Minkel announces 2006 recruiting class

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State wrestling coach Tom Minkel announced the signings of six  wrestlers for the class of 2010.  "These young men are an outstanding addition to our program," Minkel said. "I am confident they will have a great impact on our team over the course of their careers here."   

The class is headlined by three-time Virginia state champion and national runner-up Walker Faison.  Faison, a three-time Virginia state champion and NHSCA All-American as a freshman, will come to MSU after an outstanding second place outing at the High School Senior National Championships in March.  Faison, who will wrestle at 125 pounds for the Spartans, also took fourth at the Junior National Championships a year ago.   

Minkel also signed the top two heavyweights in the state of Michigan, inking Nick Anurak of Hartland, Mich., and Alex Strachan of Brighton, Mich.  Anurak, the 275-pound Michigan state champion in 2006, was a back-to-back state finalist, taking second as a junior and finishing his final two years at Hartland High School with a 99-4 record.  He also claimed a sixth-place finish at 215 pounds as a sophomore with 53 victories.  He will compete for the Spartans at 285 pounds in the fall.  

Alex Strachan was a state placer for the first time this past season, claiming second at 275 pounds with a 40-6 record.  He fell to Anurak, 11-10, in the Michigan Division I finals.  He will also compete for the Green and White at 285 pounds.

Three Michigan natives round out the team's freshman class, John Fulger of Montrose, Joel Trombly of New Baltimore and Blake Mesyn of Clinton Township.  Both Trombly and Mesyn will be following in their older siblings' footsteps, as Craig Trombly (2001-04) and Nate Mesyn (1999-2004) both competed for the Spartan grapplers. 

Fulger was a two-time state champion and four-time state placer at Montrose High School, compiling a career record of 217-23.  Wrestling at 145 pounds, Fulger polished off his final prep season with a perfect 51-0 record at 145 pounds, after a runner-up finish his junior year.  He also was a state champ as a sophomore, and took fifth as a freshman.  

Joel Trombly, a three-time state placer at Anchor Bay High School, last competed at the 2006 High School Senior National Championships in March, where he took seventh at 125 pounds.  Over his final three high school seasons, he tallied a 158-14 mark, taking second as a senior and third in the state both his sophomore and junior seasons.  

Blake Mesyn comes to East Lansing after placing both his junior and senior seasons at Fraser High School.  He compiled a 176-18 career record over his four seasons, finishing second in 2006 and fifth in 2005.

2006 Big Ten Preview
by Kevin Martinez
Indiana University

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana University and the Big Ten Conference are proud to present the 2006 edition of the Big Ten Wrestling Championships on March 4-5 at Assembly Hall. The Big Ten is one of the toughest wrestling conferences in the nation, with nine teams ranked among the top 20, more than 50 wrestlers ranked among the top 20 in their respective weight class and five 2005 NCAA finalists.  Leading the team rankings are No. 1 Minnesota, No. 2 Michigan, No. 8 Penn State, No. 9 Illinois, No. 11 Iowa, No. 13 Northwestern, No. 17 Indiana, No. 18 Michigan State and No. 19 Wisconsin.

125-Pound Preview

The 125-pound weight class at the Big Ten Championships features the defending NCAA Champion, the defending Big Ten champion and four wrestlers ranked among the top eight in the country.

Defending national champion Joe Dubuque (Indiana) leads the weight class, grappling to a perfect 19-0 record on the season and 7-0 in Big Ten action. The senior is making his third appearance at Big Tens. Defending Big Ten champion senior No. 3 Nick Simmons (Michigan State) along with Northwestern senior No. 7 John Velez (20-6 overall, 6-2 Big Ten) and Illinois senior No. 8 Kyle Ott round out the ranked grapplers. Simmons (28-0 overall, 8-0 Big Ten) looks to contend against Dubuque, who finished third in 2005 and has taken bouts over Ott and Velez during the 2006 dual season. Dubuque and Simmons are both undefeated and have not met in 2006. Ott, a 2004 and 2005 NCAA finalist, went 9-3 overall and 5-3 in Big Tens this season. Ott took second a year ago at Big Tens and has never finished lower than third.

Making their first trips to the conference tournament are Minnesota redshirt freshman Travis Lang (24-14 overall, 3-4 Big Ten), Penn State freshman Brad Pataky (15-6 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) and Michigan freshman Michael Watts (12-16 overall, 4-3 Big Ten).

Competing for the second straight year are Wisconsin junior Colin Cudd (10-9 overall, 2-6 Big Ten), Iowa junior Lucas Magnani (11-12 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) and Purdue sophomore Brandon Tucker (15-16 overall, 1-5 Big Ten).

Ohio State senior Nathan Costello (3-11 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) round out the field and is competing in his third straight championship.

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

133-Pound Preview

The 133-pound weight class also is very competitive.  Four grapplers are ranked among the top 10, and three are returning All-Americans. Two of this year’s competitors have a conference title, and seven are making their Big Ten debuts.

Minnesota sophomore Mack Reiter (25-3, 6-0 Big Ten) headlines the division. Reiter is tabbed third in the country, the defending conference champion and is the only 133-pound wrestler to go undefeated in conference action. Purdue senior Chris Fleeger (9-1 overall, 7-1 Big Ten), ranked fourth, is not far behind with only one loss on the year coming against Indiana redshirt freshman No. 18 Andrae Hernandez. Fleeger won the crown in 2003 and is looking for another strong showing. Wisconsin senior No. 6 Tom Clum is another challenger to watch, going 10-2 overall 6-1 in Big Ten. Clum is making his fourth and final trip to the championships in 2006. Penn State freshman Jake Strayer (19-3, 6-2 Big Ten) is another grappler looking to make some noise, as he is ranked No.9 in the weight class. Included in the crowded ranked field also is junior No. 11 Mark Moos (14-4 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) of dual-season champion Michigan Wolverines. Strayer is one of four ranked-competitors making their debut at the championships as the list also includes Hernandez (26-6 overall, 7-1 Big Ten), Illinois sophomore No. 19 Gabe Flores (8-5 overall, 4-4 Big Ten) and Ohio State freshman No. 20 Reece Humphrey (24-11 overall, 0-5 Big Ten).

