J’den Cox expresses support of USA Wrestling Grow Greco Campaign

J'den Cox, a two-time Senior World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist in freestyle, shares the value of Greco-Roman wrestling for freestyle and folkstyle athletes, how Greco-Roman can grow in the United States and why wrestling multiple styles can better equip athletes to succeed.

Cox recently joined the USA Wrestling staff as the National Freestyle Development and Resident Coach.

In support of USA Wrestling’s Grow Greco campaign, Cox discusses the importance of youth wrestlers getting involved with Greco-Roman wrestling, and his ideas on how Greco-Roman can grow at all levels in the United States.

“It’s so important to grow Greco-Roman in the United States,” Cox explains. “It’s such a rich part of our history; we have legends that have competed in Greco-Roman.”

In December, USA Wrestling kicked off a year-long fundraising campaign entitled Grow Greco to further the growth and development of Greco-Roman wrestling in the country.

The U.S. Greco-Roman coaching staff has earmarked a $250,000 fundraising goal for 2025 to support Greco-Roman specific initiatives that include national and international training and competition opportunities, developmental camps across the U.S., and building pipelines for youth athletes to pursue a career in the specialized international discipline.

“Supporting Greco-Roman wrestling is more than just a contribution to our program; it’s an investment in the future of our athletes and a legacy of excellence. Every dollar donated helps us build a stronger, more competitive team, providing athletes with opportunities to reach their full potential on the global stage,” said Herb House, U.S. National Greco-Roman Head Coach.

The U.S. qualified four athletes to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling, a feat only nine countries achieved for Paris.

For the age-group Greco-Roman World Teams, 20204 was a fantastic year. The U17 team finished in fifth place with two medalists, including one champion. The U20 team earned three medals and placed sixth as a team. Additionally, the U.S. won its first Greco-Roman medal at the U23 level.

Contributions put directly toward the Greco-Roman program will help continue the upward trajectory seen in 2024 and assist in providing the necessary resources for sustained international success in the style.

To donate directly to U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling, visit the Grow Greco giving website.

For additional inquiries about how to help support the U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling program, email head coach Herb House at hhouse@usawrestling.org.