KAZAN, Russia – The first four U.S. men’s freestyle wrestlers have weighed in and received their draws at the 27th World University Summer Games. The six-day wrestling competition begins on Thursday.

The U.S. has four wrestlers competing on day one, all current stars in college wrestling. All four earned their spots on the team with victories at the University Nationals in Akron, Ohio in early May

Two-time NCAA champion Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa./Nittany Lion WC), who competes for Penn State, opens up his competition at 84 kg/185 lbs. against Mohammad Mohammadian of Iran. Ruth was fourth in the U.S. Senior Open this year. He was also Outstanding Wrestler at the 2013 University Nationals. There are 27 athletes at this weight class.

Two-time NCAA runner-up Nico Megaludis (Murraysville, Pa./Nittany Lion WC), who is also from Penn State, will compete Thursday at 55 kg/121 lbs. Megaludis opens with Yasar Aliyev of Azerbaijan, who was third in the 2013 European Senior Championships, and third in the 2009 Junior World Championships. There are 19 wrestlers at this weight class. 

NCAA Div. II national champion Tyrell Fortune (Portland, Ore./Grand Canyon WC) opens with Jonus Rudavicus of Lithuania at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Fortune was second at the 2013 U.S. World Team Trials and third at the U.S. Senior Open. Rudavicus was fifth in the 2012 European Junior Championships. There are 18 wrestlers at this weight class.

Nebraska All-American James Green (Willingboro, N.J./NWTC) drew Petteri Martikainen of Finland in his opening bout at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. Martikainen was fifth at the 2012 University World Championships. There are 27 wrestlers at this weight class.

“This is going to be a great event. We are excited to test this young team,” said USA Wrestling Assistant National Coach Bill Zadick.

WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES
At Kazan, Russia

U.S. men’s freestyle draws

55 kg/121 lbs. – Nico Megaludis, Murraysville, Pa., (Nittany Lion WC)
Vs. Yashar Aliyev (Azerbaijan)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – James Green, Willingboro, N.J., (NWTC)
Vs. Petteri Martikainen (Finland)

84 kg/185 lbs. – Ed Ruth, Harrisburg, Pa., (Nittany Lion WC)
Vs. Mohammad Mohammadian (Iran)

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tyrell Fortune, Portland, Ore., (Grand Canyon WC)
Vs. Jonus Rudavicus (Lithuania)