Aug. 13, 2009

WARSAW, Poland-- Stanford junior Zach Giesen will open up against Poland's Bartosz Sofinski in the 185-pound weight class of the Ziolkowski International starting on Friday in the Eastern European Republic.

A former Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Giesen (Grants Pass, Ore.) has twice earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament, posting a 55-28 overall record and 23-7 dual mark over two varsity seasons. He redshirted last year's NCAA season, winning the Fullerton Open with three pins and a major decision, while going 5-2 overall. His 29 wins as a freshman, were third-best for a Cardinal wrestler all-time. Griesen also finished second at the University Nationals in 2008.

The Ziolkowski International is a two-day senior men’s freestyle tournament, which the U.S. is sending 10 competitors to.