Kamdyn Schimek, right, poses for a post-tournament photo with his father, Kris. Submitted photo

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Kamdyn Schimek turned in a memorable performance at the USA Freestyle Wrestling Championships late last month.

Representing the Ragin’ Raisins from Erie, Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier Wrestling Club from Falconer, Schimek won the 8U 70-pound title at the same arena that his father, Kris, wrestled in at his final national tournament.

“I’m really excited,” Kamdyn told his dad. “I just don’t know how to show it.”

He clearly let his performance on the mat do the talking.

Kamdyn began the day with a pin over Aiden Balderas of Kansas with three seconds remaining after leading 10-6. In the semifinals, against Sebastian Valle of Indiana, Kamdyn trailed 6-4, but scored two 2-point exposures in the final 45 seconds to secure an 8-6 victory.

Then, in the final, Kamdyn saved his best for last.

Pitted against Till Stroud of Minnesota, who came into the bout 88-1, Kamdyn scored first with two 2-point exposures to take a 4-0 lead and secured a 4-point bodylock takedown before recording a first-period pin.

The victory not only secured a national title for Kamdyn, but it avenged his loss to Stroud the day before in the Greco National Tournament in which the former placed third.