Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech wrestling great Ty Walz will be one of three grapplers that will represent the United States at 97kg on this year's senior men's freestyle national team. He's the first Hokie wrestler to ever be named to the U.S. national team.
A three-time All-American for the Hokies from 2015-17, Walz earned his spot on the squad after his opponent, Austin Schaeffer, didn't weigh in for their true third place bout at Final X in Bethlehem, Pa., this past weekend due to injury. Walz shares the 97kg slot on the national team with Kyven Gadson, a 2015 NCAA champion at 197 pounds, and Kyle Snyder, a two-time World champion and 2016 Olympic gold medalist.
Walz placed second at the World Team Trials challenge tournament and won gold at the Bill Farrell Open during the 2018 freestyle season. He won the 2017 ACC championship at heavyweight and is one of only four Virginia Tech wrestlers to be named a three-time All-American. Walz also won the 97kg bronze medal at the 2017 U23 World Championships.