While celebrating the legacy of one legendary wrestler, a number of guys rose to the occasion to make some history of their own at the 17th Dave Schultz Memorial International Championships.

Over the weekend the Olympic Training Center had some of the world’s best mat men and women squaring off in what has become a great measuring stick for the tough freestyle season to come.

With one of the most rigorous roads to the championship, former NCAA runner-up Tyler Graff of NYAC stood higher than the rest as he recorded victories over Bulgaria’s Mehmed Feraim, Angel Escobedo of NYAC and Sunkist Kids’ Nick Simmons en route to taking on Omak Syuryun of Russia in the final at 57 kg.

With scores of 3-1, 4-1 and a fall in 3:42 in the semis leading into the gold medal match, it was clear that Graff was riding high. And there was no change against the Russian in the championship. Graff turned up the heat in the final minute collecting a pair of takedowns and giving up just one to win, 5-3.

It is that impressive effort that makes Graff the FloWrestler of the Week.


57kg lbs finals Omak Syuryun Russia vs. Tyler Graff NYAC



Other FloWrestler of the Week Nominees:

Willie’s pick: Tony Ramos, Titan Mercury WC/Hawkeye WC



Had a dominant showing in France at the Grand Prix of Paris where he recorded a first place finish with wins over Youssoup Deliev of France by fall in 50 seconds, John Pineda of Canada, 4-1 and Adama Diata from Senegal, 5-0.


CP’s pick: Matt McDonough, Titan Mercury WC/Hawkeye WC



Was a complete badass at the Grand Prix of Paris. After losing at 57 kg, he bumped up to 61 kg where he took home the bronze medal.


Holmes’ pick: Jordan Oliver, Sunkist Kids



Claimed a Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational title by downing two-time World Team member Reece Humphrey 5-1 at 65 kg for the second time. Oliver also defeated familiar foes Zain Retherford of NLWC and Jason Chamberlain of TMWC to reach the final.


Bratke’s pick: Jimmy Gulibon, Penn State



Dominated 8th-ranked Rossi Bruno 9-3 as the Nittany Lions defeated Michigan, 19-15.


Vinny’s pick: Ben Provisor, NYAC



Collected the 80 kg Schultz title with a combined score of 15-4, which included a victory over Minnesota Storm’s Josef Rau in the final, 2-1.