CMU freshman wins University Nationals, Gomez & Phillips finish 2nd
Goodrich state champ Kyler Elsworth takes 2nd in FILA Cadet Division
FILA Cadet & University Nationals
Akron, OH
4/12 - The University Nationals' freestyle division was larger this year than it has ever been
with 552 entries. With the Beijing Olympics coming up this year's Universities served as
a qualifier for the Olympic Trials, which placed added importance on the already
traditionally strong event.
The lone Michigan wrestler to win it all this weekend was CMU redshirt freshman Nathaniel
Holt, who defeated former NCAA runner-up Ryan Lang of Northwestern in the 66kg finals
5-1, 3-1. Holt, who wrestles 149lbs for the Chippewas, was a high school all-american and
2x state Utah state champ before arriving in Mt Pleasant.
Two other Michigan college grapplers made the finals in freestyle but came up short.
Franklin Gomez knocked off University of Iowa All-American Alex Tsirtis in two straight
periods to advance to the 60kg finals, but then fell to another Hawkeye in Daniel Dennis.
Gomez was an all-american for Michigan State this year at 133lbs.
University of Michigan freshman Eddie Phillips also finished runner up as he made the finals at 96kg. Phillips, who was a Division 2 state champ for Lakewood High School, lost in the finals to Brent Jones of Virginia by way of a first period fall.
Three Michiganders earned all-american status in the FILA Cadet division led by Goodrich junior Kyler Elsworth who finished runner up at 187.25lbs. Elsworth's lone loss came to the hands of Virginia's Max Huntley. Elsworth won the opening period against Huntley, who was a Cadet Freestyle all-american in Fargo last summer, but fell 3-0 & 6-1 in the final two stanzas to lose the bout. Huntley is ranked 15th in the country at 189lbs by InterMat.
Freddie Rodriguez of Michigan made himself a double FILA Cadet All-American as he finished 5th at 92.5lbs. Rodriguez, an 8th grader from Holt, also placed in Greco as well finishing 3rd. Ortonville Brandon freshman Esteban Gonzales earned all-american honors at 101.25lbs, finishing 6th.
Two Michigan natives placed in the Women's University division as Brandy Rosenbrook of Montrose took 4th at 147.5 and Junior National Champ Paige Rife of Fowlerville finished 5th at 138.75lbs.
For a recap of the Greco Roman results, click here.
University Freestyle Nationals placers from Michigan
55kg - Matt Steintrager (Detroit Catholic Central HS) - 7th
60kg - Franklin Gomez (MSU) - 2nd
63kg - Micah Carter (MSU, Cedar Springs HS) - 8th
66kg - Nathaniel Holt (CMU) - 1st
74kg - Mike Miller (CMU) - 8th
96kg - Eddie Phillips (UM, Lakewood HS) - 2nd
FILA Cadet Freestlye Nationals placers
92.5lbs - Freddie Rodriguez - 5th
101.25lbs - Esteban Gonzales - 6th
187.25lbs - Kyler Elsworth - 2nd
University Women's placers
138.5lbs - Paige Rife - 5th
147.5lbs - Brandy Rosenbrook - 4th
Copyright 2007-08 Michigan Grappler, LLC
May not be reproduced with expressed written consent
Contact via email: admin@michigangrpapler.com
