National Duals Preview and Picks 
Ian McCutcheon
FloWrestling.org 
While our crew at Flo will be at the Virginia Duals this weekend, which boasts national powers Lehigh, Oklahoma State, Central Michigan, and Edinboro, there will be another frenzy of dual meets in the Midwest.  This weekend is the annual NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals, theoretically crowning the best dual meet team in the country.  As always, it is a star studded field, with top ranked Iowa looking to defend its crown and win the event for the fifth time.  The Hawkeyes will certainly be tested though, as they are one of seven top ten teams entered in the field.  There are enough salient match ups that this is worth a full bracket preview equipped with picks. 
First Round (seeds appear before team names)
#1 Iowa vs. #16 Wyoming
This match is more about the future than the present.  Iowa is a runaway favorite and the popular pick to win the entire tournament.  Wyoming hardly has the name recognition of the Gold and Black, but being entered in this tournament is an important first step in the overall plan of first year head coach Mark Branch.  Branch is the type of young, enthusiastic head coach needed to spread wrestling outside of the Big 12/Big Ten vice grip.  His Cowboys finished 19th in Vegas, with red-shirt freshman Joe LeBlanc being the surprise of the tournament at 184 pound.  LeBlanc defeated Nebraska standout Vince Jones there to finish 3rd, and shouldn’t be counted out against Hawkeye star Phil Keddy.  While I don’t expect this one to be close, it is the change in attitude and the expectations that go along with just being here are the real wins for Wyoming. 
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Buffalo
Minnesota finds itself in an unusual spot.  They are seeded 8th here and ranked outside the top ten for the first time in years.  This is a green Minnesota squad, and while they may not make serious waves in this tournament, they match up well with the Buffalo Bulls.  Kevin Smith, the Bulls wins leader, meets Minnesota’s best wrestler, Jayson Ness, at 133, Mickey Moran, the most experienced member of the Bulls lineup meets super talented redshirt freshman Sonny Yohn at 184, and John Martin-Cannon draws Tyler Safratowich at 157.  While this is the Minnesota team for a school like Buffalo to upset, the match ups just aren’t there. 
#5 Missouri vs. #12 Penn State
Anybody who follows the NCAA basketball tournament knows that there is a 5-12 upset every year.  While Penn State would certainly hope that this steadfast rule carries over to wrestling too, it will be an uphill battle.  The Missouri upper weights have the kind of firepower the Nittany Lions cannot handle.  From 57 up, the Tigers are brutal, and I don’t see either Dan Vallimont or Quentin Wright being able to steal decisions for Penn State.  The Nittany Lions need to build momentum in the first four bouts.  Marcus Hoehn and Frank Molinaro, as well as the Vallimont-Michael Chandler and Wright-Raymond Jordan bouts will be key for Penn State, but I don’t think this one will ever be in doubt for Missouri. 
#4 Nebraska vs. #13 Northwestern
One of the impressive storylines of this season so far has been Nebraska’s ability to overcome a series of off-season distractions and reload after a resurgent 2008 season.  Northwestern lost boatloads of experience, and while they have a few outstanding individuals, they will have a tough time overcoming the Cornhuskers depth.  Nobody has a top of the lineup quite like Nebraska.  They trot out Jordan Burroughs, Stephen Dwyer, Brandon Browne, Vince Jones, Craig Brester, and Tucker Lane.  Oh my.  Burroughs and freshman phenom Jason Welch will have everybody watching in this one, but a less showy but equally intriguing match up is Husker freshman John Burns against NCAA qualifier Keith Sulzer.  Burns has raced out to a 14-3 record, cracking the Nebraska duals line up against Michigan.  He gets much less press than Welch, the other true freshman in this dual, but could turn some heads with an upset of Sulzer here and fuel the Husker victory. 
#3 Cornell vs. #14 Michigan
Will we see Troy Nickerson this weekend?  That is the question on the mind of everybody in Ithaca.  Nickerson has been out of action since the first weeks of the season.  If he is here and healthy, the Big Red are as good as anyone in the country.  Mike Grey is back to 133 and looks like himself again, and Jordan Leen, Mack Lewnes, and Steve Anceravage is a difficult middle of the lineup to get through.   Meanwhile, this Michigan team looks familiar; three absolute studs in Kellen Russell, Steve Luke, and Tyrell Todd, but matching up in every match they’ll have trouble.  Luke and Anceravage will be worth the price of admission, but Cornell should win going away. 
#6 Ohio State vs. #11 Northern Iowa
The Buckeyes have a chance to roll here.  They came into the year with national title hopes based on last season’s runner up finish.  While that goal is doubtful, Tom Ryan’s squad has the balance to be successful in duals.  They have few wrestlers that will overwhelm you but plenty that beat you.  Northern Iowa suffers from a case of bad match ups.  Their best wrestlers seem to catch the best the Buckeyes have to offer.  However, the Moza Fay-Colt Sponsellor rematch at 165 will have everybody in the arena watching.  Fay has been spectacular this year, while Sponsellor is an aggressive fan favorite.  While I think Fay will win the battle, the Buckeyes should win the war. 
#7 Wisconsin vs. #10 Boise State
Wisconsin was my preseason sleeper.  Boise State is also one of my unheralded teams to watch.  Unfortunately they draw each other here in the first round.  While I like the young squad from Boise State, in particular I think Jason Chamberlain is a flat out stud and will defeat veteran Kyle Ruschell, I like the Badgers here.  Zach Tanelli looked like a world beater at Midlands, Andrew Howe may be the best of a strong class of freshman, and they could get bonus points up top from Dallas Herbst and Kyle Massey, which will push this one over the edge. 
#2 Iowa State vs. #15 Indiana
The Hoosiers lower weights have been the strength of their lineup for years now.  Starting matches with Angel Escobedo, Matt Ortega, and Andrae Hernandez is a great way to build momentum.  Unfortunately, Iowa State has Nick Fanthorpe to match up with Ortega and Nick Gallick to match up with Hernandez.  From there, the Cyclones have a bevy of wrestlers that can put up bonus points, and I don’t see the Hoosiers being able to keep up.  The best match here is Kurt Kinser and Cyler Sanderson.  Sanderson has really impressed me this season, and this should be his first of a couple big wins this weekend. 
Quarterfinals
#1 Iowa vs. #8 Minnesota
I just sat and looked at the potential match ups here, trying to pick out which bouts would be key.  But as I scored the bout to myself, I was blown away with just how much I expected to see the Hawkeyes win by.  Jayson Ness and Daniel Dennis will be a great individual match up, but if Dennis pulls the upset it is possible that the Gophers will only win one match.  Although this is a Minnesota team caught in a rebuilding year, it’s still Minnesota, and the Hawkeyes will send a message in this one. 
#5 Missouri vs. #4 Nebraska
This will be the battle of the big guys.  From 157 up, all of the matches are barnburners.  Top ten wrestlers face each other at 57, 65, 74, and 97.  All four of these are tosses, with each team slightly favored in two.  The separation up top will come in the battle at 184.  The Huskers Vince Jones is much more proven, but the Tigers Dorian Henderson has bottomless talent and will be a star in the future.  For right now though, I like Jones in the match up.  The other key for Nebraska will be the performance of heavyweight Tucker Lane.  He’s been impressive, but Mark Ellis is national title good.  If Lane can avoid bonus, coupled with the Jones win, I like the Cornhuskers here.  But it’ll be the match of the day.
#3 Cornell vs. #6 Ohio State
This will be another nail biter.  The health of Josh Arnone will be critical here.  Arnone defaulted out of the consolation bracket at the Southern Scuffle after making his first appearance of the year.  If he does not wrestle or even if he’s not on top of his game, Cody Gardner can and will win here.  That splits my bout count 5-5.  The question of Nickerson’s health is also a concern.  Without him here, Nikko Triggas swings another match in the Buckeyes favor.  Ohio State also has a good shot at bonus points with Mike Pucillo lurking at 184.  The first upset of the day comes with the Buckeyes knocking off the Big Red. 
#2 Iowa State vs. #7 Wisconsin
While the dual here should be a comfortable Iowa State win, Nick Gallick and Jake Varner should both be out for revenge.  Gallick was defeated by Zach Tanelli when Iowa State beat Wisconsin 27-7 earlier in the season.  Tanelli has been a giant killer recently, knocking off Corey Jantzen and Alex Tsirtsis at Midlands, giving him three wins over top two wrestlers already this season.  Varner has split is matches this year with Dallas Herbst, with Herbst winning the latest installment of the rivalry and claiming a Midlands title.  If both Iowa State wrestlers avenge these losses, the final in this one won’t be pretty. 
Semifinals
#1 Iowa vs. #4 Nebraska
Is it possible?  Can anybody beat the Iowa?  The Huskers certainly think so.  There are two keys here to fuel the upset.  One is Jordan Burroughs matching whatever bonus points Brent Metcalf puts up.  Second is how well Nebraska’s other stars perform.  Stephen Dwyer and Brandon Browne have huge toss ups with Ryan Morningstar and Jay Borschel.  Should they win those two, the upset then is really brewing.  While Iowa is much better suited for tournaments, Nebraska matches up well with them in a dual setting.  Iowa has already had a close call with their archrival Iowa State, and if they are at all looking ahead to a rematch, they’ll be watching an all Big 12 final.  I smell an upset here by Nebraska. 
#2 Iowa State vs. #6 Ohio State
This bout will come down to three toss ups.  The first is at 133 where Reece Humphrey and Nick Fanthorpe clash.  Humphrey has made the leap this year from young wrestler to contender.  Fanthorpe had a similar breakout last season, and now is one of the nation’s elite.  Humphrey has more to prove here, and I like the hungry dog in the fight.  The next important bout is 141.  This weight class has been topsy-turvy all year long, and nothing is a better sign of that than the struggles of defending national champion J Jaggers.  If the Buckeyes want to go to finals, they’ll need him to beat Nick Gallick.  At this point, I don’t see that happening anymore.  Finally, two sophomore studs will clash at 165.  Colt Sponsellor is a goer, while Jon Reader likes to control tie-ups and pace.  Sponsellor has struggled at times when his motor can be slowed down.  This will put the Cyclones over the edge. 
Finals
#2 Iowa State vs. #4 Nebraska
Like all of their duals this weekend, Nebraska will need to keep it close in the early going.  If Tyler Clark, Fanthorpe, Gallick, or Mitch Mueller pick up bonus points, this one is over.  But then that stellar top of the line up will have a chance to work.  Stephen Dwyer will have to have yet another stellar performance on the day, as he takes on Jon Reader in a must win.  Craig Brester will also need to defend his top ranking in the nation when he wrestles the man he claimed the title from, Jake Varner.  Even if things fall so perfectly for Nebraska and they avoid early bonus points and win those two toss ups, Iowa State still has one thing they don’t:  a closer.  A great heavyweight is like the back end of a lights out bullpen.  It’s tough to win when Mariano Rivera is lurking to finish.  Iowa State has a Rivera in Dave Zabriskie.  If this comes down to the wire, which it very well could. Zabriskie is the kid you want to see running out if you’re a Cyclone fan.  He’ll close the dual, and Iowa State will be your 2009 National Duals Champion.

