Trenge named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Central Regional Olympic Team Trials Qualifier
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John Fuller (USA Wrestling)
03/28/2004
Laramie, Wyo. - Jon Trenge (New York AC) captured a gold medal at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler following a solid performance at the Central Regional Olympic Team Trials Qualifier on Saturday, defeating two top U.S. opponents in the men's freestyle division. Winners at all weight classes at the Central Regional Olympic Team Trials Qualifier earn a spot in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Wrestling in Indianapolis, Ind., May 21-23. Trenge defeated two-time Olympian and 1993 World Champion Melvin Douglas (Sunkist Kids) 4-1 in overtime to move into the semifinals. In the gold-medal match, Trenge then defeated Ryan Tobin (Dave Schultz WC) 4-2. Yero Washington (Sunkist Kids) upset 2001 U.S. Nationals champion Eric Akin (Dave Schultz WC) 6-5 in the semifinals at 60 kg/132 lbs. before dominating Dustin Rock (Wyoming) 11-0 in the finals to qualify for the Trials. Akin moved up one weight class for this competition. Also winning their weight classes were U.S. Olympic Training Center resident-athletes Eric Albarricin (U.S. Army) at 55 kg/121 lbs., Celso DeAnda (Team Excel) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and Mike Faust (Dave Schultz WC) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Former college stars Yoshi Nakamura (Dave Schultz WC) and Nick Preston (Sunkist Kids) also won their weight classes to qualify for the Trials. Nakamura allowed only two points in three matches in winning the gold medal at 74 kg/163 lbs., and Preston won all three of his matches at 84 kg/185 lbs. The next qualifying event for men's freestyle will be the 2004 U.S. National Championships, held in Las Vegas, Nev., April 9-10.