Russia Wins Team Title at the 2001 Greco-Roman World Cup; U.S. Finishes Third
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Heather Van Peursem (USA Wrestling)
11/05/2001
Russia wins team title at the 2001 Greco-Roman World Cup; United States finishes third Russia won the team title at the 19th Greco-Roman World Cup in Levallois, France, Nov. 3. The United States finished with a 2-2 team record and in third place behind Russia and Turkey. The United States scored victories over Egypt, 21-10, and France, 17-14, and lost duals to Turkey, 18-12, and Russia, 20-7. Dremiel Byers (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) finished with the best record for the U.S. when he went undefeated in all four duals at 286 pounds. He decisioned Hesham El Whab of Egypt 6-1, Midhat Fejzic of France, 4-1 and Alexei Tarabazin of Russia, 4-2. He also scored a pin over Fatih Bakir of Turkey in 1:45. 2000 Olympian Kevin Bracken (Colorado Springs, Colo./NYAC) finished with a 3-1 record at 138.75 pounds. He won by a forfeit over Saber Mahmoud Khashab of Egypt, then decisioned Seref Eroglu of Turkey, 6-2 and Philippe Benjoudi of France 6-1. He lost a close 4-3 decision to Nikolai Monov of Russia, 4-3. Bracken is also a member of the 2001 World Team which will compete in the World Championships in Athens, Greece Dec. 6-9. Four members of the U.S. team finished with 2-2 records. 1996 Olympic silver medalist Brandon Paulson (Golden Valley, Minn./Minnesota Storm) at 119 pounds, 2000 Olympian James Gruenwald (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) at 127.75 pounds, Keith Sieracki (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) at 167.5 pounds and Ethan Bosch (Colorado Springs, Colo./NYAC) at 187.25 pounds. Paulson, Gruenwald and Sieracki are all also members of the 2001 World Team. No individual medals were awarded by the organizers. According to the U.S. coaching staff, the U.S. qualified for the following medals. Gold - Dremiel Byers; Silver - Kevin Bracken; Bronze - James Gruenwald and Ethan Bosch. The U.S. team was coached by Andy Seras of Sandy Hook, Conn. and Shon Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colo.