Ian McCutcheon Contributed to this article. Flowrestling did the poll.
 
We took a poll of Division I coaches as well as members of the wrestling media to determine who the top ten coaches in the country are.  Though not necessarily an order of the most successful, these are the coaches that do the best jobs with their programs.  No surprise, most of the top programs in the country are represented here.  There also was a poll taken to determine what coaches will need to see improvement in the next few years, or they may be feeling the heat, because of tradition, funding, or recruiting base.  Below are the results of the poll, with small assessments of each selection.Top Ten Coaches in the Country
 
1. Tom Borrelli, Central Michigan (MAC Conference) Athletic Director  Dave Heeke:  Nobody in the country does more with less.  Borrelli tops this list because he has built a national powerhouse out the Central Michigan Chippewas in his 17 year reign.  A year ago, he led the Chippewas to a 7th place finish at the NCAA Tournament, which is astonishing considering that he operates with a fraction of the budget of the Big Ten and Big 12 schools he consistently beats.  He is 188-85-6 in his career at Central Michigan, and has won nine MAC Championships.  But his most impressive accomplishments are beyond the MAC.  Every year there are a host of Chippewas contending for medals and championships, which is really the hallmark of any top program.  No other school in such a small conference has mirrored Central Michigan's success.  He has been able to draw top talent to Central Michigan despite the MAC as a whole being hampered by the old qualifying system.  With qualifiers opening up, even more wrestlers may be drawn to Mount Pleasant.  This is a scary proposition, seeing last year CMU had the nation's top ranked recruiting class.  The one piece missing from Borrelli's impressive resume is a NCAA Team Title, but that could be a very real possibility in the near future.

