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Young Guns in Russia Last Weekend

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Nick Gwiazdowski took a big step this weekend in signalling he is the man to carry on the mantle of the USA's freestyle heavyweight for the foreseeable future with a 2nd place finish at the 2016 Intercontinental Cup in Russia. Up against world class talent, Gwiz stormed to the finals with three wins before falling just 2-1. The semi-final win was over the tournament's defending champion where he controlled the action to a 5-1 victory. The NC State 2-time NCAA Champion is considered one of the best heavyweights in modern NCAA history despite the epic March overtime loss to Kyle Snyder. 

Seeing Gwiazdowski produce at such a high-level event will be a boost for American freestyle fans as they are hopeful he can fill the large shoes Tervel Dlagnev leaves behind. 

Other young American talent was on display in the motherland. 2016 Hodge recipient Alex Dieringer was in action and Russia went all Russia to rob him of a win. Themat.com quoted Eric Guerrero with “Alex Dieringer also prepared well picked up a fall against a tough Dagestani opponent in prelims, then in the quarter-finals wrestled great. Yet somehow, he was put on the shot clock three times, twice in the final 90 seconds and then was called for fleeing the hold with six seconds left in the bout to lose 4-4. He did everything we asked, even picking up another takedown that was called off. But that's how things can go sometimes, learn and move forward,”

Alan Waters claimed a bronze medal as he continues to be a force in the 57 kg scene. You have to like the points he put up in his wins (9, 9, and 16). 

2016 INTERCONTINENTAL CUP
Oct. 16 at Khasajvurt, Russia

U.S. men’s freestyle performances on Saturday

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Nico Megaludis, Murraysville, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC), 5th place
WIN Muradbek Abdulkerimov (Russia/Dagestan), 8-3
LOSS Zaur Uguev (Russia/Dagestan), 4-3
WIN Aidarbek Baimuratov (Kazakhstan), 5-0
LOSS Ramadan Ferzaliev (Russia/Dagestan), 0-10

57 kg/125.5 lbs. – Alan Waters, Columbia, Mo. (Missouri Wrestling Foundation), bronze medal
WIN Parviz Ibrahimov (Azerbaijan), 9-7
LOSS Magomedrasul Idrisov (Russia/Dagestan), 9-0
WIN David R. (Poland), 10-0
WIN Tamirlan Karaev (Russia/Stavropol), 16-10

74 kg/163 lbs. – Alex Dieringer, Stillwater, Okla. (Cowboy WC)
WIN Rasul Shapiev (Russia/Dagestan), pin
LOSS Magomed Dibirgadzhiev (Russia), 4-4

97 kg/213 lbs. – Kyven Gadson, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
LOSS Magomedsarul Magomedov (Russia/Dagestan), 8-5

U.S. men’s freestyle results for Sunday

70 kg/154 lbs. – James Green, Lincoln, Neb. (Titan Mercury WC), dnp/11th
WIN Amazat Omurzhanov (Kazakhstan), 9-0
LOSS Azamatbi Pshnatlov (Kabardino-Balkaria/Russia), 1-1

125 kg/275.5 lbs. – Nick Gwiazdowski, Raleigh, N.C. (New York AC/Wolfpack WC), silver medal
WIN Dmitry Popov (Kazakhstan), 3-2
WIN Umar Israilov (Azerbaijan), 9-1
WIN Anzor Hizriev (St. Petersburg/Russia), 5-1
LOSS Batraz Gazzaev (Alania/Russia), 2-1

125 kg/275.5 lbs. – Bobby Telford, Iowa City, Iowa (Titan Mercury WC), 9th place
LOSS Islam Bakhmudkadiev (Russia/Dagestan), tech. fall 14-4