Kyle Snyder was the NCAA runner-up at 197 pounds as a true freshman last year.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State star Kyle Snyder will redshirt next season in an effort to earn a spot on the U.S. team headed to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Snyder was the NCAA runner-up at 197 pounds as a true freshman last year, helping the Buckeyes win their first national team title.
Snyder's biggest breakthrough came earlier this month at the U.S. World Team Trials. He upset 2012 Olympic champion Jake Varner to earn a spot in the World Championships.
Snyder will have three years of eligibility at Ohio State left starting in 2016-17.
"Kyle is the first collegiate athlete in NCAA history to win the U.S. Open and make the World Team as a freshman," Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan said. "The best chance for him to win an Olympic gold medal is to spend this season building his strength and freestyle skill. Traveling overseas will be critical for Kyle as well."
"After discussing this with coach Ryan and his staff, we are all in agreement this is the best thing for me," Snyder said. "I've always dreamed of competing in the Olympics and to now have the opportunity to chase that goal is exciting. I came to Ohio State because I knew I could get a great education, compete for titles and prepare myself for Olympic-level wrestling. While I will miss wrestling in front of our fans at St. John Arena this season, I look forward to being back and better than ever in 2016-17."
This article was from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