    Some things to look out for in 2009: His right hand man and first NCAA Champion Casey Cunningham was lured away by Iowa State. Mark Disalvo, a 2x All American (and a classic Central Michigan overachiever) has filled in nicely but who will train the Central Michigan upper weights? Wynn Mikahlik, NCAA Runner-up, and the Sinnott twins are going to have to try and fill the shoes of Casey Cunningham.  This year's version of the Chippewas will be a little wet behind the ears, but they sky is the limit for this young team in the coming years.2. Tom Brands, Iowa (Big Ten) Athletic Director Gary Barta: Its hard to argue with winning. Tom Brands restored the marquee program in college wrestling to prominence by winning the NCAA tournament with Iowa in just his second year as their head coach. It is hard to imagine how things could get any better, but he just might make it happen. Brands brought in a ridiculously talented staff this year with over half the Freestyle Olympians now residing in Iowa City. It is going to be hard to knock off Iowa this year no matter what the polls say. Wrestling is king in Iowa and Tom Brands is making the best of all the tools he has at his disposal. And at Iowa you certainly have tools.  Unlike any almost any other program in the county, Iowa is the golden child of the athletic department, as well as the marquee athletic team in the talent rich state.  But with that comes a serious pressure to win, as seen by Jim Zalesky being replaced after finishing 4th at NCAA's.  Some coaches would struggling to handle those sometimes unrealistic expectations.  But Brands is not most coaches.  Widely regarded as the most intense man in a sport full of intensity, Brands' greatest strength is the faith his wrestlers have in him.  The sign of a great leader is people's willingness to follow, and six kids were willing to give up a year of their college eligibility because they felt Tom Brands was the guy who was going to make them accomplish their goals.  Few higher compliments can be paid to a coach.   That certainly was a legal and public relations mess, but it solidified his place as a guy kids want to wrestle for.  But it's not just the "Iowa Style" kids that Brands has made successful.  One of this best moments as a coach had to be Mark Perry's first NCAA title. Perry was hardly a physical, in your face wrestler, and he and Brands butted heads on more than one occasion.   But Brands was able to get Perry over the hump, snap an eight match losing streak to Johny Hendricks (who is the type of guy I'm sure Brands dreams of coaching) and won his first NCAA title, as well as the first title for one of Brands' pupils.                     Some things to Look Out For in 2009: Loaded.  They could All American at eight weight classes, and they have six wrestlers legitimately competing for a national title. Iowa is the odds-on favorite. 3. Brian Smith, Missouri (Big 12) Athletic Director Mike Alden: Upon graduating from Michigan State, Brian Smith entered the coaching ranks by putting Western High School in Fort Lauderdale Florida on the state map. He slowly moved up the coaching ladder, stopping at Cornell and Syracuse before taking the Missouri job in 1998. Mizzou at the time was perennially in the cellar of the Big 12 and rarely considered for the top 25. Since that time Brian Smith has made the Tigers contenders for a national title. During the 2006-07 season they became the 11th program in the history of college wrestling to hold a #1 ranking, completing an astonishing rebuilding job.  They finished 3rd in 2007 and are currently ranked 4th for the 2008-9 season. Furthermore they are consistenly in the top ten in attendance, a sign of the change in culture in Columbia.  Missouri high school wrestling has also entered the national radar with such a strong college program in the state. The Columbia community is actively involved in the push to bring home a national title. So far, Brian Smith's coaching highlight was when his team stormed the stage in 2007 with two of the top individual awards at the tournament given to Ben Askren (Outstanding Wrestler award) and Matt Pell (most Pins in the least amount of time).  From Big 12 doormat, to National Championship threat, Smith's epic rebuilding job solidifies his spot.            Some things to Look Out For in 2009: Currently ranked fourth, Mizzou has outstanding upper weights. Can they punch through to the next level and produce multiple NCAA Champions.  They have plenty of oppurtunity with Raymond Jordan dropping to 174 and Nick Marable holding the preseason top ranking at 165. Also look out for Georgia native Dorian Henderson at 184 lbs. Showing outside promise is Max Askren who wrestled at the Olympic Trials and Mark Ellis at HWT.  They are one of the teams that has visions of knocking off Iowa.4. Tim Flynn, Edinboro (EIWA) Athletic Director Bruce Baumgartner: Tim Flynn is proof that it's not how much you have but what you do with what you have.  Flynn has produced 20 All Americans and National Champions Josh Koscheck and Gregor Gillespie in his decade long run at Edinboro.  What makes this impressive is that Edinboro is a 7,000 person school in the remote northwest corner of Pennsylvania where wrestling is the only sport that competes at the Division I level.  Part of the success is due to a strong tradition and support from his athletic director, former Olympian Bruce Baumgartner, but any coach that can keep Edinboro on the national radar year in and year out is worth his salt.  Flynn has less than every coach on this list in terms of budget and state of the art facilities, but keeps attracting and developing top talent.  His Fighting Scots have dominated the EWL, finished as high as 8th at the NCAA Tournament, and have done it all without the glitz and glamor of programs like Iowa and Oklahoma State.

        Some things to Look Out For in 2009:  Edinboro made headlines this summer by accepting the transfers of mega-talent Garrett Scott and former NCAA Champion Paul Donahoe, who each were dismissed from their previous schools.  Donahoe will wrestle during the 2nd semester, and joins a lineup with former NCAA Champ and human highlight film Gregor Gillespie, as well as potential All Americans Jarrod King and Chris Honeycutt.  Look for another EWL championship and a high finish at NCAA's for the Fighting Scots.   5. J Robinson, Minnesota (Big 10)  Athletic Director Joel Maturi: J Robinson built Minnesota from the ground up. He left Iowa over an ugly dispute over camp funds and set out to make his mark at a new program. He left coaching altogether, before resurfacing in the Big Ten at Minnesota. He took the team that was an afterthought and made it a perennial powerhouse squad. In his 17 years at Minnesota he is 318-103-3, and has coached 11 wrestlers to National Titles.  His team has also won three national titles and holds more trophies at the University of Minnesota than any other program. In 2001 after several heartbreak finishes at the NCAA championship J Robinson won the Tournament without a single NCAA Champion but an unheard of 10 All Americans. In 2002 the Gophers successfully defended their title. He also added a National Title in 2007.  J Robinson is nothing less than an iconic figure in wrestling and to some extent, in the Twin Cities metro area. However, his real legacy and influence may be made with his intensive camp system he pioneered. His camp blueprint has created one of the major systems of funding for college wrestling, and its alumns include a host of All Americans and National Champions.  He also is one of the great ambassadors of the sport, and his contributions extend far beyond competition. Few market wrestling quite like J Robinson.  He started the Border Brawl event between Iowa and Minnesota that became the biggest dual in the sport. He has done everything under the sun to promote his program and wrestling at University of Minnesota, particularly with his outside the box and controversial thinking. Besides his team making headlines he will often make the news in the Minneapolis area with his outspoken opinions. J Robinson holds more titles than anyone else on this list except for John Smith. He is not invincible, as his Gophers underachieved last season, where they were predicted to run away with a National Championship, but Robinson's squad is looking to turn the page and return to glory this year.            Some things to Look Out For in 2009:   Marty Morgan, J Robinson's right hand man left the staff to coach one of Minnesota's all time best wrestlers Brock Lesnar in MMA. How will the Gophers staff and team respond? The Gophers shouldn't be in title competition right now but they have an extremely young and talented team. They had arguably one the best recruiting classes in the nation last year, even after losing Jake Deitchler to the Olympic Training Center.  And while a team title may be a stretch, they have plenty of wrestlers capable of winning it all.  Jayson Ness was the odds-on favorite at 125, leading the nation in falls and finishing as Big Ten and NCAA runner up.  He moves up to 133 looking to make one more step up the podium.  They also return former NCAA Champ Dustin Schlatter, who is also bumping up a weight class in search of another title.  Another guy to keep your eye on is red-shirt freshman Zach Sanders.  Sanders is the most decorated wrestler in Minnesota state history, and should make an immediate impact in the lineup. 6. John Smith, Oklahoma State (Big 12) Athletic Director Mike Holder: Not many people have five NCAA titles to their coaching names. Then again, not many people are John Smith.  Smith is possibly the most decorated wrestler in American history, and has only expanded his legend in the coaching realm.  Smith took over a program decimated by NCAA sanctions at the tender age of 28.   He won an NCAA title in just his second season, but then Cowboys endured a ten year drought, watching Iowa and Minnesota pass them on the national scene. However, Smith brought the Cowboys back to glory in 2003 with an NCAA title as a mature and seasoned head coach. This was the beginning of a Cowboy four-peat, highlighted by one of the greatest teams in history.  The 2005 installment of the Cowboys crowned five NCAA champions, the most in history.  They also set an NCAA record for points scored and margin of victory. All in all, Smith has crowned 23 National Champions, and no doubt has many more on the way.  Few coaches have the international experience or the ability to surround themselves with championship caliber assistants like Smith.  Any wrestler would be crazy not to want to pick his brain.    

