BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Anthony Ashnault cruised to title in his Team USA Senior Freestyle debut, earning a gold medal at 70 kg at the Pan American Championships on Sunday in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 2019 NCAA Champion went a combined 4-0, outscored his opponents, 32-2, with three tech falls and a pin and spent just 4:05 on the mat during his run to gold.
 
The South Plainfield, New Jersey, native needed just 24 seconds to defeat Argentina's Cristian Karlikowski by tech fall, 10-0, in the championship bout. Ashnault contributed to Team USA's dominant weekend performance that saw all 10 of its members secure gold medals. Team USA went 34-0 over the weekend in men's freestyle action and claimed the team title, racking up 250 points.
 
With the victory, Ashnault qualified for both next month's World Team Trials in Raleigh, North Carolina and the 2019 Pan American Games held in August in Lima, Peru as he continues to work towards representing Team USA at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
 
Ashnault returns to the mat when he competes at the 2019 "Grapple at the Garden" Beat the Streets (BTS) benefit at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 6 in New York City along with fellow 2019 NCAA Champion Nick Suriano and 2019 signee JoJo Aragona. Tickets for the event, which start at $30, can be found here.
 
Ashnault produced one of the most storied careers in program history, as he finished his time "On the Banks" as a four-time All-American, three-time Big Ten Conference champion and RU's all-time wins leader with 123 career victories. In his final season, the 2019 Hodge Trophy finalist went 32-0, secured the 2019 Big Ten title and closed his collegiate career with a national title at 149 pounds.
 
2019 Senior Pan American Championships
Final Results – 70 kg
Finals: Anthony Ashnault over Cristian Karlikowski (Argentina), TF, 10-0
Third Round: Anthony Ashnault over Hugo de Lima Viana (Brazil), TF, 10-0
Second Round: Anthony Ashnault over Mitchel Taipe Duanama (Peru), Fall (0:43)
First Round: Anthony Ashnault over Nick Rowe (Canada), TF, 12-2
 
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers wrestling, follow the program on Twitter (@RUWrestling) and Instagram (@RUWrestling). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.