Fay excited to wrestle at World Cup

Moza Fay considers it a great test at a good time.

The U.S. World team hopeful is excited for another opportunity to take on the world's best wrestlers.

For the second straight year, Fay is part of the U.S. men's freestyle roster for the United World Wrestling World Cup Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles. He was on last year's squad that placed third behind champion Iran and runner-up Russia in the dual-team event.

'It's definitely a privilege and an honor to represent the USA and the Army,” said Fay, a two-time state champion for Anamosa and a two-time All-American for University of Northern Iowa. 'It's an event like no other.”

Fay was ranked fifth in the nation at 154 pounds, but is listed behind Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs at 163. He is unsure of how many matches he will receive, but was 1-0 at the 2014 event, posting a technical fall over an opponent from India.

'When I did get the opportunity, I stepped in and was ready to go,” Fay said. 'As an athlete, if you're not going in with the mind-set you're going to win, then you have issues. I have a real good feeling about the weekend. I can't wait to see what happens.”

The performance from a year ago served as a learning experience and a confidence builder. The goal is to use this weekend as a springboard into upcoming events like the U.S. Open, World Team trials and more.

'This is kind of a steppingstone,” Fay said. 'I hope it will lead to the World Championships.”

Fay said he understands the importance of this for wrestling, especially since some sports have multiple 'World Cups” during a year. The field is stocked with world champions and medalists competing for their home countries.

'You can gauge that by the individuals that show up,” Fay said. 'They send their very best.

'The depth of the lineups shows how great of an event this is.”

Fay is coming off a gold medal at the Armed Forces Wrestling Championship, helping Army claim its 14th straight title at the event in March. Fay went 3-0, including a pin and technical fall. The title qualified him for the World Military Games in Seoul, South Korea, in October.

He said that event creates a unique environment with the involvement of military personnel and veterans.

'There's a lot of pride that is on the line for those games,” Fay said. 'It's a different look at it.”

Fay will be joined on the team with a trio of Hawkeye Wrestling Club members and a former Iowa State champion. Tony Ramos (125 ½), Matt McDonough (134) and 143-pounder Brent Metcalf will compete. Ramos and Metcalf were on the U.S. World Team.

Jake Varner will compete at 213.

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