            Some things to Look Out For in 2009:  Obe Blanc, Jamal Parks, Clayton Foster, Brandon Mason and Jared Rosholt are wrestlers to watch for the Cowboys. Blanc is a former All American who transfers to Stillwater from Lock Haven after an Olympic red-shirt year.  Parks is a high school national champ that is fast, entertaining to watch, and in a wide open weight class. Clayton Foster just took 3rd in the Junior Worlds this summer, which some consider the second toughest tournament in the world. Brandon Mason moves down to 165, is vicious on top, and has already been on the podium.  And Jared Rosholt is ranked #1 in the preseason ranking at heavyweight. 
7. Rob Koll, Cornell (Ivy League) Athletic Director Andrew Noel Jr:   Rob Koll has taken the Cornell program to a point where it is a top contender for an NCAA Championship. And unlike any other coach on this list, he has done it without the aid of scholarships or red-shirt years, both not allowed by the Ivy League.  He also has to deal with the rigid academic standards that come with the Ivy League.  But despite these challenges, Koll has built a national power, unseating Lehigh as the dominant force in the EIWA and has put together a team with a realistic shot at a National Title.  He has not only built up the team he has built up the facilities. Through his savy business skills Rob Koll has found a way to build a standalone wrestling facility for his team that ranks as one of the best in the nation.  This will only help him draw blue-chippers to Ithaca.  Facility improvements, a top notch education, and the ability to compete for a winner are the selling points Koll has used to attract some of the nation's best recruiting classes.  He has bucked the common knowledge that great schools can't also have great wrestling, especially if they don't even have scholarships to give.

            Some things to Look Out For in 2009:  Cornell is in the hunt!!! The last NCAA Championship that Cornell won in any sport was in 1977 with a title in Mens Lacrosse, but the Big Red have as good a chance as anybody this season.  They have six former All Americans in their lineup, welcoming back National Champion Jordan Leen, Mack Lewnes, Steve Anceravage, and Mike Grey, and former All Americans returning from injury Troy Nickerson and Josh Arnone.8. Cael Sanderson, Iowa State (Big 12) Athletic Director Jamie Pollard:  When the Ohio State job opened up two years back, it set the wrestling coaching carousal in motion.  Cael Sanderson's name was rumored to be at the top of the Buckeyes short list.  Afraid to repeat their mistake from decades ago when Iowa State let legend Dan Gable flee to Iowa, the Cyclones acted quickly, announcing that Bobby Douglas had resigned at that they were hiring Sanderson effective immediately.  Everybody in wrestling knows of Sanderson's accomplishments.  Just like John Smith, he took over his alma mater at the age of 28.  In his first season, Sanderson was named National Coach of the Year, and the Cyclones were national runners up.  He also coached his first of what will be many national champions, with Trent Paulson claiming the title at 157 pounds.  Sanderson has the ability to put together stellar recruiting classes, as few high school wrestlers are able to say no to possibly the greatest collegiate wrestler in American history.  Iowa State has become a haven for upper weights, as the chance to roll around with Cael is one almost every wrestler dreams of.  

        Some things to Look Out for in 2009:  Some polls have the Cyclones ranked first, ahead of defending champ and archrival Iowa.  This is based on their incredible tournament strength, with potential National Champions Nick Fanthorpe, Nick Gallick, Cyler Sanderson, Jon Reader, Jake Varner, and David Zabriskie in the lineup.  They also match up well with the Hawkeyes in a dual setting.  Hopes are justifiably high in Ames this season.9. Tom Ryan, Ohio State (Big 10) Athletic Director Gene Smith:  For years, Ohio State was seen as a sleeping giant in college wrestling.  With all of the high school talent dripping out of Ohio, it was just a matter of time before the Buckeyes were one of the best teams in the country.  In any college sport, they key to success first and foremost is winning your turf.  This was Ohio State's problem, as top programs across the country came and plucked top talent right out of Ohio.  Not so anymore.  Tom Ryan established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the country by turning Hofstra into one of the best teams in the country, building a program at a school with no tradition, little support, and a conference with few qualifiers.  His success at Hofstra drew the Buckeyes attention, and his hire has paid off nicely.  The Buckeyes finished second in the country last season and crowned two national champions, including Mike Pucillio, who followed Ryan from Hofstra.  Almost more importantly, Ryan has started his domiance in Ohio recruting, signing Tony Jameson and Sean Nemac, as well as securing commitments from prep studs Colin Palmer and Logan Steiber.  If Ryan consistently wins Ohio, there is no reason he won't also win a National Championship.

    Some things to Look Out for in 2009:  With National Champions J Jaggers and Pucillio back, the Buckeyes feel like they can knock off Iowa for a National Title.  They'll need to replace National Runner up J.D. Bergman, but with Lance Palmer back at 149, Nikko Triggas and Reece Humphrey ready to make the leap from good to great, and high impact transfers Dave Rella and Cody Gardner making their debut, the Buckeyes will be right back in the thick of things. 10. Pat Santoro, Lehigh (EIWA) Athletic Director Joe Sterrett: Lehigh has entrusted former assistant Pat Santoro to return their program to glory after a rough 2007-08 season.  Santoro's rebuilding job seems to be ahead of schedule after the season's opening weekend where he defeated his former team, the 17th ranked Maryland Terripans.  Santoro had previously been the coach at Maryland for five seasons, overseeing one of the best turnarounds in any NCAA sport.  Maryland was a doormat in the ACC, operated with virtually no scholarships, and the program was at a crossroads.  Rather than drop the program, Maryland hired Santoro away from Lehigh and started the Fear the Turtle program, which led to the full funding of all their men's sports.  Blessed with the full compliment of scholarships, Santoro built a program on the verge of being a national power.  Last year, the Terps finished 17th at NCAA's, and Hudson Taylor was the first Terp All American in over a decade.  Both of these accomplishments seemed unheard of when Santoro took the job.  Lehigh hired him away from Maryland in part because he has led to Lehigh's decline.  Maryland's current roster looks like a Lehigh roster during their glory run in the early 2000s.  He has stolen kids away from Pennsylvania, specifically the Lehigh Valley, and Blair Academy, and those important pipelines have been a key to Maryland's resurgence.  If he can bring those ties with him to Lehigh, watch out.  

