Nick Simmons leaves for the World University Games

8/7/05 – Nick Simmons and the men’s freestyle wrestling team left Friday for Izmir, Turkey to compete in the 2005 World University Games.  The men’s freestyle competition will be held, August 13-14, followed by women’s freestyle on August 15 and Greco-Roman August 16-17.

The World University Games are now in its 23rd year. The event is similar to the Olympic Games, held only for University-level athletes. Overall, 14 sports will hold competitions. The sports competed are selected by the local organizing committee of the event. This year, wrestling has been included for the first time since 1981. The other sports selected are diving, basketball, gymnastics, fencing, track & field, soccer, archery, water polo, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, sailing and swimming.

The men’s freestyle squad has five U.S. National Team members on it, including two U.S. World Team Trials finalists – Nate Gallick (Tucson, Ariz./Iowa State/Sunkist Kids) at 60 kg/132 lbs. and Steve Mocco (N. Bergen, N.J./Oklahoma State/New York AC) at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.

Gallick was an NCAA finalist last college season at Iowa State. He won a gold medal at the 2004 Sunkist Kids International Open. Mocco has won two NCAA titles and was recently nominated for an ESPY Award for “Best Male College Athlete.” He also placed second at the prestigious Ivan Yarygin Cup in Russia in 2003.

Also competing are former NCAA champions Jesse Jantzen (Cambridge, Mass./Harvard/New York AC) at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., Chris Pendleton (Stillwater, Okla./Oklahoma State/Gator WC) at 84 kg/185 lbs. and Tommy Rowlands (Columbus, Ohio/Ohio State/Sunkist Kids) at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

Jantzen won an NCAA title in 2004. He won a gold medal at the 2004 Henri Deglane Challenge in France. Pendleton won NCAA titles in 2004 and 2005. Rowlands won NCAA titles in 2002 and 2004. He was third in the 2005 Cerro Pelado International in Cuba and second in the 2005 Ivan Yarygin Memorial International in Russia. Both Pendleton and Rowlands placed third in the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials.

Rounding out the U.S. men’s freestyle squad are Nick Simmons (Williamston, Mich./Michigan State/Michigan WC) at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Tyrone Lewis (Stillwater, Okla./Oklahoma State/Gator WC) at 74 kg/163 lbs.

Simmons placed third at the 2005 U.S. World Team Trials. He also placed fourth in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. Lewis was a runner-up at the 2005 Dave Schultz Memorial International held in Colorado. In college, he was a four-time NCAA All-American, including a runner-up finish in 2004.

The team will be coached by Bruce Burnett (Annapolis, Md.) and Lou Rosselli (Edinboro, Pa.).

U.S. wrestlers have competed in three World University Games, the last being in 1981 when Bruce Baumgartner won a gold medal, Dave Schultz and Mike Land won silver medals and Mitch Hull captured a bronze medal.

TheMat.com will provide complete coverage of the 2005 World University Games. The official event web site, www.universiadeizmir.org/en/, will also provide results.

2005 World University Games
At Izmir, Turkey, August 12-17
U.S. Rosters
Men’s Freestyle
Weight – Name, Hometown (College/Club)
55 kg/121 lbs. – Nick Simmons, Williamston, Mich. (Michigan State/Michigan WC)
60 kg/132 lbs. – Nate Gallick, Tucson, Ariz. (Iowa State/Sunkist Kids)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Jesse Jantzen, Cambridge, Mass. (Harvard/New York AC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Tyrone Lewis, Stillwater, Okla. (Oklahoma State/Gator WC)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Chris Pendleton, Stillwater, Okla. (Oklahoma State/Gator WC)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Tommy Rowlands, Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State/Sunkist Kids)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Steve Mocco, N. Bergen, N.J. (Oklahoma State/New York AC)
Coaches: Bruce Burnett, Annapolis, Md. and Lou Rosselli, Edinboro, Pa.

Women’s Freestyle
Weight – Name, Hometown (College/Club)
48 kg/105.5 lbs. – Sara Fulp-Allen, El Granada, Calif. (Menlo College)
51 kg/112.25 lbs. – Mary Kelly, Mahomet, Ill. (Northern Michigan/New York AC)
55 kg/121 lbs. – Marcie Van Dusen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Minnesota-Morris/Sunkist Kids)
59 kg/130 lbs. – NO ENTRY
63 kg/138.75 lbs. – Alaina Berube, Escanaba, Mich. (Cumberland College/New York AC)
67 kg/147.5 lbs. – NO ENTRY
72 kg/158.5 lbs. – Ali Bernard, New Ulm, Minn. (Univ. of Regina)
Coaches: Bobby Douglas, Ames, Iowa and Tadaaki Hatta, Elyria, Ohio

Greco-Roman
Weight – Name, Hometown (College/Club)
55 kg/121 lbs. – Spenser Mango, Flourissant, Mo. (Northern Michigan/Gator WC)
60 kg/132 lbs. – Jeremiah Davis, El Cajon, Calif. (Northern Michigan/Sunkist Kids)
66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Harry Lester, Akron, Ohio (Northern Michigan/Gator WC)
74 kg/163 lbs. – Cheney Haight, Orem, Utah (Northern Michigan)
84 kg/185 lbs. – Justin Millard, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Edinboro/U.S. Air Force)
96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Justin Ruiz, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Nebraska/New York AC)
120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Russ Davie, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Cleveland State/New York AC)
Coaches: Jim Speelman, Mansfield, Ohio and Danny Struck, Jeffersonville, Ind.

