May 27, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's Jake Herbert earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. University World Team by winning the 185-pound title at the University World Team Trials held in Colorado Springs last weekend. Herbert will be making his second trip to the World University Championships after capturing bronze in 2006.

The World University Championships are set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, from July 9-13. Hebert will also compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas from June 13-15. Herbert and other athletes were using this as a tuneup for the Olympic Trials.

"I was there (World University Games) in 2006 and got bronze," Herbert said. "I look to go in 2008 and get gold. I have been there once and know what it is about. This is also my early warm up for the Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games. It is progressing great. I am ready to go. Now I need to get mentally ready and get my mind and body feeling good."

Herbert captured his title by a two-match victory over Phil Keddy of Iowa. He won the first bout, 5-3, 5-1, and then captured the second match, 2-1, 4-0. Herbert was a 2007 NCAA champion for Northwestern and has taken an Olympic redshirt year this season to pursue a spot on the Olympic team.

For the full release from USA Wrestling, click here.