    Some things to Look Out for in 2009:  Lehigh's squad already looks improved after one dual.  Four wrestlers made their debut, with John McDonald and Zach Rey winning.  The key for Lehigh's tournament strength will be the performance of David Craig, the stud in their lineup.  Craig was the nation's top recruit and made the Round of 12 as a true freshman.  But his sophomore campaign was a bumpy one, and he spent the second semester on the bench due to academic issues.  If everything is back in order, Craig should contend to All American, and be the first step in Santoro's rebuilding project at Lehigh.    
Ten Coaches Who Need to Win

1. Tom Minkel (Michigan State): Once upon a time, Michigan State was one of the flagship programs of the Big Ten.  They are one of only seven different schools to win a National Championship since 1960.  But last season, the Spartans qualified just one wrestler for the NCAA Tournament. Seeing that the Big Ten received over 70 qualifiers, this number is particularly damning.  Michigan and Central Michigan have consistently been beating them to top level in-state kids, and although Michigan State has had stars in the past few years, they have struggled to develop a deep lineup.  This has the natives restless.  Tom Minkel needs a breakout year in a big way. His contract is winding down and there certainly are candidates eyeing this potential opening.

2. Thom Ortiz (Arizona State): Like Michigan State, Arizona State is one of the seven schools to win a title since 1960. Also like Michigan State, they no longer are a perennial top five team. However, unlike the Spartans, the consequences have been dire in Tempe.  The Sun Devils, once the premier program in the Pac-10, barely survived their athletic department's chopping block after last season. A few powerful alumni donated a boatload of money, and will expect a return on their investment. Therefore, Arizona State's struggles at the NCAA Tournament need to end soon. Anthony Robles will certainly be an impact wrestler this season, but more are necessary to restore this team to prominance.

3. Carl Adams (Boston University): There are number of disadvantages that Carl Adams has at Boston University. The first is that Massachusetts hardly provides him with a fertile recruiting base. Second, he is the third fiddle of winter sports at BU, where hockey is the undisputed king, and basketball is among the top programs in the American East. But he does have an advantage that many coaches across the county, including some in much bigger conferences do not: a full compliment of scholarships. In a day in age where so few schools have the allotted 9.9, BU needs to be able to produce more than one All American every 20 years. Mike Roberts certainly had a good year last season, and Hunter Meys was a big recruit, but these need to be the exception, not the rule, if BU wants to be a more national player, and if the balance of power will start to swing from the midwest to the east.

4. C.D. Mock (North Carolina): C.D. Mock certainly has recruited well, but does not have the expected national accomplishments to show for it in his tenure at North Carolina. He has had success in the ACC, winning a pair of conference titles, but has not been able to translate it into significant national success, with only Evan Sola attaining All American status under Mock. He has recruited Pennsylvania especially well, but the slew of highly touted wrestlers from the Keystone State have underachieved. Some in the Tar Heel camp fear that Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina State have passed UNC in the race for the ACC. In an ever improving conference, it's important that Mock and the Tar Heels keep up.

5. Rocky Bonomo (Lock Haven): Years ago, it was Lock Haven that was the dominant small program in Pennsylvania. Like Edinboro, Lock Haven is a small Division II school competing at the Division I level in wrestling. They too have a strong tradition of nationally competitive teams, with studs like Cary Kolat and Jamarr Billman both wrestling here.  The expectation of many in Pennsylvania is that they should still be strong. However, Pennsylvania talent has increasingly gone to Penn State, Lehigh, and Edinboro when they stay in state. There also has been a huge flock of talent leaving the state, particularly to go to the ACC.  This is partly responsible for that conference's resurgence, but also for the regression of schools like Lock Haven, East Stroudsburg, and Clarion. If Bonomo is going to turn the program around, he is going to need to start keeping some of these kids in state.

6. Jack Spates (Oklahoma): You might wonder what a guy who has had more top five finishes than 90% of the coaches on this list is doing on the hot seat. But a 39th place finish at last years nationals will put the heat on for any Oklahoma sport. Part of Jack Spates ailments may be contributed to Oklahoma's high school wrestling settling into the second tier nationally.  Clearly, there is work to do here.  They've started by revamping the coaching staff, the backbone of any successful program, as well as their facilities.  Jack Spates has recently raised the money and built a state of the art facility that has upped the ante on the the spending war between programs. Furthermore Jack Spates brought in Michael Lightner, former 4x All American and NCAA Champ, plus they have renovated their wrestling room, which gives them an advantage both functionally as well as the "wow" factor for recruits.  But with these new tools in place, success will be the expectation.  In early season competition at the Brockport Open the Sooners look stronger, knocking off Edinboro, Central Michigan and Kent State, all ranked opponents. With Oklahoma's tradition and history, the facilities they have, and the support from the Administration they need to be knocking on the door to the top ten and be moving towards the top five for next year.

 
7. Jim Beichner (Buffalo): Coach Beichner has accomplished some pretty phenominal things at the University of Buffalo.  He took over a program in the late 1990s that had won six matches combined in the four years before he was hired.  In his first five years, Beichner's teams had won 50 matches.  He's coached an All American in Kyle Cerminara, and revived a lifeless program.  Now it is time for Buffalo to take the next step.  They are one of the MAC's fully funded programs, and as we've seen earlier in this list, it is possible to be a national caliber team in that conference, just ask Tom Borrelli.  Tom Ryan built Hofstra's program around New York kids, for whom Buffalo is the only other option in the state.  Buffalo is also painfully close to both western Pennsylvania and Cleveland, two wrestling hotbeds.  If Coach Beichner can tap into these advantages, his program could be a sleeping giant.
 
8. Randy Stottlemeyer (Pittsburgh): Coach Stottlemeyer is an institution at Pitt.  He is one of the longest tenured coaches in the country, approaching his 30th year as head coach.  But it is tough to look at Pitt's program and think of the potential.  Located in the heart of wrestling country, Pitt has never struggled to bring in top notch talent.  But Pitt has had a problem getting over the hump and becoming the national program that they should be.  Keith Gavin the last two seasons certainly was a great story, but National Champions are too few and far between at this school.  This is a top 10 team waiting to happen, but they've even slipped in dominance in their own conference, watching Edinboro pass them in the last few years.  There are plenty of good kids at Pitt, most notably red-shirt freshman Tyler Nauman, but it's time for Pitt to be among the best programs in the country.   
 
