May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Burroughs wins FILA Junior World Team Trials
5/25/2008
University of Nebraska Sports Information
Lincoln -- Nebraska All-America wrestler Jordan Burroughs translated his success for the Huskers to the international level on Saturday as he won the 66 kilogram (145.5 pound) division of the FILA Junior World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Burroughs, wrestling in the freestyle division, defeated Michigan's Kellen Russell in two consecutive sets (5-0, 4-0 in the first and 6-0, 4-0 in the second) to win the best-of-three series and claim a spot on the U.S. world team.
"This is a good step towards making the 2012 Olympic team," Head Coach Mark Manning said. "[FILA World Championships] is a good opportunity to wrestle some of the best kids in the world at his age level."
Burroughs will now travel with the U.S. delegation to the FILA World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, from July 29 to Aug. 3. Manning will also travel with him as a coach for the U.S. team.
The Sicklerville, N.J. native qualified for the FILA Junior World Team Trials by winning the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas last month. The national championship automatically qualified him for the finals at the world team trials.
Burroughs, a sophomore, claimed his first All-America honors in March with a third-place finish at 149 pounds.
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Burroughs wins FILA Junior World Team Trials
5/25/2008
University of Nebraska Sports Information
Lincoln -- Nebraska All-America wrestler Jordan Burroughs translated his success for the Huskers to the international level on Saturday as he won the 66 kilogram (145.5 pound) division of the FILA Junior World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Burroughs, wrestling in the freestyle division, defeated Michigan's Kellen Russell in two consecutive sets (5-0, 4-0 in the first and 6-0, 4-0 in the second) to win the best-of-three series and claim a spot on the U.S. world team.
"This is a good step towards making the 2012 Olympic team," Head Coach Mark Manning said. "[FILA World Championships] is a good opportunity to wrestle some of the best kids in the world at his age level."
Burroughs will now travel with the U.S. delegation to the FILA World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, from July 29 to Aug. 3. Manning will also travel with him as a coach for the U.S. team.
The Sicklerville, N.J. native qualified for the FILA Junior World Team Trials by winning the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas last month. The national championship automatically qualified him for the finals at the world team trials.
Burroughs, a sophomore, claimed his first All-America honors in March with a third-place finish at 149 pounds.
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Arizona State reinstates wrestling program as 21st varsity sport; Sun Devils will compete fully in 2008-09
Arizona State University
05/23/2008
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Vice President for Athletics Lisa Love announced Friday that the athletic department is fully reinstating the sport of varsity wrestling, effective immediately, due to financial support from local civic leadership. The reinstatement of wrestling gives ASU 21 sports in its varsity athletic program.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the reinstatement of the varsity sport of wrestling at ASU," says Love. "The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport. ASU is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that cares deeply about ASU wrestling."
ASU had announced on May 13, 2008 that it was discontinuing the sport of wrestling due to the rising cost of operating a 22-sport varsity program. It was determined at that time that sponsoring a 20-sport program would better fit ASU¹s athletic financial profile. Love indicated at the time that if the wrestling community were able to raise enough financial support the sport could be reinstated. That commitment is there and the sport will continue at Arizona State.
Love said that fundraising for the sport of wrestling will be an ongoing process. The objective is not just to sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport, but to position the sport as one of the top programs in the country.
The Sun Devil wrestling team is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference.
>> I don't personally understand the $8,000,000.00 price tag to reinstate wrestling, especially when wrestling gear isn't really any more expensive than tennis apparel.. I would imagine that much of the tag comes from a lease on property, but I'd be interested to hear other opinions as to why wrestling cost $3,000,000.00 more than swimming or tennis to get started.
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Arizona State reinstates wrestling program as 21st varsity sport; Sun Devils will compete fully in 2008-09
Arizona State University
05/23/2008
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Vice President for Athletics Lisa Love announced Friday that the athletic department is fully reinstating the sport of varsity wrestling, effective immediately, due to financial support from local civic leadership. The reinstatement of wrestling gives ASU 21 sports in its varsity athletic program.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the reinstatement of the varsity sport of wrestling at ASU," says Love. "The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport. ASU is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that cares deeply about ASU wrestling."
ASU had announced on May 13, 2008 that it was discontinuing the sport of wrestling due to the rising cost of operating a 22-sport varsity program. It was determined at that time that sponsoring a 20-sport program would better fit ASU¹s athletic financial profile. Love indicated at the time that if the wrestling community were able to raise enough financial support the sport could be reinstated. That commitment is there and the sport will continue at Arizona State.
Love said that fundraising for the sport of wrestling will be an ongoing process. The objective is not just to sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport, but to position the sport as one of the top programs in the country.
The Sun Devil wrestling team is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference.
>> I don't personally understand the $8,000,000.00 price tag to reinstate wrestling, especially when wrestling gear isn't really any more expensive than tennis apparel.. I would imagine that much of the tag comes from a lease on property, but I'd be interested to hear other opinions as to why wrestling cost $3,000,000.00 more than swimming or tennis to get started.
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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ASU coach Thom Ortiz: Reinstatement of program like winning the lottery
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/23/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Thom Ortiz’s cell phone rang at around 3 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday.
The caller on the other end, Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love, quickly broke the news.
She was reinstating the wrestling program at Arizona State University.
Ten days after Love announced the Sun Devil wrestling program was being dropped, ASU brought wrestling back after receiving financial support from local civic leadership.
“Actually, I was real calm when Lisa Love called and I said ‘Thank you very much,’” said Ortiz, ASU’s head coach. “I just had to kind of take it all in at first. It was like we had just won the lottery. It seemed like it was too good to be true.
“I was very calm and Lisa asked me, ‘You don’t seem very excited.’ I was just trying to compose myself and count my blessings. In the face of death, my dad always told me to smile. But when you get something like this you have to count your blessings and be thankful and grateful.”
Ortiz, who was at the U.S. Olympic Training Center watching his wrestlers compete at the FILA Junior and World University Trials, learned ASU was dropping wrestling on May 13. Love also announced men’s swimming and men’s tennis were being dropped.
Ortiz was asked what the last 10 days have been like.
“I don’t think it’s been as difficult as people think because we’ve focused on the process of getting this program reinstated,” Ortiz said. “I didn’t realize it’s been 10 days already – I don’t even know what day it is right now. Every day is the same when things like this occur. We just focused on being positive. I really believed this whole time we were going to reinstate this program.”
Ortiz credited Love for her recent decision.
“I am thankful Lisa Love is our A.D., and she showed a lot of guts in reinstating this program,” Ortiz said. “She showed what she’s made of. She took a lot of unnecessary flak, but that’s the past. She’s not vindictive in any way. She likes progress and she wants to move forward.”
Ortiz was busy calling members of his team late Friday afternoon during the tournament in Colorado Springs.
“Our guys are very excited and very elated,” Ortiz said. “We have a good young group. We’re going to be strong and I think we can have a great team.”
One of Ortiz’s recruits, heavyweight Erik Nye, won a World University Team Trials title in Greco-Roman on Friday.
“I talked to Erik and told him we were reinstated,” Ortiz said. “I said, ‘Are you still coming?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely.’ That was great to here.”
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Sanders, Provisor need three matches to win FILA Junior World Team Trials on Sunday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – There was great drama in key matchups in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the FILA Junior World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
Freestyle champion Zach Sanders of the Minnesota Storm and Greco-Roman champion Ben Provisor of the Dennis Hall World Gold WC needed three bouts in their Championship Series to earn their spots on the FILA Junior World Team.
Champions in each weight class qualified for the 2008 U.S. Junior World Team. The Junior World Championships will be held in Istanbul, Turkey from July 29 to August 3.
Sanders, a freshman at the Univ. of Minnesota, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division in an intense battle with Ohio high school junior David Taylor, a member of the 2007 Junior World Team.
Sanders won the first match, 4-1, 2-1, with a key three-point takedown in the last seconds of the first period. Taylor bounced back with a second period pin in the second match, 2-3, 1:07. The deciding third match went into the third period, where Sanders scored three takedowns to emerge with a dramatic 4-2, 1-1, 3-0 victory.
“I had to keep attacking and wrestle my style,” said Sanders. “He is kind of funky. I had to stay clear of that stuff. I had to wrestle basic.”