The remaining competitors include Iowa freshman Daniel Dennis (15-16 overall, 1-7 Big Ten), once ranked as high as No. 21 in the country, Northwestern senior Daniel Quintela (9-15 overall, 2-6 Big Ten) and Michigan State redshirt freshman Jeff Wimberly (10-19 overall, 1-7 Big Ten), who is making his Big Ten debut.

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

141-Pound Preview

The 141-pound weight class also features four of the nation’s top-10 grapplers. Four of the top-five finishers in 2005 are back to take a run at the conference title, and four wrestlers are making the trip to the championships for the first time.

Michigan sophomore Josh Churella (22-1 overall, 8-0 Big Ten) is looking to make it back-to-back titles as he finished the dual season undefeated. Churella will be challenged by Michigan State junior Andy Simmons (28-3 overall, 6-1 Big Ten), who finished second last season, Iowa sophomore Alex Tsirtsis (18-9, 6-2 Big Ten), who took fifth and Northwestern sophomore Ryan Lang (15-4 overall, 4-3 Big Ten), who finished fourth. Rounding out the ranked field are Penn State senior No. 11 DeWitt Driscoll (14-7 overall, 5-3 Big Tens) and Minnesota sophomore No. 13 Manuel Rivera (24-11 overall, 5-2 Big Ten). 

The remaining bracket slots feature Purdue junior Jason Cook (23-10 Big Ten, 1-5 Big Ten) or freshman Jake Patacsil (13-8 overall, 0-2 Big Ten), Ohio State’s sophomore T.J. Enright (15-12 overall, 2-6 Big Ten), Wisconsin senior Ed Gutnik (8-6 overall, 4-3 Big Ten), Illinois junior Cassio Pero (13-7 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) and Indiana senior Nick Spatola (8-14 overall, 0-6 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

149-Pound Preview

The 149-pound weight class is a wide-open field among the nation’s top wrestlers, eight of whom are ranked among the top 20. Six grapplers are making their first appearance, while only one senior enters the division that is flooded with young talent.

Michigan sophomore No. 4 Eric Tannenbaum (19-6 overall , 7-1 Big Ten), the defending Big Ten champion, is looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to Minnesota freshman No. 1 Dustin Schlatter (34-1 overall, 7-0 Big Ten). Both grapplers are looking to be crowned as this year’s champion, but they will each receive a challenge from Iowa senior No. 2 Ty Eustice (21-1 overall, 6-1 Big Ten) and Purdue senior No. 9 Doug Withstandley (22-7 overall, 4-3 Big Ten).

Also looking to make a wave in this year’s competition are Ohio State freshman No. 10 J Jaggers (25-6 overall, 6-2 Big Ten), Wisconsin junior No. 11 Tyler Turner (17-5 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) and Michigan State senior No. 16 Darren McKnight (19-13 overall, 2-6 Big Ten).

The remaining field includes Indiana junior Matt Cooper (12-9 overall, 1-5 Big Ten), Northwestern freshman Marty Gould (6-13 overall, 0-6 Big Ten), Illinois redshirt freshman Troy Tirapelle (21-9 overall, 4-4 Big Ten) and Penn State senior James Woodall (7-5 overall, 2-4 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

157-Pound Preview

The 157-pound class features several Big Ten and NCAA Championship contenders. With eight grapplers ranked among the top 20, three among the top five and four 2005 All-Americans, the field is sure to be a battle for the conference crown.

Two-time defending Big Ten champion Alex Tirapelle of Illinois (21-1, 7-0 Big Ten) looks to make it a third crown in 2006. Tirapelle, tabbed No. 1 in the country, will have his work cut out for him against Minnesota freshman No. 3 C.P. Schlatter (31-5 overall, 7-1 Big Ten), Wisconsin sophomore No. 4 Craig Henning (23-5 overall, 7-1 Big Ten), Indiana sophomore No. 6 Brandon Becker (19-6 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) and Iowa senior No. 7 Joe Johnston (21-6 overall, 6-2 Big Ten), who was the 2005 NCAA runner-up.

Also looking to make a go at a conference title are Michigan freshman No. 12 Steve Luke (10-8 overall, 2-3 Big Ten) and Penn State junior No. 13 Nathan Galloway (11-12 overall, 2-6 Big Ten).

Rounding out the competitive field are Northwestern sophomore Greg Hagel (16-14 overall, 2-6 Big Ten), Purdue freshman Jake Murphy (9-22 overall, 0-8 Big Ten) and Ohio State senior Steve Sommer (20-14 overall, 2-4 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

165-Pound Preview

There is no room for error in the 165-pound division, as it includes three top 10 grapplers and eight ranked in all. Along with the highly touted field, two are returning All-Americans and three of the top-five finishers from the 2005 Big Ten championships are back.

Defending Big Ten champion Michigan senior No. 1 Ryan Churella (22-0 overall, 8-0 Big Ten) leads the talented field. Illinois redshirt freshman No. 7 Mike Poeta (23-4,7-1 Big Ten) and Minnesota senior No. 9 Matt Nagel (26-8 overall, 7-1 Big Ten) are also looking to make championships a tough road.

While the weight class is filled with top-10 wrestlers, the dual season has shown that anyone can win on any given day. Big Ten grapplers looking to make that happen are Penn State freshman No. 12 David Erwin (23-6 overall, 5-1 Big Ten), Wisconsin junior No. 17 Jake Donar (9-9 overall, 4-4 Big Ten), Iowa junior No. 18 Eric Luedke (17-10 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) and Northwestern senior No. 19 Will Durkee (18-10 overall, 3-5 Big Ten).

Completing the 11-wrestler field are Purdue sophomore Dan Bedoy (1-7 overall, 1-7 Big Ten), Indiana sophomore Max Dean (21-12 overall, 2-6 Big Ten), Michigan State sophomore Greg Goidosik (11-7 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) and Ohio State senior Nathaniel Augustson (17-15 overall, 2-6 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

174-Pound Preview

Four of the nation’s top-10 wrestlers headline the 174-pound division. Two-All Americans and nine grapplers ranked in the top-20 all have their eyes on the title.

