Mocco, Marano will not compete at 2005 World University Games

John Fuller USA Wrestling
08/11/2005

Izmir, Turkey - Two-time NCAA champion Steve Mocco (N. Bergen, N.J./Oklahoma State/New York AC) has elected not to compete in the 2005 World University Games. He suffered an injury to his rotator cuff during routine workouts last week and will sit out for precautionary reasons. Mocco, who in late August will enter his senior year at Oklahoma State Univ., did not travel by plane with the rest of the U.S. men’s freestyle team to Izmir, Turkey. He was set to compete at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Also, two-time World champion Kristie Marano (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) did not clear medically for this event. She was initially listed on the U.S. roster, but due to a hamstring injury she suffered at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials, she will be unable to compete. “USA Wrestling supports the decision by Steve Mocco and the medical staff for the U.S. Olympic Committee” USA Wrestling Director of National Teams Mitch Hull stated. “We wish them well as they prepare for their next competitions and we are looking forward to a strong performance by our U.S. wrestlers at the World University Games.” Mocco won NCAA titles in 2003 while at the Univ. of Iowa and in 2005 at Oklahoma State. In 2004, he took an Olympic Redshirt from Iowa and placed third at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and second at the U.S. Freestyle National Championships. This year he placed second at the U.S. Freestyle National Championships and the U.S. World Team Trials. He won the University World Team Trials to earn the spot on the U.S. team.