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Tyler Graff and Evan Knight Roll Big Victories in Nevada

This past month, two of the biggest age group national tournaments in the country fell on the same weekend, April 6th and 7th, both being held in the state of Nevada. In Vegas, Tyler Graff competed in the Junior Fila National Championships and in Reno, Evan Knight competed in the Reno Worlds. Graff and Knight are both Team Excel wrestlers who have grown up in the Colorado Team Excel Junior Olympic Program. Now Knight lives in Iowa and participates in the Iowa Team Excel Program there.

Tyler Graff, wrestling at 121lbs. in the 20 and under division, Junior FILA National Championships claimed the title defeating Ben Ashmore of Dallas, Texas in the finals, who now wrestles for Oklahoma State University. This event qualifies Graff for the Junior World Team trials being held in late May. Graff will also compete abroad in the Junior Pan Ams in June. Winning the trials later next month would place Graff on the US Junior World team representing the United States at the Junior World Championships being held in Beijing, China in August.

Evan Knight, competing at 160lbs. at the Reno Worlds in the 15 and under age division won his championship match defeating Justin Armstrong of Dallas, Texas in the finals, who wrestles for the Team Monday Club. Knight, also pinned his way to the finals earning him the Outstanding Wrestler Award for the 15 and under age division. This was the third championship won by Knight in the World of Wrestling Tournament series giving Knight the prestigious "Trinity Award" as well as being named "Wrestler of the Year" by World of Wrestling for the 15 and under age group.

Coincidentally, Graff and Knight have benefited from each other for years training together in the Team Excel Program. Earlier this season, they were also high school teammates, both competing for Loveland High School when the Knight family relocated to Iowa in midseason.

Graff won the Colorado High School Championship for the 3rd time at 130lbs in Class 5A while Knight was runner-up in the Iowa High School Championships as a freshman in Class 3A at 152lbs.

"There will always be a close bond between the two regardless of where they live or where they train. They've been buddies forever and I have a feeling they will continue to be great friends for years to come", said Team Excel Coach Steve Knight about the two champions.

Best of luck to both Knight and Graff in the upcoming months!