STANFORD, Calif. - After sweeping a wrestle-off in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Sunday, incoming freshman Joey McKenna joins redshirt sophomore Nathan Butler on the United States Junior World Team.
Butler and McKenna, who was a 2014 UWW Junior World silver medalist, will compete in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, August 11-16. For the first time in program history, the Cardinal has two representatives on the U.S. Junior World Team.
McKenna defeated Brock Zacherl two matches to none, in the special wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 pounds position on the 2015 U.S. UWW Junior World Team. He won the first match by a 10-0 technical fall at 4:08. The second match was more of a challenge, with McKenna coming out on top 6-4.
“I felt good out there, trying to get to my offense. I knew he was a lefty lead and just wanted my right leg. I have been working a lot, keeping the leg protected. I am a lefty, which was to my advantage. I had a game plan to get to my attacks, and get on top to get a turn and try to finish the match,” said McKenna.
McKenna, as a returning UWW Junior World medalist, was able to get an extension on his best-of-three championship series if he qualified for and entered the 2015 U.S. Senior World Team Trials in Madison, Wisconsin, according to team selection procedures. He qualified for the Senior World Team Trials as a wildcard, and competed in the 66 kg/145.5 lbs. division.
Butler secured his spot on the UWW Junior World Team by sweeping Jake Gunning back on June 12 at the Team Trials held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. He won both matches by 11-0 technical fall.
Joey McKenna def. Brock Zacherl, 10-0
Joey McKenna def. Brock Zacherl, 6-4