At the qualifier in Philadelphia Tadzhimetov powered past Brandon Flood and Adam Smith to face United States Air Force wrestler Anthony Brooker in the finals. Brooker, a nationally ranked Greco-Roman competitor was unable to develop his offense against Tadzhimetov losing to him by technical fall 15-0.
While the Air Force lost the title at 121 pounds the United States Marine Corps captured the 185 pound title. Greco-Roman sensation and 2006 World Team member Jake Clark burned through his three matches with two pins and an impressive 18-4 victory. Clark as champion now is close to being one of the eight 184 pound wrestlers on the national television program in the spring of '07. Clark being from Minnesota, is looking to position himself for a spot on the Minnesota Freeze's roster.
Other champions included Edinboro alum, Shawn Bunch who routed two time NCAA Champion Joe Dubuque 16-0 in the last match of the round robin using four throws including his signature twisting front headlock to gain the title. At 145 pounds Muzafar Abdurakhmanov, an All-American for American University, was barely tested in route his title. Ryan Churrella, an University of Michigan alum, grabbed the 163 pound class, while Antoni Walters, a West Virginia grad with a screeming throng of St. Anthony high school fans supporting him captured the 211 pound title. Finally, Mike Faust garnered the 264 pounds class fighting through a stiff field of competition that included 2x All-American, Patrick Bennett grad of SUNY/Brockport and Clarion grad John Testa.
The last qualifier occurs Saturday, November 18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma in conjunction with the Cliff Keen Kickoff event for youth wrestlers. Athletes can still register to compete at all weight classes.
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