Herbert Makes World Team

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By Seth Schwartz
Illinois Matmen

Twice, Jake Herbert proved he was the best in the nation. Now he’s in position to challenge for a world championship after a three-match win over Bryce Hasseman.

He won the first match 0-1, 3-2, 1-0, lost the second 0-1, 1-0, 3-1 and won the third 1-0, 1-1 May 31 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

“He wanted to stay and hand-fight and I created motion and attacked; I made it tougher for him,” said Herbert.

A single leg, to a body lock and seat belt toss sealed the deal for the Northwestern national champion.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling [making the US World Team], I am one tournament away from being the best in the world,” stated Herbert.

“The two weeks at Overtime was perfect way to get everything done,” he said. “It’s the best place to train; they have everything you need. There was more intensity with this last session.”

Northwestern assistant coach, Drew Pariano, is pleased with Herbert’s progression.

“Jake’s not afraid to take a chance,” he said. “When he needed to create offense at the end of the match, he did. Jake’s maturing at a very quick rate. He’s more polished now. He has a great training environment and plenty of time to prepare for the world games [Sept. 21-27 in Herning, Denmark]. It’s important for Jake to be relaxed; that’s when he wrestles his best.”

How much will Herbert’s lack of experience factor in is unknown.

“Nobody knows about Jake and that could be a major advantage,” said Overtime coach Ed Giese, a 12 place-winner in freestyle and Greco-Roman. “They haven’t scouted him and don’t know what he does. Jake has a great shot that very few can stop and he finishes. This is a great opportunity; he has long way to go to get near his potential. What he does works against foreign wrestlers; he could be in the mix. He’s one of our better opportunities for medal.”

Herbert becomes the second wrestler in Northwestern history to earn a spot on a world team squad. Mark Massery (125) finished fourth in 1975. Jack Riley won a silver medal in the 1932 Olympics.

Winning now pays dividends – literally. A gold medal at the world games is worth $50,000, silver $25,000 and bronze $15,000. The rate for the London 2012 games is: $250,000 for a gold, $50,000 and $25,000.

Photo Credit: Tony Rotundo and John Sachs of Tech-Fall.com

[Nasty Nate]

Congats to Jake, like the pic by the way