May 24, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Former University of Iowa wrestler Joe Williams will represent the United States at 163 pounds at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, this summer. Williams, who represented Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club, made the U.S. Freestyle team by beating former Iowa State wrestler Joe Heskett 4-0 and 5-2 in the Olympic Team Trials championship finals at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN, last weekend.
Two other former Hawkeyes lost in the championship finals. At 132 pounds, Mike Zadick lost 3-1 and 5-2 to former Oklahoma State wrestler Eric Guerrero. At 184 pounds Lee Fullhart went three matches with former Iowa State wrestler Cael Sanderson, losing the first 3-1, scoring a 2-2 overtime criteria win in the second and losing a 4-1 decision in the third.
Three former Hawkeyes and a current wrestler placed in the trials challenge tournament. Junior Steve Mocco was runner-up, losing a 3-1 decision to former Nebraska wrestler and current Northern Iowa assistant coach Tolly Thompson at 264.5 pounds. Doug Schwab placed fourth at 145.5 pounds, while Bill Zadick and Mike Mena placed sixth at 145.5 and 121 pounds, respectively.