Wrestling: Courtney To Wrestle For U.S. Team
July 15, 2003 05:03 PM | General
July 15, 2003
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia University wrestling freshman Jeff Courtney (Fairmont, W.Va.) has accepted an invitation to represent the United States at the Junior World Championships August 22-29, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Courtney replaces Adam Haake (Marquette, Mich./USOEC) who placed second at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. Haake injured his knee and will be unable to compete as Courtney represents the United States in the Greco-Roman portion of the Junior World Championships.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Jeff to represent the U.S. in international competition," said WVU head coach Craig Turnbull. "The experience is good for his poise and will build his confidence."
Courtney, a Fairmont High graduate, was a two-time West Virginia state champion and named the state tournament’s outstanding wrestler. Along with placing fourth at the high school national championships, Courtney won two gold medals in Greco-Roman and Freestyle at the Pan-American Deaf Games in Havana, Cuba.
The highly touted in-state recruit redshirted the 2002-03 season for the Mountaineers. He will look to secure a spot on Turnbull's squad at 197 lbs. this fall.
