May 24, 2005
Jeff Sato and Brandon Kinney, two of Columbia wrestling's brightest stars, have been chosen to participate in trials for the United States' World University Games Team.
They are currently training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in preparation for the trials, which will be held in that city during the Memorial Day weekend.
Sato (Pismo Beach, Calif.), who just completed his junior year, and Kinney (Haslett, Mich.), who will be a sophomore, were chosen for the Trials after earning Freestyle All-American honors at the University Nationals in Evanston, Ill., last month.
"Jeff and Brandon qualifying for the World University Team Trials is huge," said Columbia assistant coach Yero Washington, himself a former resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center. "It gives them an opportunity to train and compete with the best wrestlers in the country, while other wrestlers are on their summer break. They will benefit greatly from the experience, and this will give them a step up on their competition as they go into the 2005-2006 season."
Competing for the Sunkist Kids, Sato won three of five bouts at the University Nationals in the 55 kilogram class. He defeated Michael Martinez of Chattanooga in the first round before losing to eventual runner-up Obe Blanc of PA Lock Haven. In the consolations, he defeated Kyle Turnbull of WVV WC, but lost to Sunkist Kids teammate Paul Donahoe. Sato bounced back to defeat Sal Gonzalez, another Sunkist Kids wrestler, 4-2, 7-0 for seventh place. Sato compiled a 31-10 record during the Lions' collegiate season, when he took third in the EIWA Championships and qualified for the NCAA Championships.
Kinney, who was 15-6 for Columbia as a first year, achieved All-American status when he placed eighth at 60 kg., representing the Lions WC. He defeated Tim Kephart of Tiger WC, John Espinoza of the Sunkist Kids, and Eric Wanner of Ohio International WC. Kinney did not compete for Columbia during the past year after taking a voluntary leave of absence, but will return to the University in the fall.
Three other Columbia matmen participated in the University Nationals, all representing the Lions WC. Juniors Dean Kinports and Paul Sewell wrestled in the 66 kg. class, and junior Ben Tecmire competed at 120 kg.