Wrestling Schedule
Friday, August 12
6:00 p.m. – Men’s Freestyle Weigh-Ins (55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg)

Saturday, August 13
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Freestyle Competition (55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg)
4:00 p.m. – Men’s Freestyle Weigh-Ins (60 kg, 74 kg, 96 kg)
5:00 p.m. – Men’s Freestyle Repechage and Medal Matches (55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg)

Sunday, August 14
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Freestyle Competition (60 kg, 74 kg, 96 kg)
5:00 p.m. – Men’s Freestyle Repechage and Medal Matches (60 kg, 74 kg, 96 kg)
6:00 p.m. – Women’s Freestyle Weigh-Ins (All weights)

Monday, August 15
10:00 a.m. – Women’s Freestyle Competition (All weights)
5:00 p.m. – Women’s Freestyle Repechage and Medal Matches (All weights)
6:00 p.m. – Greco-Roman Weigh-Ins (55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg)

Tuesday, August 16
10:00 a.m. – Greco-Roman Competition (55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg)
4:00 p.m. – Greco-Roman Weigh-Ins (60 kg, 74 kg, 96 kg)
5:00 p.m. – Greco-Roman Repechage and Medal Matches (55 kg, 66 kg, 84 kg, 120 kg)

McKnight named an NWCA Academic All-American
Junior wrestler has a 3.34 GPA in accounting

EAST LANSING, Mich.- Junior wrestler Darren McKnight as been named an Academic All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. The Hixon, Tenn., native boasts a 3.34 GPA in accounting.

McKnight, who served as a team captain for the 2004-05 season, is coming off a career year which included a fourth-place finish at the 2005 Big Ten Championships. The two-time NCAA qualifier finished the season with a 31-14 record, placing at the EMU Open, the MSU Open, the Midlands Championships and winning the tournament title at the North Carolina Open.

McKnight finished the season ranked No. 12 in most polls.

Spartans sign two major recruits
4/25/05

Tom Minkel announced today the signing of two major wrestling recruits to National Letter of Intent.

The Spartans signed Franklin Gomez from Brandon, FL,  who is ranked the number one senior wrestler in the country at 119 lbs. by both Amateur Wrestling News and WrestlingUSA magazine.  Franklin went 44-0 this year and won the High School State Championship in Florida.  Gomez also won the High School National Championship as well as the Beast of the East and Iron Man Tournaments.  Last year he finished third at the Junior National Championships in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.  Gomez will wrestle at 125 lbs. for Michigan State.

MSU also signed Nick Palmieri from Mayfield Village, Ohio.  Palmieri went 42-5 his senior year, placing third at the Ohio State Championships and finishing sixth at the High School National Championships at 215 lbs.  Nick will wrestle at 197 lbs. for the Spartans.

Spartan Wrestling Team Holds Annual Awards Banquet
Nick Simmons earns 2005 Outstanding Wrestler Award.

EAST LANSING, Mich.- Sophomore brothers Nick and Andy Simmons showcased the 2005 Michigan State wrestling awards banquet April 17, at the Kellogg Center, taking home a combined four team awards in addition to special recognition for earning All-American honors.

In 2004-05, Nick Simmons compiled a 32-4 record, and a fourth place finish at the 2005 NCAA Championships en route to his first-career selection as MSU’s outstanding wrestler. Simmons won tournament championships at the North Carolina Open and the Midlands Championships, and is Michigan State’s first Big Ten champion since 2000. He also captured the Most Exciting Wrestler Award for his unorthodox style.

Andy Simmons finished 2004-05 with a 32-6 record, and despite a knee injury at the 2005 NCAA Championships, managed to take sixth place at 141 pounds. Simmons’ performance earned him the Most Falls Award with 11 pins on the season, and the Tom Muir Most Improved Award.

Junior captain Darren McKnight also garnered a pair of awards, earning the Perseverance Award for his dedication and work ethic, as well as the Grady Peninger Scholastic Achievement Award, which goes to the Spartan with the highest grade point average over the past two semesters. An accounting major, McKnight notched a 3.8 GPA last semester and a 3.625 over the past year.

Redshirt freshman Ryan Froese and Greg Goidosik were both honored with the 2005 Commitment Award, and Joe Williams won the Outstanding Freshman Award for his 22-8 record before being marred by a knee injury.

Transfer R.J. Boudro was awarded the Collins-Mikles Award for his tremendous leadership in his first year with the program.

It's NCAA Week!

A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD- The four Spartans that qualified for the national tournament, Nick Simmons, Andy Simmons, Darren McKnight and R.J. Boudro, will close out the 2004-05 season this weekend at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Mo. This is the eighth-straight season that at least four Spartan wrestlers have advanced to the NCAA tournament. The top eight wrestlers in each weight class earn All-American honors.

LAST YEAR IN ST. LOUIS- At last season’s NCAA Championships, Andy Simmons, Darren McKnight, Jeff Clemens and Nate Mesyn combined for a 6-8 record. Simmons rallied through the consolation bracket on day two of the tournament, but came up one match short of All-American honors, falling to Central Michigan’s Jason Mester. McKnight won his lone match of the tournament by fall against Christopher Nissen of Air Force, and Mesyn advanced to the quarterfinals of the championship bracket before falling twice and eliminating MSU from competition. The Green and White finished in a tie for 34th in 2004.

NICK SIMMONS AT THE 2003 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS- Nick Simmons will be going for All- American honors for the second time, after claiming seventh at the 2003 NCAA tournament. After recording a fall in the opening round against Edinboro’s Jacob Gray, Simmons lost a heartbreaking match, 2-1, Lehigh’s Terrance Clendenin, Thursday. But, Simmons came back to win three straight matches Friday, and pinned Minnesota’s Bobbe Lowe in the first period to capture seventh place.

