June 23, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Nittany Lion wrestler David Taylor had an outstanding run at the 2013 World Team Trials this weekend in Oklahoma City. Taylor, wrestling on Friday, went 4-1 and took `true third' to earn a spot on the 2013 U.S. National Freestyle Team at 74 kg.
Taylor's four wins included two technical falls. He posted a 9-1 tech fall over Moza Fay and then dropped a close bout to second-place finisher Kyle Dake in the semifinals. He rebounded with a 4-2 win over Ryan Morningstar and a 4-0 win over Trent Paulson to earn a shot at true third vs. another former national champion, Andrew Howe.
Taylor posted a resounding 9-0 technical fall over Howe for true third and earned a spot on the U.S. National Team with Dake and National Champion (and Olympic Gold Medalist) Jordan Burroughs. Burroughs will represent the United States at the 2013 World Championships. Taylor will also join teammates Nico Megaludis (Murrysville, Pa.) and Ed Ruth (Harrisburg, Pa.) at University World's later this summer in Russia.
Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson has been named as an assistant coach for the 2013 U.S. World Team and was named last year's (2012) National Freestyle Coach of the Year (the award is always announced mid-season during the following competitive calendar).