Northwestern sophomore No. 2 Jake Herbert  (28-0, 8-0 Big Ten) has looked impressive throughout the Big Ten season, looks to improve on his league runner-up finish of a year ago. Iowa sophomore No. 3 Mark Perry (13-2, 3-0 Big Ten) has his sights set on the title after taking a pair of second-place finishes home at 165 pounds at the Big Ten and NCAA Championships a year ago.

Other competitors include Michigan State senior No. 7 R.J. Boudro (23-5 overall, 6-2 Big Ten), Penn State junior No. 9 James Yonushonis (18-4 overall, 6-1 Big Ten), Michigan junior No. 11 Nick Roy (14-9 overall, 4-4 Big Ten), Minnesota sophomore No.13 Gabriel Dretsch (24-12 overall, 3-5 Big Ten), Illinois junior No. 14 Donny Reynolds (20-7 overall, 4-3 Big Ten), Wisconsin senior No. 16 Kelly Flaherty (9-3 Overall, 1-2 Big Ten) and Ohio State redshirt freshman No. 20 Blake Maurer (14-8 overall, 4-1 Big Ten). 

Rounding out the field are Indiana sophomore Marc Bennett (12-14 overall, 2-6 Big Ten) and either Purdue freshman Nick Corpe (16-16 overall, 0-6 Big Ten) or senior Barry Jackson (2-6 overall, 0-2 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

184-Pound Preview

The 184-pound class includes a two-time Big Ten champion , six All-Americans and eight wrestlers ranked among the top 20.

Penn State senior, and two-time defending Big Ten champion, No. 7 Eric Bradley (9-1 overall, 6-0 Big Ten) hopes to make it a trio of titles in 2006. His road will not be easy, as Purdue senior No. 3 Ben Wissel (31-3 overall, 7-1 Big Ten) searches for his first title. Illinois senior No. 6 Pete Friedl (20-3 overall, 6-2 Big Ten), Iowa senior No. 8 Paul Bradley (11-6 overall, 4-4 Big Ten), Minnesota sophomore No. 9 Roger Kish (30-4 overall, 7-1 Big Ten) and Northwestern sophomore No. 10 Mike Tamillow (19-6 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) all look to dethrone Bradley in 2006.

Also challenging for the crown are Michigan freshman No. 18 Tyrel Todd (15-8 overall, 2-2 Big Ten) and Ohio State junior No. 20 Alex Picazo (20-15 overall, 2-5 Big Ten). The remaining field includes Indiana sophomore Justin Curran (20-12 overall, 1-7 Big Ten), Wisconsin junior Matt Maciag (9-8 overall, 1-5 Big Ten) and Michigan State sophomore Joe Williams (8-11 overall, 2-4 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

197-Pound Preview

The 197-pound division has no clear favorite, but includes five ranked wrestler hunry for a title.

Defending Big Ten champion Northwestern senior No. 10 Matt Delguyd  (25-7 overall, 7-1 Big Ten) will be met with some fierce competition for the 2006 title. The remaining ranked competitors, including Penn State sophomore No. 6 Phillips Davis (17-3 overall, 8-0 Big Ten), Illinois senior No. 8 Tyrone Byrd (23-4 overall, 8-0 Big Ten), Indiana senior No. 12 Brady Richardson (24-6 overall, 4-3 Big Ten) and Purdue junior No. 17 Nathan Moore (29-12 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) are all looking for their first crowns.

The remaining field includes Ohio State freshman James Aston (0-4 overall, 0-4 Big Ten), Michigan State senior Jeff Clemens (14-16 overall, 1-7 Big Ten), Iowa freshman Dan Erekson (13-14 overall, 2-6 Big Ten), Wisconsin sophomore Dallas Herbst (14- overall, 2-6 Big Ten) Minnesota sophomore Mitch Kuhlman (14-13 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) and Michigan freshman Casey White (12-13 overall, 3-3 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

Heavyweight Preview

The heavyweight class is includes two of the nation’s top three grapplers. Five grapplers are ranked among the top 20 and the division also features the defending Big Ten champion.

Leading the way in the heavyweight division are Minnesota junior No. 1 Cole Konrad (30-0 overall, 8-0 Big Ten) and Michigan senior No. 3 Greg Wagner (22-1 overall, 7-1 Big Ten). Konrad is the defending conference champion, while Wagner finished third in 2005. Rounding out the ranked grapplers are Northwestern sophomore No. 11 Dustin Fox (23-8 overall 5-3 Big Ten), Iowa junior No. 18 Ryan Fuller (10-4 overall, 5-0 Big Ten) and Penn State senior No. 19 Joel Edwards (14-4 overall, 4-3 Big Ten).

Filling the remaining bracket slots are Indiana sophomore Dave Herman (24-12 overall, 3-5 Big Ten), Purdue freshman Aaron Keough (14-23 overall, 0-8 Big Ten), Wisconsin senior Lee Kraemer (5-4 overall, 4-0 Big Ten), Michigan State senior Matt Lossen (12-14 overall, 2-6 Big Ten), Ohio State sophomore Kirk Nail (14-8 overall, 2-5 Big Ten) and Illinois junior Matt Weight (15-13 overall, 2-6 Big Ten).

NWCA Individual Rankings (2/22)

Pre-Seeds for the Big Ten Wrestling Championships announced

PARK RIDGE, Ill. – The preliminary seeds for the 2006 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 2006 Big Ten Wrestling Championships will take place on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, at Assembly Hall on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.  The official Big Ten Championships bracket will be set on Friday, March 3.

Top-ranked Minnesota leads all Big Ten teams with three top pre-seeds, as Mack Reiter (25-3 at 133 pounds), Dustin Schlatter (34-1 at 149) and Cole Konrad (30-0 at HWT) all earned the top-nod for the Golden Gophers.  Last year, Reiter earned Big Ten champion, Freshman of the Year and Wrestler of the Championships honors.  Schlatter was tabbed Big Ten Wrestler of the Week earlier in the year, while Konrad, the defending heavyweight champion, earned three weekly awards.  Illinois and conference dual-meet champion Michigan each earned a pair of top pre-seeds, while Indiana, Northwestern and Penn State were all represented with one selection.

