Top Junior and University wrestlers set to compete at World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23-24
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by Elizabeth Wiley
Event Coverage
This year's FILA Junior and University World Team Camp and Trials for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling is being held May 19-24 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The week will start with a training camp and conclude with the FILA Junior and University World Team Trials competition on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24. The winners in each weight class will earn a spot on the FILA Junior and University World Teams.
The World University Championships are set to take place in Tessaloniki, Greece, July 9-13. Later in the month, the Junior World Championships will occur in Istanbul, Turkey from July 29 to August 3.
2004 Olympic silver medalist Stephen Abas and 2006 World bronze medalist Donny Pritzlaff are among the American wrestlers who have won Junior World titles. 2007 U.S. Nationals champion Tommy Rowlands was a Junior World silver medalist.
A number of top U.S. Senior wrestlers have done well at the University Worlds. Recent Senior National champion Spenser Mango was a 2006 World University champion. Two-time World bronze medalist Harry Lester was also a 2005 University bronze medalist.
"The competition should be high because these wrestlers have to qualify to get here," Greco-Roman Developmental Coach Ike Anderson said. "Most are high caliber."
Champions from April's FILA Junior Nationals in Las Vegas from the eight FILA weight classes earn an automatic berth into the finals of the FILA Junior World Team Trials. If the champion from the FILA Junior Nationals does not enter, the highest finisher in attendance from the FILA Junior Nationals will earn the automatic berth into the best-of-3 finals of the FILA Junior World Team Trials.
Additionally, champions from the University Nationals from the seven University World Championship weights also earn a bye to the finals of University World Team Trials., with the highest finisher from University Nationals getting an automatic berth if the champion isn't in attendance.
The eight weight classes used in the FILA Junior World meet are 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs., 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
High school sophomore Logan Steiber of EBW at 55 kg/121 lbs. captured a freestyle championship at the FILA Junior Nationals and earned the tournament's Outstanding Wrestling award for his efforts.
Joining in him in earning gold medals is Bubba Jenkins of Penn State at 70 kg/154.25 lbs., a 2007 Junior World champion and two-time FILA Junior National champ, and Dylan Alton of Mat-Town USA at 60 kg/132 lbs., who is a two-time Junior National champion.
The other freestyle champions from the FILA Junior Nationals attending include Desmond Moore of Penn State at 50 kg/110 lbs., Corey Jantzen of Gold Medal WC at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., Jordan Burroughs of Sunkist Kids at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Quentin Wright of Team Wright at 74 kg/163 lbs., Mike Letts of College Park WC at 79 kg/174 lbs., and Dustin Kilgore of Golden Pride WC at 84 kg/185 lbs.
The 2007 freestyle champions David Taylor of Ohio and Jake Kerr of Hawkeye WC are also expected to take part in the event.
FILA Junior Greco-Roman National champion Jake Deitchler of Minnesota Storm at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. also placed second at Senior Nationals to earn a berth to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Deitchler was a member of the 2007 FILA Junior World Team.
The other returning champions from the 2007 FILA Junior World Team are Tyler Cox of Camel Kids at 50 kg/110 lbs. and Eric Grajales of Brandon WC at 55 kg/121 lbs. Cox was fifth at the 2007 Junior World Championships. Grajales did not take part in the 2008 FILA Junior Nationals because he competed at the U.S. Senior Nationals, placing fifth, and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
"Our No. 1 guys, Cox, Dietchler, and Grajales, are veteran guys that went to Bulgaria last year for Junior Worlds and have a chance to medal this year," said Anderson.
Peter Kowalczuk of USOEC, Zak Nielsen of Minnesota Storm, and Jimmy Chase of Pinnacle, who were FILA Junior champions also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Kowalczuk placed fifth at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Chase was sixth at 55 kg/121 lbs, while Nielsen was seventh in the 84 kg/185 lbs. weight class.
Greco-Roman champions from the FILA Junior Nationals include Kyle Dake of Shamrock WC at 60 kg/132 lbs., Jon Drendel of NMU/USOEC at 70 kg/154.25 lbs., Ben Provisor of Dennis Hall/World Gold WC at 74 kg/163 lbs., Kaleb Young of Minnesota Storm at 79 kg/174 lbs., and Michael Rossetti of NMU/USOEC at 96 kg211.5 lbs.
All but three National champions will be competing in the FILA Junior division. Not expected to attend the FILA Junior World Team Trials are freestyle champs Chad Henke of Orange Crush at 96 kg/211.5 lbs and Dom Bradley Mo Elite at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., and Luke Satern of Dave Schultz at 63 kg/138.75 in Greco-Roman.
A number of top University level competitors will also be competing at the World Team Trials. Spenser Mango of the USOEC at 60 kg/132.25 lbs. claimed National Greco-Roman titles at the University and Senior Nationals. Additionally, Mango was named Outstanding Wrestler at University and Senior Nationals.
