Aiello Takes Third At World Team Trials Challenge

CORALVILLE, Iowa – Jay Aiello took a third-place finish at 92kg in men’s freestyle at the World Team Trials Challenge over the weekend to lead a group of three Virginia wrestlers in the event. Michael Battista and Jarod Verkleeren also competed at the event.

With this third-place finish, Aiello is still in contention for a spot on the U.S. World Team.

Aiello defeated Cameron Caffey of Michigan State in the third-place match, a matchup Aiello also won back in march when the two wrestlers met in the NCAA Championships. Aiello won that meeting with a 14-4 major decision. Caffey won the U.S. Open freestyle championship at 92kg in April.

70kg
Jarod Verkleeren
R16: Michael Blockhus (Gopher Wrestling Club) def. Verkleeren by VPO1, 6-2
Conso. R8-2: Doug Zapf (PRTC/TMWC) def. Verkleeren by VPO, 5-0

92kg
Jay Aiello – Third Place Finish
QF: Aiello def. Max Shaw (Tar Heel Wrestling Club) by VSU, 10-0 (2:10)
SF: Nathan Jackson (New York Athletics Club) def. Aiello by VSU, 11-0 (1:42)
Conso. SF: Aiello def. Levi Hopkins (Buies Creek Wrestling Club) by VSU, 10-0 (4:54)
Third-Place Match: Aiello def. Cameron Caffey (Michigan Wrestling Club) by VPO1, 6-3

Michael Battista
QF: Nathan Jackson (New York Athletics Club) def. Battista by VSU, 11-0 (2:04)
Conso. R4: Battista def. Max Shaw (Tar Heel Wrestling Club) by VPO1, 10-9
Conso. SF: Cameron Caffey (Michigan Wrestling Club) def. Battista by VSU1, 12-2 (4:31)