Sanders will be competing on his first U.S. World Team.
“It feels really good. I set this as my goal. I set the goal a year ago. To win a big tournament this spring is great. It will be cool to go overseas. This is my first one. I have won national tournaments, but nothing that lets you go overseas,” said Sanders.
Provisor, a 2008 University Nationals champion, had an intense three-match battle with Talon Knox of the USOEC in the finals at 74 kg/163 lbs.Knox won the first match, 1-1, 0-4, 1-0, but Provisor rebounded with a 4-0, 0-2, 1-1 in the second match. With the team spot on the line, Provisor shut out Knox, 2-0, 2-0.
Coaching Provisor in the finals was his regular club coach Dennis Hall, a 1995 World champion and 1996 Olympic silver medalist, along with past U.S. World Team member Keith Sieracki. Provisor is a native of Wisconsin, and both Hall and Sieracki also came from Wisconsin.
“I have got to attack more on my feet. I wrestled all right, I guess. I need to get in even better shape,” said Provisor. “I stepped up my defense in the second and third matches. I became more confident. I can’t wait. It will be fun to be here (Colorado Springs) for a month, get in the best shape of my life, and go compete for a World medal.”
Provisor gives credit to Hall for helping him to improve as a wrestler.
“Dennis is like my dad. I talk to him every day. I train with him every week. We are best of friends. It is great having that kind of person around for you,” said Provisor.
Earning a spot on the Junior World freestyle team for the second straight year was Colorado high school star Tyler Graff of the New York AC, who defeated 2008 FILA Junior Nationals champion Dylan Alton of the New York AC in two straight matches at 60 kg/132 lbs.
Graff came back in the first match after losing the first period. He tired out Alton and opened up his offense, scoring a third period technical fall with multiple gutwrench turns for a 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3 victory. In the second match, Graff scored all of the points in a 2-0, 6-0 victory.
Graff competed at the 2007 Junior World Championships at 55 kg/121 lbs. Graff has signed to compete at the Univ. of Wisconsin.
“I am happy with the win but not with the performance,” said Graff. “I felt I could have done better. I thank God for the victory and am grateful for the outcome. This is a great opportunity for me. This has been a goal of mine since last year, when I sat and watched my weight class and saw them give the gold to the Russian. It inspired me to want to return and be a World champion.”
Claiming a freestyle title was Jordan Burroughs of the Sunkist Kids, a NCAA All-American from the Univ. of Nebraska. Burroughs, a 2008 University Nationals champion, won the 66 kg/145.5 lbs. division with two straight victories over Univ. of Michigan star Kellen Russell of the Cliff Keen WC.
“I only had to wrestle twice. I was happy to wrestle well,” said Burroughs.”He’s a tough kid. He had a good season this year. It was a tough match for me. I am really excited, because for the first time I will get to wrestle outside the United States. My goal is to win there. That is always my No. 1 goal.”
The other individual champion was Pennsylvania prep star Mark Rappo of the Sunkist Kids at 110 pounds, a recruit for the Univ. of Pennsylvania. Rappo defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Desmond Moore of Penn State, 3-0, 6-0 in bout one and 4-1, 8-1 in bout two.
The U.S. Olympic Education Center program from Northern Michigan Univ. won the other three Greco-Roman titles, as Zach Nielson of the Minnesota Storm at 84 kg/185 lbs., Michael Rossetti of the USOEC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Peter Kowalczuk of the Sunkist Kids/USOEC at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All three won their Championship Series in two straight matches, and all three will be competing on their first University World Team.
“I am really excited. I am psyched. I am jumping at the chance to wrestle against foreign kids. I have been training all year for this, and am excited I get to go,” said Nielsen. “I have grown a lot at the USOEC. When I arrived this year, I was getting thrown around. I received positive encouragement from my partners and coaches. I am glad I am there. I am excited for the future.”
FILA JUNIOR WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
Freestyle Championship Series
50 kg/110 lbs.
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 3-0, 6-0
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 4-1, 8-1
Rappo won series, 2 matches to 0
55 kg/121 lb.s
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-1, 2-1
David Taylor (Mat Rats) pin Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm), 2-3, 1:07
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-2, 1-1, 3-0
Sanders won series, 2 matches to 1
60 kg/132 lbs.
Tyler Graff (New York AC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3
Tyler Graff (NYAC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 2-0, 6-0
Graff won series, 2 matches to 0
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 6-0, 4-1
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 4-0, 4-0
Burroughs won series, 2 matches to 0
Greco-Roman Championship Series
74 kg/163 lbs.
Talon Knox (USOEC) dec. Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling), 1-1, 0-4, 0-0
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 4-0, 0-2, 1-1
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 2-0, 2-0
Provisor won series, 2 matches to 1
84 kg/185 lbs.
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Chris Bullins (McMichael), 6-0, 5-0
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) dec. Chris Bullins (McMichael), 4-1, 6-0
Nielsen won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm), 5-1, 3-1
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm) , 3-1, 6-0
Rossetti won series, 2 matches to 0
120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 6-0
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 7-0
Kowalczuk won series, 2 matches to 0
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Sanders, Provisor need three matches to win FILA Junior World Team Trials on Sunday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – There was great drama in key matchups in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the FILA Junior World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
Freestyle champion Zach Sanders of the Minnesota Storm and Greco-Roman champion Ben Provisor of the Dennis Hall World Gold WC needed three bouts in their Championship Series to earn their spots on the FILA Junior World Team.
Champions in each weight class qualified for the 2008 U.S. Junior World Team. The Junior World Championships will be held in Istanbul, Turkey from July 29 to August 3.
Sanders, a freshman at the Univ. of Minnesota, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division in an intense battle with Ohio high school junior David Taylor, a member of the 2007 Junior World Team.
Sanders won the first match, 4-1, 2-1, with a key three-point takedown in the last seconds of the first period. Taylor bounced back with a second period pin in the second match, 2-3, 1:07. The deciding third match went into the third period, where Sanders scored three takedowns to emerge with a dramatic 4-2, 1-1, 3-0 victory.
“I had to keep attacking and wrestle my style,” said Sanders. “He is kind of funky. I had to stay clear of that stuff. I had to wrestle basic.”
Sanders will be competing on his first U.S. World Team.
“It feels really good. I set this as my goal. I set the goal a year ago. To win a big tournament this spring is great. It will be cool to go overseas. This is my first one. I have won national tournaments, but nothing that lets you go overseas,” said Sanders.
Provisor, a 2008 University Nationals champion, had an intense three-match battle with Talon Knox of the USOEC in the finals at 74 kg/163 lbs.Knox won the first match, 1-1, 0-4, 1-0, but Provisor rebounded with a 4-0, 0-2, 1-1 in the second match. With the team spot on the line, Provisor shut out Knox, 2-0, 2-0.
Coaching Provisor in the finals was his regular club coach Dennis Hall, a 1995 World champion and 1996 Olympic silver medalist, along with past U.S. World Team member Keith Sieracki. Provisor is a native of Wisconsin, and both Hall and Sieracki also came from Wisconsin.
“I have got to attack more on my feet. I wrestled all right, I guess. I need to get in even better shape,” said Provisor. “I stepped up my defense in the second and third matches. I became more confident. I can’t wait. It will be fun to be here (Colorado Springs) for a month, get in the best shape of my life, and go compete for a World medal.”
Provisor gives credit to Hall for helping him to improve as a wrestler.
“Dennis is like my dad. I talk to him every day. I train with him every week. We are best of friends. It is great having that kind of person around for you,” said Provisor.
Earning a spot on the Junior World freestyle team for the second straight year was Colorado high school star Tyler Graff of the New York AC, who defeated 2008 FILA Junior Nationals champion Dylan Alton of the New York AC in two straight matches at 60 kg/132 lbs.
Graff came back in the first match after losing the first period. He tired out Alton and opened up his offense, scoring a third period technical fall with multiple gutwrench turns for a 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3 victory. In the second match, Graff scored all of the points in a 2-0, 6-0 victory.
Graff competed at the 2007 Junior World Championships at 55 kg/121 lbs. Graff has signed to compete at the Univ. of Wisconsin.
