University Park, PA- On day one of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling, fans were treated to some intense and thrilling matches as wrestlers battled it out for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. The competition was fierce, with each wrestler giving their all to secure a victory. The Bryce Jordan Center was filled with excitement and energy as the top wrestlers in the country showcased their skills and determination.
Some of the top moments from day one included standout performances from returning Olympic medalists and up-and-coming contenders looking to make a name for themselves. Fans were on the edge of their seats as matches went down to the wire, with athletes pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of their Olympic dreams.
Here are the highlights and outcomes from the first day of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling, which took place at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center.
In the 57 kg weight class, the finals will feature a showdown between two former Hawkeye wrestlers. Spencer Lee, a three-time NCAA champion for Iowa, dominated his opponents to secure his spot in the finals. On the other side, Thomas Gilman, a three-time world medalist and Olympic bronze medalist, also showed his prowess by defeating his competition to earn his place in the finals.
Moving on to the 65 kg weight class, both finalists hail from Iowa and Penn State respectively. Nick Lee and Zain Retherford managed to navigate through a tough field of competitors to face off in the best-of-three finals. Lee triumphed over Andrew Alirez in a thrilling match, while Retherford stopped Jesse Mendez to secure his spot in the finals.
At 74 kg, Jason Nolf surprised everyone by defeating Jordan Burroughs in the challenge tournament finals. Nolf will now face off against Kyle Dake in the best-of-three finals, setting up an exciting matchup between teammates from the Nittany Lion WC.
In the 86 kg category, the top seed Aaron Brooks had to rally in each of his matches to reach the finals. He will now face returning Olympic gold medalist David Taylor in an all-Penn State final, promising an intense battle on Saturday.
In the 97 kg weight class, J'den Cox announced his retirement after a close loss, leaving the spot open for Kollin Moore to advance to the challenge finals against Isaac Trumble. Trumble will now face Kyle Snyder in the best-of-three finals.
Finally, at 125 kg, Hayden Zillmer emerged victorious in the challenge tournament finals, setting up a matchup against Mason Parris in the best-of-three finals. The stage is set for an action-packed final day of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in wrestling at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Here are the results of the Challenge Tournament Semifinals with the wrestlers' affiliated teams:
In the 57 kg weight class:
- Spencer Lee of Hawkeye WC/Titan Mercury WC defeated Zane Richards of Illinois RTC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 13-6.
- Thomas Gilman of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC triumphed over Daton Fix of Cowboy WC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 6-0.
In the 65 kg weight class:
- Nick Lee of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC secured a victory over Andrew Alirez of Northern Colorado RTC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 11-9.
- Zain Retherford of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC narrowly defeated Jesse Mendez of Ohio RTC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 3-2.
In the 74 kg weight class:
- Jordan Burroughs of Pennsylvania RTC/Sunkist Kids WC emerged victorious against Mitchell Mesenbrink of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 8-3.
- Jason Nolf of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC defeated Jarrett Jacques of Tiger Style WC with a score of 9-2.
In the 86 kg weight class:
- Aaron Brooks of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC achieved a win over Alex Dieringer of Cliff Keen WC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 8-4.
- Zahid Valencia of Sunkist Kids WC secured a victory over Chance Marsteller of New Jersey RTC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 3-0.
In the 97 kg weight class:
- Kollin Moore of Ohio RTC/Titan Mercury WC secured a win over J'den Cox of Cliff Keen WC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 2-2.
- Isaac Trumble of Wolfpack RTC/Titan Mercury WC defeated Johnathan Aiello of Cavalier WC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 6-4.
In the 125 kg weight class:
- Hayden Zillmer of Gopher WC emerged victorious over Dom Bradley of Tiger Style WC/Sunkist Kids WC with a score of 5-0.
- Nick Gwiazdowski of Spartan Combat RTC/Titan Mercury WC defeated Daniel Greg Kerkvliet of Nittany Lion WC/Titan Mercury WC with a score of 5-1.
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