Illinois’ Alex Tirapelle, the two-time defending Big Ten champion, earned the top pre-seed at 157 pounds and will enter the postseason at 25-1.  Tyrone Byrd, 23-4 on the year at 197 pounds, also earned the No. 1 pre-seed from the coaches.  Michigan earned top selections at both 141 and 165 pounds with a pair of Churellas, in brothers Josh (22-1 at 141) and Ryan (22-0 at 165).

The remaining three No. 1 pre-seeds went to the defending national champion at 125 pounds, Joe Dubuque (19-0) of Indiana, Northwestern’s undefeated (28-0) sophomore at 174 pounds, Jake Herbert, and Penn State’s Eric Bradley, who is currently 9-1 at 184 pounds and the two-time defending conference champion.

Less than one week remains until all 11 conference schools will take to the mats for the 2006 Big Ten Wrestling Championships.  Illinois, which last year won its first league title since 1952, will enter the postseason as one of nine conference teams ranked in the nation’s top 20.  Minnesota and Michigan are ranked first and second in the country, while Penn State and the Fighting Illini are eight and ninth, respectively.  Rounding out the Big Ten contingent is Iowa (11^th), Northwestern (13^th), Indiana (17^th), Michigan State (18^th) and Wisconsin (19^th). 

Following Illinois’ winning score of 130 points from a year ago, was Minnesota (123.5), Michigan (118.0), Iowa (94.5) and Indiana (89.0) and Wisconsin (89.0) in the top five.  Penn State (72.5) and Michigan State (70.5) finished seventh and eighth, respectively, while Northwestern (68.5), Purdue (38.5) and Ohio State (26.5) rounded out the field.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Indiana University Athletics Ticket Office at 1-866-IUSPORTS or online at www.iuhoosiers.com.

The complete list of pre-seeds follows.

125 lbs.
1.    Joe Dubuque, Indiana
2.    Nick Simmons, Michigan State
3.    John Velez, Northwestern
4.    Kyle Ott, Illinois
5.    Lucas Magnani, Iowa
6.    Michael Watts, Michigan
7.    Travis Lang, Minnesota
8.    Brad Pataky, Penn State

133 lbs.
1.    Mack Reiter, Minnesota
2.    Chris Fleeger, Purdue
3.    Tom Clum, Wisconsin
4.    Mark Moos, Michigan
5.    Jake Strayer, Penn State
6.    Andrae Hernandez, Indiana
7.    Gabe Flores, Illinois
8.    Reece Humphrey, Ohio State 

141 lbs.
1.    Josh Churella, Michigan
2.    Andy Simmons, Michigan State
3.    Alex Tsirtsis, Iowa
4.    DeWitt Driscoll, Penn State
5.    Ryan Lang, Northwestern
6.    Cassio Pero, Illinois
7.    Manuel Rivera, Minnesota
8.    Ed Gutnik, Wisconsin 

149 lbs.
1.    Dustin Schlatter, Minnesota
2.    Ty Eustice, Iowa
3.    Eric Tannenbaum, Michigan
4.    J Jaggers, Ohio State
5.    Doug Withstandley, Purdue
6.    Tyler Turner, Wisconsin
7.    James Woodall, Penn State
8.    Darren McKnight, Michigan State      

157 lbs.
1.    Alex Tirapelle, Illinois
2.    Craig Henning, Wisconsin
3.    C.P. Schlatter, Minnesota
4.    Joe Johnston, Iowa
5.    Brandon Becker, Indiana
6.    Steve Luke, Michigan
7.    Steve Sommer, Ohio State
8.    Nathan Galloway, Penn State 

165 lbs.
1.    Ryan Churella, Michigan
2.    Mike Poeta, Illinois
3.    Matt Nagel, Minnesota
4.    David Erwin, Penn State
5.    Eric Luedke, Iowa
6.    Jake Donar, Wisconsin
7.    Will Durkee, Northwestern
8.    Max Dean, Indiana 

174 lbs.
1.    Jake Herbert, Northwestern
2.    Mark Perry, Iowa
3.    R.J. Boudro, Michigan State
4.    James Yonushonis, Penn State
5.    Blake Maurer, Ohio State
6.    Donny Reynolds, Illinois
7.    Nick Roy, Michigan
8.    Gabriel Dretsch, Minnesota 

184 lbs.
1.    Eric Bradley, Penn State
2.    Ben Wissel, Purdue
3.    Roger Kish, Minnesota
4.    Pete Friedl, Illinois
5.    Paul Bradley, Iowa
6.    Mike Tamillow, Northwestern
7.    Alex Picazo, Ohio State
8.    Tyrel Todd, Michigan 

197 lbs.
1.    Tyrone Byrd, Illinois
2.    Philip Davis, Penn State
3.    Matt Delguyd, Northwestern
4.    Brady Richardson, Indiana
5.    Nathan Moore, Purdue
6.    Casey White, Michigan
7.    Dan Erekson, Iowa
8.    Mitch Kuhlman, Minnesota 

HWT
1.    Cole Konrad, Minnesota
2.    Greg Wagner, Michigan
3.    Ryan Fuller, Iowa
4.    Dustin Fox, Northwestern
5.    Joel Edwards, Penn State
6.    Lee Kraemer, Wisconsin
7.    Kirk Nail, Ohio State
8.    Dave Herman, Indiana

Tony Greathouse named Big Ten Wrestler Of The Week
Junior scored a thrilling come-from-behind
victory against Oklahoma State on Sunday.

EAST LANSING, Mich.- Junior Tony Greathouse has earned Big Ten Wrestler of the Week accolades for his thrilling, come-from-behind upset victory against No. 8 Kevin Ward at the Spartans' dual meet with Oklahoma State Sunday, Nov. 27.

The Mason, Mich., native trailed Ward in their 157-pound match 3-0 after two periods, but rallied back in the third, scoring two takedowns and two near-fall points in the final minute to claim the 6-4 decision.

Greathouse is the second Spartan to earn the honor this season. Nick Simmons earned the honor on Nov. 9 for his performance at the Eastern Michigan Open.

