Former Badger Hall fifth at U.S. Olympic trials

BONNERS FERRY — Making the U.S.A. Olympic Team is the ultimate dream of every athlete. Former Bonners Ferry and Boise State wrestler and current NC State assistant wrestling coach Adam Hall earned that chance by qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Team Trials, where he finished fifth recently in Iowa City, Iowa.

Although he normally competes at 70kg, this weight is not an Olympic weight. His decision to compete at 74kg was a difficult one since he went up against wrestlers bigger and stronger. However, taking 5th in a field of former NCAA Champions and All-Americans was no small feat.

After receiving a bye in the preliminary round, Hall (Titan Mercury Wrestling Club) then met three-time NCAA Champion Alex Dieringer (Cowboy WC) in the quarterfinal round. Behind 6-4, Hall shot in on a single leg takedown but was countered for a four point throw and lost the match 10-4.

In the consolation rounds, Hall scored decisions over Vladyslav Dombrovskiy (Army WCAP), 7-0 and Mark Hall II (OTC) 14-5. In the consolation semifinals, Hall received a medical forfeit from Chris Perry (TMWC) which set him up in a rematch with Dieringer. Hall fought hard but was again out-muscled to a 6-3 loss.

In order to make the U.S.A. National Wrestling Team, a wrestler must place in the top three. A wrestle-off for true third between Dieringer and Nick Marable (Sunkist WC) ended in a win again for Dieringer, 2-1, giving Hall a fifth place finish.

But the story is not over. Hall still has a goal of making a World Team, and at 70kg, that is a real possibility. Stay tuned for the next adventure.

Adam Hall is the son of Roland and Linda Hall of Bonners Ferry.