THE SPARTANS ALL-TIME AT THE NCAA TOURNAMENT- Since arriving at MSU prior to the 1992-93 season, head coach Tom Minkel has garnered 28 All-American performances and one national champion. Prior to Minkel's arrival, MSU had suffered a seven-year drought without a single top-eight place winner, dating back to 1986. Since 1992, MSU has finished in the top 15 in the national tournament six times, including a third place finish in 1995, the same year Kelvin Jackson won MSU’s first national championship since 1974. The Spartans lone team national championship came in 1967.

SPARTANS ON THE ALL-TIME LISTS- Nick Simmons can break into the top 15 in all-time NCAA tournament wins with five victories at the 2005 championships. He is also five wins away from breaking the top 20 list in all-time wins, and three falls away from moving into fifth all-time in that department. Darren McKnight only needs three victories to break the top 20 list, and can tie for 19th alltime for wins in a season with four victories this weekend.   

WEIGHT CLASS BREAKDOWN

125 LBS.- Nick Simmons has wrestled 11 of the 33 other NCAA qualifiers at 125 lbs., and has a combined record of 11-2 against them. His two losses came against Joe Dubuque (Indiana, third in the Big Ten), and Sam Hazewinkel (Oklahoma, second in the Big 12), while he defeated Collin Cudd (Wisconsin, seventh Big Ten) twice, Kyle Ott (Illinois, second Big Ten), Dubuque, Adam Smith (Penn State, fourth in the Big Ten), Bobbe Lowe (Minnesota, fifth in the Big Ten), Coleman Scott (Oklahoma State, first in the Big 12), Grant Nakamura (Iowa State, fourth in the Big 12), Christian Staylor (Old Dominion, first in the CAA), Luke Smith (Central Michigan, first in the MAC) and Andrew Hochstrasser (Boise State, third in the Pac-10).

141 LBS.- Andy Simmons has wrestled eight of the 31 other NCAA qualifiers at 141 lbs., and has a record of 5-3. His wins came against Ryan Lang (Northwestern, fourth in the Big Ten), Mike Simpson (Indiana, sixth in the Big Ten), Daniel Frishkorn (Oklahoma State, third in the Big 12), Ron Tarquino (Pittsburgh, second in the EWL) and Jason Jones (Appalachian State, second in the Southern). His three losses came at the hands of Josh Churella (Michigan, first in the Big Ten), Nate Gallick (Iowa State, first in the Big 12) and Teyon Ware (Oklahoma, second in the Big 12)

149 LBS.- Darren McKnight has wrestled 12 of the 31 other NCAA qualifiers at 149 lbs., and has a 6- 8 record against them. His six wins came against Tyler Prater (Virginia Tech, first in the ACC), Craig Henning (Wisconsin, second in the Big Ten), Quincy Osborn (Minnesota, fifth in the Big Ten), Isaac Knable (Indiana, sixth in the Big Ten), Ryan Hurley (Cleveland State, third in the EWL) and Mark DiSalvo (Central Michigan, first in the MAC). His losses came to DiSalvo, Eric Tannenbaum (Michigan, first in the Big Ten) twice, Ty Eustice (Iowa, third in the Big Ten), Doug Withstandley (Purdue, seventh in the Big Ten), Zack Esposito (Oklahoma State, first in the Big 12), Ben Cherrington (Boise State, first in the Pac-10) and Jeff Harrison (Northern Iowa, first in the Western).

174 LBS.- R.J. Boudro has faced eight of the 33 other NCAA qualifiers at 174 lbs., and has a record of 6-6. His wins came against Kelly Flaherty (Wisconsin, fifth in the Big Ten) and Nick Roy (Michigan, sixth in the Big Ten) twice, J.J. Holmes (Eastern Michigan, second in the MAC) and Eric Hauan (Northern Iowa, first in the Western). His six losses came to Jake Herbert (Northwestern, second in the Big Ten) and Mitch Hancock (Central Michigan, first in the MAC) twice, Pete Friedl (Illinois, first in the Big Ten), and Chris Pendleton (Oklahoma State, first in the Big 12).

63 AND COUNTING...- Nick Simmons’ first career Big Ten championship was the 63rd Big Ten title for the Spartans all-time. That passes Wisconsin’s 62 and puts MSU in sole possession of fifth place in that category.  

PRE-SEEDS FOR 2005 BIG TEN
WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCED

 PARK RIDGE, IL – The preliminary seeds for the 2005 Big Ten Wrestling Championships were announced today by Conference officials.  The pre-seeds are determined by a vote amongst the League’s head wrestling coaches after consideration of regular-season results.  The 2005 Big Ten Wrestling Championships will take place on Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6, at Carver Hawkeye Arena on the campus of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Championships brackets will be set on Friday, March 4.  Illinois and Michigan lead all schools with four top pre-seeds apiece. Kyle Ott (125 lbs.), Mark Jayne (133 lbs.), Pete Friedl (174 lbs.) and Brian Glynn (184 lbs.) all received top seeds for the Fighting Illini.  For the Wolverines, Josh Churella (141 lbs.), Eric Tannenbaum (149 lbs.), Ryan Bertin (157 lbs.) and Ryan Churella (165 lbs.) each earned the top spots in their respective divisions.  Illinois’ Jayne is the defending Big Ten Champion at 133 lbs., as is Michigan’s Churella at 149 lbs.

