Saucon Valley Wrestler to Represent U.S. in Azerbaijan

wrestler Ray O’Donnell has advanced through the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) Cadet Greco National Tournament to earn a spot for Team USA and a trip to a world championship competition in Azerbaijan, Saucon Valley Athletic Director Robert Frey announced June 6.

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The FILA Cadet division is comprised of wrestlers ages 15 to 17 from throughout the United States.

O'Donnell was able to secure a spot for Team USA with a win over Rickey Robinson of Illinois at the 85-kilogram weight class.

In addition to competing in the Freestyle National Championship Tournament in Fargo, N.D. this summer, he will be training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Col.

Later this summer he will travel with the Cadet Greco National Team to Baku, Azerbaijan to compete in the 2012 FILA Cadet World Championships.

"This trip is really expensive and teachers and student organizations are supporting funding to assist (O'Donnell) with some of the expenses," head wrestling coach Chad Shirk said in an email.

He added that donations made to help defer O'Donnell's travel expenses can be made payable to , which supports reimbursement for wrestlers' participation in camps, clubs and tournaments.

"Ray would like to thank the Saucon Valley teachers as well as the student-run Slip and Slide Club as well," Shirk said.