"On the University side, there are a number of guys that I expect to do well," said Anderson. "Sam Hazewinkel at 55 kg, Spenser Mango is moving up to 60 kg, Jake Curby at 66 kg, Robbie Smith at 96 kg, and heavyweight Erik Nye. I should take a very strong team to the University Worlds with that level of experience."
A number of other Greco-Roman University champions qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials with top finishes at the U.S. Senior Nationals. Andrew Bisek of Minnesota Storm at 74 kg/163 lbs. finished second, Chas Betts of Minnesota storm placed third at 84 kg/185 lbs., Peter Gounaridis of USOEC was seventh at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., and Erik Nye of Sunkist Kids at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. came in fourth. Nye was a fifth place finisher at the 2007 Junior World Championships.
Other 2008 University National champions in Greco-Roman include Nikko Triggas of Ohio State at 55 kg/121 lbs., Kerry Regner of USOEC at 63 KG/138.75 lbs., Bo Beckman of USOEC at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Jon Drendel of USOEC at 70 kg/154.25 lbs., and Jake Fisher of USOEC at 79 kg / 174 lbs.
Seven University freestyle National champions are expected to attend the event as well including Brad Pataky of Penn State at 55 kg/121 lbs., Daniel Dennis of Iowa at 60 kg/132.25 lbs., Reece Humphrey of Ohio State at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., Nathaniel Holt of Chippewa Wrestling Club at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Keith Gavin of Pittsburgh at 74 kg/163 lbs., Jake Herbert of Wildcat Wrestling Club at 84 kg/185 lbs., and Brent Jones of Cavalier Wrestling Club at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.
FILA JUNIOR WORLD TEAM TRIALS SCHEDULE
Colorado Springs, Colo., Olympic Training Center
Thursday, May 22
3:45-4:30 p.m. - Medical check and weigh-in;
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs.
Friday, May 23
9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
University Freestyle weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
5-7:30 p.m. - Final Trials: Match #1, Match #2, and Match #3 (if necessary):
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs. FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs. University Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs.
4 p.m. - Medical check and weigh-in
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Saturday, May 24
9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
5-7:30 p.m. - Final Trials: Match #1, Match #2, and Match #3 (if necessary):
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
This year's FILA Junior and University World Team Camp and Trials for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling is being held May 19-24 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The week will start with a training camp and conclude with the FILA Junior and University World Team Trials competition on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24. The winners in each weight class will earn a spot on the FILA Junior and University World Teams.
The World University Championships are set to take place in Tessaloniki, Greece, July 9-13. Later in the month, the Junior World Championships will occur in Istanbul, Turkey from July 29 to August 3.
2004 Olympic silver medalist Stephen Abas and 2006 World bronze medalist Donny Pritzlaff are among the American wrestlers who have won Junior World titles. 2007 U.S. Nationals champion Tommy Rowlands was a Junior World silver medalist.
A number of top U.S. Senior wrestlers have done well at the University Worlds. Recent Senior National champion Spenser Mango was a 2006 World University champion. Two-time World bronze medalist Harry Lester was also a 2005 University bronze medalist.
"The competition should be high because these wrestlers have to qualify to get here," Greco-Roman Developmental Coach Ike Anderson said. "Most are high caliber."
Champions from April's FILA Junior Nationals in Las Vegas from the eight FILA weight classes earn an automatic berth into the finals of the FILA Junior World Team Trials. If the champion from the FILA Junior Nationals does not enter, the highest finisher in attendance from the FILA Junior Nationals will earn the automatic berth into the best-of-3 finals of the FILA Junior World Team Trials.
Additionally, champions from the University Nationals from the seven University World Championship weights also earn a bye to the finals of University World Team Trials., with the highest finisher from University Nationals getting an automatic berth if the champion isn't in attendance.
The eight weight classes used in the FILA Junior World meet are 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs., 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
High school sophomore Logan Steiber of EBW at 55 kg/121 lbs. captured a freestyle championship at the FILA Junior Nationals and earned the tournament's Outstanding Wrestling award for his efforts.
Joining in him in earning gold medals is Bubba Jenkins of Penn State at 70 kg/154.25 lbs., a 2007 Junior World champion and two-time FILA Junior National champ, and Dylan Alton of Mat-Town USA at 60 kg/132 lbs., who is a two-time Junior National champion.
The other freestyle champions from the FILA Junior Nationals attending include Desmond Moore of Penn State at 50 kg/110 lbs., Corey Jantzen of Gold Medal WC at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., Jordan Burroughs of Sunkist Kids at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Quentin Wright of Team Wright at 74 kg/163 lbs., Mike Letts of College Park WC at 79 kg/174 lbs., and Dustin Kilgore of Golden Pride WC at 84 kg/185 lbs.
The 2007 freestyle champions David Taylor of Ohio and Jake Kerr of Hawkeye WC are also expected to take part in the event.