Minnesota and Ohio State each boast a No. 1 preliminary seed entering the Championships.  J.D. Bergman of Ohio State will wrestle as the top seed at 197 lbs., while Minnesota’s Cole Konrad will battle as the premier grappler in the heavyweight division.  Konrad placed third at Big Tens last year and carries a 31-2 record, including an 8-0 record in Big Ten dual action, into the Championships this weekend.

Less than one week remains until all 11 League schools will take to the mats for the 2005 Big Ten Wrestling Championships.  Iowa will look to defend its Big Ten title, which they won last season at Ohio State.  The Hawkeyes (129.5) bested runner-up Minnesota (124.5) by five points, while Illinois (98.5), Michigan (96.0) and Penn State (90.0) rounded out the top five. 

For the second consecutive year, Illinois and Michigan will enter the Big Ten Championships as the League’s Dual Meet co-Champions. The Fighting Illini and Wolverines each ended the 2005 campaign with 7-0-1 records. Then-No.5 Michigan tied No. 2 Illinois, 17-17, on February 6 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the University of Iowa Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-424-2957 or online at www.hawkeyesports.com

Spartans wrap up dual meet season
against the 7th-ranked Sooners of Oklahoma
2/22/05

A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD - Michigan State will conclude its regular season this Friday against No. 7 Oklahoma in both teams’ final tune-up before their conference tournaments.  Both teams are coming off losses to their biggest intra-state rivals, as Oklahoma was dropped by No. 1 Oklahoma State for the second time this season, 18-13, Sunday Feb. 20.  An injured and sick MSU fell to Michigan Friday, Feb. 18, 34-8.  The wrestling world will follow two matches very closely because they could see rematches late in the NCAA Championships in March.  No. 4 Nick Simmons will try to avenge his 2-0 loss to No. 1 Sam Hazewinkel in the N.W.C.A. All-Star meet in the 125-pound bout, while No. 6 Andy Simmons clashes with former national champion, No. 2 Teyon Ware at 141 lbs.

SCOUTING THE SOONERS - Oklahoma is currently 15-6 overall, and is on a two-match losing streak, dropping a 16-15 decision to No. 6 Nebraska, Feb. 12.  Most recently, it lost for the second time this season, 18-13, to No. 1 Oklahoma State on Sunday, Feb. 20.  Besides the two-time defending national champion Cowboys, MSU and OU share five other common opponents this season.  The Sooners defeated Purdue at the Lone Star Duals, 30-6, and defeated Cleveland State, Penn State, Michigan and Central Michigan en route to a fifth place finish at the National Duals, Jan. 22-23.  MSU defeated Cleveland State and Penn State, but fell to Central Michigan, Oklahoma State, Purdue and Michigan.  There are currently seven Sooners ranked in their respective weight classes, three of which are ranked in the top five.  OU is led by 2003 NCAA Champion and 2004 All-American Teyon Ware, who is ranked No. 2 at 141 lbs., and Sam Hazewinkel, who has spent the entire season ranked No. 1 at 125 lbs.  Hazewinkel is a 2004 Big 12 Champion, and finished third at last year’s NCAA Championships.  Hazewinkel is a perfect 32-0 on the season with eight falls and two technical falls.  Ware is 28-2, with three falls.  His two losses have come to No. 1 Nate Gallick, 6-3, in a dual meet Jan. 30, and No. 4 Matt Murray of Nebraska, 3-1, Feb. 12.  The other Sooners ranked in the top 20 are 2004 Big 12 runner-up Matt Storniolo (No. 4 at 149 lbs.), senior E.K. Waldhaus (No. 10 at 174 lbs.), junior Jake Hager (No. 13 at 285 lbs.) as well as sophomores Justin Dyer (No. 13 at 184 lbs.) and Joel Flaggert (No. 17 at 197 lbs.).  OU is coached by Slippery Rock alumnus Jack Spates, who is in his 11th year in Norman, Okla., and his 16th season overall.

THE LATEST RANKINGS - The big gainer for MSU this week will be junior R.J. Boudro.  With his thrilling sudden-victory win over No. 12 Nick Roy, Boudro could move from his current position at No. 14, to as high as No. 11 or No. 12. O ther than Boudro, the Spartans will probably not see much movement in the rankings this week, especially since Andy Simmons (No. 6 at 141 lbs.) and Joe Williams (No. 20 at 184 lbs.) did not compete in the dual meet with Michigan.  Darren McKnight may also creep up a position or two with his close, 8-4 match with No. 7 Eric Tannenbaum.

Spartans face intra-state rival Michigan
2/15/05

A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD - The Spartans (7-4-1 overall, 4-2-1 Big Ten) will look to rebound in their last conference meet of the season against intra-state rival Michigan and finish in the top three in the Big Ten this Friday.  The numerous storylines in this bitter rivalry include junior R.J. Boudro facing his old team for the first time since transferring to MSU in May, and No. 4 Andy Simmons wrestling No. 5 Josh Churella at 141 lbs.  The Spartans have an all-time record of 33-58-5 against the Wolverines, with their last win coming in 2003, 16-15, at Jenison Field House.

