LAS VEGAS, N.V. - East Stroudsburg University Assistant Wrestling Coach Joey Rivera (Stroudsburg, P.A., Boston University) placed 8th at the prestigious US Freestyle Nationals held in Las Vegas April 4-7, 2007. Rivera went 3-3 over two days of competition held in a new format. Individual matches are scored in a best two out of three period format with each period being 2 minutes long. At the end of each period the score is erased to 0-0.

Rivera went undefeated through the first day of competition to earn the right to compete in the highly competitive second day which features athletes ranked 1 through 8 on the Olympic/World Level Ladder. After reaching the quarter finals Rivera dropped a tough 3 period decision to 2006 World University Champion Nate Gallick (Ames, Iowa, Sunkist). Rivera won the first period 4-1, and dropped the second 1-4. In the third and determining period Rivera gave up a takedown with 8 seconds remaining to lose 0-1. Gallick then went on to defeat 2006 US National Champion Zach Roberson (Ames, Iowa, Sunkist) and then 2006 World Silver Medalist Mike Zadick (Solon, Iowa, Gator WC) to claim his first National Title. Gallick was also named the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler. Rivera then went on to defeat Michigan State star Franklin Gomez 3-1, 3-5, 5-2 and then dropped a decision to veteran Danny Felix (Morgantown, WV, Sunkist) by a count of 0-1, 2-0, 1-0.

"I am relatively pleased with my performance as this is my first freestyle tournament ever. I am real close with the top guys in this country and I think I can quickly improve with more experience."

ESU Head Coach Jason Kutz added to Rivera sentiments by stating "...Coach Rivera battled with some of the toughest athletes in this country and really the world. For him to place at this tournament in his very first freestyle event speaks volumes about his natural talent. If he fully commits I think the sky is the limit for him."

The trip was also made more interesting given the fact that Coach Rivera's bags were mistakenly sent to Mexico City instead of Las Vegas. As a result he had to get by with other people's gear.

"I didn't really plan on that...I wore Coach Kutz's shoes and rounded up some gear from other places. I will check my baggage claim tickets before I get on the plane next time!"