“I am happy with the win but not with the performance,” said Graff. “I felt I could have done better. I thank God for the victory and am grateful for the outcome. This is a great opportunity for me. This has been a goal of mine since last year, when I sat and watched my weight class and saw them give the gold to the Russian. It inspired me to want to return and be a World champion.”
Claiming a freestyle title was Jordan Burroughs of the Sunkist Kids, a NCAA All-American from the Univ. of Nebraska. Burroughs, a 2008 University Nationals champion, won the 66 kg/145.5 lbs. division with two straight victories over Univ. of Michigan star Kellen Russell of the Cliff Keen WC.
“I only had to wrestle twice. I was happy to wrestle well,” said Burroughs.”He’s a tough kid. He had a good season this year. It was a tough match for me. I am really excited, because for the first time I will get to wrestle outside the United States. My goal is to win there. That is always my No. 1 goal.”
The other individual champion was Pennsylvania prep star Mark Rappo of the Sunkist Kids at 110 pounds, a recruit for the Univ. of Pennsylvania. Rappo defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Desmond Moore of Penn State, 3-0, 6-0 in bout one and 4-1, 8-1 in bout two.
The U.S. Olympic Education Center program from Northern Michigan Univ. won the other three Greco-Roman titles, as Zach Nielson of the Minnesota Storm at 84 kg/185 lbs., Michael Rossetti of the USOEC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Peter Kowalczuk of the Sunkist Kids/USOEC at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All three won their Championship Series in two straight matches, and all three will be competing on their first University World Team.
“I am really excited. I am psyched. I am jumping at the chance to wrestle against foreign kids. I have been training all year for this, and am excited I get to go,” said Nielsen. “I have grown a lot at the USOEC. When I arrived this year, I was getting thrown around. I received positive encouragement from my partners and coaches. I am glad I am there. I am excited for the future.”
FILA JUNIOR WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
Freestyle Championship Series
50 kg/110 lbs.
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 3-0, 6-0
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 4-1, 8-1
Rappo won series, 2 matches to 0
55 kg/121 lb.s
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-1, 2-1
David Taylor (Mat Rats) pin Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm), 2-3, 1:07
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-2, 1-1, 3-0
Sanders won series, 2 matches to 1
60 kg/132 lbs.
Tyler Graff (New York AC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3
Tyler Graff (NYAC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 2-0, 6-0
Graff won series, 2 matches to 0
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 6-0, 4-1
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 4-0, 4-0
Burroughs won series, 2 matches to 0
Greco-Roman Championship Series
74 kg/163 lbs.
Talon Knox (USOEC) dec. Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling), 1-1, 0-4, 0-0
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 4-0, 0-2, 1-1
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 2-0, 2-0
Provisor won series, 2 matches to 1
84 kg/185 lbs.
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Chris Bullins (McMichael), 6-0, 5-0
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) dec. Chris Bullins (McMichael), 4-1, 6-0
Nielsen won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm), 5-1, 3-1
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm) , 3-1, 6-0
Rossetti won series, 2 matches to 0
120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 6-0
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 7-0
Kowalczuk won series, 2 matches to 0
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin, Herbert among winners at University World Team Trials on Saturday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – A number of top stars on the Senior level were able to capture titles on the final day of the University World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center on Saturday.
In the Greco-Roman division, past U.S. Nationals champions Sam Hazewinkel of the Gator WC and Spencer Mango of the Gator WC were among the winners of Saturday night’s Championship Series.
In freestyle, 2008 NCAA champion Keith Gavin of the New York AC and 2007 NCAA champion Jake Herbert of the New York AC were also winners of their Championships Series.
Champions earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. University World Team. The World University Championships are set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, July 9-13.
Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin and Herbert will also compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15. In addition to wrestling for a spot on the University World Team, these athletes, along with many others, were using this as a tuneup for the Olympic Trials.
Hazewinkel, a 2007 U.S. Nationals champion, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division with two dominant wins over 2008 University Nationals champion Nikko Triggas of Ohio State. Hazewinkel won the first match, 5-1, 5-1 and scored a 7-0, 6-0 technical fall in the second match.
“I was debating whether or not it was smart to wrestle here,” said Hazewinkel. “You never go wrong wrestling matches. It was good to make the weight again and keep from getting too big. It was all around good for me. In the past, I didn’t do the University Worlds because I focused on making the Senior team. I was looking at it wrong, I should have gotten that experience. You learn as you go along.”
Mango, a 2008 U.S. Nationals champion at 55 kg/121 lbs., moved up to 60 kg/132 lbs. and needed three matches to defeat Donovan Depatto of the U.S. Marines, Mango won the first bout, 5-1, 3-1, but Depatto claimed the second bout with a surprise 1-1, 3-2 win. In the deciding third match, Mango laced up his wrestling shoes and opened up his offense to score a technical fall victory, 7-0, 6-0.
Mango had also defeated Depatto in the finals of the 2007 and 2008 University Nationals. Mango was a 2006 World University champion, and will have another chance at winning a medal this summer.
“I was only planning on wrestling twice,” said Mango. “I had a bad second match. I put it together the third match and wrestled my match. It is nice making this team. It is a chance to get a little more competition this summer before the Olympics. I am looking forward to that.”
Gavin, who won his 2008 NCAA title for the Univ. of Pittsburgh, defeated Eric Luedke of Iowa in two straight matches at 74 kg/163 lbs. Gavin lost the first period of bout one, but battled back to win 4-4, 6-2, 3-0. In the second match, Gavin was in control for a 7-0, 5-2 victory. Gavin was a 2008 University Nationals champion.
“I felt good. The first match, I was a little sluggish. I got better as it went along. I am really excited. It should be a great experience to get an international experience,” said Gavin. “Right now, I need as many freestyle matches as possible to help me make the adjustment quicker. I think I keep improving. I’ll be excited to get to the Olympic Trials to see how I do.”
At 84 kg/185 lbs., Herbert was in control in a two-match victory over Phillip Keddy of Iowa. Herbert won the first bout, 5-3, 5-1, then captured the second match, 2-1, 4-0. Herbert was a 2007 NCAA champion for Northwestern, and has taken an Olympic redshirt year this season to pursue a spot on the Olympic team. It will be Herbert’s second University World team.
“I was there in 2006 and got bronze. I look to go in 2008 and get gold,” said Herbert. “I have been there once and know what it is about. This is also my early warmup for the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games. It is progressing great. I am ready to go. Now I need to get mentally ready, getting my body and mind feeling good.”
The other University Nationals champions on Saturday in freestyle were Konrad Dudziak of the New York AC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev of the Sunkist Kids at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Dudziak, who is taking an Olympic redshirt year from Duke, defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Brent Jones of the Cavalier WC in two straight, 4-4, 3-0 in bout one and 3-0, 3-0 in bout two.
Dlagnev, a two-time NCAA Div. II champion from Nebraska-Kearney, swept Aaron Anspach of Penn State in two matches. Dlagnev won the first match 2-0, 1-0 and the second match, 5-3, 6-0.
“I am super excited,” said Dlagnev. “It is an honor. I have not been overseas on a tour yet. This is a step in the right direction, and there is a lot more to come.”
The final Greco-Roman champion was top seeded Jacob Curby of the Gator WC at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. , who dominated Chad Vandiver in the finals. Curby scored a 6-0, 7-0 technical fall in bout one, and pinned Vandiver in 55 seconds in bout two.
“It feels good,” said Curby. “I wanted to get a good tuneup before the Olympic Trials. “This is my second University World Team. This time I go with higher expectations. I hope to win a medal.”
UNIVERSITY WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
74 kg/163 lbs.
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 4-4, 6-2, 3-0
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 7-0, 5-2
Gavin won series, 2 matches to 0
84 kg/185 lbs.
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 5-3, 5-1
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 2-1, 4-0
Herbert won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 4-4, 3-0
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 3-0, 3-0
Dudziak won series, 2 matches to 0
55 kg/121 lbs.
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) dec. Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 5-1, 5-1
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) tech. fall Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 7-0, 6-0
Hazewinkel won series, 2 matches to 0
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) tech. fall Chad Vandiver (unattached), 6-0, 7-0
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) pin Chad Vandiver (unattached), 0:55
Curby won series, 2 matches to 0
May 25th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin, Herbert among winners at University World Team Trials on Saturday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – A number of top stars on the Senior level were able to capture titles on the final day of the University World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center on Saturday.
