There will be a change for the United States in the 55 kg/121 lbs. weight class in men’s freestyle wrestling for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalahara, Mexico.

The new U.S. entry will be Obe Blanc (Stillwater, Okla/Gator WC). He will replace Nick Simmons (Corvallis, Ore./Sunkist Kids) in the U.S. lineup.

Simmons will not compete due to medical reasons. The decision was reached during the team’s training camp in Colorado Springs, Colo. Simmon is the No. 1 ranked wrestler in the United States in his weight class and recently placed fifth at the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

"We hate not having Nick in the lineup. He's one of the best in the world and was a threat to win gold,” said National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. “He was great about it. His mind wanted to wrestle but his body wouldn't let him. If you know Nick, he'll go out there and wrestle with broken arms and legs for his country but we couldn't let him do that. We need him healthy and ready to go next year. That's why we decided to make the change.”

Blanc is currently ranked No. 3 in the United States at this weight class. He was a member of the 2010 U.S. World Team, placing ninth in the World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

Blanc is a native of Naples, Fla. He started his college career at Lock Haven, where he was sixth in the 2007 NCAA Championships. Blanc transferred to Oklahoma State, where he completed his college career with the Cowboys. He continues to train in Stillwater, Okla. with the Gator Wrestling Club there.

“Obe is ready and so we're going to put him in. He's excited about the chance to represent his country. Here's his chance to seize the moment,” said Jones. “Our plan is always to ensure we have a line up that can compete and stand on top of the podium.”

Blanc will compete in Guadalajara at the CODE II Gymnasium on Sunday, October 23.

The U.S. men’s freestyle team is completing its training today, and arrives in Guadalajara on Thursday, October 20.

OBE BLANC FILE
2011-12 Team USA Ranking: No. 3 at 55 kg/121 lbs.
Years on Team USA: 3 (2009-12)
Residence: Stillwater, Okla.
Club: Gator WC
College: Lock Haven, Oklahoma State
High School: Naples, Fla. (Lely)
Born: May 17, 1985
Height: 5-4

2011: Third in 2011 World Team Trials… Fourth in U.S. Open… Third in Cerro Pelado International…

2010: Fourth in New York AC International… Ninth in World Championships… World Team Trials champion… Second in Pan American Championships… U.S. Open champion…

2009: Second in Sunkist Kids International Open… Third in U.S. World Team Trials… Second in Pan American Championships… Second in U.S. Nationals…

2007: University Nationals runner-up…

College: Placed sixth at 2007 NCAA Championships at 125 pounds for Lock Haven… Completed his career at Oklahoma State, competing for John Smith...

High School: Florida state champion … National High School Senior Open Champion … Ranked sixth at 112 pounds by the Amateur Wrestling News as a senior … Honor roll student … U.S. Army Reserve National Student-Athlete award winner…

Personal: Son of Wilbert Blanc and Erisee Estimo … Majoring in exploratory studies… First name is Obenson…