Notes and Quotes from the Junior World Trials in Chattanooga

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Ted Witulski (USA Wrestling)
05/18/2002


Ty Eustice of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, a 4X state champion at Blue Earth Minnesota, squared off against Zach Esposito a highly touted recruit for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the quarter-finals.  Esposito broke the match open after the two went scoreless in the first period.  Esposito, wearing blue, locked first and immediately dropped Eustice to his back with an inside trip for three points followed by the additional point for exposure.  Eustice was unable to battle back losing five to one in a battle that may be seen again in the NCAA's.      Following the match Esposito rested on the cold concrete floor and accepted congratulations from a number of wrestlers.  Esposito is not sure if he will redshirt his freshman year for the Cowboys:    "I don't have a plan on anything yet.  That is something that will be left to Coach Smith.  If he decides I need to come out, then I'll come out and wrestle."    As far as wrestling freestyle this spring and summer:    "I want to win this meet (Junior World Trials), and then I'll definitely be in Fargo.  I haven't won that yet."      Brian Dolph was coaching a few wrestlers from the University of Pennsylvania, but the one time National Champion for Indiana let it be known what he won't be doing in June:    "I won't be wrestling in St. Paul.  I broke my ribs at U.S. Nationals and I haven't been able to get on the mat since then."      Ben Askren, from Heartland Wisconsin, was hanging out with his future teammates from the University of Missouri:    "I like the coaches and wrestlers the best at Missouri; it's a great environment.  It's an up and coming program and I wanted to be at school where I could say I helped get something going."      Tolly Thompson brought his family with him to Chattanooga, since he intends on staying in Tennessee for a little training before June's World Team Trials in St. Paul:      "Lee Fullhart is a great partner to work out with.  He's as tough as anybody; he knows how to push you."      Charles Burton, 2000 Olympian at 85 kg, had some news to share with his wrestling friends:    "We (wife-Sarah) are expecting our first child in November."      John Smith, Head Coach Oklahoma State and Gator Wrestling Club on Daniel Cormier's return from injury:    "The cast is off his arm and this week he's training in Colorado Springs.  We expect him to be 100 % at the Trials in June."