Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Assistant Coach Futrell to Lead Team USA at U20 Freestyle World Championships
8/15/2025 11:19:00 AM | Wrestling
SOFIA, Bulgaria - Northwestern wrestling assistant coach B.J. Futrell is headed to Sofia, Bulgaria, this week as he gets set to coach Team USA at the U20 Freestyle World Championships. Futrell, who has spent two seasons as an assistant at Northwestern, looks to lead Team USA to its second straight team title at the event.
"I'm incredibly honored to be selected as the coach for the U20 Freestyle World Team," said Futrell on the opportunity. "Representing the United States on the world stage is always a privilege. I'm excited to help lead this talented group of young men as we chase goals and compete for something bigger than ourselves."
Futrell returns to Team USA after previously serving as the head coach for the 2022 U20 Pan American Championships in Santiago, Chile. There, he led the United States to the team title with gold medals in nine out of 10 weight classes. Additionally, Nick Bouzakis, wrestling at 61 kg for the U.S., earned the Golden Boot award as the Outstanding Wrestler in the Tournament.
Team USA will look to defend its freestyle team title this week after nine of 10 American wrestlers earned medals at the 2024 World Championships. Four of the nine return to action this week, including 2024 silver medalists Marcus Blaze (61kg) and PJ Duke (70kg).
The freestyle portion of the competition begins with qualification rounds on Sunday, Aug. 17, and continues through to finals on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
"I'm incredibly honored to be selected as the coach for the U20 Freestyle World Team," said Futrell on the opportunity. "Representing the United States on the world stage is always a privilege. I'm excited to help lead this talented group of young men as we chase goals and compete for something bigger than ourselves."
Futrell returns to Team USA after previously serving as the head coach for the 2022 U20 Pan American Championships in Santiago, Chile. There, he led the United States to the team title with gold medals in nine out of 10 weight classes. Additionally, Nick Bouzakis, wrestling at 61 kg for the U.S., earned the Golden Boot award as the Outstanding Wrestler in the Tournament.
Team USA will look to defend its freestyle team title this week after nine of 10 American wrestlers earned medals at the 2024 World Championships. Four of the nine return to action this week, including 2024 silver medalists Marcus Blaze (61kg) and PJ Duke (70kg).
The freestyle portion of the competition begins with qualification rounds on Sunday, Aug. 17, and continues through to finals on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
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