Gwiazdowski and Gantt to Wrestle at World Team Trials Saturday

RALEIGH, N.C. – Former NC State All-Americans Nick Gwiazdowski and Tommy Gantt will be in action at the U.S. Freestyle World Team Trials on Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska. Both will be competing for a chance to represent the United States at the 2017 World Wrestling Championships to be held in Paris, August 21-26, as only the winner of each weight class will advance.

Both will be representing the Wolfpack's Regional Training Center and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club this weekend.

"This is a really exciting time for both of them, for Wolfpack fans, and for our RTC," said head coach Pat Popolizio. "It says a lot about our program to have two advance to the Trials. Nick and Tommy are in a very good situation, and are looking forward to achieving their next set of goals.

"We receive a lot of financial support for our RTC, and when you have multiple guys reach this level it is always a huge accomplishment. Our NC State coaching staff looks forward to watching them compete live in Nebraska."

Gwiazdowski has already advanced to the best-of-three Trials final series, due to his win at the 2017 U.S. Freestyle Open back in May. Gwiazdowski claimed his first U.S. Open title going a perfect 5-0, and defeating the top-seeded Zach Rey in the finals, 3-2.

"It's been a year since I've wrestled collegiately, and the Wolfpack Wrestling Club, along with Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, have made it possible for me to get to where I am today," said Gwiazdowski. "Without the support from the Wolfpack RTC and major donors, then this would not be possible to do here at NC State.

"This weekend will be exciting trying to secure my spot on the U.S. team."

Gantt will have to earn his way into the finals at 70 kg. Gantt got an automatic bid to the Trials after he placed seventh at the 2017 U.S. Open.

"I'm excited to compete for a spot on the U.S. World Team," said Gantt. "I've received a lot of support from everybody associated with the Wolfpack's RTC, and I'm looking forward to this opportunity."

The World Team Trials qualifiers will wrestle in a Trials Tournament starting at 11 a.m. Saturday. The winner of the Trials Tournament will challenge the wrestler who has earned automatic berth to the Final Wrestle-Off in a best-of-three series, which begins at 7 p.m. Saturday.

All matches will be streamed live on FloWrestling.

2017 U.S. Freestyle World Team Trials Qualifiers (As of June 5)

70 kg/154 lbs.
'17 U.S. Open champion advances to Trials finals series -- James Green, Lincoln, Neb. (Titan Mercury WC)
World Team Trials Tournament qualifiers
'17 NCAA Division I champion - Jason Nolf, Yatesboro, Pa. (Nittany Lion WC)
'17 U.S. Open runner-up -- Nazar Kulchytskyy, Madison, Wisc. (Titan Mercury WC)
'17 U.S. Open third place -- Steven Pami, Philadelphia, Pa. (Sunkist Kids WC)
'17 U.S. Open fifth place -- Alec Pantaleo, Canton, Mich. (Michigan RTC)
'17 U.S. Open sixth place -- Jason Chamberlain, Fresno, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
'17 U.S. Open seventh place -- Tommy Gantt, Raleigh, N.C. (Titan Mercury WC)
'17 Northern Plains Last Chance Trials Qualifier highest placer - Dylan Ness, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)

125 kg/275 lbs.
'17 U.S. Open champion advances to Trials finals series -- Nick Gwiazdowski, Raleigh, N.C. (Titan Mercury WC)
World Team Trials Tournament qualifiers
'16 Olympian -- Tervel Dlagnev, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids/Ohio RTC)
'16 Bill Farrell highest U.S. medalist -- Tony Nelson, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)
'17 Dave Schultz highest U.S. medalist -- Dom Bradley, Ames, Iowa (Sunkist Kids)
'17 U.S. Open runner-up -- Zach Rey, Northampton, Pa. (Lehigh Valley WC)
'17 U.S. Open fourth place -- Bobby Telford, Iowa City, Iowa (Titan Mercury WC)
'17 U.S. Open sixth place -- Justin Grant, Easton, Pa. (New York AC)
'17 U.S. Open seventh place -- Nathan Butler, Leavenworth, Kan. (California RTC)
'17 Northern Plains Last Chance Trials Qualifier highest placer - Blaize Cabell, Fresno, Calif. (Valley RTC)

North Carolina State University Athletics

Gwiazdowski and Gantt to Wrestle at World Team Trials Saturday

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