Nickal defeats Woodley for U23 World Team spot at 92 kg
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by Taylor Miller, USA Wrestling
FARGO, N.D. – 2019 Final X runner-up Bo Nickal won the men’s freestyle 92 kg spot on the 2019 U23 World Team after going 2-0 against U23 World Team Trials champion Jake Woodley in a special wrestle-off.
“I think any opportunity I have to make a World Team and represent the country is awesome,” Nickal said. “I was excited to have the chance to do it. I am excited to compete in October and represent the country.”
Nickal requested the wrestle-off against Woodley, meeting all the requirements needed to receive a delay based on the U23 World Team Trials procedures.
In the first round, Nickal, a three-time NCAA champion for Penn State, took a decisive 12-4 win over OU’s Woodley; however, the match was a lot closer than it seemed.
In a first-period scramble, Woodley took a 2-2 lead on criteria as both wrestlers were exposed. Shortly after, with Woodley on top, he executed a gut wrench to lead Nickal 4-2. Just before the break, Nickal tied it back up with a takedown to take the lead on criteria into the break.
The second period saw Nickal shut down Woodley, using three takedowns and a gut wrench for the eventual 12-4 decision.
Match two was primarily Nickal who scored, leading 2-0 at the break with a shot clock penalty and a step out.
In the final frame, Nickal scored three takedowns and gave up two points at the very end but took the series with an 8-2 decision.
"(Woodley) is a tough opponent and a tough kid. He did a good job of circling and staying in good position, when I was looking to re-attack and go behind,” Nickal said. “He did a good job. I felt like I wrestled OK. I am excited to keep training, keep working and getting better every day, and hopefully to peak in October."
Nickal will compete at the U23 World Championships on Oct. 29 in Budapest, Hungary.
U23 WORLD TEAM SPECIAL WRESTLE-OFF
at Fargo, N.D., July 16, 2019
Men’s freestyle
92 kg: Bo Nickal (State College, Pa./Nittany Lion WC) def. Jake Woodley (Pittsburgh, Pa./OKRTC), 2 matches to 0
Round 1 – Nickal dec. Woodley, 12-4
Round 2 – Nickal dec. Woodley, 8-2
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