Mocco, Kolat headline list of U.S. freestyle wrestlers who plan to compete in Russia
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
09/29/2008

Olympians Steve Mocco and Cary Kolat headline a list of United States freestyle wrestlers who are scheduled to compete in a pair of upcoming events in Russia.

The U.S. teams are scheduled to compete in an event in Yakutsk, Russia, on Oct. 11-12 and then in an event in Kahasavyurt, Russia, on Oct. 18-19.

Mocco placed seventh at the 2008 Olympic Games at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Kolat was a 2000 Olympian who is a past World silver and bronze medalist. Kolat competes at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.

Past World Team member Chris Bono also is scheduled to compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. along with 2008 World University champion Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

U.S. FREESTYLE ROSTER FOR TRIP TO RUSSIA

Yakutsk, Russia, Oct. 11-12 and Kahasavyurt, Russia, Oct. 18-19

55 kg/121 lbs. – Nick Simmons, Corvallis, Ore. (Sunkist Kids)
60 kg/132 lbs. – Shawn Bunch, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Trent Paulson, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Travis Paulson, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Bryce Hasseman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Sean Stender, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Steve Mocco, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
Coach – Terry Brands, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Yakutsk trip only)

Kahasavyurt, Russia, Oct. 18-19

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Chris Bono, Ringgold, Ga. (Sunkist Kids)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Cary Kolat, Baltimore, Md. (Sunkist Kids)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Keith Gavin, Pittsburgh, Pa. (New York AC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Tyrone Lewis, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Kurt Backes, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev, Kearney, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
Coach – Kevin Jackson, Colorado Springs, Colo.

It will be interesting to see if any of these guys trade in their singlets for mma gear.