MSOE wresting season preview
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Published: 11/09/2011 |
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Behind a roster of experienced wrestlers and newcomers, the MSOE wrestling team will look to build on their success from last season, which included their first ever victories over Wisconsin state schools, sending a wrestler to nationals and a strong finish in conference. For the Raiders to reach greater heights, all members of the squad will be counted on during the 2011-12 season.
"We will have to have the upperclassmen step up and lead by example both in the practice room and during competitions," said head coach Kevin Morin. "Also, the freshmen will have to make the transition to college wrestling and continue their winning ways at this level."
During the 2010-11 season, MSOE went 9-2 in duals for the best record in school history including wins over UW-Oshkosh, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Platteville.
"Last year we proved that with hard work we could compete with some of the elite teams in the state and country," Morin said. "This year we want to continue to do that even though we lost four starters from last year's team to graduation."
Senior co-captain Jake Narveson (141-pound weight class) became the seventh Raiders to compete at the NCAA Division III Championships after he earned an at-large bid to the national event. Narveson got the bid after his fourth place finish at the Great Lakes Regional. In 2010-11, he won the Northern Wrestling Conference (NWC) title and led the team in wins (38) and falls (22). He also holds the MSOE career record for falls (54) and stands third in reversals (54).
"Jake now knows what it is like to compete with the elite wrestlers and he realizes that he is in that category," Morin said. "His experience at the Nationals last year has made him hungry to get back there and prove that he is one of those elite wrestlers who can become an all-American."
Junior co-captain Caleb Staub won the conference title (184 pounds) last season as did junior Steve Nguyen at the 285-pound weight class. Junior Joshua Wengerter recorded the second most wins for a Raider in 2010-11 with 22 and was conference runner-up at 149 pounds. Senior Adam Chaulklin will provide leadership for the team and will compete at 174 pounds.
"Last year, the guys began believing that they could compete with anyone," Morin said. "They realized that everyone had a role on the team and if they fulfilled their role we would be successful. Some of the duals that we won last year were won as a result of individual victories of guys that had big performances when we needed them to step up. We will need that again this year."
Juniors Austin Binish and Matt Ostovich each have had success in their two seasons at MSOE and Morin believes each is capable of winning 30 matches each and placing at multiple tournaments. Ostovich recorded 21 wins last season and finished second at the NWC tournament while Binish had the third most near falls on the team with 16.
The sophomore class has the opportunity to show off their hard work on the mat this season. The wrestler with the highest win percentage from last year was sophomore Dallas Schurg who was 19-5 and placed first at the Citrus Invitational. Sophomore Austin Karls returns from an injury that ended his 2010-11 season before Christmas. Karls will push Nguyen for the starting spot at 285 pounds.
"This competition within the practice room will make them both better for competition," Morin said.
Sophomores Marcus Rokosh, Andrew Dorman and Kyle Perea will look to build on their experience gained during their first seasons.
There are a number of newcomers who will help the Raiders achieve their goals during the 2011-12 season.
"This is one of the most talented freshmen classes that we have ever had," Morin said. "Their skills and work ethic are outstanding. They will have a major impact on this team. Their young combined with the experience that the others bring will give the Raiders every reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season."
Freshman Luke Gaeth qualified for the state tournament in Illinois and is expected to start at 125 pounds for MSOE. Also, freshmen Nick Miceli and Justin Wolfenden will battle to start at the 133-pound weight class. Wolfenden finished second at the Wisconsin state meet while Miceli was All-County in New York three times. Newcomer Peter Kootstra placed fourth at the Illinois state meet and will likely be the team's starter at 165 pounds. Freshman William Pedersen will compete for the starting position at 174 pounds and freshman Brian Trader will add depth at 141 pounds.
Expectations for this year's team are multifaceted.
"Work hard and continue to improve throughout the year and peek at the end of the season at the conference tournament, NCAA Regional tournament (which is the qualifier for the National tournament) and send multiple guys to the National tournament and bring home some all-Americans," Morin said.
The schedule is tough for MSOE and begins Nov. 12 at the Knox Tournament in Galesburg, Ill. The Raiders host the MSOE Invitational at the Kern Center Dec. 3. The NWC Tournament will take place in Sheboygan, Wis. Feb. 18.
"Frankly almost all of our events are challenging," Morin said. "The Pete Wilson Invitational (Jan. 27-28) at Wheaton College is generally regarded as one of the toughest tournaments in the country. The Concordia Open (Nov. 19) is also a very tough early season tournament."
