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Grajales Ousted At Trials

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By ADAM ADKINS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

Brandon High wrestling standout Eric Grajales came up short Friday in his quest to earn a spot on the United States wrestling team for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.

Grajales lost his first two matches in the 60-kilogram Greco-Roman division at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Las Vegas, ending his shot at becoming an Olympian.

Grajales lost his opening match 4-2, 5-0 to Jeremiah Davis and was eliminated with a 2-4, 5-0, 4-1 loss to Willie Madison in his first consolation bout.

Grajales qualified for the trials by placing fifth in the 55-kilogram Greco-Roman division at the U.S. Senior Nationals in April. He was set to compete at that weight class Friday but was unable to make the 121-pound limit, which forced him to compete at the next highest available weight.

"Seeing as I was up a weight I don't feel that bad. I wrestled hard, and that's all I can ask myself to do," Grajales said via text message. "My only regret is not preparing as well as I should have, making me miss weight."

It was the first appearance at the trials for Grajales, who recently completed his junior year at Brandon and is an undefeated three-time state champion for the Eagles.

Former Pasco High standout Nate Engel also came up short in his bid for a berth on the U.S. team, finishing with a 2-2 mark Friday in the 55-kilogram Greco-Roman division.

Engel defeated Miguel Pena 5-0, 1-1 in his opening match, but lost to top-seeded Spenser Mango in the quarterfinals. Engel then won his first consolation match before losing his second, which eliminated him from the tournament.

Former Countryside High standout Jared Frayer is scheduled to compete today in the 66-kilogram freestyle division.

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