TULSA, Okla.-Friday, Utah Valley University wrestling standout freshman heavyweight Tate Orndorff earned a place on the U.S. National Greco-Roman team as he placed third at the 2018 Senior Greco-Roman World Team trials Thursday and Friday at Tulsa, Okla.
Orndorff, a 6’0″ 285-pounder out of Spokane, Wash. earned a second-place finish in the challenge portion of the tournament, placing third overall after going 3-1 at the event at 130 kilos.
He obtained victories in his first two bouts over the Minnesota Storm’s Donny Longendyke and Malcolm Allen of St. Paul, Minn. respectively.
Orndorff fell just short of the reaching the championship finals as he was defeated by Michigan’s decorated two-time NCAA Championships finalist Adam Coon.
Nevertheless, he resiliently bounced back, taking a 6-5 victory over Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club team member Dom Bradley, ensuring himself a place on the U.S. National Greco Team.
Orndorff will commence competition on the mat for the Wolverines as a redshirt freshman this upcoming season.
His UVU teammate, Taylor LaMont, also competed at this event, as he finished the world team trials with a 1-1 showing.
