2004 Olympic silver medalist Stephen Abas is scheduled to make his return to competition during the 2008 World Cup for freestyle wrestling.

The two-day event is set for Feb. 16-17 in Vladikavkaz, Russia.

Abas (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) has not competed in nearly two years. He's been sidelined by injuries the past couple of seasons.

Abas, 30, is a three-time World Cup champion (2002-03, 2005) at 55 kg/121 lbs. He also made three straight U.S. World Teams from 2001-03. He placed fifth in the World in 2003.

"Stephen competed in the 2006 U.S. Nationals, and he's torn his ACL twice since then," said Kevin Jackson, USA Wrestling's National Freestyle Coach. "If he stays healthy, he can beat anyone in the World. I have complete confidence in his skills and ability to beat anyone."

The powerful team from Russia, which won six of seven weight classes at the 2007 World Championships, is heavily favored to win the World Cup. Teams from Cuba, Ukraine, Turkey and Uzbekistan also are scheduled to compete.

Russia won the World Cup in 2007. The U.S., fifth in the 2007 World Cup, is seeking its first title in this event since 2003.

"We are going to the World Cup to find out if we have the men in this country that can compete and win against the World's best," Jackson said.

The World Cup is a dual-meet format that brings together the top six teams from the World Championships. The teams will be split into two three-team pools on the first day of the event on Feb. 16. The winner of each pool will meet in the finals on Feb. 17, with the runner-up in each pool meeting in the third-place dual. The two teams that place third in their pool will meet in the dual for fifth place.

Abas will be joined on the American team by past World Team member Andy Hrovat at 84 kg/185 lbs. along with past U.S. National Team members Nick Simmons at 55 kg/121 lbs., Nate Gallick at 60 kg/132 lbs., Jared Frayer at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Tyrone Lewis at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Steve Mocco at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Two-time Hodge Trophy winner Ben Askren, ranked No. 1 in the U.S. at 74 kg/163 lbs., also will compete along with past NCAA champion Zack Esposito at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and past NCAA runner-up Kurt Backes at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

2008 U.S. WORLD CUP FREESTYLE ROSTER

55 kg/121 lbs. - Stephen Abas (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids)
55 kg/121 lbs. - Nick Simmons (Corvallis, Ore./Sunkist Kids)
60 kg/132 lbs. - Nate Gallick (Chattanooga, Tenn./Sunkist Kids)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Zack Esposito (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Jared Frayer (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. - Ben Askren (Columbia, Mo./Sunkist Kids)
74 kg/163 lbs. - Tyrone Lewis (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC)
84 kg/185 lbs. - Andy Hrovat (Ann Arbor, Mich./New York AC)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. - Kurt Backes (Ames, Iowa/Sunkist Kids)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Steve Mocco (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC)

Coaches - Kevin Jackson (Colorado Springs, Colo.); Lee Kemp (Alpharetta, Ga.)