May 24, 2004
Indianapolis, Ind. - Missouri wrestler Ben Askren finished fifth at the Freestyle US Olympic Team Trials on Sunday, May 23, at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind. Director of Wrestling Operations Scott Schatzman also competed in the three-day event, finishing with a 2-2 record.
A native of Hartland, Wis., Askren finished the tournament 3-2 at 185 pounds, earning his fifth-place victory over Nate Patrick (New York Athletic Club) in a 9-6 decision. One of the youngest competitors at the US Olympic Team Trials, the 19-year old entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed. Scoring his first win against No. 11 Patrick in an 8-6 decision, Askren dropped a 4-2 decision to No. 3 seed Muhammed Lawal (Gator). Rebounding in the consolation bracket, Askren knocked off No. 2 seed and former 2001 world silver medalist Brandon Eggum (Minnesota Storm) 6-2, only to fall to No. 5 Clint Wattenburg (NYAC) in a 12-2 technical fall (4:17). In the end, Askren was paired with Patrick one final time where he held onto a three-point lead and eventual win.
"Everyone was really proud of Ben and the way he wrestled," Head Coach Brian Smith said. "For him to come in as one of the youngest wrestlers and defeat guys who were much older than him was quite an accomplishment. He's going to be exciting to watch over the next few years."
Wrestling at 132 pounds, No. 10 seeded Schatzman opened his US Olympic Trial campaign against 2004 All-American and recent Iowa State graduate Zach Roberson. Winning with a 9-2 decision, Schatzman went on to challenge No. 2 seed Ryan Lewis (Minnesota Storm), but suffered a 5-3 loss forcing him into the consolation brackets. The Missouri law student took his next match (4-3) over No. 8 seed Eric Akin (DSWC) but was eliminated from further competition after dropping to No. 11 Nate Gallick (Sunkist Kids) 4-0.
No. 1 seed Cael Sanderson finished first out of 10 competitors at 185 pounds, earning a spot on the US Olympic Team. No. 1 seed Mike Zadick finished first at 132 pounds.
Ben Askren (185 pounds) #6 Ben Askren (Mo. Elite) decision # 11 Nate Patrick (NYAC): 8-6 #3 Muhammed Lawal (Gator) decision #6 Ben Askren (Mo. Elite) 4-2 #6 Ben Askren (Mo. Elite) decision #2 Brandon Eggum (Minnesota Storm): 6-2 #5 Clint Wattenburg (NYAC) technical fall #6 Ben Askren (Mo. Elite): 12-2, 4:17 #6 Ben Askren (Mo. Elite) decision #11 Nate Patrick (NYAC): 9-6Scott Schatzman (132 pounds) #10 Scott Schatzman (Mo. Elite) decision #7 Zach Roberson (Cyclone WC): 9-2 #2 Ryan Lewis (Minnesota Storm) decision #10 Scott Schatzman (Mo. Elite): 5-3 #10 Scott Schatzman (Mo. Elite) decision #8 Eric Akin (DSWC): 4-3 #11 Nate Gallick (Sunkist Kids) decision #10 Scott Schatzman (Mo. Elite): 4-0