2017 U.S. Open Wrestling Championships

Memorable Moments From Vegas

Memorable Moments From Vegas

Five unforgettable moments from the 2017 U.S. Open

Apr 30, 2017 by Wrestling Nomad
Memorable Moments From Vegas
World teams were set, finals byes were won, and controversy was around every corner. The 2017 U.S. Open was an unforgettable event for many of us, and these are some things that stood out the most.

JO Gets It Done

After years of finishing second at Opens and World Team Trials, Jordan Oliver came in with a chip on his shoulder and people (like myself) picking against him. But Oliver rose to the top of the heap, blowing out his first three opponents and winning two nailbiters over Zain Retherford and Frank Molinaro to nab his first Open title and earn himself a bye to the trials finals in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.

5/8 Women Make First World Team

With so many of our top female athletes moving up in weight, it seemed inevitable that there would be a few fresh faces heading to Paris. Turns out over half the team will be first timers, including remarkable feats like Haley Augello and Tamyra Mensah making Olympic teams before making world teams. With the trend in international wrestling trending younger and younger for medalists, some fresh faced and hungry kids may be exactly what this team needs come August.

Mason Manville Was On Fire

Once one of the most promising young wrestlers in America, the former cadet world champ seems to have fallen off the radar of some mainstream fans. Manville peaked at the right time and, based on seed and bracket placement, was likely the most shocking champ of the weekend. He rolled through the challenge tournament, outscoring opponents 24-4, knocking off two seed Jesse Porter as well as former trials finalist Dillon Cowan in the process. In the finals, he took it to another promising youngster in Kamal Bey.

Gwiz Climbed To The Summit Of Mount Rey

After four straight years of taking losses to Zach Rey, Nick Gwiazdowski notched his first win over the 2015 world teamer with a 3-2 finals win. The two behemoths collided with a WTT finals bye on the line and the Gwizard of Oz rose to the occasion.

Dake/Burroughs

Whether you're a Dake fan angry at the shot clock calls, whether you're a Burroughs fan happy to see the four-time world and Olympic champ back on top, or if you're just someone who loves wrestling, you won't soon forget this match. Kyle Dake showed he could slow Burroughs down and stop his shots. Jordan Burroughs showed he still knows how to raise his game when someone is aiming for him. There was of course controversy with the last second stepout and Burroughs not going on the clock, but the 2-2 result will live on in both fame and infamy.