July 28, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Future Wildcat Brian Roddy (Highland Heights, Ohio/St. Edward) took home the silver medal at the 2008 Junior National Championships. Roddy pinned his first two opponents at 189 pounds in just over 30 seconds each and won a total of eight matches in the tournament. Before the finals, head coach Tim Cysewski was honored as the 2008 FILA University Leader of the Year.
The annual event attracts over 2,000 competitors and represents the best freestyle and Greco Roman talent the nation has to offer. The grueling six-day event culminated on Saturday evening.
Roddy reeled off eight-straight victories at 189 pounds. His first two matches lasted just 0:31 and 0:33 before he secured victories via fall. Roddy won his side of the bracket which enabled him a chance to compete for a national title. Roddy dominated numerous nationally-ranked opponents along his road to the championship match.
Roddy won the first period in dominating fashion and then lost a controversial second period. The third period went to his opponent kept a national title out of reach.
Prior to the finals, Cysewski was honored as the 2008 FILA University Leader of the Year. The distinction was awarded to the college coach who best represents the University level age group wrestlers at national and regional events. Cysewski's award was acknowledged just moments before the national finalist were introducted.
In addition, incoming freshman Jason Welch (Walnut Creek, Calif./Las Lomas) was honored as a first team member on the 2008 ASICS Tiger Dream Team. Welch did not compete in the event and will represent the Wildcats at 157 or 165 in 2008-09.
Two additional incoming Wildcats missed All-American status by one match. Paul Rands (Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove) and Eric Galka (Hobart, Indiana/Hobart) both finished fifth in their side of the bracket to put them in the top 10 overall. The top eight competitors are named Junior National All-Americans. Galka competed at 135 and Rands wrestled at 215. Galka has earned numerous All-American distinctions during his career and will compete for the Wildcats at either 133 or 141.