Lemoore's most decorated wrestler wins second consecutive U.S. Open Freestyle title in Las Vegas

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 Thursday, May 2, 2019 - 11:52am By The Leader Staff
Isaiah Martinez at a Lemoore High School wrestling event a couple of years ago where he conducted a clinic for the Tiger wrestling program.
Isaiah Martinez at a Lemoore High School wrestling event a couple of years ago where he conducted a clinic for the Tiger wrestling program.

According to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini athletic website, two-time NCAA and four-time Big Ten champion Isaiah Martinez won his second consecutive U.S. Open Freestyle title at 74 kilograms Saturday, April 27, at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas.

Martinez was also a three-time California state wrestling champion as a student-athlete at Lemoore High School.

Fighting Illini Website story

Martinez now advances to the 2019 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament Wrestle-Off, with the winner advancing to the Final X match on June 15. The Final X would be a best of three series against World bronze medalist Jordan Burroughs, with the winner earning the spot on this year's U.S. Senior World Team. 

Martinez defeated Tommy Gantt 6-4 in the finals at 74 kilograms. He led 3-0 at the break after a takedown and step out. Martinez added on to his lead to 6-0 in the second period after an exposure and step out. Gantt was unable to overcome the 6-0 deficit, and Martinez captured his second U.S. Open title in two years. 

For complete coverage of Fighting Illini Wrestling, visit FightingIllini.com, follow the Illini on Twitter (@illiniwrestling) and Instagram (illiniwrestling) and like Fighting Illini Wrestling on Facebook. 

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