Freestyle Wrestling
Rider's Umbehauer Heading to World Team Trials

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ-Doug Umbehauer '09, a graduate assistant at Rider University, placed second at the ASICS University Nationals hosted by USA Wrestling in Akron, OH April 10 & 11. 

By virtue of finishing second he secured a spot in both the University World Team Trials, held in Colorado Springs, CO May 28-29 and the Sr. World Team Trials, held in Council Bluffs, Iowa June 11-12. 

"I am excited about the opportunity to wrestle in the world team trials against the best athletes our country has to offer," Umbehauer said. "To be given the opportunity to compete to represent the United States in World competition is an experience I will not forget."

At the ASICS University Nationals, Umbehauer (Shamong, NJ/Lenape High) won four of five bouts, all in the championship bracket, losing only in the finals.

"I enjoyed competing again last week and it was very encouraging to do well after being out of competition and out of freestyle wrestling for so long," Umbehauer said.  "I now have an idea of what I need to do to improve and further my wrestling career."

Umbehauer's next competition will be April 23-25 in Cleveland, Ohio at the US Open, where the best freestyle wrestlers in the nation will be competing.

"This is very big for Doug as he attempts to win a spot on the University World Team, which would be the first ever for our program," said Rider Associate Head Coach John Hangey.  "He has been great at every level of wrestling throughout his entire life and I expect nothing less from him at the next level which is highest level there is in wrestling."

Umbehauer earned All-America honors by placing third in the nation in his 184 pound weight class at the 2009 NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis, Mo.

Umbehauer is the third Bronc to finish a Rider-best third in the nation. At Nationals he defeated the second seed from Iowa in the quarterfinals to earn All-America.

Umbehauer was a four-time NCAA qualifier and two-time Colonial Athletic Association Champion and finished his career with a record of 103-35.

In 2006-07 Umbehauer placed second at Midlands and in 2008-09 he placed third. He was a Freshman All-American in 2005-06.

-ru-