Colorado Springs, Colo. – USA Wrestling President’s Award winners, Dave Black and Anthony Flatt, recently attended the 2013 World Championships as part of the US delegation.  The World Championships, which were held in Budapest, Hungary, from September 16th-22nd, were the first international wrestling event conducted after wrestling was reinstated as an Olympic sport for 2020 and 2024.  

The President’s Award, which was created by USA Wrestling President Jim Ravannack in 2006 to recognize exemplary state chairpersons.  This was the first time that either Black, a native of River Falls, Wisconsin, or Flatt, a resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia, have attended the World Championships.

“It’s important that our state chairpersons see the culmination of their efforts by attending the World Championships,” said Jim Ravannack.  “I knew that I wanted to develop a program where our leaders were able to make the connection from the grassroots level all the way to the elite level, and the President’s Award does just that.”  

Along with other fans in attendance, the two award winners were able to cheer on Jordan Burroughs to his second World Championships at 74 kg in Men’s Freestyle.  Burroughs was also the 2012 Olympic Champion at the same weight class.  

Three Americans also medaled in the Women’s Freestyle division, as Alyssa Lampe, Elena Pirozhkova, and Adeline Gray all earned Bronze Medals.  The three, all of whom helped the US Women’s Freestyle team to a 3rd place finish, wrestled at 48 kg, 63 kg, and 72 kg, respectively.  

Anthony Flatt, whose wife Cheryl accompanied him on the trip, was also able to attend a social gathering at the US Marine House during the competition.  The Marine House in Budapest, which was built in 1248 is a historic property.  The Marine House is actually located inside the Buda Castle, on Castle Hill, and the outer walls of the castle form the perimeter of the property.  The Buda Castle overlooks the Danube River, which provides one of the most spectacular views in all of Budapest.

One of the highlights for Black and Flatt outside of the competition was a Segway tour of Budapest.  They were also able to attend an evening boat cruise on the Danube, which provided incredible views of the building lining the river that are lit at night.  

Another highlight for Dave Black included being able to watch his oldest son, Kevin, coach the Women’s Freestyle Team.  Black was also able to cheer on two Wisconsin natives in the competition, as along with bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe at 48 kg, rising-star Jesse Thielke went 2-1 at 60 kg in Greco-Roman.

Previous President’s Award Winners: 2006 – Jim Considine (Illinois), 2007 – Mike Juby (Kansas), 2008 – Duane Morgan (California), 2009 – Archie Randall (Oklahoma), 2010 – Mark Reiland (Iowa) and Ned Zollinger (Idaho), 2011 – Loren Vigil (New Mexico), 2012 – Louis Rosbottom (Indiana)