The final day of the World Team Trials came to an end today ultimately deciding who will represent our country for the 2015 World Championships. The 61, 65,74, and 97 KG weight classes were wrestled in the day.
Brent Metcalf looked as sharp as ever in dismantling Jordan Oliver 9-4 and 7-0 in 2 consecutive matches. Metcalf was up to his old ways of relentless pursuit and attacks, and looks primed for a deep run in September.In match 1, things were close early, but Brent was able to pull away with a vintage high crotch and leg lace to take a 6-0 lead. Oliver then added a takedown of his own to close the gap 7-4,but Brent sealed the match with a late takedown. Metcalf dominated match 2 from start to finish, showing a variety of attacks and wrestling a smart, tactical match.
Metcalf will represent the United states at 65 Kg for the 3rd straight year. Metcalf looks to earn his first world medal, and currently is ranked 5th in the world by United World Wrestling. Brent has been on a real tear, going 4-0 at the world cup, winning the US Open, and defeating his Cuban opponent in the Beat the Streets event.
Former Iowa State standout and Olympic champion Jake Varner fell to Kyle Snyder in 2 straight matches in the finals. Varner won the mini tournament defeating fellow Iowa State NCAA Champion David Zabriskie 11-0 first round. Zabriskie defeated Micah Burak on the backside before being eliminated by Enock Francois.Varner then defeated Dustin Kilgore and JD Bergman 12-0 and 2-2 respectively.Varner could not get to his offense against Snyder and fell 4-1 and 3-0. Snyder is just 19 years old, and is a former Junior World champion.
Hawkeye Wrestling Club member Daniel Dennis was the surprise of the day for many, making the world team finals. Dennis looked fresh as cabbage all day, cementing himself as a humongous threat at the 61 Kg weight class.Dennis defeated Panther Wrestling Club member Joey Lazor in round 1 with a 10-0 technical Fall. Lazor was then eliminated by Jon Morrison next round. Dennis then defeated former Olympian Coleman Scott 8-6 and scored a last second takedown to defeat former Oklahoma NCAA champion Kendric Maple in the mini-tournament finals. Dennis could not fend off Reece Humphrey in the finals falling 12-1 and then 4-1.
In other action Jordan Burroughs looked like the beast Jordan Burroughs we know, and defeated Kyle Dake in two straight matches 6-3 and 14-4. Burroughs will look for his 4th world gold in September. Dake looked spectacular in his return from layoff as well, defeating both Andrew Howe (3-2) and David Taylor (8-2)
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Dennis lost 2nd match 4-1 not pinfal