The win improved Greathouse's record to 5-2 on the season. He and the rest of the Spartan wrestling team continue their schedule this Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Nittany Lion Open at Penn State. Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. and continues all day.

Former Spartan Rashad Evans joins coaching staff
The Ultimate Fighting champion will serve as volunteer assistant coach in 2005-06

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head wrestling coach Tom Minkel has announced that former Spartan grappler Rashad Evans will join his staff as volunteer assistant coach for the 2005-06 campaign.

“We are excited about Rashad joining our team for the season,” Minkel said. “He is a marvelous athlete and we look forward to him bringing the same as an integral part of our coaching staff.”

Evans most recently competed in the Ultimate Fighting 2 competition, winning the heavyweight division of the tournament and earning a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championships.

The Niagara Falls, N.Y., native came to State from Niagara Junior College in 2000 and wrestled for the Green and White unitil 2003, accumulating a 48-34 record. Evans, a two-time NCAA qualifier, took fourth place at the 2002 Big Ten Championship and claimed third at the 2003 Big Ten tournament.

Spartans open dual meet season against Oklahoma State

The Spartans kick off their 2005-06 dual meet season this Sunday against the three-time defending national champion Oklahoma State at Jenison Field House.  Last year in Stillwater, Okla., the Cowboys defeated MSU 28-9, despite victories by Nick Simmons at 125 pounds, Andy Simmons at 141 pounds and Joe Williams at 184 pounds.  The Green and White are 3-29-1 all time against OSU, with its last victory coming in 2000.

Oklahoma State enters its dual in East Lansing on a 21-match winning streak. Over the course of its three national championship years, OSU has compiled a 55-2 record. The Cowboys return nine starters from last year’s squad and four of their five individual national champs from the 2004-05 season. Zack Esposito at 149 pounds, Johny Hendricks at 165 pounds, Jake Rosholt at 197 pounds and Steve Mocco at 285 pounds are all returning national champions and are currently the top-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes. OSU also returns All-Americans Coleman Scott, ranked fifth at 125 pounds, and Daniel Frishkorn, currently fourth at 141 pounds, as well as Nathan Morgan, ranked seventh at 133 pounds, and Kevin Ward, who is No. 11 at 157 pounds.

Oklahoma State Projected Line-up

125- No. 5 Coleman Scott, So.- Claimed eighth at 2005 NCAA Championships as a freshman

133- No. 7 Nathan Morgan, So.- 2005 Big 12 Champion as a freshman with a 28-6 record

141- No. 4 Daniel Frishkorn, So.- Placed fourth at 2005 NCAA Championships as a freshman

149- No. 1 Zach Esposito, Sr.- Two-time NCAA finalist, 2005 National Champion

157- No. 11 Kevin Ward, Sr.- 2005 Big 12 Champion, finished with a 23-12 record

165- No. 1 Johnny Hendricks, Jr.- Two-time All-American, 2005 National Champion

174- Brandon Mason, R-Fr.- Went 19-0 in open competition last season

184- Clay Kehrer, So.- Finished 2004-05 with a 14-16 record, good for fifth at the Big 12 Championships

197- No. 1 Jake Rosholt, Sr.- Three-time All-American, 2003 and 2005 National Champion

285- No. 1 Steve Mocco, Sr.- Two-time National Champion, 2005 Dan Hodge Trophy winner

Nick Simmons selected
to compete in the NWCA All-Star Classic
He will face Oklahoma’s Sam Hazewinkel for the second consecutive year.

EAST LANSING, Mich.- Michigan State Junior All-American Nick Simmons has been selected to compete in the 40th Annual Marines/NWCA All-Star Classic, Nov. 21, for the second consecutive year.  Simmons will clash with Oklahoma’s Sam Hazewinkel, who beat him in the event, 2-1, in 2004.

“We are excited that Nick has once again been selected to participate in this prestigious event,” MSU head coach Tom Minkel said.  “Both Sam and Nick are outstanding, credentialed athletes and have had great matches in the past. I am sure this time will be no different.”

Simmons and Hazewinkel officially faced each other twice last season, with Hazewinkel winning both times. A t a dual meet Feb. 25, Hazewinkel scored an escape in the second period and added a riding-time point to defeat Simmons, 2-0.  Hazewinkel won again in the consolation finals of the 2005 NCAA Championships, 6-3.

The All-Star Classic will be held at Gallagher-Iba Arena, on the campus of Oklahoma State.  The event is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST.

(Official Press Release)
Twenty Division I All-Americans
to tangle at 40th All-Star Classic
10/20/2005
Jason Bryant/NWCA

Manheim, Pa. – The lineups are set.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced Thursday the matchups for the 40th annual NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the United States Marine Corps to be held at historic Gallagher-Iba Arena on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla., on November 21 at 7 p.m.

The NWCA All-Star Classic pits the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers against each other in challenge matches that are often seen as a preview of the NCAA championships.

This year’s lineup ranks as one of the best of all time, as five NCAA Champions and six pre-season number one ranked wrestlers will take to the mat. There are currently four matches scheduled featuring the number one and two ranked wrestlers in the nation according to the NWCA Division I Coaches poll. The lineup is tentative and could be subject to change due to injuries or other reasons beyond the NWCA’s control.

The host Cowboys will be represented with all four returning of their NCAA champions in the event. Zack Esposito, last year’s champion at 149 pounds, will tangle early with three-time All-American Jon Masa of Hofstra.

Esposito beat Masa 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA championships last season in St. Louis. Masa rebounded after the loss to finish third. This is Esposito’s second appearance in the All-Star Classic. He beat Cornell’s Dustin Manotti 8-3 in last year’s event at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.

Johny Hendricks is the second Cowboy champ to take to the mat, as he’ll square off with Michigan’s Ryan Churella. This is also a rematch from a bout wrestled in the 2005 NCAA championships, with Hendricks beating Churella 6-2 in the semifinals en route to a title at 165. This is the first appearance for both Hendricks and Churella.

It’s a little bit of Bedlam at 197 pounds, with two-time NCAA champion Jake Rosholt of Oklahoma State wrestling in-state rival Joel Flaggert of Oklahoma. Flaggert had a surprising run after falling in last year’s NCAA championship first round and winning six straight matches in the consolations before finishing fourth.

