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Former Cerritos College wrestler
Marco
Lara, recently placed third in the
University Greco-Roman competition of the University
National Championships in Evanston, IL from April
27-30. Competing in the 132.25-pound division for
the United States Olympic Education Center and the
New York Athletic Club, Lara won his first three
matches, then suffered a loss to eventual champion
Nathan Piasecki in the semi-finals. After rebounding
with a pin over Jared Moreland in the consolation
semi-finals, he recorded a decision over Brett
Robbins in the third place match.
The University Nationals carry
added significance this year, as they will serve as
the qualifying event for the World University
Championships. Individual champions at the
University Nationals qualify to represent the United
States at the World University Championships in Ulan
Bator, Mongolia, on June 15-20, while finalists from
the University Nationals qualify for the World Team
Trials on May 27-28 in Sioux City, Iowa. With his
third place, Lara now has the opportunity to compete
for a spot on the World Team.
Prior to the University
Nationals, Lara competed in the FILA Senior National
Greco-Roman Championships in Las Vegas, NV on April
12-15 and placed fourth in the competition at the
132-pound weight. But, after champion Joe Warren was
disqualified for testing positive of a controlled
substance, he was stripped of his title, and Lara
now moves up to the third-ranked position.
While with the Falcons, Lara won
the state championship at 149 pounds in 2002 and
helped the team to the state championship.
MARCO
LARA RESULTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Championship Round 1 - Won by
decision over Ben Grijalva (Marines) 6-2, 7-0
Championship Round 2 - Won by decision over Chad
Vandiver 5-0, 3-2
Quarterfinal - Won by technical
fall over Ryan Enoch (Orange Crush) 6-0, 6-0
Semi-Final - Lost by decision to Nathan Piasecki
(Sunkist Kids) 3-1, 2-1
Consolation Semi-Final - Won by pin over Jared
Moreland (Air Force) 2-0, 1:08
3rd Place - Won
by decision over Brett Robbins (Panther Wrestling
Club) 3-2, 2-1 |