SCOUTING THE WOLVERINES - No. 5 Michigan is currently tied with Illinois for first in the Big Ten with a conference record of 5-0-1, and is 13-3-1 overall.  After losing its first dual meet of the season against then-No. 2 Lehigh, U-M rolled off seven-straight victories, five of them coming against ranked opponents.  The Wolverines come into Friday’s dual on a six match unbeaten streak, defeating No. 11 Iowa and Ohio State this past weekend.  Both U-M and MSU defeated Cleveland State, Penn State and Ohio State this season, while Michigan beat Central Michigan, who the Spartans fell to 25-10.  UM split its two matches with Minnesota, while the Green and White won its lone showdown with the Golden Gophers on Jan. 28, 28-14.  The Maize and Blue is led by 2003 NCAA Champion Ryan Bertin. Bertin is currenlty ranked No. 1 at 157 lbs., and is a three-time All American.  He serves as team captain with 2004 Big Ten Champion and All American Ryan Churella, ranked No. 2 at 165 lbs.  Churella finished third at last year’s NCAA Championships.  U-M’s other returning All American is junior Greg Wagner, who is ranked No. 3 at 285 lbs.  Michigan has four other wrestlers ranked in the top 15 at their respective weight classes.  NCAA qualifiers Mark Moos (No. 13 at 133 lbs.) and Nick Roy (No. 14 at 174 lbs.), as well as redshirt freshmen Josh Churella (No. 5 at 141 lbs.) and Eric Tannenbaum (No. 7 and 149 lbs.).

Spartans take on Purdue and Indiana in critical road trip
2/10/05

SCOUTING THE BOILERMAKERS - Purdue is currenlty 7-10 overall and 1-4 in the Big Ten.  They are coming off two home losses to No. 2 Illinois and No. 8 Minnesota last weekend. PU shares six common opponents with MSU.  They fell to Minnesota, Penn State, Northwestern and Central Michigan while beating Ohio State and Kent State.  Purdue returns four NCAA qualifiers from last year’s squad, and currently has three wrestlers ranked in the top 20 of their respective weight classes.  Doug Withstandley (No. 11 at 149 lbs.) finished second and Ben Wissel (No. 15 at 184 lbs.) took third at the 2004 Big Ten Tournament while Nathan Moore (No. 16 at 197 lbs.) looks to improve on last year’s 20-10 record.  The Boilermakers have been without 2003 NCAA runner-up Chris Fleeger at 133 lbs. since the Las Vegas Invitational, where he finished second, losing in the championship match to No. 1 Travis Lee of Cornell, 6-4 in overtime.

SCOUTING THE HOOSIERS - No. 18 Indiana lost 18-16 to No. 12 Wisconsin this past weekend, but still holds a 15-3 record overall, 2-2 in the Big Ten.  Common opponents IU shares with MSU include victories against Kent State, Ohio State and Northwestern, and losses to Wisconsin and Penn State.  Indiana returns four NCAA qualifiers and have four wrestlers ranked in the top 20.  All-American Joe Dubuque (No. 6 at 125 lbs.) finished eighth at last year’s NCAA Championships and is currently 19-1 on the season, and a perfect 16-0 in dual meets.  Pat Degain (No. 5 at 285 lbs.) took third at the Big Ten Championships last season, and is 26-4 on the year. Senior Mike Simpson (No. 15 at 141 lbs.).

THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO... - Feb. 4, 2000. The Spartans beat Northwestern, 24-13, to improve its record to 7-2-1, the same record MSU holds after 10 dual meets this year.  The 1999-2000 team went on to finish fourth in the Big Ten and 14th at the NCAA Championships.  The 99-00 Spartans were led by Big Ten Champion and All-American Nick Muzashvili and sent eight wrestlers to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis.  The best start prior to that season was 1993-94 when MSU went 9-1 in its first 10 matches.

MSU UNBEATEN AFTER FIVE BIG TEN DUALS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 21 SEASONS - The last time Michigan State started a season unbeaten in its first four Big Ten duals was 1983-84 when it defeated Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue and Michigan.  That year it finished 8-6 overall, good for fifth in the Big Ten and 30th in the nation.

Spartans look ahead to a hot Northwestern team
1/31/05

A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD- Both the Spartans and the Wildcats come into this weekend’s match-up on highs, as MSU is unbeaten in its last five dual meets (4-0-1), and Northwestern has a 9-1 record on the season, with its only loss coming to Indiana.

GREEN AND WHITE OFF TO ITS BEST START IN FIVE SEASONS- MSU’s 6-2-1 start is its best since the 1999-2000 campaign when it compiled the same record in its first nine matches. That team went on to finish fourth in the Big Ten and 14th at the NCAA Championships. The 99-00 Spartans were led by Big Ten Champion and All-American Nick Muzashvili and sent eight wrestlers to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis.

THE LAST TIME MSU WAS UNBEATEN AFTER FOUR BIG TEN DUALS- The last time Michigan State started a season unbeaten in its first four Big Ten duals was 1984-85 when it defeated Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue and Michigan. That year it finished 8-6 overall, good for fifth in the Big Ten and 30th in the nation.

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS- Northwestern is 9-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten. It is coming off a huge 22-19 victory over No. 9 Iowa. The victory is its first over the Hawkeyes in 37 years. Two weeks ago, NU won its first Big Ten dual meet in five years, defeating Purdue, 27-10. It returns all four of their NCAA qualifiers from 2004, and currently have five wrestlers in the Intermat top 20 in their weight classes. The Wildcats are led by sophomore Jake Herbert, who is a perfect 19-0 this season and is currently No. 4 at 174 lbs. Herbert has won both the MSU Open and Midlands Championship titles so far this season. Northwestern has four other ranked wrestlers: NCAA qualifier John Velez (No. 14 at 125 lbs.), Ryan Lang (No. 13 at 141 lbs.), Mike Tamillow (No. 20 at 184 lbs.) and NCAA qualifier Matt Delguyd (No. 18 at 197 lbs.).

