GUADALAJARA, Mexico – The final U.S. men’s freestyle wrestlers have weighed in and received their draws for the last day of Pan American Games wrestling competition on Monday.

Both U.S. competitors on Monday were medalists at the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, World champion Jordan Burroughs (Lincoln, Neb./Sunkist Kids) at 74 kg/163 lbs. and World bronze medalist Jake Varner (State College, Pa./Nittany Lion WC) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Burroughs opens against Jose Mercado of Ecuador, who was fifth in the 2011 Pan American Championships. If he wins, he could meet Ricardo Roberty of Venezuela, who Burrroughs defeated at the 2011 World Championships in Turkey.

Varner opens against Israel Silva of Mexico. Silva competed at UT-Chattanooga and North Idaho College, and trains at the Northwest Regional Training Center in Corvallis, Ore. If Varner wins, he could meet 2007 Pan American Games champion Michel Batista of Cuba in the semifinals. 

Both U.S. competitors are competing in their first Pan American Games.

There will also be competition on Monday at 60 kg/132 lbs. The United States does not have an entry because it did not qualify to compete by placing in the top eight at the 2011 Pan American Championships in Colombia.

PAN AMERICAN GAMES
At Guadalajara, Mexico

U.S. men’s freestyle draws for Monday

74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
Vs. Jose Mercado (Ecuador)

96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Jake Varner, State College, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
Vs. Israel Silva (Mexico)

Bio shorts for U.S. first round pairings

74 kg/163 lbs. 

United States – Jordan Burroughs – 2011 World Champion… 2011 U.S. Open champion… Tenth in 2008 Junior World Championships… Two-time NCAA champion for Nebraska… Age: 23

Ecuador - Jose Gabriel Mercado – Fifth in 2011 Pan Am Champs… Third in 2007 and 2008 Junior Pan Am Champs… Third in 2004 Cadet Pan Am Champs… Age: 22

96 kg/211.5 lbs.

United States – Jake Varner – 2011 World bronze medalist… Second in 2010 New York AC International… 2009 U.S. World Team member… Two-time NCAA champion for Iowa State… Age: 25

México - Israel Enrique Silva – Third in 2011 Pan Am Champs… Third in 2011 Dave Schultz Memorial… Third in 2010 Central American & Carribean Games… Competed for North Idaho College and UT-Chattanooga… Age: 28