In the Greco-Roman division, past U.S. Nationals champions Sam Hazewinkel of the Gator WC and Spencer Mango of the Gator WC were among the winners of Saturday night’s Championship Series.
In freestyle, 2008 NCAA champion Keith Gavin of the New York AC and 2007 NCAA champion Jake Herbert of the New York AC were also winners of their Championships Series.
Champions earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. University World Team. The World University Championships are set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, July 9-13.
Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin and Herbert will also compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15. In addition to wrestling for a spot on the University World Team, these athletes, along with many others, were using this as a tuneup for the Olympic Trials.
Hazewinkel, a 2007 U.S. Nationals champion, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division with two dominant wins over 2008 University Nationals champion Nikko Triggas of Ohio State. Hazewinkel won the first match, 5-1, 5-1 and scored a 7-0, 6-0 technical fall in the second match.
“I was debating whether or not it was smart to wrestle here,” said Hazewinkel. “You never go wrong wrestling matches. It was good to make the weight again and keep from getting too big. It was all around good for me. In the past, I didn’t do the University Worlds because I focused on making the Senior team. I was looking at it wrong, I should have gotten that experience. You learn as you go along.”
Mango, a 2008 U.S. Nationals champion at 55 kg/121 lbs., moved up to 60 kg/132 lbs. and needed three matches to defeat Donovan Depatto of the U.S. Marines, Mango won the first bout, 5-1, 3-1, but Depatto claimed the second bout with a surprise 1-1, 3-2 win. In the deciding third match, Mango laced up his wrestling shoes and opened up his offense to score a technical fall victory, 7-0, 6-0.
Mango had also defeated Depatto in the finals of the 2007 and 2008 University Nationals. Mango was a 2006 World University champion, and will have another chance at winning a medal this summer.
“I was only planning on wrestling twice,” said Mango. “I had a bad second match. I put it together the third match and wrestled my match. It is nice making this team. It is a chance to get a little more competition this summer before the Olympics. I am looking forward to that.”
Gavin, who won his 2008 NCAA title for the Univ. of Pittsburgh, defeated Eric Luedke of Iowa in two straight matches at 74 kg/163 lbs. Gavin lost the first period of bout one, but battled back to win 4-4, 6-2, 3-0. In the second match, Gavin was in control for a 7-0, 5-2 victory. Gavin was a 2008 University Nationals champion.
“I felt good. The first match, I was a little sluggish. I got better as it went along. I am really excited. It should be a great experience to get an international experience,” said Gavin. “Right now, I need as many freestyle matches as possible to help me make the adjustment quicker. I think I keep improving. I’ll be excited to get to the Olympic Trials to see how I do.”
At 84 kg/185 lbs., Herbert was in control in a two-match victory over Phillip Keddy of Iowa. Herbert won the first bout, 5-3, 5-1, then captured the second match, 2-1, 4-0. Herbert was a 2007 NCAA champion for Northwestern, and has taken an Olympic redshirt year this season to pursue a spot on the Olympic team. It will be Herbert’s second University World team.
“I was there in 2006 and got bronze. I look to go in 2008 and get gold,” said Herbert. “I have been there once and know what it is about. This is also my early warmup for the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games. It is progressing great. I am ready to go. Now I need to get mentally ready, getting my body and mind feeling good.”
The other University Nationals champions on Saturday in freestyle were Konrad Dudziak of the New York AC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev of the Sunkist Kids at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Dudziak, who is taking an Olympic redshirt year from Duke, defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Brent Jones of the Cavalier WC in two straight, 4-4, 3-0 in bout one and 3-0, 3-0 in bout two.
Dlagnev, a two-time NCAA Div. II champion from Nebraska-Kearney, swept Aaron Anspach of Penn State in two matches. Dlagnev won the first match 2-0, 1-0 and the second match, 5-3, 6-0.
“I am super excited,” said Dlagnev. “It is an honor. I have not been overseas on a tour yet. This is a step in the right direction, and there is a lot more to come.”
The final Greco-Roman champion was top seeded Jacob Curby of the Gator WC at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. , who dominated Chad Vandiver in the finals. Curby scored a 6-0, 7-0 technical fall in bout one, and pinned Vandiver in 55 seconds in bout two.
“It feels good,” said Curby. “I wanted to get a good tuneup before the Olympic Trials. “This is my second University World Team. This time I go with higher expectations. I hope to win a medal.”
UNIVERSITY WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
74 kg/163 lbs.
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 4-4, 6-2, 3-0
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 7-0, 5-2
Gavin won series, 2 matches to 0
84 kg/185 lbs.
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 5-3, 5-1
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 2-1, 4-0
Herbert won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 4-4, 3-0
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 3-0, 3-0
Dudziak won series, 2 matches to 0
55 kg/121 lbs.
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) dec. Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 5-1, 5-1
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) tech. fall Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 7-0, 6-0
Hazewinkel won series, 2 matches to 0
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) tech. fall Chad Vandiver (unattached), 6-0, 7-0
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) pin Chad Vandiver (unattached), 0:55
Curby won series, 2 matches to 0
May 24th, 2008 by NCAA Wrestling, College Wrestling | Rankings Tournament Videos News Results
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U.S. falls short of placing at final Olympic qualifier in Greco-Roman
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/24/2008
The United States Greco-Roman wrestling team came up short in its quest to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games at 60 kg/132 lbs.
2007 U.S. World Team member Joe Betterman went 1-1 and did not place at Greco-Roman Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 2 on Saturday in Novi Sad, Serbia.
Betterman (Chicago, Ill./New York AC/USOEC) beat Hungary’s Balint Korpasi 3-0, 3-0 in the first round at 60 kg/132 lbs. Betterman then fell to past World silver medalist Karen Mnatsakanyan of Armenia 2-0, 1-1.
Betterman was eliminated when the Armenian wrestler fell one match short of reaching the finals.
The top three wrestlers in each weight class from the second of two qualifiers qualified their countries for the 2008 Olympics, set for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China.
The U.S. team, which won the team title at the 2007 World Championships, qualified the other six Greco-Roman weight classes for the Olympics.
Betterman came up short in two other opportunities to qualify the weight class for the Olympics. He did not place at the 2007 World Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Pan American Championships.
American Jim Gruenwald (Marquette, Mich./Sunkist Kids) failed to place at 60 kilos at Greco-Roman Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 1 on May 10 in Rome, Italy. Gruenwald suffered a shoulder injury in that event.
The U.S. has qualified 16-of-18 weight classes overall for the Olympics. The U.S. has qualified 6-of-7 classes in Greco-Roman, 6-of-7 classes in freestyle and all four classes in women’s freestyle.
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Burroughs wins FILA Junior World Team Trials
5/25/2008
University of Nebraska Sports Information
Lincoln -- Nebraska All-America wrestler Jordan Burroughs translated his success for the Huskers to the international level on Saturday as he won the 66 kilogram (145.5 pound) division of the FILA Junior World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Burroughs, wrestling in the freestyle division, defeated Michigan's Kellen Russell in two consecutive sets (5-0, 4-0 in the first and 6-0, 4-0 in the second) to win the best-of-three series and claim a spot on the U.S. world team.
"This is a good step towards making the 2012 Olympic team," Head Coach Mark Manning said. "[FILA World Championships] is a good opportunity to wrestle some of the best kids in the world at his age level."
Burroughs will now travel with the U.S. delegation to the FILA World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, from July 29 to Aug. 3. Manning will also travel with him as a coach for the U.S. team.
The Sicklerville, N.J. native qualified for the FILA Junior World Team Trials by winning the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas last month. The national championship automatically qualified him for the finals at the world team trials.
Burroughs, a sophomore, claimed his first All-America honors in March with a third-place finish at 149 pounds.
Burroughs wins FILA Junior World Team Trials
5/25/2008
University of Nebraska Sports Information
Lincoln -- Nebraska All-America wrestler Jordan Burroughs translated his success for the Huskers to the international level on Saturday as he won the 66 kilogram (145.5 pound) division of the FILA Junior World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Burroughs, wrestling in the freestyle division, defeated Michigan's Kellen Russell in two consecutive sets (5-0, 4-0 in the first and 6-0, 4-0 in the second) to win the best-of-three series and claim a spot on the U.S. world team.