9 Brad Penrith (University of Northern Iowa): Northern Iowa has always been the little brother of Iowa college wrestling.  It is tough operating in the shadow of Iowa and Iowa State, but the Northern Iowa advantage is in it is in Iowa.  I've alluded to Pennsylvania and Ohio as being the two strongest states in the country, but Iowa is the most wrestling crazy.  Traditionally, Northern Iowa has been very strong, but Coach Penrith's career record of 70-57 is underwhelming.  On one hand, I give him credit for going out and scheduling tough opponents, but they also compete in the Western Region, and their conference schedule is hardly like wrestling in the Big Ten.  Northern Iowa has posed as a major program for a while, but needs the consistency to actually be one. 
 
10. Dave Amato (Brown University): There is a deep divide in the Ivy League.  Cornell, Penn, and Harvard have clearly pulled away as the class of the league, leaving Columbia, Princeton, and Brown a step behind.  But Columbia has had a two time All American, Matt Palmer, in the recent past, and Princeton has just hired Chris Ayers, a young member of the Pat Santoro coaching tree.  Amato has been at Brown for twenty five years, but has only produced two All Americans, none since 1998.  Brown also has only had two winning seasons in the last decade.  They are hampered by a lack of scholarships in a major conference, which makes this one of the more difficult jobs in the country.  But the results have not been there.
 

The University at Buffalo, a member of the Mid-American Conference
(MAC) and NCAA, is accepting applications for the Division I Assistant
Coach position for its Wrestling program.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include assisting
the Head Coach for Wrestling in all phases of a successful Division I
intercollegiate program. The incumbent will identify, recruit and
retain student-athletes and assist in the development of all
student-athletes. As the Assistant Coach, duties will include, but not
be limited to, teaching, scheduling, recruiting, fundraising, camps
and clinics, developing and maintaining positive relationships with
alumni, faculty and staff.

Bachelor's Degree required, and a Master's Degree is preferred. One
year experience coaching at the collegiate level is required,
preferably Division I-A. Must be proficient with computers, have
strong communication skills and excellent teaching and coaching
skills. A light-weight coach is preferable, but may hire outside
weight restrictions depending on qualifications. National and
international wrestling experience preferred.

Salary Range: $32,525 - $33,325

Persons interested in above position must apply on-line at
http://ubjobs.buffalo.edu and attach a resume and 3 references.

Applications will be accepted until 7/11/07.

State University of New York at Buffalo is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

BUFFALO, N.Y. ? Six Central Michigan University wrestlers won individual titles to lead the Chippewas to their sixth consecutive Mid-American Conference Championships title.

CMU won the team title with 106.5 points. Kent State was second with 73.5 points.

Winning individual conference championships and earning automatic bids to the NCAA Championships were Eric Kruger (141 pounds), Mike Miller (165), Brandon Sinnott (174), Christian Sinnott (184), Wynn Michalak (197) and Bubba Gritter (285). Wild card bids to the national tournament will be announced later Sunday.

CMU also claimed three of the conference?s four specialty awards. Tom Borrelli was named MAC Coach of the Year for the fifth straight season and ninth time in his career. Miller was named MAC Freshman of the Year, becoming the ninth Chippewa to win the honor. Michalak was selected MAC Wrestler of the Year for the second year in a row. He joins 1999 national champion Casey Cunningham as Chippewas who have won the award twice.

Michalak also becomes the seventh CMU wrestler to win three individual MAC titles.

Kruger was the first Chippewa to punch his ticket to nationals, posting a convincing 10-1 major decision over Northern Illinois? Dan Ruettiger in the finals at 141 pounds. Following a scoreless first period, Kruger scored a takedown and two back points to take a 4-0 lead into the third period. Kruger?s lead expanded to 7-0 with a takedown and stalling point, but Ruettiger escaped late in the third to cut the deficit to 7-1. Kruger answered with a takedown just before the final buzzer to ensure the major, then tacked on the riding time point with an advantage of 3:06.

Miller, a redshirt freshman, won a conference title in his first try at 165 pounds. Miller trailed 4-2 after the first period, but rallied with an escape and a takedown in the second period. Miller?s takedown came with less than 10 seconds remaining in the period. Galloway would even the score with an escape late in the third, but Miller?s 1:16 riding time advantage was the difference in his 6-5 decision.

Brandon and Christian Sinnott completed a sweep of Northern Illinois Danny and Duke Burk at 174 and 184 pounds, respectively. Brandon Sinnott won his second consecutive MAC title at 174 pounds with a 10-4 decision, while Christian Sinnott won his first conference championship with a 4-0 decision over Duke Burk. Both Sinnotts will make their second consecutive trip to the national championships.

Michalak won his third consecutive MAC title at 197 pounds with a methodical 7-2 decision over Eastern Michigan?s Tony Lyssiotis. Michalak scored a takedown in the first period, then rode Lyssiotis for nearly the duration of the second period. After starting in the down position, Michalak added an escape and a takedown in the third, then added the riding time point with an advantage of 3:43.

Gritter won his first MAC title by earning a 4-1 advantage over defending champion Jermail Porter at heavyweight. Gritter opened the scoring with an escape in the second period, then was the recipient of a point for Porter stalling. After a Porter escape in third, Gritter sealed the win with a takedown later in the period.

COMPLETE CMU RESULTS

No. 2 Luke Smith ? 125 pounds ? Third Place
First Round: Bye
Semifinals: L, dec. No. 3 Chad Sportelli (Kent State), 4-3
Consolation Semifinals: W, pin Jack Cassedy (Eastern Michigan) at 2:16
Third Place: W, maj. dec. No. 4 Seth Morton (Ohio), 9-0

No. 4 Conor Beebe ? 133 pounds ? Third Place
First Round: Bye
Semifinals: L, dec. No. 1 Mark Budd (Buffalo), 6-4 SV1
Consolation Semifinals: W, maj. dec. John Weinert (Northern Illinois), 13-1
Third Place: W, dec. No. 3 Terry Jackson (Ohio), 12-7
True Second: L, dec. No. 2 Danny Mitcheff (Kent State), 3-2

No. 2 Eric Kruger ? 141 pounds - Champion
First Round: W, maj. dec. Zach Donofrio (EMU), 8-0
Semifinals: W, dec. No. 3 Drew Lashaway (Kent State), 6-2
Finals: W, maj. dec. No. 4 Dan Ruettiger (Northern Illinois), 10-1

