Brent Metcalf of the USA in action at the 2010 World Championships in Russia. Larry Slater photo

HAVANA, Cuba – The U.S. weighed in and received draws in the first three weight classes in men’s freestyle wrestling for Saturday’s competition at the Cerro Pelado International.

Two members of the 2010 U.S. World Team, Obe Blanc (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Brent Metcalf (Iowa City, Iowa/New York AC) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. will compete Saturday.

Blanc will face Fernando Pardis of Venezuela in his opening bout. Metcalf will wrestle Ghandi Marques of Mexico in his first match.

Tommy Rowlands (Columbus, Ohio/Sunkist Kids), who was fifth in the 2007 World Championships at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., will open against 2008 Junior World silver medalist Elier Romero of Cuba.

Six U.S. wrestlers will compete on Saturday, and their draw is listed below.

On Friday, the women’s freestyle competition was held at the Cerro Pelado International. The United States did not enter a team. The medalists from the women’s division is listed below. Canada had the most women’s champions with three, Carol Huyhn at 48 kg, Tonya Verbeek at 55 kg and Amanda Gerhardt at 59 kg.

CERRO PELADO INTERNATIONAL
at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 19

U.S. first round freestyle draws

55 kg/121 lbs. - Obe Blanc, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
Vs. Fernando Pardis (Venezuela)
If he wins, will face winner of Roberto Carvajal (Colombia) vs. Andre Quispe (Chile)

55 kg/121 lbs. - Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids)
Vs. Marcel Ewald (Germany)
If he wins, will face winner of Tim Schleicher (Germany) vs. Aleynier Hernandez (Cuba)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Brent Metcalf, Iowa City, Iowa (New York AC)
Vs. Ghandi Marques (Mexico)
If he wins, will face winner of Fernando Iglesias (Argentina) vs. Yoan Blanco (Ecuador)

84 kg/185 lbs. - Keith Gavin, Bethlehem, Pa. (Lehigh Valley WC)
Vs. Humberto Arendia (Cuba)
If he wins, will face winner of Luis Miranda (Cuba) and Jose Diaz (Venezuela)

84 kg/185 lbs. - Bryce Hasseman, Stillwater, Okla. (New York AC)
Vs. Daniel Esquivel (Mexico)
If he wins, will face winner of Oscar Naman (Honduras) vs. Marco Riesen (Switzerland)

120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Tommy Rowlands, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids)
Vs. Elier Romero (Cuba)
If he wins, will face Luis Oliveras (Venezuela)

Women’s medalists on Friday

48 kg/105.5. lbs.
Gold – Huyhn (Canada)
Silver – Bermudez (Argentina)
Bronze – Castillo (Colombia)
Bronze – King (Canada)

51 kg/112.25 lbs.
Gold – Martinez (Mexico)
Silver – MacDonald (Canada)
Bronze – Rivas (Colombia)

55 kg/121 lbs.
Gold – Verbeek (Canada)
Silver – Andreas (Venezuela)
Bronze – Del falle (Cuba)
Bronze – Gallays (Canada)

59 kg/130 lbs.
Gold – Gerhart (Canada)
Silver – Andes (Ecuador)
Bronze – Fazzari (Canada)

63 kg/138.75 lbs.
Gold – Videaux (Cuba)
Silver – Lappage (Canada)
Bronze – Roa (Colombia)
Bronze – Zarba (Venezuela)

67 kg/147.5 lbs.
Gold – Diert (Cuba)
Silver – Coronado (Mexico)

72 kg/158.5 lbs.
Gold – Oliviera (Brazil)
Silver – Hechavarria (Cuba)
Bronze – De Armas (Cuba)