Stieber is a past Junior World silver medalist who placed second at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. Larry Slater photos. Continued from page 8


and it’s something he embraces.” Stieber placed third at April’s U.S. Open at the new weight class of 65 kg/143 lbs. He lost to Oliver in the quarterfinals before coming back to take third. Stieber then elected not to compete at the U.S. World Team Trials, tak- ing a much-needed break from the mat. “I needed a little time off,” he said. “I was a little banged up physically, and I took a long, long break. It was probably the longest break I’ve had since seventh or eighth grade. It was definitely good for me. I feel great now. It was a good thing.” Having to miss the 2014 World Team Trials was challenging for Stieber. “It was definitely hard for me to watch the Trials,” he said. “But I needed a break. It was a pretty easy decision to do that. And it was a smart deci- sion.” Stieber is on track to graduate in the spring. He is a sociology and crimi- nology major at Ohio State. Now Stieber is ready to make a run at history during his final collegiate season with the Buckeyes. “It’s my last hurrah, but everything feels the same even though it’s my last year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this season. I’m really excited to see what our team can do.”


USA Wrestler 9


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