April 16, 2012

LIKE! Maryland Athletics on Facebook

MADISON, Wis. - Sophomore Tony Gardner and freshmen Sean O'Malley and Conor Wetzel each finished in the top 8 of their respective weight classes to earn All-America status in the Greco-Roman division at the USA Wrestling Men's FILA Junior National Championships over the weekend at Alliant Energy Center of Dane County.

As All-Americans, Gardner, O'Malley and Wetzel qualify for the FILA Junior World Team Trials to be held May 25-26 at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Gardner placed the highest of all the Terps at the completion. The Reisterstown, Md., native finished second at 84 kg (185.19 pounds). Gardner pinned his first two opponents to advance to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Gardner won a decision over Lee Wildes, before losing a decision to Lucas Sheridan in the final.

Wetzel finished fourth at 96 kg (211.64 pounds). Wetzel earned a decision over Chris Miles in the quarterfinals to secure a place at the world team trials. After falling in the semifinals, Wetzel pinned Matt Idelson to advance to the consolation final where he lost to Michael Sojka.

At 70 kg (154.32 pounds), O'Malley defeated Gabe Turetsky by decision to place seventh.

The FILA Junior National Championships feature the nation's best 17-20 year old male wrestlers in the Olympic styles of freestyle and Greco-Roman. The event annually showcases many of the nation's best college underclassmen as well as top high school wrestling talents.