On Saturday, October 28th at the San Jose Convention and Cultural Facility potential RPW athletes will wrestle for the title in seven weight classes in its first of four Regional Qualifiers . Winning the regional title will advance these athletes one step closer to a achieving a spot on an RPW team roster for Season Two. Applications are still being accepted for unfilled weights through Thursday evening.
According to Matt Case, president of RPW, the Western Regional will bring great action to San Jose.
"We really feel that people are going to enjoy seeing the RPW format up close. The group of athletes that have applied to wrestle in this event are diverse and have great skills."
Fans in attendance could be treated to a deep weight class right off the bat at 55 kgs. Erikin Tadzhimetov upset the young star in the making Henry Cejudo at the recent Sunkist Kids International Open. Tadzhimetov has applied to enter the event as has Vic Moreno who defeated Tadzhimetov in the finals for the Sunkist Title. Many fans are hoping that Henry Cejudo will show at the western qualifier since there is space available. According to Dean Morrison of Real Pro Wrestling Cejudo had given a verbal commitment early in September but has not officially applied for the event.
The 60 kgs weight class may also have its share of excitement. Chris Fleeger committed to wrestle at the weight class coming off of his Outstanding Wrestler performance at the Sunkist International where he defeated NCAA Champion Nate Gallick in the finals. Angel Cejudo, older brother to Henry, has committed to attend. The two wrestlers with wide open styles are possible favorites to meet in the finals.
Surprisingly, 66 kgs is a thinner weight class then most people expected. At the forefront are Jerrod Sanders and CC Fisher, but not to be overlooked is Juan Mora a past California State Champion.
The 163 lbs class has a deep field, with local star Matt Gentry carrying the hope of the area. Gentry, a past NCAA Champion recently wrestled in the World Championships in China under the dual citizenship of the Canadian Flag. Gentry coaches at Stanford University and will face off against competition that may include Kirk White, Stryder Davis, Scott Owen and Greco star Keith Sieracki.
Shane Webster shocked the crowd in Oklahoma City this past March as he rolled to a NCAA Title for the University of Oregon. Also in the 185 pounds class are two past Nebraska alumni battling in the field. Travis Pascoe and BJ Padden surely faced off in the Husker wrestling room, now the fans in San Jose may see the past All-Americans grapple for the title. Other possible entries include OTC athlete from Indiana Bryce Hasseman, Dave Spangler, and Kenny Johnson.
The 96 kgs class has another local favorite in Robby Smith, a former California star and double Junior National Champion. Smith now a Greco-Roman resident athlete in Colorado Springs may find himself wrestling a freestyle resident, Kyle Cerminara, for the title.
Mark Munoz is probably the most recognized name at the HWT class being a former NCAA Champion for the powerhouse Oklahoma State program. He may come across the towering Greco-Roman athlete Russ Davie who has applied to wrestle in San Jose.
Applications are still being accepted through Thursday evening. Weigh-in, which includes a 3 kgs allowance, take place Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the San Jose Hilton. Fan can attend for just $5, $20 per family, or $30 per team. Attendance includes clinics with recent World Champion Joe Warren, Olympic Silver Medalist and three time NCAA Champion from Fresno State Stephen Abas, World Bronze Medalist and NCAA runner-up Lindsey Durlacher, and All-American Kenny Johnson. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now