Hrovat Claims Silver Medal at Pan American Games
8/2/2007 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- University of Michigan director of wrestling operations Andy Hrovat claimed the 84 kg/185-pound silver medal in the freestyle wrestling division at the 2007 Pan American Games last Friday (July 27) at the Riocentro Sports Complex.
Hrovat was on the verge of winning his championship bout against Canada's Roozbah Banihashemi, leading late in the third and deciding period after the two wrestlers narrowly split the opening two frames. Banihashemi, however, shot in on a leg attack in the match's closing seconds to secure the winning takedown and claim the 1-0, 0-1, 3-3 decision on criteria.
Hrovat, a three-time NCAA All-American and four-year letterwinner at Michigan (1999-2002), cruised through one of the event's toughest draws to reach the championship match, pinning previous Pan American silver medalist Jesus Gonzalez of Venezuela in the first round before knocking off Cuba's Roerlandy Zuniga 8-6, 5-0 in the semfinals. It was Hrovat's first appearance at the prestigious quadrennial event. He has previously competed in two Pan American Championships, claiming silver at the 2001 event and bronze in 2004.
Warren was one of seven American wrestlers upon the medal stand after the completion of the freestyle competition as the USA squad took second place in the team race behind Cuba. Teammate Henry Cejudo won gold at 55 kg/121 lbs., while Mike Zadick (60 kg/132 lbs.), Joe Heskett (74 kg/163 lbs.) and Tommy Rowlands (120 kg/264.5 lbs.) also claimed silver at their respective weight classes.
For complete Pan American Games coverage, please visit theMat.com.
Hrovat's Pan Am Games Journal
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
