n wrestling hotbeds like Iowa and Minnesota, they know all about Nate Gallick.
You probably should, too.
The former Tucson Sunnyside prep All-American is a standout at Iowa State and ranked No. 2 in his weight class in USA Wrestling’s national freestyle ratings.
In other words, he’s on the cusp of qualifying for the U.S. team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“He definitely has a shot, “Iowa State coach Bobby Douglas said. “And he’s motivated to do it. He’s No. 2 on the ladder right now, and just needs a couple more years of maturity. He’s right on schedule.”
At 22, and with one year of eligibility remaining at Iowa State, Gallick is still a pup by international freestyle standards. Most American freestylers don’t peak until several years after their collegiate careers are over.
That means Gallick could compete for spots on several Olympic teams.
“He has the potential, “Douglas said. “I’m optimistic he’s going to have a lot of good wrestling in him for many years. He possesses that secret ingredient called speed. He has world-class speed, and that’s what’s separating him from the rest.”
Gallick currently is in Izmir, Turkey, competing for the United States at the World University Games. In April, he finished second to top-ranked Michael Lightner, 4-1, in the U.S. National Freestyle Championships at 132 pounds.
Gallick grew up in Tucson and developed in Arizona’s USA Wrestling program, where he won several national age-group freestyle championships and two Class 4A state high school championships.
If Gallick competes in the Olympics, he would be the first developed in Arizona’s USAW program to do so.
“There have been so many great wrestlers from the state of Arizona, and even many more that have lived there, “Gallick said via e-mail from Turkey. “To be able to be the first would be a great honor. I guess it is more of a motivational tool to think of now. When I wrestle, I wrestle for the state of Arizona and Iowa State University. You always want to do all you can to make them proud, because both of them have supported me so much throughout my career.”
Douglas, a former Arizona State coach, said wrestlers like Gallick are just what the sport needs to grow grassroots support beyond places like Ames, Iowa, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
“He’s a pretty big success story, “Douglas said. “He’s a two time All-American out of Tucson Sunnyside. That can be a tough place for a Caucasian kid to survive. But getting to know his family, they’re tough people, loyal people and we need those kind of people to develop the sport. “
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