ZRENJANIN, Serbia – The first five U.S. Cadet Greco-Roman wrestlers have weighed in and received their draws for the opening day of the Cadet World Championships, which begin on Tuesday. The event features the best 15-17 year old wrestlers in the world.

Competing at 50 kg/110 lbs. will be Kyle Norstrem of Florida, who draws Giorgios Georgiadis of Greece in the opener.

“Kyle had a great camp. He was always upbeat. He has a goal in mind. He wants to be a World champion. This is his second time coming to this tournament. He’s one of the more experienced wrestlers, and he is ready,” said U.S. Cadet World Coach Rob Hermann.

Taylor Lamont of Utah will compete at 54 kg/119 lbs., and will face Pavel Chaikouski of Belarus in his first match.

“Taylor did a great job in camp. He wrestled with Kyle Norstrem a lot. Taylor has a great shoulder throw. He’s groomed. He’s done Greco. He is a strong kid, so I am expecting him to excel in this tournament and hopefully get in the medal rounds,” said Hermann.

Going at 58 kg/127.75 lbs. is Devin Bahr of Wisconsin, who drew H. Assaokolmati of Iran in the first match.

“Devin did a good job in camp. Devin is young and a little inexperienced. I think the experience of this tournament will do him some good. He will take them one match at a time, and we will see where he goes with that,” said Hermann.

Team USA will have Anthony Giraldo of New Jersey at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., who opens against Martinez Lopez of Mexico.

“Anthony will be an upcoming senior. He is a bit more mature. He’s been there. He moves well from his feet. He moves the guy when he is pummeling,” said Hermann.

Roy Nash of Utah, a 2013 Junior National champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman in Fargo, will compete at 100 kg/220 lbs. His first opponent is R. Ravi of India.

“He has size. He wrestled with (USOEC athlete) Zac Nielsen in our training camp at Northern Michigan. Hopefully, having Zac pushing him a little bit will carry over to the tournament,” said Hermann.

The U.S. coaches feel the training camp went well, and the athletes are prepared. They would like to see the wrestlers get themselves into a position where they can challenge for medals.

“Every one of our Cadet World Team members came to camp in shape. They were ready to go, which made our jobs that much easier. These guys have a lot of tournaments under their belts. They wrestle in a lot of tournaments in the USA. That experience along should help them execute in this tournament,” said Hermann.

CADET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Zrenjanin, Serbia

U.S. Greco-Roman draws for Tuesday

50 kg/110 lbs. – Kyle Norstrem, Valrico, Fla., Brandon High School
Vs. Georgios Georgiadis (Greece), Sixth in 2013 European Cadet Championships

54 kg/119 lbs. – Taylor LaMont, Mapleton, Utah, Maple Mountain High School
Vs. Pavel Chaikouski (Belarus)

58 kg/127.75 lbs. – Devin Bahr, LaCrosse, Wis.
Vs. H. Assaokolmati (Iran)

63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Anthony Giraldo, Guttenberg, N.J., North Bergen High School
Vs. Martinez Lopez (Mexico)

100 kg/220 lbs. – Roy Nash, West Valley City, Utah, Taylorsville High School
Vs. R. Ravi (India), member of 2012 India Cadet World Team