"This is a good step towards making the 2012 Olympic team," Head Coach Mark Manning said. "[FILA World Championships] is a good opportunity to wrestle some of the best kids in the world at his age level."
Burroughs will now travel with the U.S. delegation to the FILA World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, from July 29 to Aug. 3. Manning will also travel with him as a coach for the U.S. team.
The Sicklerville, N.J. native qualified for the FILA Junior World Team Trials by winning the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas last month. The national championship automatically qualified him for the finals at the world team trials.
Burroughs, a sophomore, claimed his first All-America honors in March with a third-place finish at 149 pounds.
Arizona State reinstates wrestling program as 21st varsity sport; Sun Devils will compete fully in 2008-09
Arizona State University
05/23/2008
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Vice President for Athletics Lisa Love announced Friday that the athletic department is fully reinstating the sport of varsity wrestling, effective immediately, due to financial support from local civic leadership. The reinstatement of wrestling gives ASU 21 sports in its varsity athletic program.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the reinstatement of the varsity sport of wrestling at ASU," says Love. "The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport. ASU is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that cares deeply about ASU wrestling."
ASU had announced on May 13, 2008 that it was discontinuing the sport of wrestling due to the rising cost of operating a 22-sport varsity program. It was determined at that time that sponsoring a 20-sport program would better fit ASU¹s athletic financial profile. Love indicated at the time that if the wrestling community were able to raise enough financial support the sport could be reinstated. That commitment is there and the sport will continue at Arizona State.
Love said that fundraising for the sport of wrestling will be an ongoing process. The objective is not just to sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport, but to position the sport as one of the top programs in the country.
The Sun Devil wrestling team is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference.
>> I don't personally understand the $8,000,000.00 price tag to reinstate wrestling, especially when wrestling gear isn't really any more expensive than tennis apparel.. I would imagine that much of the tag comes from a lease on property, but I'd be interested to hear other opinions as to why wrestling cost $3,000,000.00 more than swimming or tennis to get started.
Arizona State reinstates wrestling program as 21st varsity sport; Sun Devils will compete fully in 2008-09
Arizona State University
05/23/2008
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Vice President for Athletics Lisa Love announced Friday that the athletic department is fully reinstating the sport of varsity wrestling, effective immediately, due to financial support from local civic leadership. The reinstatement of wrestling gives ASU 21 sports in its varsity athletic program.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the reinstatement of the varsity sport of wrestling at ASU," says Love. "The wrestling community, both locally and nationally, accepted this as a challenge to do something wonderful for the sport. ASU is forever grateful for that passion and unwavering support. Something special is happening on our campus thanks to civic leadership that cares deeply about ASU wrestling."
ASU had announced on May 13, 2008 that it was discontinuing the sport of wrestling due to the rising cost of operating a 22-sport varsity program. It was determined at that time that sponsoring a 20-sport program would better fit ASU¹s athletic financial profile. Love indicated at the time that if the wrestling community were able to raise enough financial support the sport could be reinstated. That commitment is there and the sport will continue at Arizona State.
Love said that fundraising for the sport of wrestling will be an ongoing process. The objective is not just to sponsor wrestling as a varsity sport, but to position the sport as one of the top programs in the country.
The Sun Devil wrestling team is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference.
>> I don't personally understand the $8,000,000.00 price tag to reinstate wrestling, especially when wrestling gear isn't really any more expensive than tennis apparel.. I would imagine that much of the tag comes from a lease on property, but I'd be interested to hear other opinions as to why wrestling cost $3,000,000.00 more than swimming or tennis to get started.
ASU coach Thom Ortiz: Reinstatement of program like winning the lottery
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/23/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Thom Ortiz’s cell phone rang at around 3 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday.
The caller on the other end, Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love, quickly broke the news.
She was reinstating the wrestling program at Arizona State University.
Ten days after Love announced the Sun Devil wrestling program was being dropped, ASU brought wrestling back after receiving financial support from local civic leadership.
“Actually, I was real calm when Lisa Love called and I said ‘Thank you very much,’” said Ortiz, ASU’s head coach. “I just had to kind of take it all in at first. It was like we had just won the lottery. It seemed like it was too good to be true.
“I was very calm and Lisa asked me, ‘You don’t seem very excited.’ I was just trying to compose myself and count my blessings. In the face of death, my dad always told me to smile. But when you get something like this you have to count your blessings and be thankful and grateful.”
Ortiz, who was at the U.S. Olympic Training Center watching his wrestlers compete at the FILA Junior and World University Trials, learned ASU was dropping wrestling on May 13. Love also announced men’s swimming and men’s tennis were being dropped.
Ortiz was asked what the last 10 days have been like.
“I don’t think it’s been as difficult as people think because we’ve focused on the process of getting this program reinstated,” Ortiz said. “I didn’t realize it’s been 10 days already – I don’t even know what day it is right now. Every day is the same when things like this occur. We just focused on being positive. I really believed this whole time we were going to reinstate this program.”
Ortiz credited Love for her recent decision.
“I am thankful Lisa Love is our A.D., and she showed a lot of guts in reinstating this program,” Ortiz said. “She showed what she’s made of. She took a lot of unnecessary flak, but that’s the past. She’s not vindictive in any way. She likes progress and she wants to move forward.”
Ortiz was busy calling members of his team late Friday afternoon during the tournament in Colorado Springs.
“Our guys are very excited and very elated,” Ortiz said. “We have a good young group. We’re going to be strong and I think we can have a great team.”
One of Ortiz’s recruits, heavyweight Erik Nye, won a World University Team Trials title in Greco-Roman on Friday.
“I talked to Erik and told him we were reinstated,” Ortiz said. “I said, ‘Are you still coming?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely.’ That was great to here.”
Sanders, Provisor need three matches to win FILA Junior World Team Trials on Sunday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – There was great drama in key matchups in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the FILA Junior World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
Freestyle champion Zach Sanders of the Minnesota Storm and Greco-Roman champion Ben Provisor of the Dennis Hall World Gold WC needed three bouts in their Championship Series to earn their spots on the FILA Junior World Team.
Champions in each weight class qualified for the 2008 U.S. Junior World Team. The Junior World Championships will be held in Istanbul, Turkey from July 29 to August 3.
Sanders, a freshman at the Univ. of Minnesota, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division in an intense battle with Ohio high school junior David Taylor, a member of the 2007 Junior World Team.
Sanders won the first match, 4-1, 2-1, with a key three-point takedown in the last seconds of the first period. Taylor bounced back with a second period pin in the second match, 2-3, 1:07. The deciding third match went into the third period, where Sanders scored three takedowns to emerge with a dramatic 4-2, 1-1, 3-0 victory.
“I had to keep attacking and wrestle my style,” said Sanders. “He is kind of funky. I had to stay clear of that stuff. I had to wrestle basic.”
Sanders will be competing on his first U.S. World Team.
“It feels really good. I set this as my goal. I set the goal a year ago. To win a big tournament this spring is great. It will be cool to go overseas. This is my first one. I have won national tournaments, but nothing that lets you go overseas,” said Sanders.
Provisor, a 2008 University Nationals champion, had an intense three-match battle with Talon Knox of the USOEC in the finals at 74 kg/163 lbs.Knox won the first match, 1-1, 0-4, 1-0, but Provisor rebounded with a 4-0, 0-2, 1-1 in the second match. With the team spot on the line, Provisor shut out Knox, 2-0, 2-0.
Coaching Provisor in the finals was his regular club coach Dennis Hall, a 1995 World champion and 1996 Olympic silver medalist, along with past U.S. World Team member Keith Sieracki. Provisor is a native of Wisconsin, and both Hall and Sieracki also came from Wisconsin.
“I have got to attack more on my feet. I wrestled all right, I guess. I need to get in even better shape,” said Provisor. “I stepped up my defense in the second and third matches. I became more confident. I can’t wait. It will be fun to be here (Colorado Springs) for a month, get in the best shape of my life, and go compete for a World medal.”
Provisor gives credit to Hall for helping him to improve as a wrestler.
