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Konrad qualifies for World University Championships
May 2, 2006
Gopher Heavyweight Cole Konrad has qualified for the World University Championships in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, June 15-20. Konrad won the 264.5 pound weight division at the USA Wrestling University Nationals in Evanston, Ill., on April 28th-30th. NCAA runner-up Roger Kish will be an alternate at the World University Championships after his second-place finish.
Konrad won the title by injury default against Ty Watterson of Oregon State. He advanced to the finals with 6-0 and 8-2 wins against North Carolina's Dan Goetter. Kish advanced to the finals at 185 pounds with 2-0, 2-3, 1-0 decisions against Jake Varner. Kish fell in the finals against NCAA 174-pound runner-up Jake Herbert of Northwestern.
Other Golden Gophers that competed included true freshman Jayson Ness and sophomores C.P. Schlatter and Gabriel Dretsch. Ness placed fifth at 132.5 pounds with 6 -4, 0-2, 7-0 win against John Espinoza of Arizona State. Schlatter placed seventh at 163 pounds, while Gabriel Dretsch finished eighth at 185 pounds.
North Dakota State redshirt freshman Gabe Mooney competed at 145.5 pounds in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions. Mooney was 4-4 overall but didn’t place.
Former Minnesota prep wrestlers Donnie Depatto, Andrew Bisek, Chas Betts, Adam Haake, and Jeremy Pederson all placed in Greco-Roman competition. Depatto placed seventh at 145.5 pounds. Bisek placed seventh at 163 pounds. Betts was second, Pederson third, and Haake fifth at 185 pounds. Bisek, Betts, and Haake all attend and compete for the U.S. Olympic Education Center (USOEC) in Michigan. Depatto and Pederson compete for the Marines.
Wrestlers 18-24 years old who are U.S. citizens and who have graduated from high school are eligible to compete at University Nationals. This event showcases future stars of the sport and is an important stepping stone for Olympic hopefuls on their path to winning medals for the United States.