This will be the first All-Star Classic appearance for both wrestlers.

It will be a rematch of the Division I finals at heavyweight as two-time champion Steve Mocco of Oklahoma State will wrestle Minnesota’s Cole Konrad. Mocco beat Konrad every time last season, including a 3-1 victory in overtime.

This is also a rematch of last year’s All-Star Classic match at heavyweight, won by Mocco 2-1 in overtime.

It will be a rematch of the 2004 All-Star Classic at 125 pounds as Sam Hazewinkel of Oklahoma and Nick Simmons of Michigan State will take to the mats. Hazewinkel beat Simmons also beat Simmons for third place at the 2005 NCAA Championships.

Fans won’t have to wait long to watch two members of the U.S. National Team wrestle their contrasting styles.

Hazewinkel was a USA Wrestling senior national champion in Greco-Roman in 2005 and was a World Team Trials runner-up, while Simmons finished third in the World Team Trials in freestyle.

Wisconsin senior Tom Clum makes his first All-Star Match appearance against another first-timer, Minnesota sophomore Mack Reiter. Clum beat Reiter 2-1 in the consolation finals at the 2005 NCAA Championships.

This is the All-Star Classic first appearance for both wrestlers.

It will be a rematch of last year’s final at 141 pounds, with two-time champ Teyon Ware of Oklahoma wrestling Big 12 rival Nate Gallick of Iowa State. Ware beat Gallick 5-3 on the raised mat in St. Louis in the 2005 NCAA finals and the bout could be a preview of what’s to come just down the road in Oklahoma City in March.

This is Ware’s third appearance in the All-Star Classic. He lost to Virginia’s Scott Moore in February of 2004, then beat Cory Cooperman of Lehigh in overtime in last year’s classic, the first year the event was moved to the beginning of the season.

Two-time All-American and 2003 NCAA runner-up Alex Tirapelle of Illinois will have an immediate shot at redemption against Iowa’s Joe Johnston in the All-Star Classic. Johnston edged the 157-pound top seed 6-5 in last year’s NCAA quarterfinals. Johnston continued on, beating four-time All-American Jake Percival of Ohio before falling to two-time champ Ryan Bertin of Michigan in the final. This is the first appearance for both wrestlers.

Iowa’s Mark Perry will be making a homecoming of sorts, as the Stillwater native and nephew of Oklahoma State coaches John and Pat Smith will wrestle Northwestern’s Jake Herbert at 174 pounds.

Herbert placed third last year as a redshirt freshman at 174, but Perry moves up from 165 where he finished second to Hendricks in 2005 after Perry knocked off returning NCAA champion Troy Letters. This will give fans the first look at how Perry will adjust to the bump in weight and see if Herbert is ready to be a contender for a national championship.

This is the first appearance in the All-Star Classic for Perry and Herbert.

It’s only one Bradley at 184, Iowa’s Paul Bradley will wrestle another wrestler moving up in weight, Illinois’ Pete Friedl, the fourth-place finisher at 174 last season. Bradley took fifth at 184. This will be the first of several meetings between the two this season.

This is Bradley’s second appearance in the All-Star Classic. He fell to West Virginia’s Greg Jones 3-2 in 2004.

One exhibition match will take place, with the University of Central Oklahoma’s Josh Leadingfox, a Division II All-American at heavyweight, wrestling an opponent yet to be determined.

Honorary coaches for the event are John Smith of the host Cowboys, Northwestern’s Tim Cyzewski, Dana College’s Steve Costanzo and Labette Community College’s Joe Renfro.

Tickets are $12 for reserved seating, $9 for adult general admission, and $6 for students and senior citizens.

2005 NWCA All-Star Classic presented by the United States Marine Corps
125: Sam Hazewinkel (Oklahoma) vs. Nick Simmons (Michigan State)
133: Tom Clum (Wisconsin) vs. Mack Reiter (Minnesota)
141: Teyon Ware (Oklahoma) vs. Nate Gallick (Iowa State)
149: Zack Esposito (Oklahoma State) vs. Jon Masa (Hofstra)
157: Joe Johnston (Iowa) vs. Alex Tirapelle (Illinois)
165: Johny Hendricks (Oklahoma State) vs. Ryan Churella (Michigan)
174: Mark Perry (Iowa) vs. Jake Herbert (Northwestern)
184: Paul Bradley (Iowa) vs. Pete Friedl (Illinois)
197: Jake Rosholt (Oklahoma State) vs. Joel Flaggert (Oklahoma)
285: Steve Mocco (Oklahoma State) vs. Cole Konrad (Minnesota)

Exhibition
285: Josh Leadingfox (Central Oklahoma) vs. TBA

Note: Lineup is subject to change.

2004 Results
At Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
125 - Sam Hazewinkel - Oklahoma Defeated Nick Simmons - Michigan State 2-0
133 - Mark Jayne - Illinois Defeated Sam Hiatt - Northern Illinois 3-1
141 - Teyon Ware - Oklahoma Defeated Cory Cooperman - Lehigh 2-1 OT
149 - Zack Esposito - Oklahoma State Defeated Dustin Manotti - Cornell 8-3
157 - Jake Percival - Ohio University Defeated Ryan Bertin - Michigan 11-7
165 - Troy Letters - Lehigh Defeated David Bolyard - Central Michigan 3-2
174 - Chris Pendleton - Oklahoma State Defeated Ben Askren - Missouri 6-3
184 - Greg Jones - West Virginia Defeated Paul Bradley - Iowa 3-2
197 - J.D. Bergman - Ohio State Defeated Scott Barker - Oregon 8-3
285 - Steve Mocco - Oklahoma State Defeated Cole Konrad - Minnesota 2-1 OT

Wrestling team sets captains for the 2005-06 campaign
McKnight and Boudro to join
Nick and Andy Simmons as team leaders this season

Seniors Darren McKnight and R.J. Boudro, along with junior All-Americans Nick and Andy Simmons, will serve as team captains for the Michigan State wrestling team for the 2005-06 season.  The four upperclassmen had a combined record of 114-32 in 2004-05.

