January 3, 2024
Hawkeyes!
Thank you for supporting our aspiring athletes as they embark on this rigorous journey of becoming NCAA, World and Olympic Champions! #BOOM
2023 Year in Review
This past year was a big one for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club. We celebrated our rich tradition, worked diligently every day to be the very best at our craft, and accomplished several of our goals – while some of our ambitions are still on the to-do list for this year.
Here are a few things we accomplished together this past year. We are truly grateful for you, and your belief in our pursuit of excellence – Thank you!
Five of our seven athletes placed at the U.S. Open / Olympic Trials Qualifier in Fort Worth, TX on December 16-17th. Four of which have now automatically qualified for the Olympic Team Trials in State College, PA on April 19-20, 2024 – Spencer Lee, Austin DeSanto, Alex Marinelli, and Tony Cassioppi!!
Spencer Lee (57kg) won his 2nd Senior U.S. Open title with a win over Nico Megaludis, 6-2. His championship run started with tech fall victories over Gary Steen and Joshua Rodriguez. Spencer was already qualified for the Olympic Team Trials for his win at the Bill Farrell. This title is just icing on the cake!
Alex Marinelli (74kg) brought home silver with a loss to Quincy Monday in the finals. Marinelli had wins over Alex Facundo, Joey Lavallee, and teammate Jeremiah Moody in route to his first U.S. Open final. This 2nd place finish automatically qualifies him for the Olympic Team Trials in mid April!
Austin DeSanto (65kg) claimed the last automatic qualifying spot for the Olympic Team Trials by beating Alec Pantaleo for 5th place. Austin also had impressive wins over Ian Parker, Anthony Ashnault and Aden Valencia. His two losses were to the eventual champ, Andrew Alirez, and Joseph McKenna, who took 3rd.
Tony Cassioppi (97kg) also snagged 5th place and qualified himself for the Olympic Team Trials. Tony fell to evental bronze medalist Jonathan Aiello and 4th place finisher, Eric Schultz. Tony had wins over DeAndre Nunn, Cole Mirasola, Tyrie Houghton, and his teammate Jacob Warner.
Jacob Warner (97kg) took 6th place. Warner had wins over Austin Craig, Morgan Smith, and Lou DePrez. Warner fell to Jonathan Aiello, Eric Schultz, and teammate Tony Cassioppi.
Jaydin Eierman (65kg) and Jeremiah Moody (74kg) both went 1-2 and failed to place.
We are currently accepting donations for our annual Arctic Plunge! The Plunge is set for Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Brown Deer Golf Course, the day after our Purdue Dual & Alumni Night – just over two weeks away!
This event is so much fun and it’s an opportunity for friends, family, and co-workers to come together for one awesome cause! Help us raise money for our athletes as they embark on representing America at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, France!
Mark your calendars! Here is a complete list of our 2024 events!!
We appreciate your continued support and are extremely grateful for the opportunities you have provided us in 2023. Your financial support impacts aspiring athletes’ lives every day! We hope you had a great holiday season and wish you health and prosperity in 2024. GO HAWKS!
Executive Director
HAWKEYE WRESTLING CLUB
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