Continued from page 6 Herbert double-legs 2014 World Team member Ed Ruth during the semifinals of the U.S. Open. John Sachs photo.
Herbert was scheduled to face the Challenge Tournament winner in Madison for the right to represent the U.S. at September’s World Championships in Las Vegas. The outgoing, fun-loving Herbert stepped on the mat sporting long hair that draped over his neck and shoulders during the U.S. Open. Asked what his hairstyle was, he offered a quick response in typical Herbert fashion. “This is a mullet,” a smiling Herbert said, referring to a hairstyle that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. “It’s busi- ness in the front and party in the back.” Herbert’s return to the mat provides a big boost for the
sport.
Not only is he one of the most personable, funny and col- orful characters in the sport, he’s one of the most dynamic wrestlers on the mat.
He wrestles an aggressive, go-for-broke style that fans enjoy watching.
In his semifinal win, Herbert drove Ruth to his back and nearly pinned him while building a stunning 13-4 lead. Ruth came back to cut the final score to 13-11.
In the finals, Herbert hit a big four-point move early in the match en route to downing Gavin 5-2.
Not bad for a guy who was working as a broadcaster for NBC at this same event a year ago.
“I’m almost back to where I was when I wrestled at the Olympics in 2012,” he said. “I’m bigger and stronger, and I’m Continued on page 9
8 USA Wrestler
Herbert is back competing this season for the first time since taking seventh at the 2012 Olympics. Tony Rotundo photo.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44