Hodge Trophy race comes down to Iowa's Metcalf, Northwestern's Herbert
Share:
by Craig Sesker
ST. LOUIS - The race for the Hodge Trophy as the nation's best college wrestler has essentially been a two-horse race this season.
You have returning Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf of Iowa.
And past NCAA champion Jake Herbert of Northwestern.
After Metcalf's dominating performance at the Big Ten Championships, Herbert may have a little ground to make up at the 2009 NCAA Championships.
"The way he wrestled at Big Tens, (Metcalf) looked phenomenal," Herbert said with a laugh. "He might have cleared some distance from me. But I have five more matches. I know he's not trying to wrestle for the Hodge. He's wrestling to win a national championship for himself and his team. All we can do is wrestle our best and see what happens."
Metcalf and Herbert took different approaches during Wednesday's pre-event press conference at the Scottrade Center.
Metcalf had his game face on already, looking straight ahead with a serious expression.
The outgoing Herbert joked around with fellow wrestlers and media during the 30-minute session on the eve of the 2009 NCAAs.
Metcalf, a junior, is a returning NCAA champion at 149 pounds. He is seeded No. 1 and has not been seriously challenged this year.
"He's just relentless out there, he's awesome," Herbert said of Metcalf. "I would hate to have a drill match with him because I know I would get really tired. He is on you and on you, just pushing the pace and constantly coming at you."
Metcalf is heavily favored to repeat at 149 and his top-ranked Hawkeye squad is the clear favorite to repeat as team champions.
"Nothing is automatic," Metcalf said. "Just because I'm ranked No. 1 doesn't mean a whole lot if I don't go out and perform. We have to go out and perform to our highest level and then we will have what we want."
Herbert, a senior, won an NCAA title two years ago at 184. He took an Olympic redshirt last year. Herbert placed third and second at the NCAAs his first two years at Northwestern. He is undefeated and ranked No. 1.
Herbert fell short of making the 2008 Olympic Team. He won the Dave Schultz Memorial International earlier in the season before coming up short in the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
"It was a great experience," Herbert said. "I picked up a lot of new technique and I definitely improved as a wrestler. It didn't turn out quite like I had planned, but it was a great experience for me."
Herbert and Metcalf are considered two of the favorites to make the 2009 U.S. World Team in freestyle wrestling. A number of college stars in the 2009 NCAAs expect to contend for spots on the World Team.
"I want to make the 2009, 2010 and 2011 World Teams and then wrestle in the 2012 Olympics," Herbert said. "I'm focused on this weekend obviously, but right after this the (U.S. Nationals) are coming up in a couple of weeks. There are a lot of young guys stepping up. It will be exciting to see how it turns out.
You have returning Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf of Iowa.
And past NCAA champion Jake Herbert of Northwestern.
After Metcalf's dominating performance at the Big Ten Championships, Herbert may have a little ground to make up at the 2009 NCAA Championships.
"The way he wrestled at Big Tens, (Metcalf) looked phenomenal," Herbert said with a laugh. "He might have cleared some distance from me. But I have five more matches. I know he's not trying to wrestle for the Hodge. He's wrestling to win a national championship for himself and his team. All we can do is wrestle our best and see what happens."
Metcalf and Herbert took different approaches during Wednesday's pre-event press conference at the Scottrade Center.
Metcalf had his game face on already, looking straight ahead with a serious expression.
The outgoing Herbert joked around with fellow wrestlers and media during the 30-minute session on the eve of the 2009 NCAAs.
Metcalf, a junior, is a returning NCAA champion at 149 pounds. He is seeded No. 1 and has not been seriously challenged this year.
"He's just relentless out there, he's awesome," Herbert said of Metcalf. "I would hate to have a drill match with him because I know I would get really tired. He is on you and on you, just pushing the pace and constantly coming at you."
Metcalf is heavily favored to repeat at 149 and his top-ranked Hawkeye squad is the clear favorite to repeat as team champions.
"Nothing is automatic," Metcalf said. "Just because I'm ranked No. 1 doesn't mean a whole lot if I don't go out and perform. We have to go out and perform to our highest level and then we will have what we want."
Herbert, a senior, won an NCAA title two years ago at 184. He took an Olympic redshirt last year. Herbert placed third and second at the NCAAs his first two years at Northwestern. He is undefeated and ranked No. 1.
Herbert fell short of making the 2008 Olympic Team. He won the Dave Schultz Memorial International earlier in the season before coming up short in the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
"It was a great experience," Herbert said. "I picked up a lot of new technique and I definitely improved as a wrestler. It didn't turn out quite like I had planned, but it was a great experience for me."
Herbert and Metcalf are considered two of the favorites to make the 2009 U.S. World Team in freestyle wrestling. A number of college stars in the 2009 NCAAs expect to contend for spots on the World Team.
"I want to make the 2009, 2010 and 2011 World Teams and then wrestle in the 2012 Olympics," Herbert said. "I'm focused on this weekend obviously, but right after this the (U.S. Nationals) are coming up in a couple of weeks. There are a lot of young guys stepping up. It will be exciting to see how it turns out.
Read More#
Northern Colorado names Teyon Ware as Head Wrestling Coach
2024 Olympic medalists Lee, Blades among 18 to take a one-match lead in Championship Series at Final X
The Hall of Fame’s Presentation of Plaques is all about family and friends celebrating wrestling excellence
PIN ratings in both styles announced for U23 Nationals in Geneva, Ohio, May 30-June 1
