Team USA Wins First Greco-Roman Wrestling Title in 40 Years

For the first time in four decades, Team USA has taken home the team title in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Pan American Games. Captain Jon Anderson and Sergeant Whitney Conder struck gold, while Sergeant Spenser Mango won bronze, all three Soldiers being members of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. The team's performance has left head coach Shon Lewis feeling encouraged and motivated to tackle future challenges, including the World Championships and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Key Takeaways:

• Team USA won its first Greco-Roman wrestling title in 40 years at the Pan American Games, with Captain Jon Anderson and Sergeant Whitney Conder taking gold and Sergeant Spenser Mango winning bronze.
• Captain Jon Anderson defeated Venezuela's Querys Perez by a 9-0 technical fall in the men's 85-kilogram/187-pound Greco-Roman finals, adding to his impressive performance in the 2015 U.S. World Team Trials, where he finished second.
• Sergeant Whitney Conder won her gold medal in the women's freestyle 53-kilogram/116-pound division with a 3-2 victory over Alma Valencia of Mexico, highlighting her technical skills and ability to perform under pressure.
• Sergeant Spenser Mango, a two-time Olympian, secured bronze in the men's 59-kilogram/130-pound division with a 6-3 victory over Jansel Ramirez of the Dominican Republic, demonstrating his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
• The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program played a significant role in the team's success, with Captain Anderson, Sergeant Conder, and Sergeant Mango being members of the program.
• The team's performance has left head coach Shon Lewis feeling encouraged and motivated to tackle future challenges, including the World Championships and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Statistics:

• Time since Team USA's last Greco-Roman wrestling title: 40 years
• Number of gold medals won by Captain Jon Anderson and Sergeant Whitney Conder: 2
• Number of bronze medals won by Sergeant Spenser Mango: 1
• Total number of medals won by Team USA in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Pan American Games: 3
• Number of U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program members who contributed to the team's success: 3
• Number of hours spent training by Captain Anderson, Sergeant Conder, and Sergeant Mango: Immeasurable

Sources:

• United States Army Public Affairs: By Tim Hipps, Installation Management Command
• 2015 Pan American Games, Mississauga Sports Centre's Hershey Centre, July 15-16
• U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
• Team USA, U.S. Pan American Games staff