LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2017) – After a successful weekend at the UWW Junior Freestyle Championships in Las Vegas, Sam Turner, Ben Hornickle and Montorie Bridges have qualified for the United States UWW Junior World Team Trials. Competing as members of the Wyoming Wrestling Regional Training Center (WWRTC), Turner finished second in his weight class as Bridges took third and Hornickle placed sixth. In total, seven Cowboys competed in the event.  Powered by the three placers, WWRTC finished in 5th place in the team standings.   

“It’s an extremely tough tournament for that age group,” Cowboy head coach Mark Branch said.  “Going into the event with none of our guys seeded and then having three place was a good indication of how tough our guys are. I know a couple were disappointed as they were close to placing, but we know there is always work to do.” 

Turner went 4-1 on way to his runner-up finish at 63 KG falling in the title match to Luke Pletcher. Bridges looked sharp at 60 KG, totaling eight wins in a row following a first round loss to 2016 UWW World Silver medalist V. Arujau of New York.  Hornickle brought home a 7-3 mark at 66 KG with his own impressive six match win streak in the consolation bracket. 

“Sam (Turner) had an excellent tournament and fell just a little short of a title,” Branch added. “He did very well against strong competition, as did a number of guys. It’s all about the work that these wrestlers have put in. I think our coaches did a great job of getting them ready.”

Other Pokes competing were Drake Foster, Hunter Mullins, Jaron Jensen and Trent Olson. Mullins dropped both of his matches in Vegas at 120 KG, as Jensen finished 2-2 at 66 KG. Foster and Olson each went 3-2 in the UWW Junior event at 60KG. 

The USA Wrestling UWW Jr. World Team Trials are set to take place June 9th, and will coincide with the Senior WTT to take place June 10th in Lincoln, Neb. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.   Winners from the Trials will represent the USA at the World Championships this August in Finland.