USA to battle Belarus in "Feud at the Falls" International Wrestling Dual

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Tim Tushla ()
01/16/2003


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Some of the world's best wrestlers will go head-to-head as a United States senior freestyle team takes on the National Team of Belarus in the inaugural Feud at the Falls international wrestling dual, on Wednesday, February12.    This international event will take place at the Elmen Center on the campus of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This will mark the first time an Olympic-level wrestling dual has been held in South Dakota since the mid-1990's    Although a US team coach has not yet been named, two nationally ranked wrestlers have already committed to participate. Ryan Tobin, a native of Brandon, SD and three-time All-American at the University of Nebraska will compete at 211.5 pounds.    "I am very excited to come home to wrestle," noted Tobin, who is ranked fourth in the nation and currently trains at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. "This is a great opportunity for area fans to see freestyle wrestling at its highest level. Belarus will be coming from the Dave Schultz International tournament in Colorado and will be in top shape."    Tobin's recent results include the championship of the 2002 Clansman Open in Canada, along with third-place finishes at the Deglane Challenge in France and the New York Athletic Club Christmas Tournament. He also finished fourth at the Sunkist Open in November.    The other American slated to appear is Donny Pritzlaff, a two-time NCAA champion for the University of Wisconsin. Pritzlaff finished third at 163 pounds at the 2002 US World Team Trials in St. Paul, MN and is also the defending Dave Schultz International champ at that weight.    "Augustana wrestling is extremely proud to be able to host this competition," said head coach Kraig Presler. "A limited number of international wrestling duals are held in the US each year. We hope to get tremendous community support and make this an annual event."    The seven-member Belarus team has not yet been finalized. The remaining five US athletes and the Team USA coach will be named in the upcoming weeks.    Kids wrestling clinic planned    A wrestling clinic featuring US team coaches and athletes will precede the event, beginning at 5:30. Admission to the clinic is free with a paid ticket to the dual and is open to both athletes and coaches.    Tickets for the event will be $10 and will be available only at the door.