ORANGE COUNTY, California - In a battle of submission wrestling giants, the Camp Pendleton Submission Wrestling Team tangled with the California State Fullerton Titans and Team Titans prevailed, 27-17.

The tough Marine team, which also included an army soldier, was fresh off their team trials the week previous and went against a very experienced Team Titan that included some top-ranked Division I wrestlers.

The meet, which occurred in mid-July, was held under the auspices of the International Submission Wrestling Association. General points are given for takedowns, throws and ground control. The emphasis is on submission, and there are no strikes or stalling.

Each team enters a competitor in each of the seven weight classes. A competitor can earn up to eight points or as little as two points for his team. A win via submission earns the highest tally and an overtime win gets the lowest.

Results

135 pounds: Team Titan's Jesse Miramontes, a former NCAA-ranked wrestler, won his match in the last seconds via armbar over Sgt. Eric Teson.
145 pounds: Team Titan's Jimmy Kirkemo won his match over Maj. Scott Dewitt with a surprise heel hook submission.
155 pounds: Corporal Mike Corey won via a guillotine choke over 2005 Pac 10 Wrestling champion Juan Mora.
170 pounds: Team Titan's Jeff Silva won a close decision over Cpl. Josh Cain.
185 pounds: Team Titan's Scott Judd, a former Marine turned Division I wrestler, won his match over Staff Sgt. Jonathan Romero with a last-minute takedown. The match was even, 4-4, at that point.
205 pounds: Camp Pendleton Marine Tyeson Reyes caught Team Titan Justin Ziolaoski in a slick armbar for the win.
260 pounds: Team Titan's Matt Methling won a very close decision over Sgt. Corey Bennin, despite almost getting submitted via triangle choke. Bennin got redemption during the individual tournament and took first place with a win over Methling in the finals.

Up Next

Both teams will be displaying their submission wares on August 20, 2006 when they compete against six other elite teams, which will include Erik Paulson's Team Archangel, Uriah Faber's Ultimate Fitness, Cal State Bakersfield's Team Pain 2 Suffering, Dean Lister's Fight Team, Las Vegas Cobra Kai and Colorado's Grapplers Edge in the World Cup Team Submission Wrestling Championships at the University of San Diego.

The event will also feature the World Amateur Pankration Championships, Olympic Taekwondo competition and karate. For more info see www.wamaigames.com.

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