Completed Event: Wrestling versus NCAA Championships on March 19, 2026 , , NTS
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Final
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Dudziak Takes Second Place At University Nationals
4/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
AKRON, Ohio ? Six wrestlers associated with Duke competed at the elite Asics University & Fila Cadet National Championships last weekend. The Olympic-qualifying meet was held at the Athletics Field House at the University of Akron, and was highlighted for the Blue Devils by Konrad Dudziak and John Barone.
The meet featured Freestyle wrestling, which is one of the styles used in the Olympics. Freestyle features exciting scoring opportunities where leg attacks are fair game, creating a wide-open and fan-friendly exhibition of skill, strength and athleticism.
Dudziak, who is taking an Olympic redshirt from Duke this year, wrestled his way to a true second-place finish at the heavyweight class. Dudziak competed for the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) and went 8-1 with two pins on the weekend to ready himself for the University World Team Trials. Dudziak has been training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., this semester under the tutelage of U.S. Olympic Freestyle coach Terry Brands. His only loss came to the eventual champion at his weight and he wrestled back to earn All-America status. Dudziak's run included wins over the 2008 ACC Champion, who won three matches at the NCAA's and was one win away from the quarterfinals. During the meet, Dudziak showed true grit as he had to have stitches re-done three times by an on-site doctor to allow him to keep competing.
"Konrad's training abroad in Poland and his time at the Olympic Training Center have really accelerated his development since his freshman year," said head coach Clar Anderson. "This is a huge accomplishment for Konrad and Duke wrestling, and we are very excited to have him return to the Blue Devil lineup next year. This is a sign that Konrad has what it takes to be be the first wrestler to attain All-America status at Duke."
Redshirt sophomore Barone went 4-2 with one technical fall at 185 pounds, included a victory over the 2006 ACC Champion. He eventually lost to Raymond Jordan, who was an NCAA All-America at Missouri this past year and took third at the University Nationals. Barone became Duke's all-time single-season wins record holder this year with 35 victories and is currently tied for 18th on the career wins list with 70.
At 211.5 pounds was redshirt freshman Robert Holbrook, who won two decisions at the meet. Holbrook knocked off Dustin Bauman of the Panther Wrestling Club (1-0, 1-0) and Cory Waite of the Bearcats Wrestling Club (1-0, 1-1, 4-0).
Freshman A.J. Guardado picked up one win in Akron, defeating Patrick Fallot of the Panthers Wrestling Club in a 3-1, 6-0 decision.
Also competing at 174 and 163 pounds for the Blue Devils were freshmen Colby Johnson and Willy Mello.
Most of the champions at the University Nationals either took an Olympic redshirt year or earned All-America accolades during the 2007-08 NCAA season.
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