July 8, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- After taking bronze at the 2006 University World Championships, Northwestern's Jake Herbert is looking to bring home another medal at this year's event, held in Thessoloniki, Greece, from July 9-13. Herbert will provide leadership and experience as the only returning competitor on the men's freestyle team.

"Herbert is a returning bronze medalist," Freestyle Developmental Coach Dave Bennett said. "He knows what he needs to do. We're expecting a good performance."

Joining Herbert (84 kg/185 lbs.) on the freestyle team are Brad Pataky at 55 kg/121 lbs., Reece Humphrey at 60 kg/132 lbs., Josh Churella at 66 kg/145.5 lbs, Keith Gavin at 74 kg/163 lbs., Brendan Jones at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. and Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. The other six wrestlers are making their first trip to compete at University Worlds.

Herbert, who took an Olympic redshirt last season to train and compete in international events leading up to the trials, will return to the Wildcats for 2008-09 to pursue his second NCAA title.

For more information, visit www.themat.com

Men's Freestyle:
55 kg: Brad Pataky, Clearfield, Pa. (New York AC)
60 kg: Reece Humphrey, Indianapolis, Ind. (Ohio State)
66 kg: Josh Churella, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC)
74 kg: Keith Gavin, Factoryville, Pa. (New York AC)
84 kg: Jake Herbert, Wexford, Pa. (New York AC)
96 kg: Brent Jones, Burke, Va. (Cavalier WC)
120 kg: Tervel Dlagnev, Arlington, Texas (Loper WC)