Northwestern University Athletics
Herbert Captures U.S. Nationals Freestyle Championship
4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
April 13, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- In his first competition since winning his second NCAA title on March 21, Hodge Trophy winner Jake Herbert bested the field in the 185-pound (84 kg) weight division at the U.S. Nationals meet in Las Vegas on Saturday. Herbert—who entered the event as the No. 6 seed—was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler and took a big step toward making his first World Team.
“This was tougher than I expected,” Herbert said. “I had wins over all of these guys coming into this tournament, so I felt pretty confident I could win it. There was no doubt in my mind that I could win this. It wasn't any kind of upset at all.”
Herbert defeated fifth-seeded Eric Luedke 7-0, 1-3, 1-0 in the finals of the tournament, which is contested in freestyle rather than the collegiate folkstyle. Champions in each weight class are rewarded with the No. 1 seed for the U.S. World Team Trials on May 30-31, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
“Jake is truly an elite wrestler and he is improving during each and every workout,” said NU associate head coach Andrew Pariano. “He will continue to benefit Northwestern Wrestling with his international experience and his ability to pass on his knowledge to our guys. We couldn't be more proud of him.”
In addition to the fact that all seven champions were first-time U.S. Nationals winners, the titlists shared one other notable link: all seven won at least one Midlands championship during their college careers.
“Jake is well on his way to having an outstanding freestyle career,” said Northwestern head coach Tim Cysewski. “He learns quickly and has one of the best support systems in our sport. We look forward to the World Trials that are coming up at the end of May.”
Below is a look at Saturday's seven winners (with weight class in parentheses) and the years in which they won Midlands titles:
Nick Simmons (121): 2004, 2005, 2006 (Michigan State)
Mike Zadick (132): 1999, 2001 (Iowa)
Trent Paulson (141): 2003 (Iowa State)
Travis Paulson (163): 2006 (Iowa State)
Jake Herbert (185): 2004, 2005, 2008 (Northwestern)
Jake Varner (211): 2007 (Iowa State)
Steve Mocco (Hwt): 2001, 2002 (University of Iowa)
Herbert finished his college career as Northwestern's leader in winning percentage (.973) and second in career wins with a 149-4 career record. He won the 2007 and 2009 NCAA title at 184 pounds and last month became Northwestern's first three-time Big Ten champion.
Read more about the U.S. Nationals tournament at TheMat.com.