“Dennis is like my dad. I talk to him every day. I train with him every week. We are best of friends. It is great having that kind of person around for you,” said Provisor.
Earning a spot on the Junior World freestyle team for the second straight year was Colorado high school star Tyler Graff of the New York AC, who defeated 2008 FILA Junior Nationals champion Dylan Alton of the New York AC in two straight matches at 60 kg/132 lbs.
Graff came back in the first match after losing the first period. He tired out Alton and opened up his offense, scoring a third period technical fall with multiple gutwrench turns for a 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3 victory. In the second match, Graff scored all of the points in a 2-0, 6-0 victory.
Graff competed at the 2007 Junior World Championships at 55 kg/121 lbs. Graff has signed to compete at the Univ. of Wisconsin.
“I am happy with the win but not with the performance,” said Graff. “I felt I could have done better. I thank God for the victory and am grateful for the outcome. This is a great opportunity for me. This has been a goal of mine since last year, when I sat and watched my weight class and saw them give the gold to the Russian. It inspired me to want to return and be a World champion.”
Claiming a freestyle title was Jordan Burroughs of the Sunkist Kids, a NCAA All-American from the Univ. of Nebraska. Burroughs, a 2008 University Nationals champion, won the 66 kg/145.5 lbs. division with two straight victories over Univ. of Michigan star Kellen Russell of the Cliff Keen WC.
“I only had to wrestle twice. I was happy to wrestle well,” said Burroughs.”He’s a tough kid. He had a good season this year. It was a tough match for me. I am really excited, because for the first time I will get to wrestle outside the United States. My goal is to win there. That is always my No. 1 goal.”
The other individual champion was Pennsylvania prep star Mark Rappo of the Sunkist Kids at 110 pounds, a recruit for the Univ. of Pennsylvania. Rappo defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Desmond Moore of Penn State, 3-0, 6-0 in bout one and 4-1, 8-1 in bout two.
The U.S. Olympic Education Center program from Northern Michigan Univ. won the other three Greco-Roman titles, as Zach Nielson of the Minnesota Storm at 84 kg/185 lbs., Michael Rossetti of the USOEC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Peter Kowalczuk of the Sunkist Kids/USOEC at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All three won their Championship Series in two straight matches, and all three will be competing on their first University World Team.
“I am really excited. I am psyched. I am jumping at the chance to wrestle against foreign kids. I have been training all year for this, and am excited I get to go,” said Nielsen. “I have grown a lot at the USOEC. When I arrived this year, I was getting thrown around. I received positive encouragement from my partners and coaches. I am glad I am there. I am excited for the future.”
FILA JUNIOR WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
Freestyle Championship Series
50 kg/110 lbs.
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 3-0, 6-0
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 4-1, 8-1
Rappo won series, 2 matches to 0
55 kg/121 lb.s
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-1, 2-1
David Taylor (Mat Rats) pin Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm), 2-3, 1:07
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-2, 1-1, 3-0
Sanders won series, 2 matches to 1
60 kg/132 lbs.
Tyler Graff (New York AC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3
Tyler Graff (NYAC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 2-0, 6-0
Graff won series, 2 matches to 0
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 6-0, 4-1
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 4-0, 4-0
Burroughs won series, 2 matches to 0
Greco-Roman Championship Series
74 kg/163 lbs.
Talon Knox (USOEC) dec. Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling), 1-1, 0-4, 0-0
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 4-0, 0-2, 1-1
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 2-0, 2-0
Provisor won series, 2 matches to 1
84 kg/185 lbs.
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Chris Bullins (McMichael), 6-0, 5-0
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) dec. Chris Bullins (McMichael), 4-1, 6-0
Nielsen won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm), 5-1, 3-1
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm) , 3-1, 6-0
Rossetti won series, 2 matches to 0
120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 6-0
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 7-0
Kowalczuk won series, 2 matches to 0
Sanders, Provisor need three matches to win FILA Junior World Team Trials on Sunday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – There was great drama in key matchups in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the FILA Junior World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
Freestyle champion Zach Sanders of the Minnesota Storm and Greco-Roman champion Ben Provisor of the Dennis Hall World Gold WC needed three bouts in their Championship Series to earn their spots on the FILA Junior World Team.
Champions in each weight class qualified for the 2008 U.S. Junior World Team. The Junior World Championships will be held in Istanbul, Turkey from July 29 to August 3.
Sanders, a freshman at the Univ. of Minnesota, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division in an intense battle with Ohio high school junior David Taylor, a member of the 2007 Junior World Team.
Sanders won the first match, 4-1, 2-1, with a key three-point takedown in the last seconds of the first period. Taylor bounced back with a second period pin in the second match, 2-3, 1:07. The deciding third match went into the third period, where Sanders scored three takedowns to emerge with a dramatic 4-2, 1-1, 3-0 victory.
“I had to keep attacking and wrestle my style,” said Sanders. “He is kind of funky. I had to stay clear of that stuff. I had to wrestle basic.”
Sanders will be competing on his first U.S. World Team.
“It feels really good. I set this as my goal. I set the goal a year ago. To win a big tournament this spring is great. It will be cool to go overseas. This is my first one. I have won national tournaments, but nothing that lets you go overseas,” said Sanders.
Provisor, a 2008 University Nationals champion, had an intense three-match battle with Talon Knox of the USOEC in the finals at 74 kg/163 lbs.Knox won the first match, 1-1, 0-4, 1-0, but Provisor rebounded with a 4-0, 0-2, 1-1 in the second match. With the team spot on the line, Provisor shut out Knox, 2-0, 2-0.
Coaching Provisor in the finals was his regular club coach Dennis Hall, a 1995 World champion and 1996 Olympic silver medalist, along with past U.S. World Team member Keith Sieracki. Provisor is a native of Wisconsin, and both Hall and Sieracki also came from Wisconsin.
“I have got to attack more on my feet. I wrestled all right, I guess. I need to get in even better shape,” said Provisor. “I stepped up my defense in the second and third matches. I became more confident. I can’t wait. It will be fun to be here (Colorado Springs) for a month, get in the best shape of my life, and go compete for a World medal.”
Provisor gives credit to Hall for helping him to improve as a wrestler.
“Dennis is like my dad. I talk to him every day. I train with him every week. We are best of friends. It is great having that kind of person around for you,” said Provisor.
Earning a spot on the Junior World freestyle team for the second straight year was Colorado high school star Tyler Graff of the New York AC, who defeated 2008 FILA Junior Nationals champion Dylan Alton of the New York AC in two straight matches at 60 kg/132 lbs.
Graff came back in the first match after losing the first period. He tired out Alton and opened up his offense, scoring a third period technical fall with multiple gutwrench turns for a 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3 victory. In the second match, Graff scored all of the points in a 2-0, 6-0 victory.
Graff competed at the 2007 Junior World Championships at 55 kg/121 lbs. Graff has signed to compete at the Univ. of Wisconsin.
“I am happy with the win but not with the performance,” said Graff. “I felt I could have done better. I thank God for the victory and am grateful for the outcome. This is a great opportunity for me. This has been a goal of mine since last year, when I sat and watched my weight class and saw them give the gold to the Russian. It inspired me to want to return and be a World champion.”
Claiming a freestyle title was Jordan Burroughs of the Sunkist Kids, a NCAA All-American from the Univ. of Nebraska. Burroughs, a 2008 University Nationals champion, won the 66 kg/145.5 lbs. division with two straight victories over Univ. of Michigan star Kellen Russell of the Cliff Keen WC.
“I only had to wrestle twice. I was happy to wrestle well,” said Burroughs.”He’s a tough kid. He had a good season this year. It was a tough match for me. I am really excited, because for the first time I will get to wrestle outside the United States. My goal is to win there. That is always my No. 1 goal.”
The other individual champion was Pennsylvania prep star Mark Rappo of the Sunkist Kids at 110 pounds, a recruit for the Univ. of Pennsylvania. Rappo defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Desmond Moore of Penn State, 3-0, 6-0 in bout one and 4-1, 8-1 in bout two.
