Complying with USA Wrestling rules eliminated two weight classes and set new weight limits for the remaining eight. The shifts increased the number of eligible wrestlers in each weight class. These changes narrow and strengthen the field, and allow us to maneuver our best wrestlers against theirs. The Greco-Roman discipline limits athletes to wrestling with their arms, hands and upper body. The event penalizes wrestlers for using their legs, knees and feet for take-downs and holds.
Freestyle wrestlers have no such restrictions.
Last year, Army struggled through the freestyle competition, only to dominate the Greco-Roman events to earn its fifth straight armed services title. This year was a replay of 1996. Heading Army's Greco-Roman effort were returning armed forces champions Sgt. Shon Lewis and Spc. Kenny Owens, who captured titles in new weight classes.