IRVING, Texas—Arizona State wrestling's redshirt freshman Zahid Valencia will represent the United States on the Junior World Team following his win in the best-of-three 84 kg finals on Sunday at the Irving Convention Center.
Due to his place on the 2015 Junior World Team, Valencia awaited the winner of the 84 kg challenge bracket, the 2016 NCAA runner-up at 174 pounds, Bo Nickal of Penn State.
In the opening match, Valencia picked up the 8-2 decision victory, and finished off with the 2-1 edge in the best-of-three second round.
Valencia and the rest of the Junior World Team from the United States will compete at the Junior World Championships, Aug. 30 to Sept. 4 in Macon, France.
Complete Sun Devil Wrestler Results
74 KG – Jacen Petersen
First Round: Joe Smith def. Jacen Petersen: Dec 11-3
1st Conso: Jacen Petersen def. Dewey Kreuger: Tech 16-5
2nd Conso: Larry Early III def. Jacen Petersen: Tech 10-0
74 KG – Josh Shields
First Round: Kimball Bastian def. Josh Shields: Dec 5-4
1st Conso: Josh Shields def. Conston Diblasi: Tech 19-8
Second Conso: Joseph Gunther def. Josh Shields: Dec 7-6
74 KG – Anthony Valencia
First Round: Anthony Valencia def. Mike Dangelo: Tech 10-0
Quarterfinals: Anthony Valencia def. Larry Early III: Tech 11-0
Semifinals: Vincenzo Joseph def. Anthony Valencia: Dec 14-13
4th Conso: Jordan Kutler def. Anthony Valencia: FF
84 KG – Zahid Valencia
Finals Round One: Zahid Valencia def. Bo Nickal: Dec 8-2
Finals Round Two: Zahid Valencia def. Bo Nickal: Dec 2-1
96 KG – Lance Benick
First Round: Malik McDonald def. Lance Benick: Fall 5:48
1st Conso: Andre Lee def. Lance Benick: Dec 7-0