The U.S. Olympic Education Center program from Northern Michigan Univ. won the other three Greco-Roman titles, as Zach Nielson of the Minnesota Storm at 84 kg/185 lbs., Michael Rossetti of the USOEC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Peter Kowalczuk of the Sunkist Kids/USOEC at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. All three won their Championship Series in two straight matches, and all three will be competing on their first University World Team.
“I am really excited. I am psyched. I am jumping at the chance to wrestle against foreign kids. I have been training all year for this, and am excited I get to go,” said Nielsen. “I have grown a lot at the USOEC. When I arrived this year, I was getting thrown around. I received positive encouragement from my partners and coaches. I am glad I am there. I am excited for the future.”
FILA JUNIOR WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
Freestyle Championship Series
50 kg/110 lbs.
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 3-0, 6-0
Mark Rappo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Desmond Moore (Penn State), 4-1, 8-1
Rappo won series, 2 matches to 0
55 kg/121 lb.s
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-1, 2-1
David Taylor (Mat Rats) pin Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm), 2-3, 1:07
Zach Sanders (Minnesota Storm) dec. David Taylor (Mat Rats), 4-2, 1-1, 3-0
Sanders won series, 2 matches to 1
60 kg/132 lbs.
Tyler Graff (New York AC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 0-1 ,3-3, 9-3
Tyler Graff (NYAC) dec. Dylan Alton (New York AC), 2-0, 6-0
Graff won series, 2 matches to 0
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 6-0, 4-1
Jordan Burroughs (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kellen Russell (Cliff Keen), 4-0, 4-0
Burroughs won series, 2 matches to 0
Greco-Roman Championship Series
74 kg/163 lbs.
Talon Knox (USOEC) dec. Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling), 1-1, 0-4, 0-0
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 4-0, 0-2, 1-1
Ben Provisor (DennisHall/WorldGoldWrestling) dec. Talon Knox (USOEC), 2-0, 2-0
Provisor won series, 2 matches to 1
84 kg/185 lbs.
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) tech. fall Chris Bullins (McMichael), 6-0, 5-0
Zac Nielsen (Minnesota Storm) dec. Chris Bullins (McMichael), 4-1, 6-0
Nielsen won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm), 5-1, 3-1
Michael Rossetti (USOEC) dec. Brent Eidenshink (Minnesota Storm) , 3-1, 6-0
Rossetti won series, 2 matches to 0
120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 6-0
Peter Kowalczuk (Sunkist Kids/ USOEC) dec. Nathan Schwartz (Cleveland WC), 3-1, 7-0
Kowalczuk won series, 2 matches to 0
Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin, Herbert among winners at University World Team Trials on Saturday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – A number of top stars on the Senior level were able to capture titles on the final day of the University World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center on Saturday.
In the Greco-Roman division, past U.S. Nationals champions Sam Hazewinkel of the Gator WC and Spencer Mango of the Gator WC were among the winners of Saturday night’s Championship Series.
In freestyle, 2008 NCAA champion Keith Gavin of the New York AC and 2007 NCAA champion Jake Herbert of the New York AC were also winners of their Championships Series.
Champions earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. University World Team. The World University Championships are set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, July 9-13.
Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin and Herbert will also compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15. In addition to wrestling for a spot on the University World Team, these athletes, along with many others, were using this as a tuneup for the Olympic Trials.
Hazewinkel, a 2007 U.S. Nationals champion, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division with two dominant wins over 2008 University Nationals champion Nikko Triggas of Ohio State. Hazewinkel won the first match, 5-1, 5-1 and scored a 7-0, 6-0 technical fall in the second match.
“I was debating whether or not it was smart to wrestle here,” said Hazewinkel. “You never go wrong wrestling matches. It was good to make the weight again and keep from getting too big. It was all around good for me. In the past, I didn’t do the University Worlds because I focused on making the Senior team. I was looking at it wrong, I should have gotten that experience. You learn as you go along.”
Mango, a 2008 U.S. Nationals champion at 55 kg/121 lbs., moved up to 60 kg/132 lbs. and needed three matches to defeat Donovan Depatto of the U.S. Marines, Mango won the first bout, 5-1, 3-1, but Depatto claimed the second bout with a surprise 1-1, 3-2 win. In the deciding third match, Mango laced up his wrestling shoes and opened up his offense to score a technical fall victory, 7-0, 6-0.
Mango had also defeated Depatto in the finals of the 2007 and 2008 University Nationals. Mango was a 2006 World University champion, and will have another chance at winning a medal this summer.
“I was only planning on wrestling twice,” said Mango. “I had a bad second match. I put it together the third match and wrestled my match. It is nice making this team. It is a chance to get a little more competition this summer before the Olympics. I am looking forward to that.”
Gavin, who won his 2008 NCAA title for the Univ. of Pittsburgh, defeated Eric Luedke of Iowa in two straight matches at 74 kg/163 lbs. Gavin lost the first period of bout one, but battled back to win 4-4, 6-2, 3-0. In the second match, Gavin was in control for a 7-0, 5-2 victory. Gavin was a 2008 University Nationals champion.
“I felt good. The first match, I was a little sluggish. I got better as it went along. I am really excited. It should be a great experience to get an international experience,” said Gavin. “Right now, I need as many freestyle matches as possible to help me make the adjustment quicker. I think I keep improving. I’ll be excited to get to the Olympic Trials to see how I do.”
At 84 kg/185 lbs., Herbert was in control in a two-match victory over Phillip Keddy of Iowa. Herbert won the first bout, 5-3, 5-1, then captured the second match, 2-1, 4-0. Herbert was a 2007 NCAA champion for Northwestern, and has taken an Olympic redshirt year this season to pursue a spot on the Olympic team. It will be Herbert’s second University World team.
“I was there in 2006 and got bronze. I look to go in 2008 and get gold,” said Herbert. “I have been there once and know what it is about. This is also my early warmup for the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games. It is progressing great. I am ready to go. Now I need to get mentally ready, getting my body and mind feeling good.”
The other University Nationals champions on Saturday in freestyle were Konrad Dudziak of the New York AC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev of the Sunkist Kids at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Dudziak, who is taking an Olympic redshirt year from Duke, defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Brent Jones of the Cavalier WC in two straight, 4-4, 3-0 in bout one and 3-0, 3-0 in bout two.
Dlagnev, a two-time NCAA Div. II champion from Nebraska-Kearney, swept Aaron Anspach of Penn State in two matches. Dlagnev won the first match 2-0, 1-0 and the second match, 5-3, 6-0.
“I am super excited,” said Dlagnev. “It is an honor. I have not been overseas on a tour yet. This is a step in the right direction, and there is a lot more to come.”
The final Greco-Roman champion was top seeded Jacob Curby of the Gator WC at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. , who dominated Chad Vandiver in the finals. Curby scored a 6-0, 7-0 technical fall in bout one, and pinned Vandiver in 55 seconds in bout two.
“It feels good,” said Curby. “I wanted to get a good tuneup before the Olympic Trials. “This is my second University World Team. This time I go with higher expectations. I hope to win a medal.”
UNIVERSITY WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
Freestyle Championship Series
74 kg/163 lbs.
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 4-4, 6-2, 3-0
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 7-0, 5-2
Gavin won series, 2 matches to 0
84 kg/185 lbs.
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 5-3, 5-1
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 2-1, 4-0
Herbert won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 4-4, 3-0
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 3-0, 3-0
Dudziak won series, 2 matches to 0
120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Tervel Dlagnev (Sunkist Kids) dec. Aaron Anspach (Penn State), 2-0, 1-0
Tervel Dlagnev (Sunkist Kids) dec. Aaron Anspach (Penn State), 5-3, 6-0
Dlagnev won series, 2 matches to 0
Greco-Roman Championship Series
55 kg/121 lbs.
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) dec. Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 5-1, 5-1
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) tech. fall Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 7-0, 6-0
Hazewinkel won series, 2 matches to 0
60 kg/132 lbs.
Spenser Mango (Gator WC) dec. Donovan Depatto (U.S. Marines), 5-1, 3-1
Donovan Depatto (U.S. Marines) dec. Spenser Mango (Gator WC), 1-1, 3-2
Spenser Mango (Gator WC) tech fall. Donovan Depatto (U.S. Marines), 7-0, 6-0
Mango won series, 2 matches to 1
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) tech. fall Chad Vandiver (unattached), 6-0, 7-0
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) pin Chad Vandiver (unattached), 0:55
Curby won series, 2 matches to 0
Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin, Herbert among winners at University World Team Trials on Saturday
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
05/25/2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – A number of top stars on the Senior level were able to capture titles on the final day of the University World Team Trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center on Saturday.