No. 3 Brandon Carter ? 149 pounds ? Third Place
First Round: L, maj. dec. Clay Tucker (Ohio), 18-5
Consolation Semifinals: W, dec. No. 1 Mike Grimes (Northern Illinois), 13-6
Third Place: W, dec. Clay Tucker (Ohio), 9-5
True Second: L, dec. No. 4 Jason McGee (Kent State), 11-6

No. 1 Andy Keller ? 157 pounds ? Third Place
First Round: Bye
Semifinals: W, dec. No. 4 Cory Mancuso (Eastern Michigan), 5-3
Finals: L, dec. No. 3 Kurt Gross (Kent State), 7-3
True Second: L, dec. No. 2 Jacob Frerichs (Ohio), 2-0

No. 2 Mike Miller ? 165 pounds ? Champion
First Round: W, maj. dec. Sli Bostelman (Kent State), 10-2
Semifinals: W, dec. No. 3 Jacob Ison (Ohio), 5-3
Finals: W, dec. No. 1 Johnny Galloway (Northern Illinois), 6-5

No. 1 Brandon Sinnott ? 174 pounds ? Champion
First Round: W, maj. dec. Nate Rock (Buffalo), 16-5
Semifinals: W, maj. dec. No. 4 Josh Lewis (Eastern Michigan), 14-5
Finals: W, dec. No. 2 Danny Burk (Northern Illinois), 10-4

No. 1 Christian Sinnott ? 184 pounds ? Champion
First Round: Bye
Semifinals: W, maj. dec. No. 4 Ray Lamb (Buffalo), 15-5
Finals: W, dec. No. 2 Duke Burk (Northern Illinois), 4-0

No. 1 Wynn Michalak ? 197 pounds ? Champion
First Round: W, pin Jake Blowers (Buffalo) at 2:04
Semifinals: W, pin No. 4 Larry Reichard (Ohio) at 4:38
Finals: W, dec. No. 2 Tony Lyssiotis (Eastern Michigan), 7-2

No. 1 Bubba Gritter ? 285 pounds ? Champion
First Round: Bye
Semifinals: W, maj. dec. Jeff Parker (Buffalo), 10-2
Finals: W, dec. No. 2 Jermail Porter (Kent State), 4-1

MOUNT PLEASANT ? Central Michigan University?s wrestling team travels to Buffalo this weekend seeking the program?s sixth consecutive Mid-American Conference Championships title. The six-team conference tournament is slated for Saturday and Sunday at Buffalo?s Alumni Arena.

CMU, ranked fifth in the final NWCA/InterMat top 25 dual meet poll, secured its ninth straight MAC title with a 34-3 victory over then-No. 25 Kent State in the regular season finale Feb. 18. The win capped a regular season that saw the Chippewas set a new school record for wins (17) despite taking on arguably the most challenging schedule in program history. The rigorous practice and competition schedule was put in place to help the Chippewas prepare for this week?s conference tournament and the NCAA Championships,March 15-17 in Detroit.

?Maybe we?ve been a little tougher on them because they are more experienced as a team,? said 16th-year head coach Tom Borrelli of his squad. ?I think since they were a little more experienced we were able to handle a tougher regular season schedule.

?I feel really good about where our team is right now,?he added. ?Obviously we still have a lot of work to do to be ready at nationals, and that all starts here with the MAC Championships. I think we?re really confident and our guys
are ready for this weekend.?

Last season, CMU collected four individual titles and had another three individuals earn wild card bids to the national tournament. At least two Chippewas have won conference championships each of the last 10 years; in 1999 and 2005, CMU took home a conference-record eight individual crowns.

?In a perfect world we would have 10 guys go through to nationals,? Borrelli said. ?That may be a reach, but our goals are always to qualify as many as we can. We had seven qualifiers last year, and we?d like to do better than that this year.?

Those individuals earning bids to the national tournament will compete at the Palace of Auburn Hills March 15-17.

Reviewing the 2006 MAC Championships: CMU collected four individual
titles on its way to its fifth consecutive MAC Championships title. All 10
individuals placed in the top three of their respective weight classes. The
Chippewas tallied 102.5 team points, while Kent State was second with 72.5.
Tom Borrelli took home his fourth straight (and eighth overall) MAC Coach of
the Year award, while Wynn Michalak was named MAC Wrestler of the Year
and Mark DiSalvo Outstanding MAC Meet Wrestler.

The Dynasty: CMU has won nine consecutive Mid-American Conference titles and five straight MAC Championships titles. The Chippewas have won 48 of their last 49 conference duals, including 24 straight dating back to the 2002-03 season. CMU has won 25 straight MAC duals at Rose Arena. Back at the MACs: CMU returns no less than eight individuals who have competed at the MAC Championships in the past. Recapping those individuals? MAC Championships history:

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University locked up its ninth consecutive Mid-American Conference title with a convincing 34-3 win over Kent State Sunday afternoon in Rose Arena.

The Chippewas won 9-of-10 individual bouts in extending their winning streak to 10 consecutive duals. The victory was CMU's 23rd straight in conference action and secured the program's 11th MAC title overall. It was also CMU's 17th victory this season, establishing a new single-season school record.

After splitting the first two matches, CMU went on to post wins in each of the final eight individual bouts.

Luke Smith opened the day with a 3-2 decision over Chad Sportelli at 125 pounds. Smith scored a takedown on the edge of mat one minute in, then built a riding time advantage of 1:45 in the first period. After a scoreless second period, Sportelli scored a takedown with just over a minute remaining to even the score at 2-2. Smith escaped just seconds later, however, to score decisive point.

At 133, Conor Beebe built a 3-0 lead with an escape and takedown in the second period. Danny Mitcheff opened the third period with an escape, the scored a takedown 30 seconds into the period to even the score at 3-3. Following a blood timeout, Beebe scored an escape with 18 seconds remaining to take a 4-3 lead. Mitcheff, however, tallied a takedown at the buzzer and collected the riding time point for a 6-4 decision.

Eric Kruger's takedown in the closing seconds of the second period was the difference in a 3-1 decision over Drew Lashaway at 141. Starting in the down position, Kruger scored an escape early in the second period, then took down Lashaway in the final 10 seconds to lead 3-0 entering the third. Lashaway's escape in the third accounted for his only points.

Tyler Grayson evened his conference record at 2-2 with a 6-4 decision over Jason McGee. Grayson scored takedowns in the first and second period, then secured the win with a reversal midway through the third after starting the period in the down position. All four of McGee's points came via escapes.

In his final appearance at Rose Arena, senior Andy Keller posted a 9-6 decision over Kurt Gross at 157 pounds. After Gross evened the score at 5-5 with a takedown in the third, Keller answered with an escape and takedown of his own to take an 8-5 advantage. Gross tacked on a late escape, but Keller also tallied the single point for riding time for the final three-point difference.

Mike Miller controlled the action from start to finish in his 11-1 major decision over Sli Bostelman at 165 pounds. Miller tallied a trio of takedowns and built a riding time advantage of 4:35 in the win. The only point he allowed was an escape that he gave away in the third period.