"Seldom has MSU had more leadership than it does this year,” head coach Tom Minkel said. “These four men have not only had great success on the mat, but they have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills as well.” 

McKnight will serve as a captain for the second straight season after making his second appearance at the NCAA Championships in March 2005. He was an NWCA Academic All-American last season, and improved on his 2003-04 finish at every tournament. McKnight led the team in takedowns and finished second in major decisions with seven.

Boudro will make the drop from 174 pounds to 165 pounds after taking fourth at the 2005 Big Ten Championships. Despite sustaining various injuries through the course of the season, Boudro persevered to finish the season ranked as high as No. 12 in the polls.

Nick Simmons will once again compete for a national title at 125 pounds. He took fourth at the 2005 NCAA Championships and claimed State’s first Big Ten Championship since 2000. Simmons wrestled competitively throughout the summer, winning the Freestyle University National Championship, taking third at the U.S. Senior National Championships and fifth at the University World Games. He was also named MSU Male Athlete of the Year for the 2004-05 season.

Andy Simmons claimed All-American honors for the first time in 2005 despite suffering a knee injury late in the season. Simmons took second at 141 pound at the 2005 Big Ten Championships, and defeated third-place finisher Cory Cooperman of Lehigh by fall in the national quarterfinals before having to injury default his final two matches. He tied his brother, Nick, for the team lead in victories with 32.

Official practices begin for the team Tuesday, Oct. 11, and the first competition of the year will be at the Eastern Michigan Open on Nov. 5 in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Dean L. Rockwell Memorial

You're invited to share one last party with Dean

In 1996 he said
"This is to be a joyous occasion; no long faces; just one last opportunity for those who have been a part of my life, a very good life to me, to share a party with me for the last time".

And in 2003 he added . . .
"Let there be Red Nichols music, flowers, food, fellowship and fun".

The Memorial will be held at
Charles McKenny Hall
on the campus of Eastern Michigan University
Sunday, October 16
from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Reservations are a must!

Please contact Marian Oswalt
at EMU
734-481-2312
prior to October 9

2005-06 MSU Wrestling Outlook
Kevin Wilson, MSU Sports Information 

After taking a significant step forward in 2004-05, the Michigan State wrestling team will look to build on its 7-6-1 campaign with a deeper, more experienced squad in 2005-06.

“Last season was filled with many ups and downs, but I think overall it was a significant step forward for us,” head coach Tom Minkel said. “We were a very young team last year and this year we should have much more depth and experience.”

Despite battling injuries and sickness during crucial stretches of the season, the Spartans garnered a top-20 finish at the NCAA Championships and fourth place in the Big Ten regular season.

Most notably, Joe Williams, was unable to complete the season due to knee injuries. R.J. Boudro also wrestled the majority of season with knee and rib injuries, and All-American Andy Simmons fought a nagging knee injury that forced him to injury default during the medal rounds of the NCAA tournament.

Because of the injuries, the Green and White had a disappointing showing at the 2005 Big Ten Championships in Iowa City, Iowa, finishing eighth.

“Had Joe been healthy, we would have had five compete in the NCAA Championships which would have eased the disappointment somewhat, but we still came up short in a few weight classes,” Minkel said.

Nick Simmons, however, had a great Big Ten tournament becoming the first Spartan to win a Big Ten Championship since Nick Muzashvili in 2000.  Both Nick and his brother Andy went on to claim All-American honors in their sophomore year of eligibility.

“It is clear that both Nick and Andy will compete for national titles this year,” Minkel said. “I think Darren, R.J. and Joe will be contenders as well.”

Looking forward to the upcoming season, the thing that excites the coaching staff the most is the arsenal of talent they have to work with.  Last season, the team had a non-redshirt squad of 12-14 wrestlers, while in 2005-06, that number should inflate to 24 or 25.

“The depth will serve two key roles for us,” Minkel said. “One, it will give us some protection against injuries, and secondly, it will increase the level of competition in the room, which makes everybody better.  The battles should be pretty fierce at some weight classes.”

State returns four seniors: NWCA Academic All-American and two-time NCAA qualifier Darren McKnight at 149 pounds, Jeff Clemens at 197 pounds, Max Lossen at 285 pounds and R.J. Boudro, who will move down a weight class to 165 pounds.

“I think we will be a very good dual meet team because of the depth we have, but we should also do well at the national tournament with the high level of individual talent we have,” Minkel said.

In addition to Boudro’s move from 174 pounds to 165 pounds, Joe Williams will drop from 184 to 174 pounds.

“While Joe and R.J. are two of the best conditioned members of our team, against the top four or five guys in the nation, they lacked a just a little of the power they needed,” Minkel said. “I think the move down will definitely make them more competitive at the national level.”

These moves along with the return of nine of last year’s 10 starters make expectations high for 2005-06.

“With essentially our entire team returning, there is no question we are a deeper, better team this year, and we are all looking forward to a good year.” 

125

Junior Nick Simmons is coming off a stellar summer of wrestling, but still has some unfinished business at the NCAA’s despite being a two-time All-American.

Wrestling at the highest level of competition, Simmons won the University National Freestyle Championship and the University World Team Trials. He also took third at the U.S. Senior Nationals and the U.S. World Team Trials, two key steps in fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian. Simmons traveled to Turkey in August where he claimed fifth at the University World Games.

“Nick is the returning Big Ten Champion at 125, and it is a tough, tough field with national finalists Kyle Ott from Illinois and Joe Dubuque from Indiana,” Minkel said. “But he has his mind set on winning the whole thing.”

133

Sophomore Ryan Froese returns at 133 pounds with a year of experience, but look for redshirt freshman Jeff Wimberley to seriously challenge for the spot.

“Jeff had a terrific year of wrestling unattatched in his redshirt year, and is a great competitor,” Minkel said. “He trained very hard this summer and is ready to compete in the Big Ten.”

141

Junior All-American Andy Simmons returns at 141 pounds after suffering a knee injury at the end of last season, forcing him to injury default his final two matches at the NCAA Championships.

Although he missed several tournaments because of the injury, he got significant training time this summer in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Fargo, N.D., with the U.S. National Team.

