For Immediate Release: July 9, 2008
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

BU wrestler Nate Patterson wins U.S. Beach World Team Trials title
Senior-to-be heads to Albania for world championship in September

TheMat.com article

VESTAL, N.Y. -- Binghamton University wrestler Nate Patterson (Ontario, N.Y.) captured a title at the U.S. Beach World Team Trials Sunday at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, earning a trip to Durres, Albania with the U.S. team in September.

Patterson, who is entering his senior season with the Bearcats in 2008-09, won the Below 85 kg (187.5 lbs.) weight class. On Saturday, he won the U.S. Beach national title and then came back on Sunday with three decisions to claim the world trials crown.

Beach Wrestling was added as a new style of international wrestling, starting in 2005. The first World Beach Wrestling Championships was held in 2006. Athletes compete on sand, in a style that features takedowns within a ring. The sport has been growing in popularity across the nation.

Patterson went 27-12 with a team-high nine pins during his junior season last winter. He won 19 dual matches (19-6) and placed third at the Colonial Athletic Association Championship at 157 pounds.

Fellow Binghamton teammates Corey Waite and Josh Patterson also competed, with Waite placing fourth in the "Over 85 kg" class.