April 15, 2008

PITTSBURGH--Keith Gavin, the 2008 NCAA Champion at 174-pounds, began the next chapter of his wrestling career this past weekend with another title at the University Freestyle Nationals in Akron, Ohio. With the victory, Gavin claimed a berth in the U.S. Wrestling Olympic Trials.

A two-time All-American and national finalist, Gavin (Factoryville, Pa./Lackawanna Trail) steamrolled through the competition in the 74 kilogram (163 pounds) bracket, registering a technical fall and a pin in two of his first three matches. He then went up against Illinois' Mike Poeta, who won the Big Ten title at 157 pounds this year and is a three-time NCAA qualifier, in the semifinals. Poeta hung with Pitt's National Champion for three periods, but was unable to pull the upset as Gavin advanced with a 2-0 score in the match's final frame.

The title bout was a bit more convincing as Gavin shut out Michael Chaires of the Cavalier Wrestling Club by a score of 3-0 in the first period and 6-0 in the second. When combined with his stellar senior season, Gavin has now won 39 consecutive bouts. He will now set his sights on making the U.S. Olympic Team.

Other Pitt grapplers were also in competition at the National event, including NCAA qualifiers Zach Sheaffer (Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley), Jimmy Conroy (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) and Ethan Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa./Waynesburg). Sheaffer placed sixth in the 120 kilogram (264.5 pounds) division, while Conroy took eighth at 60 kilograms (132.25 pounds).

For complete results from Akron, please visit the link below:

University Freestyle Nationals