U-M Duo to Compete in World University Championships

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan's Eric Tannenbaum (Naperville, Ill./North HS) and Joshua Weitzel (Lincoln University, Pa./Oxford HS), freshmen on the 2003-04 Wolverines wrestling team, have been selected to participate in the sixth annual World University Wrestling Championships, scheduled for June 3-6 in Lodz, Poland.

	Tannenbaum		Weitzel

U.S. qualification to the international competition was determined by the wrestlers' performance at the University Nationals (May 8). Tannenbaum earned an automatic bid to the tournament after posting a perfect 5-0 mark to win the 145.5-pound weight class in the freestyle competition. Weitzel claimed fourth place at the 185-pound freestyle weight class with a 7-2 record and was selected to the World University team based on the availability of the three wrestlers who placed higher than him.

"I was really happy with the way I wrestled at University Nationals," said Tannenbaum. "There were some pretty tough guys at my weight, so it really was my first big win since entering college. I am looking forward to wrestling in Poland, and hopefully I will bring home a medal."

Created by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in 1998, the World University Championships extends to 20 sports and attracts competitors from 75 different countries; the wrestling competition will field participants from 32 countries. Age limitations dictate that student-athletes must be less than a year removed from school and must be between the ages of 17 and 28.

Tannenbaum and Weitzel join three-time All-American Andy Hrovat as the only Wolverine wrestlers selected to compete in the international event. Hrovat claimed fourth place at 74 kgs at the 2002 World University Championships in Edmonton, Alberta.

"I am excited to participate in the World Juniors," said Weitzel. "It will be such a great experience to travel to another country and face some of the world's most talented wrestlers. It's certainly not going to be easy, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423

University of Michigan Athletics

Players Mentioned

Eric Tannenbaum

Joshua Weitzel

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