THREE WRESTLERS TAKE ON INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (October 30, 2003) - Three West Virginia University wrestlers traveled to Phoenix, Ariz., last week to compete in the Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open.
The event traditionally serves as the start of the international wrestling season in the United States. The open tournament brings together teams from around the world to compete in freestyle and Greco-Roman styles of wrestling.
"It was a great opportunity for our guys to compete at the next level," says WVU assistant coach Zeke Jones. "All three of our guys competed very well."
Senior Casey Brewster, juniors Greg Jones and Brent Miller entered the freestyle portion of the tournament with the Sunkist Kids wrestling club. This event qualifies as outside competition, allowing the Mountaineers to wrestle against the top competition in the world.
Jones, the 2002 NCAA champion, earned a fourth place finish at 84kg/185 lbs. Miller (120kg/264.5 lbs.) and Brewster (60 kg/132 lbs.) did not leave pool play but gained valuable experience.
"Greg, Brent and Casey will benefit from their experience against the world's top wrestlers," says Jones. "The competition is good for their poise and will build their confidence heading into our season."
Dominic Black, a former Mountaineer grappler, won the gold medal at 96kg/211.5 lbs. at the Sunkist Kids/ASU International Open. Black, an All-American at WVU, amassed more than 100 career victories for West Virginia. Black was the first WVU wrestler to represent the United States in an international event, as he won a gold medal in the 198 pound weight class at the World Cup of Freestyle in 1995.
"Dominic's success on the mat has been tremendous," says Jones. "Dominic's win is great for West Virginia University. It says something about our goal of producing successful, world and Olympic caliber-type athletes."
The ASU/Sunkist Kids International Wrestling Open will be aired on the national cable network College Sports Television (CSTV). A one-hour show focusing on the men's freestyle competition will be broadcast on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 9:00 p.m. Viewers that wish to learn if their local cable provider offers CSTV can visit the web page (www.cstv.com) and search for listings in your area.