“The biggest thing with Andy is that we make sure he doesn’t over train.  Sometimes I think he trains harder than what is good for him,” Minkel said or the senior. “But there is no doubt he will be a national contender again this season.”

149

Two-time NCAA qualifier Darren McKnight is once again the favorite at 149 pounds and should be refreshed after spending the summer at an accounting internship in Chicago.

“Honestly, I think the break was good for Darren.  He trains very, very hard and I think he was starting to get a little stale at the end of last season,” Minkel said. “Darren can compete with anyone and we expect him to be in the mix at both the Big Ten’s and the NCAA Championships.”

McKnight will be challenged by talented redshirt freshmen Nick Fallico, who spent most of last season injured, and prep star Eddie Skowneski.

157

“157 is our mystery weight,” Minkel said. “We have a lot of things to sort out there before the start of the season.”

Junior Tony Greathouse looks to be the front runner going into the season. Greathouse lifted weights and trained hard all summer, bulking up considerably from last season.

Both junior Mike Escobedo and sophomore Bryan Harney hope to make the drop to 157 pounds, but making weight could become an issue.  Redshirt freshman Rex Kendle will also compete for the position.

165

R.J. Boudro will drop a weight class for his senior year, after finishing third at the Big Ten Championships in 2004-05 at 174 pounds.

Boudro struggled with injuries last season, but persevered to advance to the NCAA Championships for the first time.  With his strong work ethic, maturity and experience, Boudro is ready to compete at both the conference and national levels.

174

Joe Williams was not able to train much during the summer due to major operations on both his knee and shoulder, but has rehabbed hard and will drop to 174 pounds.

“Joe is as talented a wrestler as we have,” Minkel said. “With some experience under his belt, I think he will surprise some people at 174.  After competing at 184 last season, he is still kind of in the shadows.”

184

Redshirt freshman John Murphy will try to make a name for himself at 184 pounds, as he looks ready to make the jump into the starting lineup.

“John is kind of a quiet, unassuming kid.  However, he is very tough on his feet and in the top position, which is unusual at the upper weights,” Minkel said.

Wrestling unattatched last season, Murphy took fifth at the Eastern Michigan Open, his first-ever collegiate tournament.

197

Senior Jeff Clemens has been the starter at 197 pounds for the past three seasons, but redshirt freshman Josh Cross is committed to breaking into the lineup.

“I think it will be good to have Cross, a three-time high school state champion, pushing Clemens for that starting spot throughout the year,” Minkel said.  “It will improve them both”.

285

One of the best things that happened to the Spartan wrestling squad this summer was head strength coach Tim Wakeham taking senior Max Lossen under his wing.

“Tim personally trained Max all summer and he has bulked up from 235 to around 260, which is a huge improvement for him,” Minkel said. “I think Max is ready to have the breakout season we have been waiting for.”

Schedule Outlook

The Green and White will once again kick the season off at the Eastern Michigan Open Nov. 5.  Much of the team will compete unattatched in the tournament, especially those who haven’t wrestled competitively much during the summer.

The following weekend, Nov. 12-13, MSU will host the Michigan State Open, which is known as one of the toughest preseason tournaments in the nation.

“Our tournament is always a tough, wide open couple of days of wrestling, and I don’t think this year will be any exception,” Minkel said.

As usual, the team will face a brutal dual-meet schedule, wrestling seven of the top nine finishers in last year’s NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Mo.

State opens its dual-meet campaign by hosting three-time defending national champion Oklahoma State, Nov. 27.  OSU enters the season on a 21-match winning streak and returns six All-Americans, four of them national champions, from last year’s squad.

After going to the North Carolina Open the first weekend in December the past two seasons, MSU will head to the Penn State Open on Dec. 4 this year.

State then heads up to Mount Pleasant, Mich., for a dual meet with Central Michigan, Dec. 7, and winds down the first semester’s schedule against Cleveland State on Dec. 10.

“I think three duals before Christmas may be a first for our team,” Minkel said. “I like it this way because it gives us a little more breathing room the second semester.”

Michigan State will head to one of the great tournaments in the country, the Midlands Championships, on Dec. 29-30 in Evanston, Ill.  Nick Simmons took the title at 125 pounds at the Midlands a year ago, while Andy Simmons claimed second place at 141 pounds, losing a thrilling overtime match to national runner-up Nate Gallick of Iowa State in the finals.

After a long training session to start the second semester, MSU will wrestle two new opponents in Pittsburgh, Jan. 20, and Edinboro, Jan. 22.  The Spartans have not wrestled either team during Minkel’s 14 years in East Lansing.

The team hits the Big Ten section of its schedule Jan. 27 in State College, Pa., against Penn State and finishes at home against Minnesota 23 days later on Feb. 19.

The two most notable matches of the conference season come Jan. 29, when the Spartans travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., to face national runner-up Michigan and Feb. 5, when Iowa makes its first appearance at Jenison Field House since the 2002-03 season when the Spartans shocked the No. 2 Hawkeyes, beating them on criteria.

“Iowa at home is always interesting,” Minkel said. “It certainly was three seasons ago.”

MSU rounds out the regular season against Oklahoma on Feb. 23.

The 2006 Big Ten Championships will be held in Bloomington, Ind., for the first time since 1995, March 4-5, and the wrestling world will convene on the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, March 16-18, for the 76th NCAA Championships.

“It is a tough schedule, as it always is,” Minkel said. “But, I think if we stay reasonably healthy, and manage our training, we’ll have a solid year.”

Amateur Wrestling News
Top 20 Pre-Season Tournament Teams
9/12/05

(Wrestlers currently ranked in Top Eight)
1. Oklahoma State (7)
2. Oklahoma (5)
3. Michigan (4)
4. Illinois (4)
5. Minnesota (4)
6. Iowa (5)
7. Iowa State (4)
8. Lehigh (3)
9. Cornell (2)
10. Indiana (2)
11. Arizona State (3)
12. Northwestern (3)
13. Penn State (2)
14. Missouri (2)
15. Wisconsin (2)
16. Hofstra (2)
17. Nebraska (2)
18. Michigan State (2)
19. Central Michigan (2)
20. Pittsburgh (2)