Iowans play key role in World Team Wrestling Trials

The World Team Wrestling Trials this weekend in Indianapolis will determine who represents the United States at the 2003 World Championships and Pan American Games. Iowa State’s Bobby Douglas coaches the U.S. team and says the trials have a different format than a traditional tournament. The number two through eight special invitees wrestle off in the tournament, and the winner of the tournament has a chance to make the team by beating the national champion two-out-of-three. The U.S. team missed the world championships in Teheran last year because of terrorism concerns. With an Olympic year on the horizon, the World Championships and Pan American Games have added importance, as he says they’re a year behind in international experience. Douglas says they need the competition to see where they stand. Douglas says the depth of talent will provide outstanding competition this weekend and when it is all said and done the U.S. will have a solid team, probably the greatest collection of collegiate, and possible international wrestlers. He says they have the potential for five or six gold medals. Competition begins tomorrow.