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Dave Habat '10 Wins Bronze Medal for Slovenia at European Championships

By Joe Ginley, 05/04/17, 5:45PM EDT

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Habat, far right on the podium, won Slovenia's first-ever world wrestling medal.

A former Saint Ignatius wrestler is making waves around the world.

Dave Habat '10 earned the Bronze Medal at 143 pounds at the 2017 European Championships this week, a huge accomplishment.

Habat represented Slovenia, where his mother was born, becoming the first Slovenian wrestler to win a world wrestling medal. 

The Northeast Ohio native first made a name for himself at Saint Ignatius as a state champion wrestling. Habat won a state title in 2009, becoming just the 10th Wildcat at the time to accomplish such an honor. 

Following a highly successful career at Saint Ignatius, Habat matriculated to the University of Edinboro. Habat thrived for the Fighting Scots, qualifying for Nationals three times. The Clevelander earned All-American honors for the first time in 2014, finishing his career with an impressive 98-24 record.

Since his graduation, Habat has competed internationally, culminating in this achievement. 

Habat's route to third place was not easy. Habat fell in his first match of the European Championships to the eventual silver medalist, Borislav Novachkov, in a 6-2 decision. But then Habat bounced back with a vengeance. 

The 143-pounder defeated Vicktar Serada by tech fall, 14-4 to clinch a berth in the match for third place. Habat then faced off with Gor Ogannesyan from the Ukraine. (The full championship bracket is available here.)

Habat jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and never looked back. Habat defeated Ogannesyan by decision, 10-3, to clinch the bronze medal. (You can watch the bronze medal bout here.)

Coached by Andy Hrovat, Habat should be proud of his performance on the world stage, bringing joy to both his famed Alma Mater and to Slovenia.

Congratulations to Habat on this awesome achievement!