from Port Aux Basques
Kerri-Ann Evely, 70kg from Carbonear, who is in her third year of the program and is the veteran of the team.

For more information on Memorial Wrestling; go to
Memorial women's wrestling

Simon Fraser University

The CIS No. 1 Simon Fraser Clan are the defending CIS and Women's Championship Cup champions. They are also coming off last weekend's Clansman Invitational that saw many of their wrestlers do very well against very tough opposition. The Clan features many powerful wrestlers including World No. 1 ranked Emily Richardson (two-time CIS Champion) at 59 kg, who won the prestigious Sunkist Open individual title against the USOEC's Brandy Rosenbrock so wrestling fans may be able to see a renewal of their rivalry. Richardson also won the Clansman Invitational 59 kg title against US No. 2 ranked Sally Roberts last weekend. Sarah White at 51 kg is defending CIS Champion and Jessica Peterson at 55 kg is another wrestler to watch. Heavyweight Shayla Turcotte is also a force on the mat and went 5-0 at the Clansman Invitational to win the heavyweight title.

Head Coach Mike Jones said his team hopes to defend its title. "The concept of this meet by coach Clayton is a very good one as it allows us to look at our teams in a dual meet setting (thus concentrate on individual athletes) rather than be trying to look at 4 mats at once. The team aspect is awesome and our kids really get into figuring out how to defeat another team. It also brings together most of the top North American teams, which at this early stage in the development of the sport is
needed. It is our honor to attend again this year."

SFU Roster:
48kg Ashley Mckilligan, Freshman
51 kg Sarah White, Junior
51 kg Miranda Dick, Sophomore
55 kg Senior Jessica Petersen, and Sophomore Leah Pare
59 kg Senior Emily Richardson and Junior Angela Mah,
67 kg Ashley McManus, Junior
72 - 80 kg Shayla Turcotte, Freshman

For more information on SFU Wrestling, go to
Simon Fraser women's wrestling

United States Olympic Education Center Team

This will mark the USOEC team's first appearance at the Cup and they bring a very talented squad for their exhibition matches against some of the best Canadian university wrestlers. The USOEC team is based at Northern Michigan University and draws its athletes from all over the United States; many of whom were on college teams before. The USOEC serves as a development centre for American wrestlers while at the same time the athletes are enrolled in academic subjects at Northern Michigan. The USOEC women's wrestling program began in September of this year.

Brandy Rosenbrock is ranked No. 1 in the US in the 59 kg class, Sharon Jacobson and Danyelle Hedin are No. 4 and 5 at 55 kg, Ku'u'ini Johnson is No. 6 at 63 kg, Donnell Bradley, Randi Miller , Elena Mena are No. 6-8 at 72 kg, while Liz Short is No. 9 at 48 kg. The team recently finished third as a team and placed two wrestlers in the finals of the Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open Saturday, Oct. 28, in Tempe, Arizona in their first-ever competition.

Head Coach Shannyn J. Gillespie said his team is looking forward to the challenge of the CIS competition. "The US Olympic Education Center is excited to be competing at the Women's Championship Cup. This should be a great challenge against some of Canada's best University wrestlers."

USOEC Roster:
48 kg/105.5 lbs. - Mary Kelly (Mahomet, Ill.)
48 kg/105.5 lbs. - Liz Short (Lombard, Ill.)
51 kg/112.25 lbs. - Debbi Sakai (Miliani, Hawaii)
51 kg/112.25 lbs. or 55 kg/121 lbs. - Amy Borgnini (Terre Haute, Ind.)
55 kg/121 lbs. - Danyelle Hedin (Honolulu, Hawaii)
55 kg/121 lbs. - Sharon Jacobson (El Cajon, Calif.)
59 kg/130 lbs. - Brandy Rosenbrock (Harrison, Mich.)
59 kg/130 lbs. - Linse Meadows (Katy, Texas)
63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Ku'u'ini Johnson (Honolulu, Hawaii)
63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Teri Lopez (Katy, Texas)
67 kg/147.5 lbs. or 72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Randi Miller (Arlington, Texas)
72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Elena Mena (St. Paul, Minn.)
72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Donnell Bradley (Aiea, Hawaii)

For more info on USOEC; go to
USOEC women's wrestling

Western University

The CIS No. 5 Mustangs have a formidable team for the Championship Cup and they are fresh off two, second place team finishes at the McMaster Open and the Toronto Open meets. The Mustangs feature Terri McNutt at 53 kg who is defending OUA Champion and CIS Silver Medallist and is coming off gold medals at the Toronto Open and the McMaster Invitational. First year wrestler Seren Martin won the 80 kg gold at the Toronto Open. Western also has two other excellent athletes in Laura Skopelianos at 48 kg and Sarah Gil who both finished second at the Toronto Open.

Team Coach Chris Capangyarihan said his team is ready for the competition. "Western is looking forward to the Lakehead Duals. Our women feel it's the best competition of the season and enjoy traveling to Thunder Bay. It's great that Lakehead Athletics hosts such a great event."

Western Roster:
Jess Fitzgerald Year 2 Science 65 kg
Laura Skopelianos Year 2 Kinesiology 48 kg
Seren Martin Year 1 Kinesiology 80 kg
Shannon Smart Year 2 Health Science 57 kg
Terri McNutt Year 4 Nursing 53 kg
Sarah Gil Year 4 Science 61 kg
Gillian McCallum Year 2 Social Science 70 kg
Megan McGuire Teacher's College 48 kg

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U.S. Rosters set for 2004 Henri Deglane Challenge in Nice, France, Nov. 26-27

11/18/2004
John Fuller/USA Wrestling

The Henri Deglane Challenge is slated to begin on Nov. 26 in Nice, France. The Dave Schultz Wrestling Foundation will send a team of top U.S. athletes to compete in all three international styles. This annual event features many talented athletes from European nations.

