Drexel University Athletics
O'Malley Clinches Second-Straight USA Wrestling Spot at U23 World Team Trials
6/7/2022 10:12:00 AM | Wrestling
GENEVA, Ohio – Mickey O'Malley of the Drexel wrestling team participated in the U23 World Team Trials and placed second in the 79kg weight class for the second-straight year. For his finish, O'Malley will be a world team alternate for USA Wrestling at the World Championships in Spain this October.
After drawing a bye in the first round, O'Malley continued his way through the bracket, defeating five opponents. Most importantly, O'Malley did not concede a single point until the semifinals. The redshirt junior defeated Samuel Barnes of the Buffalo Valley RTC, 2-0, in the round of 64. O'Malley then topped Najee Lockett of Golden Pride WC, 9-0. The Habrouck Heights, N.J. native then turned in identical 10-0 performances in the round of 16 and quarterfinals to secure a spot in the semifinals. O'Malley faced Brennan Swafford of Hawkeye WC and defeated him, 5-2, to clinch his place in the finals.
"Mickey had one of his best freestyle performances this weekend," Mert '67 and Joanne '69 Hill Head Coach of Wrestling Matt Azevedo said. "He was aggressive and dominant all the way to finals. Even though he fell short in the final wrestle off, Mickey competed hard and gave himself opportunities to win. Overall, I'm very proud of Mickey!"
Desmond Pleasant also wrestled at the event in the 57kg weight class and finished in the top 16. Antonio Mininno, Cody Walsh, Deon Pleasant, Eli Anthony, Gabe Onorato, Jack Janda, Joseph Timm, Josh Stillings, Kyle Waterman, Riley Onorato, Tanner Updegraff and Tate Nichter also wrestled in the event and represented both Drexel Wrestling and the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center.
Players Mentioned
