Seidel, Bassett Win Gold, Burton Claims Bronze at U20 World Championships

When Virginia Tech wrestling's trio of Aaron Seidel, Bo Bassett, and Ryan Burton qualified for the U20 World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia earlier this year, they had high expectations, as each breezed through the field at the US World Team trials en route to securing a place on Team USA.

Over the last few days, all three rose to the occasion, bringing home hardware with them on the flight back to Blacksburg.

It began with Seidel, who competed at 61 kg in his international debut. Despite never before stepping foot on the mat while representing the Stars and Stripes, the stage wasn't too big for him. He made quick work of the field behind a pin, three technical falls, and a decision, outscoring opponents 57-8 in total:

• TF vs. Ahora Khateri (Iran), 15-4
• Fall vs. Marian Kret (Slovakia), 0:46 (12-2)
• TF vs. Jamal Abbasov (Azerbaijan), 13-2
• TF vs. Moses Mendoza Garcia (Mexico), 10-0
• Dec. vs Bekassyl Assambek (Kazakhstan), 7-0

His opening win against defending U17 world champion, Iran's Ahora Khateri, set the tone early, and paved the way for his eventual title pursuit.

While his teammates competed on the world stage for the first time, Bo Bassett made his return to the U20 competition, after he won bronze in 2024. It didn't take long for him to pick up where he left off, going 5-0 with two technical falls, two pins, and a decision.

• TF vs. Yeraly Askerbek (Kazakhstan), 11-0
• Fall vs. Bashir Verdiyev (Azerbaijan), 0:40 (5-0)
• TF vs. Haci Zade (Turkiye), 12-2
• Fall vs. Zalimkhan Umarov (Russia), 1:26
• Dec. vs. Takuto Osedo (Japan), 8-2

After going down 2-1 in the finals match, Bassett used his pace to overcome his deficit and claim the title.

"I can feel myself getting so much better with the coaches, partners, and support system that I have," Bassett said after his finals win.

It's Bassett's second career World gold; he claimed the U17 World Championship in Budapest, Hungary in 2021.

Ryan Burton entered the tournament looking to make a statement in his first international tournament. He opened the competition with two wins, but dropped his third bout after an official review overturned a takedown he was awarded. In the bronze medal match, though, he responded with a convincing 10-4 decision to cap his global debut.

• Fall vs. Luka Margeldze (Georgia), 5:12 (8-0)
• Dec. vs. Albek Kalyakhmet (Kazakhstan), 3-1
• Loss via dec. vs. Keyvan Gharehdaghi (Japan), 5-2
• Dec. vs. Eljan Ismayilzada (Azerbaijan), 10-4

The Hokies' success in Bratislava marked another milestone in the program's development, building on their 11th-place NCAA finish in March. With three World Championship podium finishes under their belts, Tony Robie's squad looks to make history this upcoming season with a seasoned and talented lineup.

"We made history today," Bassett said soon after his gold medal match. "The Hokies are coming."