Spartans face Minnesota and Wisconsin
1/27/05

SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GOPHERS- Coming off an impressive third place finish in the National Duals this past weekend, Minnesota is currently 6-4, but have wrestled six of the seven teams ranked above them. The Spartans and Gophers share three common opponents this season.  Both teams lost to No. 1 Oklahoma State and defeated Cleveland State.  But, UM defeated Central Michigan this past weekend while MSU lost to CMU on Dec. 8, 25-10.  They also claimed the team championship at both the Mat-Town Classic and the Southern Scuffle.  Minnesota currently has six wrestlers ranked in the top 11 at their respective weight classes by intermatwrestle.com. The Golden Gophers are led by their lone returning All-American, sophomore Cole Konrad (No. 4 at 285 lbs.), and only senior that is ranked, Bobbe Lowe (No. 4 at 125 lbs.). Redshirt freshmen Mack Reiter (No. 5 at 133 lbs.), C.P. Schlatter (No. 11 at 149 lbs.) and Roger Kish (No. 7 at 184 lbs.) are all ranked, as well as junior Matt Nagel (No. 7 at 165 lbs.)

SCOUTING THE BADGERS- Wisconsin is currently 6-2-1 on the season, opening up the Big Ten season with two-straight losses to Iowa and Illinois. The lone common opponent they share with State is Kent State, who they beat 29-12 on Dec. 11. They are 2-2-1 against teams that are currently ranked in the top 25. Wisconsin has seven wrestlers ranked in the Intermat top 25, led by defending Big Ten champion Tom Clum (No. 4 at 133 lbs.). Tyler Laudon (No. 12 at 141 lbs.), Craig Henning (No. 13 at 149 lbs.), Tyler Turner (No. 13 at 157 lbs.), Kelly Flaherty (No. 16 at 174 lbs.), Brady Reinke (No. 14 at 184 lbs.) and Ryan Flaherty (No. 12 at 197) are also ranked.

Midlands Championships
Pre-Seeds
12/27/04

Following is the list of the Midlands seeds by weight class, with the wrestler's name followed by his affiliation.

125 lbs.
1. Luke Eustice/Hawkeye WC
2. Kyle Ott/Illinois
2. Nick Simmons/Michigan State
3. Joe Dubuque/Indiana
4. Efren Ceballos/Cal-Bakersfield
6. John Velez/Northwestern
7. Christian Staylor/Old Dominion
8. Adam Smith/Penn State
9. Mark McKnight/Buffalo
10. Grant Nakamura/Iowa State

133 lbs.
1. Mark Jayne/Illinois
2. Matt Sanchez/Cal-Bakersfield
3. Sam Hiatt/Northern Illinois
4. Scott Jorgenson/Boise State
5. David Hoffman/Virginia Tech
6. TJ Enright/Ohio State
7. Josh Keefe/Tennessee-Chattanooga
8. Seth Lisa/West Virginia
9. Jason Borrelli/Central Michigan
10. Mario Galanakis/Iowa

141 lbs.
1. Nate Gallick/Iowa State
2. Andy Simmons/Michigan State
3. Brandon Lauer/West Virginia
4. Max Meltzer/Harvard
5. Donald Lockett/San Francisco State
6. Alex Tsirtsis/Iowa
7. Doug McGraw/Pennsylvania
8. Mike Simpson/Indiana
9. Rene Hernandez/Purdue
10. Don Fisch/Rider

149 lbs.
1. Ty Eustice/Iowa
2. Mark DiSalvo/Central Michigan
3. James Woodall/Penn State
4. Ben Cherrington/Boise State
5. Darren McKnight/Michigan State
6. Mike Torriero/West Virginia
7. Anthony Baza/Cal-Bakersfield
8. Rayes Gonzales/Boston University
9. Mike French/Tennessee-Chattanooga
10. Anton Dietzen/Illinois

157 lbs.
1. Matt Gentry/Stanford
2. Alex Tirapelle/Illinois
3. Muzaffaf Abdurakhmanov
4. Jake Percival/Ohio University
5. Scott Owen/New York AC
6. Trent Paulson/Iowa State
7. Joe Johnston/Iowa
8. Matt Lebe/West Virginia
9. Brian Cobb/Shultz WC
10. Nate Galloway/Penn State

165 lbs.
1. David Bolyard/Central Michigan
2. Mark Perry/Iowa
3. Travis Paulson/Iowa State
4. Jon Sioredas/Tennessee-Chattanooga
5. Matt Ellis/Oregon State
6. Nick Baima/Northern Iowa
7. Chris Stith/Virginia Tech
8. Luke Larwin/Oregon
9. Donny Reynolds/Illinois
10. Johnny Galloway/Northern Illinois

174 lbs.
1. Tyler Nixt/Hawkeye WC
2. Eric Hauan/Northern Iowa
3. Pete Friedl/Illinois
4. Shane Webster/Oregon
5. Andrew Roy/Rutgers/Wall, N.J.
6. Mitch Hancock/Central Michigan
7. Nick Passolano/Iowa State
8. Jake Herbert/Northwestern
9. J.J Holmes/Eastern Michigan
10. Brady Richardson/Indiana

184 lbs.
1. Greg Jones/West Virginia
2. Paul Bradley/Iowa
3. Brian Glynn/Illinois
4. Kurt Backes/Iowa St.
5. Eric Bradley/Penn State
6. Dan Pitsch/Oregon State
7. Joe Williams/Michigan State
8. Andy Rios/Indiana
9. Josh Glenn/American University
10. Adam Wright/Old Dominion

197 lbs.
1. Jon Trenge/Lehigh
2. J.D. Bergman/Ohio State
3. Sean Stender/Northern Iowa
4. Scott Barker/Oregon
5. Marcus Schontube/Pennsylvania
6. Joel Flaggert/Oklahoma
7. Matt Monteiro/unattached
8. Trevor Smith/Iowa State
8. K.C. Walsh/Boise State
9. Tyrone Byrd/Illinois
10. Joel Weimer/Ohio University

