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Stratford’s Nico Provo finishes third at 57 kg at U-23 nationals

Stratford’s Niko Provo finished third at the U-23 nationals in Nebraska Saturday.

Stratford’s Nico Provo won seven consecutive matches in the consolation round to finish third at 57 kilograms (125) in the freestyle competition at the United World Wrestling U-23 national championship meet this weekend in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Provo dropped his opening round bout to Illinois’ Justin Cardani, giving up a takedown in the final seconds of a 11-10 loss. But then Provo, who will be attending Cornell this fall, won seven straight matches in the consolation round, including a 12-2 win over Joseph Manchio of New York City RTC in 3:49 to finish third.

Six of Provo’s wins were by technical fall – leading by more than 10 points. The only match that went the distance was an 8-4 win over Austin Macias of Southern Illinois RTC in his third consolation bout. Cardani, who went 4-3 in the tournament, finished eighth.

New Canaan’s Tyler Sung, who just finished his freshman year at Lehigh, went 2-2 in the tournament at 74 kilograms (163 pounds). Sun won his first two bouts including an 8-7 win over Miles Hoey of Michigan Wrestling Club.

Sung dropped a 10-0 decision in 1:25 to Danny Brauaget of Illinois RTC was eliminated in a 12-1 loss in 4:24 to Drawley Lamer of Central Coast RTC.

Berlin’s Nick Arborio, who wrestles at Western New England University, went 1-2 at 57 kilograms.

Winners in each weight class earned a spot on the United State teams going to the UWW U23 world championship meet in Belgrade, Serbia on Nov. 1-7. Competition was held in freestyle and Greco Roman.

Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of Connecticut Wrestling Online. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the New England High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.

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