CMU extended its lead to 22-3 when Kent State's Aaron Miller was disqualified at 174 points. CMU's Brandon Sinnott was leading 11-3 at the time, and had been granted four unsportsmanlike conduct points during the course of the match after Miller repeatedly slapped Sinnott in the head.

At 184 pounds, Christian Sinnott scored takedowns in each of the first periods on his way to a 5-1 win over Eric Chine. A third-period escape was the only scoring Chine would muster.

Wynn Michalak had a 9-0 lead with he pinned Ardian Ramadani at 197 pounds. The fall was Michalak's eighth of the season and 34th in his career.

At heavyweight, Bubba Gritter earned a 6-3 decision over Jermail Porter. Gritter built a 3-0 lead with a takedown late in the first period and an escape to open the second. Porter cut the deficit to 3-2 with a takedown midway through the second period, but Gritter escaped immediately after the restart. Porter, starting in the down position, drew to within 4-3 with an escape early in the third, but Gritter sealed the 6-3 decision with a takedown in the closing seconds.

CMU now has two weeks to prepare for the Mid-American Conference Championships at Buffalo March 3-4. The Chippewas have won five consecutive conference tournament titles.

No. 5 CMU 34, No. 25 Kent State 3

125: No. 18 Luke Smith (CMU) dec. No. 17 Chad Sportelli, 3-2; CMU leads 3-0

133: Danny Mitcheff (KSU) dec. Conor Beebe (CMU), 6-4; Tied 3-3

141: No. 17 Eric Kruger (CMU) dec. Drew Lashaway (KSU), 3-1; CMU leads 6-3

149: Tyler Grayson (CMU) dec. Jason McGee (KSU), 6-4; CMU leads 9-3

157: Andy Keller (CMU) dec. Kurt Gross (KSU), 9-6; CMU leads 12-3

165: Mike Miller (CMU) maj. dec. Sli Bostelman (KSU), 11-1; CMU leads 16-3

174: No. 7 Brandon Sinnott (CM) win by disqualification of Aaron Miller (KSU); CMU leads 22-3

184: No. 9 Christian Sinnott (CMU) dec. Eric Chine (KSU), 5-1; CMU leads 25-3

197: No. 9 Wynn Michalak (CMU) pin Ardian Ramadani (KSU), 5:56; CMU leads 31-3

285: No. 2 Bubba Gritter (CMU) dec. No. 19 Jermail Porter, 6-3; CMU leads 34-3

MOUNT PLEASANT ? For the second consecutive season, Central Michigan University?s wrestling program has moved into the
top five in national rankings released by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and InterMat.com.
The Chippewas (14-4-1 overall, 2-0 Mid-American Conference), winners of seven straight duals, will carry a No. 5 ranking
into Friday?s conference dual at Northern Illinois. Last season, CMU
climbed as high as fourth in the NWCA/InterMat poll; prior to the
2005-06 campaign, CMU had never moved higher than sixth in the
national rankings.

Friday?s match begins a stretch of three duals in 10 days to close
the regular season for the Chippewas. It is the third straight week,
however, that CMU has had an entire week to prepare for a single
weekend outing.

?This has helped with our training because we?re able to get
more quality workouts in during the week,? said head coach Tom
Borrelli. ?Obviously you don?t need as much recovery time when
you?re only competing in one match per week.?

The stretch run shapes up as a daunting one for CMU. After
lengthy road trips to Northern Illinois and Ohio the next two
weekends, the Chippewas close the regular season at home against
Kent State. The Golden Flashes are ranked 25th in this week?s
NWCA/InterMat poll, and the season-ending dual in Rose Arena
could carry MAC title implications. Still, Borrelli is clear in what he
wants to see from his team over the next two weeks.

?I just want to see us continue to improve on our technique and
conditioning,? Borrelli said. ?We need to concentrate and focus on
what we?ve been emphasizing in pressure situations in practice.?
The first of those pressure situations is Friday at NIU. CMU has
won each of the past three meetings, but NIU is the last team to
defeat the Chippewas in a conference dual.

?It?s going to be a typical CMU-Northern Illinois dual,? Borrelli
said. ?It will be very competitive. We have to wrestle well down the
stretch. I know they will be up for us, so we need to be on top of our
game this weekend."

The Series vs. NIU: CMU is 24-22-2 all-time against Northern Illinois and
has won three straight. NIU was the last conference opponent to defeat CMU,
handing the Chippewas a 16-15 loss in DeKalb on Jan. 31, 2003.

National Notoriety: CMU moved up one spot to fifth in this week?s NWCA/
InterMat top 25. It is the highest team ranking for the program since the
Chippewas closed the 2005-06 dual season ranked fourth. Prior to last season,
CMU had never climbed higher than No. 6 in the national rankings.
Watching the Record Book: If CMU completes an undefeated conference
season, it would establish a new school record for dual wins in a single season.
The 2004-05 team finished 16-4 overall. CMU is currently 14-4-1 with three dual
matches remaining on the schedule.

Winning Streak at Seven: The Chippewas enter Friday?s match having won
seven straight duals. This marks the fifth time in the last nine seasons that CMU
has put together a seven-match winning streak. CMU has not won eight in a row
in the same season since the 1993-94 campaign.

The Dynasty: CMU has won eight consecutive Mid-American Conference titles
and five straight MAC Championships titles. The Chippewas have won 45 of
their last 46 conference duals, including 21 straight dating back to the 2002-03
season. CMU has won 24 straight MAC duals at Rose Arena.

Rhymes with Pin: Wynn Michalak won 15 matches by pin last season, tied for
the fifth-most in a single season at CMU. He recorded his sixth fall of the 2006-
07 season against Buffalo on Sunday, moving him into sole possession of fifth
place on the school?s career pins list. He enters Friday?s dual with 32 career
falls. He moved past current CMU assistant coach and 1999 national champ
Casey Cunningham for fifth; Steve Adams ranks fourth on the list with 42 falls
from 1984-88.

Saving the Best for Last: In CMU?s 14 wins and one tie, its top four weights
(174, 184, 197, 285) have posted a combined record of 52-8.
Taking on the Top 25: The Chippewas have squared off against 12 opponents
ranked in the InterMat top 25 this season, including teams ranked first
(Minnesota), second (Missouri) and third (Hofstra). The Chippewas have faced
both Minnesota and Hofstra twice. CMU is 7-4-1 overall against teams in the top
25 this season.

Home Sweet Home: CMU is 28-3-1 in home duals dating back to the start of the
2001-02 season. The Chippewas are 6-1-1 at home this season.
Coming Up: CMU closes the regular season with a pair of conference duals just
four days apart. The Chippewas visit Ohio Feb. 15 before hosting Kent State
Feb. 18. The Mid-American Conference Championships are slated for March 3-4
at Buffalo.