285 lbs.
1. Matt Feast/Pennsylvania
2. Scott Coleman/Iowa State
3. Matt Fields/Iowa
4. Bill Stouffer/Central Michigan
5. Pat DeGain/Indiana
6. Brent Miller/West Virginia
7. Mike Benke/Illinois/Villa Park, Ill.
8. Ty Watterson/Oregon State
9. Bode Ogunwole/Harvard
10. Mike Faust/Virginia Tech

Spartans sign top recruit Rocky Cozart

The Spartans have signed top recruit Rocky Cozart to a National Letter of Intent.  Cozart is a two-time Florida State Champion from Brandon, Florida with a career record of 147-3.  He is a three-time national cadet/junior champion winning a national title in 2002 and two national titles in 2003.  This year Rocky finished second in the Junior National freestlye championships and third in the Greco-Roman competition at the 160 lb. weight class.

Rocky’s father, Russ Cozart, is his coach at Brandon High School which has a streak of 395 consecutive wrestling dual meet victories dating back to 1973.  The streak is a national high school record for any team in any sport.

Rocky is ranked the number one high school wrestler in the nation at 160 lbs. by Amateur Wrestling News.

 http://www.amateurwrestlingnews.com/rankings/High_school_Ind.htm

Nick Simmons Named
Big Ten Wrestler Of The Week

Simmons is the first recipient of the award this year after his victory at the EMU Open.

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Nick Simmons was selected as the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week after his championship performance at the Eastern Michigan Open, Nov.6.

Simmons earns the first award of the year after he swept through the 125-pound weight class at the EMU Open on Nov. 6. The Spartan sophomore went 4-0 and won the tournament in his return from an Olympic redshirt year. In dominating fashion, he gave up just one point in all four matches and recorded a fall over Jeremy Freiwald of Central Michigan in the second round. He went on to defeat Central Michigan's Matt Steintrager, 9-0, in the championship bout.

This is the first career Big Ten Wrestler of the Week award for Simmons.

A 2002-03 All-American, Simmons is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation and returns to action next weekend, Nov. 20-21, when the Spartans host the Michigan State Open.

Nick Simmons to compete
in the NWCA All-Star Meet
10/30/04

MSU sophomore Nick Simmons has been selected to compete in the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star meet on Monday, November 22 at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL.  He will face Oklahoma sophomore Sam Hazewinkle in the 125 lb. match.  Hazewinkle is presently ranked #1 in the weight class and Simmons is ranked #3.

Hazewinkle and Simmons are both stellar athletes with remarkably similar backgrounds.

Hazewinkle was a three-time Florida State Champion who completed an unblemished high school career with a 140-0 record at Pensacola Christian Academy.  Simmons was a four-time Michigan State Champion who compiled a record of 211-0 with an incredible 198 of those victories by fall or technical fall at Williamston High School.

Hazewinkle was a three-time Greco-Roman Junior National Champion while Simmons was a three-time freestyle Junior National Champion.

In his freshman year at the University of Oklahoma, Hazewinkle went 35-5, won the Big 12 Conference championship, and finished 3rd at the NCAA Championships.  In Nick's freshman year at Michigan State he went 29-12, finished 3rd at the Big Ten Championships and 7th at the NCAA Championships.

At the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Sam Hazewinkle finished 3rd in the Greco-Roman competition while Nick Simmons finished 5th in freestyle.

The All-Star Meet will be the first meeting for the two wrestlers.  The match should be a heck of a battle!

2004-05 MSU WRESTLING OUTLOOK
Kevin Wilson, MSU Sports Information 

Despite a frustrating 2-12 record during the 2003-04 season, and another difficult schedule this year, Michigan State wrestling head coach Tom Minkel has high expectations for this year’s Spartan squad.

“This team should be significantly more competitive than last season. Last year we were just plagued by injuries,” said Minkel. “However, if you can fight through adversity like we were faced with all of last year, it can make you better in the long run.”  

Not only did the Spartans lose All-Americans Nik Fekete, who transferred, and Nick Simmons who took an Olympic redshirt, but three others, Shane Martin, Mike Escobedo, and Conan Williams, suffered season-ending injuries early in the campaign. The Spartans return just four starters from last year’s squad.

“No one likes to lose. But when you have a season as difficult as last year’s was, it is powerful motivation,” said Minkel. “We are a more experienced and mature team this year,” said Minkel. “The only weight class where we are not very tested is 165 pounds.”

Although the Spartans look to be a much-improved team on paper for the 2004-05 season, they will still have to prove themselves every time out.

“If we can build the team unity we had a couple of years ago, that will be a huge step for us,” said Minkel. “This team just needs one or two guys to step up each match, and that will go a long way towards helping us reach our team goals.”

The wrestler the team will probably miss the most is Nate Mesyn at 184 lbs.

“Nate was just a good tough competitor who didn’t make many mistakes,” said Minkel. “He was a solid all-around wrestler. He did an excellent job anchoring the upper weights for us last year.”

125

The biggest news for the Spartans comes at 125 pounds where Nick Simmons returns from an Olympic redshirt year. Despite falling short of the Olympic team, Simmons finished fifth at the Olympic Team Trials, won a gold medal at the Pan-American Championships and has high hopes for his sophomore season.

“I think Nick will compete for both a Big Ten and a National title this year so it is terrific to have him back,” said Minkel. “His unconventional style makes him our most likely wrestler to get a fall, and that makes him particularly valuable in dual meets.”

