Metcalf captures U.S. Open title

LAS VEGAS – Brent Metcalf was dominant and nearly perfect.

The current World Team member confirmed he is the best 143-pound freestyle wrestler in the country, rolling to an ASICS U.S. Senior Open title last night. Metcalf shut out second-seeded Kellen Russell, 9-0, in the championship, improving on his third-place finish at the tournament last year.

Metcalf rolled through the field without surrendering a single point. He posted three 10-0 technical falls before handling Russell for the title.

University of Northern Iowa's Moza Fay and Iowa State's Jake Varner earned a top two finish and will compete in the World Team Trials in Madison, Wis., May 31 and June 1. Fay earned a runner-up, dropping a 5-1 decision to top-seed Nick Marable in the 154-pound final. He won four matches Friday to make the championship.

Varner, a 2012 Olympic champion, returned to his championship ways. The No. 2-seed faced Wynn Michalak, of the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, in the 213-pound championship. Varner notched a 4-0 victory, scoring all of his points in the opening period.

Former UNI wrestler Jordan Holm captured the 187-pound title, blanking fellow Minnesota Storm member Zachary Nielsen, 8-0, in the championship.

The Hawkeye Wrestling Club had four wrestlers in the field. Former Iowa two-time NCAA champion Matt McDonough placed fourth at 134. Former Hawkeye All-American Phil Keddy was sixth at 189 and Micah Burak was fifth at 213.

Iowa State's John Reader was fourth at 189, while Cyclone NCAA champion David Zabriskie was sixth at 213.

UNI All-American Joe Colon was fifth at 134.

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