Trent Hidlay wins the 2023 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational at 197 pounds.
Trent Hidlay named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week
by Savannah Asmann, USA Wrestling
Trent Hidlay (Raleigh, N.C./NC State) has been named the USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week on December 6, 2023.
Hidlay of NC State, the No. 2 seed and No. 2 ranked wrestler at 197 pounds, won his bracket at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational last weekend. Hidlay had a strong tournament, defeating fifth-seeded Jaxon Smith of Maryland, a past age-group World Team member, in a 5-2 decision in the final matchup. In the semifinals, Hidlay defeated No. 3 seed and 2023 U23 World bronze medalist Jacob Cardenas of Cornell.
Hidlay, a past age-group World medalist, won a fierce 2-1 battle over National Team member Alex Dieringer at 86 kg in the finals of the 2023 Bill Farrell Memorial International held in November in New York City. With the win, Hidlay is qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in State College, Pennsylvania, in April at 86 kg.
To nominate a wrestler for this honor please email the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments, and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.