Gomez, Gremmel Win Titles At US Open

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Iowa State saw some of its top underclass and incoming talent compete at the 2018 Marine Corps U.S. Open this weekend in Las Vegas. In total, four Cyclones reached the UWW Junior podium, including title performances from Austin Gomez (61 kg) and Gannon Gremmel (125 kg).

At 61 kg, Gomez was dominant. He rolled through his bracket, winning his first four matches by a 10-0 margin to reach the semifinals. Gomez's toughest match came in the semifinals where he edged his opponent 14-12. In the final bout, Gomez made light work, dispatching the competitor 14-4 in the first period.

Gremmel had an equally dominant performance as Gomez. He outscored his opponents 33-3 en route to a 3-0 mark and the semifinals. He was pitted against Wisconsin's Trent Hillger in the semifinals. Hillger and Gremmel wrestled during the collegiate season, splitting a pair of contests. In Vegas it was Gremmel over Hillger, 15-6.

Gremmel's most exciting match came in the finals where he faced NDSU's Brandon Metz. Metz went up early, taking a commanding 8-0 lead. Gremmel then went on to score 16 unanswered points to come back and defeat the Bison, 16-8.

A pair of future Cyclones also finished in the top-8 in their respective brackets. David Carr finished fourth at 70 kg and Hunter DeJong took fifth at 97 kg.

All four place-winners have qualified for the Junior World Team Trials in Rochester, Minn., which are set to take place May 18-20. Both Gomez and Gremmel have locked in spots in the finals, and will await the champion of the challenge tournament for a best-of-three series for a spot on the Junior World Team. Carr and DeJong will wrestle through the challenge tournament for their shot at the World Team.

Players Mentioned

Austin Gomez

Gannon Gremmel

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics