The USOEC men’s Greco-Roman team this week returned from Oslo, Norway with 10 out of 11 wrestlers placing in the top five in their respective classes.

Due to the high placement of so many team members, the USOEC team won titles in both age groups as well as taking home the Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament award.

In the junior 23-and-under age group, sophomore Joseph DeNova took the title at 60 kg (132 lbs). One of the matches was against a Swedish rival, DeNova said.

“Isac Sedler was my first match and I lost against him last year,” DeNova said. “I was looking for some revenge in this match.”

In his first round match, DeNova won the first period, 3-2 ,and shut Sedler down in the second period, 2-0. He then defeated teammate sophomore Jason Chudzinski, who placed second in the weight class.

DeNova said training at the USOEC and the camp in Norway prior to the tournament set him up for success at this tournament.

“I felt really good going into this tournament and peaked at the right time,” DeNova said. “I was able to focus on the tournament and get what I wanted to get out of it.”

Also taking the gold in the 120 kg (164.5 lbs) weight class was sophomore Toby Erickson. Erickson said he was more prepared than ever for this tournament.

“It just felt awesome to be there, and the atmosphere was perfect for the training camp and the tournament,” Erickson said. “This was my fourth international competition, and it felt easier than the other ones because I was mentally ready this time around.”

Erickson came to the USOEC from Division I Boise State University. He said he trains for a much higher level of competition now.

“I feel more mentally prepped and physically abled than I have in a long time,” Erickson said. “This time last year I felt burnt out. Here, I’m excited to get on the mat and make myself better every day.”

USOEC wrestlers that also placed in the 23-and-under age group were freshman John Bozarth at 66 kg (145.5 lbs) in fifth place, freshman Lee Wildes at 84 kg (185 lbs) in second place, sophomore Marcus Finau at 96 kg (211.5 lbs) in third place and freshman Parker Betts at 120 kg (264.5 lbs) in fourth place.

In the 18-and-under age bracket, taking home a gold medal and the Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament award was freshman Patrick Budd at 76 kg (167 lbs). Budd said that it was a tough road to the finals.

“I was getting beat up pretty bad and walked off the mat with scars and scratches, but I was winning,” Budd said. “I wasn’t worried going into finals; I made it this far, shoot, might as well win it.”

After winning the first period, the second period came down to a clinch decision. Budd didn’t get the reverse he’d been trying for but hopped out in front of his opponent to score the match winning point with a front headlock. Budd said he was proud of himself fighting through five opponents to claim this victory.

“I don’t really get excited, but I felt very accomplished,” Budd said.

Also placing in the younger age bracket was freshman Dillon Cowan at 69 kg (152 lbs) in second place and freshman D.P. Miller at 76 kg (167 lbs) in fourth place.

Head coach Rob Hermann said he is glad a majority of them chose to go abroad instead of competing in tournaments in the United States.

“I’m very proud of them; having success will give them confidence for the rest of the year,” Hermann said. “They got more matches and experience in one trip than they would have at two tournaments here.”

Competing in Finland at the Haavisto Cup were some of the USOEC athletes that were too old to compete at the Kolbatn Junior Cup in Norway.

Taking silver medals in their respective weight classes were seniors Paul Tellgren at 55 kg (121 lbs) and Zac Nielsen at 84 kg (185 lbs).

Hermann said that all this competition is great preparation for the Olympic Trial qualifier approaching in December.

“We are training like we would be for Nationals if it weren’t Olympic year,” Hermann said.

Erickson said the atmosphere was perfect for the training camp and the tournament.

“This was my fourth international competition, and it felt easier than the other ones because I was mentally ready this time around.”

Erickson came to the USOEC from Division I Boise State University. He said he trains for a much higher level of competition now.

“I feel more mentally prepped and physically abled than I have in a long time,” Erickson said. “This time last year I felt burnt out. Here, I’m excited to get on the mat and make myself better every day.”

In the 18-and-under age bracket, taking home a gold medal and the Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament award was freshman Patrick Budd at 76 kg (167 lbs). Budd said that it was a tough road to the finals.

“I was getting beat up pretty bad and walked off the mat with scars and scratches, but I was winning,” Budd said. “I wasn’t worried going into finals; I made it this far, shoot, might as well win it.”

Budd didn’t get the reverse he’d been trying for, but hopped out in front of his opponent to score the match winning point with a front headlock.

Budd said he was proud of himself fighting through five opponents to claim this victory.

“I don’t really get excited, but I felt very accomplished,” Budd said.

Also placing in the younger age bracket was freshman Dillon Cowan at 69 kg (152 lbs) in second place and freshman D.P. Miller at 76 kg (167 lbs) in fourth place.

Hermann said he is glad a majority of them chose to go abroad instead of competing in tournaments in the United States.

“I’m very proud of them; having success will give them confidence for the rest of the year,” Hermann said. “They got more matches and experience in one trip than they would have at two tournaments here.”

Competing in Finland at the Haavisto Cup were some of the USOEC athletes that were too old to compete at the Kolbatn Junior Cup in Norway.

Taking silver medals in their respective weight classes were seniors Paul Tellgren at 55 kg (121 lbs) and Zac Nielsen at 84 kg (185 lbs).

Hermann said that all this competition is great preparation for the Olympic Trial qualifier approaching in December.

“We are training like we would be for Nationals if it weren’t Olympic year,” Hermann said. “Just because it’s Olympic year doesn’t mean we need to add any more pressure.”

Last year at Senior Nationals, the USOEC Greco-Roman team qualified 10 athletes for the World Team Trials; during an Olympic year, World Team Trials are replaced by Olympic Trials. Herman said he hopes to have just as much success this year as the team did last.

The USOEC will send both men’s Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle teams to Senior Nationals in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 15 to attempt to place in the top seven and qualify for the 2012 Olympic Team Trials in April. Last year at Senior Nationals, the USOEC Greco-Roman team qualified 10 athletes for the World Team Trials.

The USOEC will send both men’s Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle teams to Senior Nationals in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 15 to try to place in the top seven and qualify for the 2012 Olympic Team Trials in April.