June 6, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head wrestling coach Tom Minkel will be appearing at the reunion of the 1980 United States Olympic wrestling team next week at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev.

"There are few experiences in sports that match being a member of the United States Olympic Team," said Minkel. "I am really looking forward to seeing my former teammates and watching the Olympic Trials."

USA Wrestling will be hosting the event based around the wrestling Olympic trials at the Thomas and Mack Center on June 13-15.

Minkel, who just completed his 17th season as head coach of the Spartans, and the rest of his teammates were unable to compete at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, due to the United States' government boycott of the Games.

"The United States boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow was a devastating experience for all of us," added Minkel. "Even today, it is still painful after all these years."

Almost every member of the 1980 Olympic Team in freestyle and Greco-Roman, including the team coaches, have confirmed that they will be in Las Vegas to attend the Olympic Trials.

Fans will be able to get to meet the team throughout the weekend, including an official autograph session at the Vendor Village in the Cox Pavillion on Saturday, June 14 at 4:15 p.m. PST. Also, the team will be introduced during the evening session of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Saturday, June 14, between the first and second match of the best-of-three Championship Series. That evening, the team will be honored during a social, where USA Wrestling also presents its annual awards.