Tadzhimetov, who is currently ranked 19th in the nation in the NWCA/InterMat poll at 133 lbs., lost his first two matches of the year last weekend at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational to opponents ranked higher than him. His first loss came to 9th ranked Robbie Preston of Harvard with his 2nd coming at the hands of #11 Matt Keller of UT-Chattanooga. The native of Uzbekistan holds a 9-2 record so far this season.
"It's an honor just to be invited," said Utah Valley State coach Cody Sanderson. "It's just downright a tough tournament. It's great for Erkin to have the opportunity to compete at that level."
Sanderson should know, having competed in the tournament as a wrestler at Iowa State and then winning it his first year out of college.
"It's a huge stage for our program and will bring more recognition to what we're doing here," said Sanderson. "Every time we can put one of our athletes on that stage it's good for Utah Valley State wrestling."
Illinois is the two-time defending team champion at the Midlands Championship, which will also contain one of the deepest team tournaments outside of the NCAA Championships and includes schools such as Iowa State, Iowa and Indiana.
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