June 16, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's Jake Herbert posted a 1-2 record at Sunday's U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas to end his quest for a spot on the United States Olympic Team. Herbert, who took an Olympic redshirt last season to train and compete in international events leading up to the trials, will return to the Wildcats for 2008-09 to pursue his second NCAA title.

Herbert entered the 185-pound division of Sunday's Olympic Trials needing to win six matches in one day to represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Wildcat faced a familiar foe in Michigan's Tyrel Todd in the first round and fell in the best-of-three format, 4-5, 1-1, 7-0.

After a bye into the second round of the consolation bracket, Herbert defeated Chris Pendleton of the Gator WC in two, 6-5, 7-5.

In the third round of the consolation bracket, Herbert bowed out of the Olympic Trials to BJ Padden of the Sunkist Kids, 6-1, 0-1, 9-5.

Andy Hrovat, training partners with Herbert at New York Athletic Club with Herbert, went on to win the 185-pound division at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Although he will not represent the U.S. in Beijing, Herbert's summer schedule still has one more international event. By virtue of his title at the University World Team Trials in May, Herbert will make his second trip to the World University Championships.

The event takes place in Thessaloniki, Greece, from July 9-13. Herbert took bronze at the 2006 World University Games.