Welcome to Wolverine Wrestling Wrap!
The University of Michigan wrestling program is proud to introduce Wolverine Wrestling Wrap, its new email-based newsletter aimed at Michigan wrestling alumni and fans across the country. This weekly-email newsletter will replace the monthly paper editions from year's past and will provide a one-stop source for all things Wolverine wrestling, including match recaps, musings from head coach Joe McFarland, features and important ticket, hotel and promotional information for upcoming events. Those who previously received the paper newsletter will still receive a tri-annual bulletin with additional alumni news and profiles. If you would prefer not to receive Wolverine Wrestling Wrap, or would prefer to use a different email address, the necessary instructions are listed at the bottom of this email
U-M Posts Strong Big Ten Start with Win, Tie
The No. 18-ranked Wolverines opened the Big Ten Conference dual schedule with an impressive rebound against Northwestern, storming back from a 10-point halftime deficit to salvage a 17-17 tie against the Wildcats last Friday (Jan. 31) at Cliff Keen Arena. Fifth-year senior Tyrel Todd registered a dominant 16-5 major decision at 197 pounds, nearly stalling out John Schoen, to pull U-M within three points entering the final bout, where junior/sophomore Eddie Phillips rode out Ben Kuhar in the first round of tiebreakers to win 3-2 and even the dual final score. Sophomore/freshman Justin Zeerip added a bonus point in the 165-pound bout, using a five-point move in the final 30 seconds to bear Kyle Bertin -- younger brother of former Wolverine standout Ryan Bertin -- 9-1.
Returning to the Cliff Keen Arena just 17 hours later, the Wolverines posted perhaps their strongest team effort in a 20-18 comeback win against Indiana. Michigan fell behind early after IU pins in two of the opening four matches but rallied with wins in four of the final six to remain unbeaten in Big Ten competition. Junior/sophomore Aaron Hynes (below) used a strong start -- a takedown apiece in the first and second periods -- and riding time to knock off 12th-ranked Kurt Kinser 7-6 in the 157-pound contest, while fifth-year senior Steve Luke and junior/sophomore Anthony Biondo earned back-to-back major decisions at 174 and 184 pounds, respectively, to put U-M in the driver's seat.
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Off the Mat with Tyrel Todd
Fifth-year senior Tyrel Todd has already accomplished much in his collegiate career, entering the 2008-09 campaign as a two-time All-American and within striking distance of the Wolverines' prestigious 100-Win Club. [He has since improved his career mark to 108-28.] An unexpected knee injury, suffered early in the season at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 5-6), provided a major setback and forced Todd off the mat for nearly a full month, but the Wolverine captain is back in the U-M lineup and more focused than ever. His goals haven't changed -- he is still determined to be a Big Ten and national champion -- just the path required to reach the end result.
Coming off the Wolverines' two-week hiatus following the National Duals (Jan. 10-11) and with the Big Ten Conference season looming on the horizon, Tyrel took a moment to discuss his knee injury, his family's involvement in the sport and his future plans in freestyle wrestling. Check out the full Q&A with the Michigan captain.
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Wolverine News & Notes
Fifth-year senior Steve Luke improved his record to 18-0 with a pair of weekend dual wins. The effort is the longest winning streak of Luke's career; he won 13 straight to open the 2006-07 campaign. He has won 20 straight dual matches and has not lost a Big Ten dual in two seasons, extending that win streak to 11 matches.
Fifth-year senior Tyrel Todd has moved to the 23rd spot among Michigan's all-time winningest wrestling, earning a pair of weekend victories to improve his career mark to 108-28. He shares the spot with All-Americans Fritz Lehrke (108, 1998-91) and Brian Harper (108, 1991-94) and needs just two more wins to move to the 21st spot.
Sophomore Kellen Russell has not lost a match since his third-placing at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (Dec. 5-6) and extended his winning streak to 12 with his decision win vs. Indiana. Russell kicked off his collegiate career with an 18-match winning streak.
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On the Horizon
The Wolverines will hit the road next weekend for continued Big Ten Conference competition against Minnesota and Michigan State. U-M will head to Minneapolis, Minn., face the Gophers on Friday (Feb. 6) at 7 p.m. CST before wrapping up the weekend in East Lansing, Mich., with a 1 p.m. meeting Sunday (Feb. 8) against intrastate rival MSU. Sunday's dual meet against the Spartans will be carried live on the Big Ten Network.
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