Bassett family accomplishes ‘unbelievable’ feat to represent Team USA

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) – After breaking records this postseason , Bishop McCort wrestlers Bo Bassett, Keegan Bassett and Melvin Miller are back to etching their names into the history books. They became the first trio from one family to earn spots on Team USA after winning the U.S. Open last weekend.

“It might not ever get done again,” Miller, a Bishop McCort freshman, said.

“It’s unbelievable,” Bo said. It’s something that I’m really grateful for and we’re just going to keep trying to set records.”

With the U.S. Open titles, they have qualified for the Pan-American Games later this summer. However, punching their tickets there was anything but easy.

“Honestly, I can say this is probably the best bracket I’ve ever wrestled in as far as talent and other competition,” Bo said.

Bo, a 17-year-old, had to battle through a U20 bracket that had more than 120 competitors. This July, he will be representing the United States for freestyle at 65 kilograms in Peru.

“Representing USA is kind of the biggest thing you can do in the sport,” Bo said. “I’m really excited for that. I’m not done here, (this is) just beginning.”

Meanwhile, Miller finished first in freestyle at 71 kg while mending a knee injury, which was sustained during the PIAA Championships in March.

“At first, I was even going to the U.S. Open to wrestle because I injured my knee at states,” Miller said. “When I found out I was going and It kind of fired me up, I’m like ‘I’m going to win this thing.'”

Miller will be heading to Jordan in August for his first international competition.

“I can’t wait,” Miller said. “It’s my first time going over the sea, so it’s going to be fun.”

Keegan, the youngest brother, dominated both of his freestyle and Greco-Roman brackets to head back to the Pan-American games after winning it in both styles last year.

Keegan will be defending his championships this June in El Salvador.

“(My favorite memory) I think (was) running around with the flag, that was just the best,” Keegan said. “I dreamt about that since I was a little kid. I would be thrilled to do it again.”

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While they all have gold medals on their minds, they’re already winning with their family.

“I couldn’t do it without any of them,” Bo said. “They mean so much (to me).”

“We’re all a family, so we all push each other to try to be the greatest on the mat and even off the mat,” Miller said.

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