STATE COLLEGE, Penn. – Payton Jacobson of the Northern Michigan Greco-Roman Wrestling program secured a thrilling best-of-3 victory in the 87kg weight class final to earn his spot on the Team USA Olympic roster. Jacobson will compete in his first Olympic games in Paris this summer.
In the challenge tournament, Jacobson got things going with a quarterfinal victory over Richard Carlson (MN Storm / NYAC), a 4-0 decision. He would follow it up with a 6-0 decision victory over Zac Braunagel (IRTC / NYAC). A tight 1-1 decision went the way of Jacobson in the final over John Stefanowicz (USMC) to win the challenge tournament.
In the championship final against Spencer Woods (WCAP), Jacobson won by decision 8-2 in round one but fell in round two by decision 5-2, leading to a decisive third round to determine the champion. Jacobson battled and pulled through with a 3-1 decision victory to take first place.
It will be the first Olympic games for the Elkhorn, Wisconsin native.
NMU’s Max Black (60kg) also had a successful weekend, going 3-1 to take third place in his weight class and make the U.S. National Team and the U23 World Team. Typically, the top three in each weight class earn a spot on the national team through USA Wrestling.
Black won in the quarterfinals against Dylan Gregerson (NYAC) by a 4-1 decision. Black would lose to Dalton Roberts (WCAP) in a 5-2 decision in the semifinals, but defeat Phillip Moomey (SPAR / TMWC) in the consolation semifinals. He would then go on to defeat Taylor Lamont (GWC / SKWC) in the third-place match.
David Stepanian (67kg), Benji Peak (77kg), and George Sikes (97kg) also represented Northern Michigan and performed well.
The 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris, starting on July 26th and running until August 11th.