The Dave Schultz Wrestling Foundation will also bring 15-20 fans to the event, an annual social activity that accompanies the tour.

Leading the men’s freestyle team will be 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials runner-up Joe Heskett (Grover Beach, Calif./Gator WC) at 74 kg/163 lbs. Heskett placed third in this event last year. He is currently an assistant coach at Cal Poly.

Ryan Tobin (Philadelphia, Pa./Dave Schultz WC) will return to the Henri Deglane Challenge this year at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. He won a silver medal at last year’s tournament and a bronze medal in 2003. Tobin is currently an assistant coach at Penn.

Also competing are 2004 NCAA champions Jesse Jantzen (Cambridge, Mass./Dave Schultz WC) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and Matt Gentry (Grants Pass, Ore./Dave Schultz WC) at 74 kg/163 lbs.

Jantzen was a three-time NCAA All-American at Harvard. Last year, he capped off an undefeated college season with an NCAA title.

Gentry has begun his senior season at Stanford this year after completing an undefeated junior season that saw him win the first NCAA individual title in his school’s history.

Rounding out the U.S. men’s freestyle team are Scott Schatzman (New York, N.Y./Dave Schultz WC) at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Nick Preston (Columbus, Ohio/Sunkist Kids) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Schatzman placed eighth at the 2004 U.S. Nationals. As a collegian, he was a two-time NCAA All-American at Northwestern. He is currently an assistant coach at Columbia.

Preston placed fourth at the 2004 U.S. Nationals. He was also a two-time NCAA All-American at Ohio State.

Last year, the U.S. men’s freestyle squad captured four medals. Tobin won a silver medal at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. Winning bronze medals were Jared Frayer at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Heskett at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Lee Fullhart at 84 kg/185 lbs.

In the women’s freestyle division, only two of the seven international weights are competed – 55 kg/121 lbs. and 63 kg/138.75 lbs.

The U.S. women’s team will be led by Olympian Tela O’Donnell (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. O’Donnell was a 2004 Olympian at 55 kg/121 lbs., placing sixth. She was a 2003 U.S. Nationals champion and won a silver medal at last year’s Henri Deglane Challenge.

Joining O’Donnell will be Laura Felix (Bakersfield, Calif./Dave Schultz WC) at 55 kg/121 lbs.

Felix placed fifth in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and U.S. Nationals. She currently competes at Cal-State Bakersfield.

The men’s and women’s freestyle teams will be coached by 10-time U.S. National Team member Dan Chaid (San Jose, Calif.).

Last year, both U.S. women’s freestyle wrestlers won medals at the Henri Deglane Challenge, as Patricia Miranda won a gold at 55 kg/121 lbs. and O’Donnell won a silver at 63 kg/138.75 lbs.

The U.S. Greco-Roman team will be led by 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials runners-up Joe Warren (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at 60 kg/132 lbs., Darryl Christian (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Justin Ruiz (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Warren also placed third in the 2003 and 2004 U.S. Nationals and has won a silver medal at the Henri Deglane Challenge the last two years.

Christian was a 2004 U.S. Nationals champion. He won a silver medal at the 2003 Pan American Championships.

Ruiz won a silver medal at the 2003 World Cup and was a 2004 U.S. Nationals champion.

2003 U.S. Nationals runner-up Mike Ellsworth (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) will compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Ellsworth won a silver medal at the Henri Deglane Challenge in 2002.

Rounding out the U.S. Greco-Roman roster are Josh Henson (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC) at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Jeff Funicello (Mesa, Ariz./Sunkist Kids) at 84 kg/185 lbs.

Henson took the last year off to focus on coaching at Penn. In 2002, he placed second at the Sunkist Kids International Open.

Funicello won a silver medal at the 2004 Pan American Championships.

The Greco-Roman team will be coached by 2000 Olympian Heath Sims (Huntington Beach, Calif.).

At last year’s Henri Deglane Challenge, the U.S. team won two Greco-Roman medals – a silver by Warren at 60 kg/132 lbs. and a bronze by Sims at 74 kg/163 lbs.

Henri Deglane Challenge
at Nice, France
Nov. 26-27, 2004
U.S. Men's Freestyle Lineup
60 kg/132 lbs. – Scott Schatzman, New York, N.Y. (Dave Schultz WC)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Jesse Jantzen, Cambridge, Mass. (Dave Schultz WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Joe Heskett, Grover Beach, Calif. (Gator WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Matt Gentry, Grants Pass, Ore. (Dave Schultz WC)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Nick Preston, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Ryan Tobin, Philadelphia, Pa. (Dave Schultz WC)
Coach: Dan Chaid, San Jose, Calif.

U.S. Women's Freestyle Lineup
55 kg/121 lbs. – Laura Felix, Bakersfield, Calif. (Dave Schultz WC)
63 kg/138.75 lbs. - Tela O'Donnell, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Dave Schultz WC)
Coach: Dan Chaid, San Jose, Calif.

U.S. Greco-Roman Lineup
60 kg/132 lbs. - Joe Warren, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Mike Ellsworth, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Michigan WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Darryl Christian, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Josh Henson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Dave Schultz WC)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Jeff Funicello, Mesa, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Justin Ruiz, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
Coach: Heath Sims, Huntington Beach, Calif.

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