FILA Junior Greco-Roman National champion Jake Deitchler of Minnesota Storm at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. also placed second at Senior Nationals to earn a berth to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Deitchler was a member of the 2007 FILA Junior World Team.
The other returning champions from the 2007 FILA Junior World Team are Tyler Cox of Camel Kids at 50 kg/110 lbs. and Eric Grajales of Brandon WC at 55 kg/121 lbs. Cox was fifth at the 2007 Junior World Championships. Grajales did not take part in the 2008 FILA Junior Nationals because he competed at the U.S. Senior Nationals, placing fifth, and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
"Our No. 1 guys, Cox, Dietchler, and Grajales, are veteran guys that went to Bulgaria last year for Junior Worlds and have a chance to medal this year," said Anderson.
Peter Kowalczuk of USOEC, Zak Nielsen of Minnesota Storm, and Jimmy Chase of Pinnacle, who were FILA Junior champions also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Kowalczuk placed fifth at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Chase was sixth at 55 kg/121 lbs, while Nielsen was seventh in the 84 kg/185 lbs. weight class.
Greco-Roman champions from the FILA Junior Nationals include Kyle Dake of Shamrock WC at 60 kg/132 lbs., Jon Drendel of NMU/USOEC at 70 kg/154.25 lbs., Ben Provisor of Dennis Hall/World Gold WC at 74 kg/163 lbs., Kaleb Young of Minnesota Storm at 79 kg/174 lbs., and Michael Rossetti of NMU/USOEC at 96 kg211.5 lbs.
All but three National champions will be competing in the FILA Junior division. Not expected to attend the FILA Junior World Team Trials are freestyle champs Chad Henke of Orange Crush at 96 kg/211.5 lbs and Dom Bradley Mo Elite at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., and Luke Satern of Dave Schultz at 63 kg/138.75 in Greco-Roman.
A number of top University level competitors will also be competing at the World Team Trials. Spenser Mango of the USOEC at 60 kg/132.25 lbs. claimed National Greco-Roman titles at the University and Senior Nationals. Additionally, Mango was named Outstanding Wrestler at University and Senior Nationals.
"On the University side, there are a number of guys that I expect to do well," said Anderson. "Sam Hazewinkel at 55 kg, Spenser Mango is moving up to 60 kg, Jake Curby at 66 kg, Robbie Smith at 96 kg, and heavyweight Erik Nye. I should take a very strong team to the University Worlds with that level of experience."
A number of other Greco-Roman University champions qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials with top finishes at the U.S. Senior Nationals. Andrew Bisek of Minnesota Storm at 74 kg/163 lbs. finished second, Chas Betts of Minnesota storm placed third at 84 kg/185 lbs., Peter Gounaridis of USOEC was seventh at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., and Erik Nye of Sunkist Kids at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. came in fourth. Nye was a fifth place finisher at the 2007 Junior World Championships.
Other 2008 University National champions in Greco-Roman include Nikko Triggas of Ohio State at 55 kg/121 lbs., Kerry Regner of USOEC at 63 KG/138.75 lbs., Bo Beckman of USOEC at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Jon Drendel of USOEC at 70 kg/154.25 lbs., and Jake Fisher of USOEC at 79 kg / 174 lbs.
Seven University freestyle National champions are expected to attend the event as well including Brad Pataky of Penn State at 55 kg/121 lbs., Daniel Dennis of Iowa at 60 kg/132.25 lbs., Reece Humphrey of Ohio State at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., Nathaniel Holt of Chippewa Wrestling Club at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Keith Gavin of Pittsburgh at 74 kg/163 lbs., Jake Herbert of Wildcat Wrestling Club at 84 kg/185 lbs., and Brent Jones of Cavalier Wrestling Club at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.
FILA JUNIOR WORLD TEAM TRIALS SCHEDULE
Colorado Springs, Colo., Olympic Training Center
Thursday, May 22
3:45-4:30 p.m. - Medical check and weigh-in;
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs.
Friday, May 23
9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
University Freestyle weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
5-7:30 p.m. - Final Trials: Match #1, Match #2, and Match #3 (if necessary):
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs. FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs. University Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/132 lbs.
4 p.m. - Medical check and weigh-in
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Saturday, May 24
9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Challenge Tournament.
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
Best-of-3 championship series with the champion of the Challenge Tournament facing the highest place finisher from the 2007 FILA Junior National Championship in attendance.
5-7:30 p.m. - Final Trials: Match #1, Match #2, and Match #3 (if necessary):
FILA Junior Greco-Roman weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
FILA Junior Freestyle weights: 50 kg/110 lbs., 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
University Freestyle weights: 74 kg/163 lbs., 84 kg/185 lbs., 96 kg/211.5 lbs., 120 kg/264.5 lbs.
University Greco-Roman weights: 55 kg/121 lbs., 60 kg/132 lbs., 66 kg/145.5 lbs.
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