Final seven men's freestyle wrestlers and final four women's freestyle wrestlers qualify for the Oly

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John Fuller (USA Wrestling)
04/25/2004


Kenner, La. - The final qualifiers in men's and women's freestyle wrestling were determined at the South Regional Olympic Team Trials Qualifier in Kenner, La. on Saturday, April 24.    Champions at each weight class have progressed to the Challenge Tournament at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis, Ind., May 21-23. This is the last qualifying competition for the Olympic Trials.    In men's freestyle, 2001 U.S. World Team member and 2003 World Cup silver medalist Bill Zadick (Hawkeye WC) outscored his three opponents 26-0 to win the gold medal at 66 kg/145.5 lbs.    T.J. Hill (Mineral Area Wrestling Association), a three-time Junior World medalist, was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler after defeating 2004 NCAA champion Jason Powell (Gator WC) 6-0 in the finals at 55 kg/121 lbs.    2003 University Nationals champion and NCAA champion Matt Lackey (New York AC) captured the title at 74 kg/163 lbs. with a 5-2 finals win over Rick Springman (Dave Schultz WC).    Aaron Simpson (Sunkist Kids) and Ryan Tobin (Dave Schultz WC), both of whom have extensive international experience, won gold medals at 84 kg/185 lbs. and 96 kg/211.5 lbs., respectively.    At 60 kg/132 lbs., Nate Gallick (Sunkist Kids), a 2004 NCAA All-American, defeated Dane Valdez (Gold Mine WC) 5-1 to win the title.    Also qualifying for the Olympic Trials was Angelo Borzio (New York AC), who defeated 2004 NCAA All-American Matt Feast (Dave Schultz WC) 4-1 in the finals at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.    In women's freestyle action, Leigh Jaynes (New York AC) was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler after winning her finals match at 63 kg/138.75 lbs. by a 12-0 technical superiority over Kirstan Sifford (Team Texas).    Also winning their weight classes to qualify for the first-ever Olympic Team Trials in women's wrestling were Julie Gonzalez (Dave Schultz WC) at 48 kg/105.5 lbs., Elizabeth Torres (Pacific) at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Shelly Ruberg (Cumberland College) at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.