Backing up Simmons will be sophomore Zach Frutiger and a host of other freshmen.

“I am very happy with the depth we have at 125,” said Minkel.

133

Fifth-year senior Shane Martin should make the start at 133 pounds after a shoulder injury kept him out all of the 2003-04 season.

“After surgery and rehab, Shane has recovered well and will be solid for us at 133.” said Minkel.  “But Tony Greathouse and Ryan Froese will seriously challenge Shane for the starting spot.

141 

The younger of the Simmons brothers, Andy, will look to improve upon his impressive freshmen campaign that led him to be the team’s Outstanding Wrestler with a 33-15 record. He also made his first appearance at the NCAA Championships.

“Andy is quite a bit stronger now and has some college experience under his belt. We think he too has the potential to compete for both Big Ten and NCAA titles,” said Minkel.

Andy Simmons, along with brother Nick and junior Darren McKnight, will serve as the team’s captains this year.

149

Another NCAA qualifier, Darren McKnight, will start for the second straight year at 149 pounds.

“Darren is a great leader on the team, extremely hard working, is very committed, and is and honor student,” said Minkel. “He has got it all, and we expect big things out of him this season.”

157

A second fifth-year senior, Matt McCarty, should make the start at 157 pounds after spending last year bouncing between 157 and 165 with Arsen Alexsanyen. Sophomore Mike Escobedo, who was also out last year for shoulder surgery will push McCarty for the starting spot along with freshman Dan Hughes.

165

Redshirt freshmen Brian Harney is the probable starter at 165 pounds. Harney was a two-time Illinois state champion and was 47-1 as a senior. However, Justin Mora, a transfer from Division II McMurray College, will challenge for the spot and looks to make an immediate impact for the Spartans.

174

Transfer R.J. Boudro will likely make the start at 174 pounds for the Spartans.

“R.J. comes to us from the University of Michigan, which doesn’t happen very often,” noted Minkel. “He is an outstanding addition to our team and we are very happy to have him in the program.”

Boudro will be backed up by redshirt freshman Greg Goidosik who finished his high school career with 212 victories.

184

Look out for redshirt freshman Joe Williams at 184 pounds. Williams was one of the top recruits in the nation two years ago out of Orange, Calif.

“Joe is one of the most gifted and hard-working kids we have this year.” said Minkel. “He should make an immediate impact in his first year of college wrestling and be a fierce competitor for us.”

197

The final NCAA qualifier returning from last year’s squad, Jeff Clemens, will start in the 197 pound slot.

“Jeff has always been a little small for 197 pounds, but he has worked really hard with assistant coach and new strength and conditioning coach David Dean to get bigger and stronger,” commented Minkel, “Now, I think he is a legitimate 197-pounder.”

Conan Williams, who has been plaqued by injuries during his collegiate career, should be behind Clemens at 197.

HWT

Max Lossen will finally get a shot at the heavyweight starting position as a junior, after backing up Mike Keenan and John Wechter his first two years. Lossen qualified for the Olympic Trials as well this past summer and was able to get some international experience for the first time in his career.

“Max has been very close the past two years.  He worked hard this summer, and now he is the man,” said Minkel.

Schedule Outlook

The Green and White kick the 2004-05 season off with the Eastern Michigan Open Nov. 6.

“The EMU Open is an excellent opening tournament especially for our younger guys, to get their feet wet and get a some experience,” said Minkel.

Things really get going for the Spartan grapplers when they host the Michigan State Open November 20-21.

“The MSU Open is the toughest preseason tournament in the nation,” said Minkel.

Last year, the tournament consisted of over 400 wrestlers including half of the Big Ten and many of the other elite teams from around the Midwest and Northeast. 

“Our tournament really lets us know where we stand because of the depth and toughness of the teams,” added Minkel.

After a dual meet with Eastern Michigan Nov. 30, MSU winds down its early season tournament schedule with the North Carolina Open.

“The UNC Open is a really nice tournament for us because we see teams that we won’t see for the rest of the year,” said Minkel. “It is good for us to see completely different competition for that weekend.”

State’s tough non-conference dual schedule kicks off in earnest with in-state rival Central Michigan who finished last year No. 15 in the nation, followed by an away dual with Cleveland State.

“Although CMU and Cleveland State have outstanding squads, nothing compares to the caliber of wrestling that we face when we wrestle Oklahoma State,” Minkel said.

The Spartans travel to Stillwater, Okla., to take on the defending National Champions Jan. 6.

“They have a team that is almost a lock for the national title again,” said Minkel. “OSU is about as hostile of wrestling environment you can go to, the crowd is always on  you.”

The Spartans other non-conference dual takes place in East Lansing, against perennial power Oklahoma in the final dual match of the regular season, Feb. 25.

Fighting for position in the Big Ten will once again be a daunting task for the Spartans as eight of the conference’s 11 teams ended the 2003-04 season in the top 25.

“Although we don’t wrestle Iowa and Illinois this year, one of the perks of being in the Big Ten is that you are going to face the most talented teams in the country year in and year out.”

One of those dual matches will come against the Penn State Nittany Lions Jan. 15 at the Jack Breslin Center.

“It will be kind of neat to wrestle at the Breslin Center with the big overhead video board that they have. But, I still think Jenison Field House is one of the best places to wrestle in the nation,” said Minkel.

MSU will travel to the Big Ten Tournament March 5-6, at the University of Iowa, and conclude its season with the NCAA Championships in St. Louis, March 17-19.

“I strongly believe that we can come away with several individual Big Ten Championships and send a large contingent to the NCAA tournament,” concluded Minkel.