Tyler Cunningham (63kg/138.89lbs) and Camden Russell (55kg/121.25lbs) are set to compete in the Senior Greco division of the Dave Schultz Memorial International in Colorado Springs tomorrow. You read that correctly. This is an international event, as competitors from Korea and Japan frequently attend this event. Russell competed overseas this past spring and placed second at the Croatia Open, so he has experience competing against foreigners. Cunningham wrestled 2016 Olympian Jesse Thielke in an exhibition match at the Midland Open on October 14th, and has been a mainstay on the regional and national Freestyle/Greco scene for Nebraska.
We caught up with them to get their thoughts on competing in this event.
1. What are you looking forward to at this event?
Cunningham:
“I am looking forward to getting some senior level experience. I am also looking forward to possibly having some international experience as well.”
Russell:
“Competing and representing my club. Getting out there and competing on the senior level.”
2. What are your expectations for your performance at this event?
Cunningham:
“My expectations for myself are set pretty high. I am looking to place at the tournament and perform at my best. I would like to be in the top 4.”
Russell:
“I would love a medal, but I’m just going out there and having fun. Throwing down with some people in greco is always fun, especially with some competitors that know what they’re doing.”
3. What will your mindset be going into each match?
Cunningham:
“My mindset going into each match will be calm and collected. I have been exposed to big tournaments like this. I just need to prepare like it is any other tournament that I have been to.”
Russell:
“My mindset going into each match will be that my positioning needs to be key and I need to stay in perfect position. Like I said, I’m just going out there and having some fun with it. You can’t have as much fun in other styles than you do in Greco.”
Tyler Cunningham All-American Finishes:
2015 Fargo Junior Freestyle
2015 Fargo Junior Greco
2016 UWW Cadet Greco
2016 Fargo Junior Greco
2017 UWW Junior Greco
Camden Russell All-American Finishes:
2015 UWW Greco
2015 Preseason Nationals
2016 Preseason Nationals
2017 Fargo Junior Greco
2017 Croatia Open (International Event)
Matches will be streamed live via FloPro on FloWrestling.org