With the split trials, I began to rack my brain for guys I felt would be a good fit in Greco. My criteria were typically 2 things-1)What are this guys chances of making a World Team in Freestyle? 2) How well do they incorporate position/hand fighting and upper body attacks? A few guys came to mind.  Obviously, it isn't my job to tell guys what their dream should be.  If they want to go strictly Freestyle, I get it.  These are just guys I think could transition well and succeed. 

Quentin Wright-The PSU legend was a toss monster from day one. Brilliant use of under hooks, he’ll throw lateral drops, headlocks, body locks and everything in between. 86KG is crazy deep in Freestyle and a year out of college and he doesn’t seem any closer to making a World Team. At 85KG Q could challenge Holm, or at least push him more than most. His big move arsenal and guts to go for it would be a great fit on the Greco scene.

Reece Humphrey-With Reece deciding to move up to 65, I don’t see him making a World Team. At 61, perhaps that is still an option, but with the emergence of Kennedy and others it will be tough to do, and Reece has given no indication 61 is in his plans. Reece has always been amazing upper body, and perhaps most underrated in par terre, which is essential in Greco. Reece is a great athlete that could absolutely challenge at 66 or 59.

Andrew Howe-The guy is amazing, but is behind two (really three with Dake) amazing wrestlers at 74KG. He’s probably the best hand fighter in the country, I think his pace, pressure and positioning could challenge some of the best.

Kyle Dake-Say what!? Why not? Let’s say (hypothetically) Kyle finished 2nd this year at World Team Trials to Burroughs. What’s the harm in trying your hand in Greco? A World Medal is a World Medal, right? I don’t see KD cutting to 70 for Freestyle after not making a World Team. If he wanted to, then obviously that would be a good option, but I don’t see him as a guy terribly interested in cutting all that weight. Could be wrong. Remember, he’s got a Greco background (though that’s often been a bit overstated), and while it’s still been some time since he last competed, I think he could jump in no problem. 


Willie had an Overflo about why 70KG and 61KG shouldn’t be treated as though they are second rate. I believe there is a similar stigma surrounding Greco-Roman (in our country). I think it is time to get all the way on board. Just look back to the US Open and check out the amazing highlight reel action we had. I wish we saw more Freestyle guys cross over to Greco. There’s only one spot, per weight. Double your chances, take a risk and go Greco. Expanding the talent pool is going to be an essential part of getting our Greco program back on track.