Chase Saba wrestled athis1stUSOpenChampionships at The Expo at World Market Center in Vegas. Saba from Denton, Texas,isamemberof WarHammer Wrestling Club and trains with CoachPeterHammer.He wrestled in the stacked Senior 74kg bracket.
This is a first for the club and for Saba, who stepped onto the prestigious mats as a part of his comeback after wrestling for the University of North Texas Wrestling Club under the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. Saba is the Head Coach of that club, as well. It’s been three years since he hascompetedinasinglet.
Reflecting on an earlier training session with Coach Hammer, World Champion Nurkozha Kaipanov and Uzbek National Champion Mirzo Khayitov, Saba called it an inspiration.
“Watching Hammer make his comeback was such an inspiration to me,” Saba said. “I used to roll with him out of the UNT club when he first came back to the mats. Getting to roll with NurkozhaandMirzowas a dream come true.”
“As for the US Open Championships,Ilearned whatareasIneedtowork on,” Saba continued. “Although I didn’t perform as well as I know I can, it was an amazing growth experience. I’m excited about getting more mat time and Freestyle competition experience.”
Hammer was reflective upon hearing Saba’s observations. “
It’s an extreme honor to hear that Chase has decided to forge a similar path,” Hammer said. “He’s a great role model and servant leader. I’m looking forward to seeing those he’s impacting on his journey.”