May 7, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - Junior John Giacche (Flemington, N.J./Blair Academy) placed first at 66kg in men's freestyle at the University National Championships, held in Evanston, May 2-5.
Giacche jumped out to an 8-0 lead midway through the first period in the championship match and held on to win a 10-6 decision over Missouri's Jeremy Spates. The title qualifies Giacche for the University World Championships in St. Paul, Minn., June 20-23.
Two other Northwestern wrestlers competed in the Greco-Roman division of the tournament.
Freshman Tommy Vargas (Highland, Calif./Pacific) earned third place in the 60kg division, defeating Jason Cucolo of Atlas (Millford, Conn.), 8-2.
Freshman Jon Ott (Chesterfield, Mo./Desmet Jesuit) finished eight, also in the 60kg division.