In the Greco-Roman division, past U.S. Nationals champions Sam Hazewinkel of the Gator WC and Spencer Mango of the Gator WC were among the winners of Saturday night’s Championship Series.
In freestyle, 2008 NCAA champion Keith Gavin of the New York AC and 2007 NCAA champion Jake Herbert of the New York AC were also winners of their Championships Series.
Champions earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. University World Team. The World University Championships are set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, July 9-13.
Hazewinkel, Mango, Gavin and Herbert will also compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15. In addition to wrestling for a spot on the University World Team, these athletes, along with many others, were using this as a tuneup for the Olympic Trials.
Hazewinkel, a 2007 U.S. Nationals champion, won the 55 kg/121 lbs. division with two dominant wins over 2008 University Nationals champion Nikko Triggas of Ohio State. Hazewinkel won the first match, 5-1, 5-1 and scored a 7-0, 6-0 technical fall in the second match.
“I was debating whether or not it was smart to wrestle here,” said Hazewinkel. “You never go wrong wrestling matches. It was good to make the weight again and keep from getting too big. It was all around good for me. In the past, I didn’t do the University Worlds because I focused on making the Senior team. I was looking at it wrong, I should have gotten that experience. You learn as you go along.”
Mango, a 2008 U.S. Nationals champion at 55 kg/121 lbs., moved up to 60 kg/132 lbs. and needed three matches to defeat Donovan Depatto of the U.S. Marines, Mango won the first bout, 5-1, 3-1, but Depatto claimed the second bout with a surprise 1-1, 3-2 win. In the deciding third match, Mango laced up his wrestling shoes and opened up his offense to score a technical fall victory, 7-0, 6-0.
Mango had also defeated Depatto in the finals of the 2007 and 2008 University Nationals. Mango was a 2006 World University champion, and will have another chance at winning a medal this summer.
“I was only planning on wrestling twice,” said Mango. “I had a bad second match. I put it together the third match and wrestled my match. It is nice making this team. It is a chance to get a little more competition this summer before the Olympics. I am looking forward to that.”
Gavin, who won his 2008 NCAA title for the Univ. of Pittsburgh, defeated Eric Luedke of Iowa in two straight matches at 74 kg/163 lbs. Gavin lost the first period of bout one, but battled back to win 4-4, 6-2, 3-0. In the second match, Gavin was in control for a 7-0, 5-2 victory. Gavin was a 2008 University Nationals champion.
“I felt good. The first match, I was a little sluggish. I got better as it went along. I am really excited. It should be a great experience to get an international experience,” said Gavin. “Right now, I need as many freestyle matches as possible to help me make the adjustment quicker. I think I keep improving. I’ll be excited to get to the Olympic Trials to see how I do.”
At 84 kg/185 lbs., Herbert was in control in a two-match victory over Phillip Keddy of Iowa. Herbert won the first bout, 5-3, 5-1, then captured the second match, 2-1, 4-0. Herbert was a 2007 NCAA champion for Northwestern, and has taken an Olympic redshirt year this season to pursue a spot on the Olympic team. It will be Herbert’s second University World team.
“I was there in 2006 and got bronze. I look to go in 2008 and get gold,” said Herbert. “I have been there once and know what it is about. This is also my early warmup for the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games. It is progressing great. I am ready to go. Now I need to get mentally ready, getting my body and mind feeling good.”
The other University Nationals champions on Saturday in freestyle were Konrad Dudziak of the New York AC at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev of the Sunkist Kids at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Dudziak, who is taking an Olympic redshirt year from Duke, defeated 2008 University Nationals champion Brent Jones of the Cavalier WC in two straight, 4-4, 3-0 in bout one and 3-0, 3-0 in bout two.
Dlagnev, a two-time NCAA Div. II champion from Nebraska-Kearney, swept Aaron Anspach of Penn State in two matches. Dlagnev won the first match 2-0, 1-0 and the second match, 5-3, 6-0.
“I am super excited,” said Dlagnev. “It is an honor. I have not been overseas on a tour yet. This is a step in the right direction, and there is a lot more to come.”
The final Greco-Roman champion was top seeded Jacob Curby of the Gator WC at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. , who dominated Chad Vandiver in the finals. Curby scored a 6-0, 7-0 technical fall in bout one, and pinned Vandiver in 55 seconds in bout two.
“It feels good,” said Curby. “I wanted to get a good tuneup before the Olympic Trials. “This is my second University World Team. This time I go with higher expectations. I hope to win a medal.”
UNIVERSITY WORLD TEAM TRIALS
At Colorado Springs, Colo., May 24
Freestyle Championship Series
74 kg/163 lbs.
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 4-4, 6-2, 3-0
Keith Gavin (New York AC) dec. Eric Luedke (Iowa), 7-0, 5-2
Gavin won series, 2 matches to 0
84 kg/185 lbs.
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 5-3, 5-1
Jake Herbert (New York AC) dec. Phillip Keddy (Iowa), 2-1, 4-0
Herbert won series, 2 matches to 0
96 kg/211.5 lbs.
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 4-4, 3-0
Konrad Dudziak (New York AC) dec. Brent Jones (Cavalier WC), 3-0, 3-0
Dudziak won series, 2 matches to 0
120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Tervel Dlagnev (Sunkist Kids) dec. Aaron Anspach (Penn State), 2-0, 1-0
Tervel Dlagnev (Sunkist Kids) dec. Aaron Anspach (Penn State), 5-3, 6-0
Dlagnev won series, 2 matches to 0
Greco-Roman Championship Series
55 kg/121 lbs.
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) dec. Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 5-1, 5-1
Sam Hazewinkel (Gator WC) tech. fall Nikko Triggas (Ohio State), 7-0, 6-0
Hazewinkel won series, 2 matches to 0
60 kg/132 lbs.
Spenser Mango (Gator WC) dec. Donovan Depatto (U.S. Marines), 5-1, 3-1
Donovan Depatto (U.S. Marines) dec. Spenser Mango (Gator WC), 1-1, 3-2
Spenser Mango (Gator WC) tech fall. Donovan Depatto (U.S. Marines), 7-0, 6-0
Mango won series, 2 matches to 1
66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) tech. fall Chad Vandiver (unattached), 6-0, 7-0
Jacob Curby (Gator WC) pin Chad Vandiver (unattached), 0:55
Curby won series, 2 matches to 0
U.S. falls short of placing at final Olympic qualifier in Greco-Roman
Craig Sesker USA Wrestling
05/24/2008
The United States Greco-Roman wrestling team came up short in its quest to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games at 60 kg/132 lbs.
2007 U.S. World Team member Joe Betterman went 1-1 and did not place at Greco-Roman Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 2 on Saturday in Novi Sad, Serbia.
Betterman (Chicago, Ill./New York AC/USOEC) beat Hungary’s Balint Korpasi 3-0, 3-0 in the first round at 60 kg/132 lbs. Betterman then fell to past World silver medalist Karen Mnatsakanyan of Armenia 2-0, 1-1.
Betterman was eliminated when the Armenian wrestler fell one match short of reaching the finals.
The top three wrestlers in each weight class from the second of two qualifiers qualified their countries for the 2008 Olympics, set for Aug. 12-21 in Beijing, China.
The U.S. team, which won the team title at the 2007 World Championships, qualified the other six Greco-Roman weight classes for the Olympics.
Betterman came up short in two other opportunities to qualify the weight class for the Olympics. He did not place at the 2007 World Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Pan American Championships.
American Jim Gruenwald (Marquette, Mich./Sunkist Kids) failed to place at 60 kilos at Greco-Roman Olympic Qualifying Tournament No. 1 on May 10 in Rome, Italy. Gruenwald suffered a shoulder injury in that event.
The U.S. has qualified 16-of-18 weight classes overall for the Olympics. The U.S. has qualified 6-of-7 classes in Greco-Roman, 6-of-7 classes in freestyle and all four classes in women’s freestyle.