U-M Closes Dual Slate with Road Split
The No. 17-ranked Wolverines scored early and surged late but couldn't maintain their lead through the middleweights, falling to ninth-ranked Illinois 20-15 last Friday (Feb. 20) at Huff Hall. Senior Michael Watts and sophomore Kellen Russell earned decisions at 125 and 141 pounds, respectively, to give U-M a narrow lead after three bouts. Illinois won three straight at the middleweights, however, to steal away the lead -- one it would not relinquish. Fifth-year senior Tyrel Todd earned his fourth consecutive first-period fall at 197 pounds, pinning Patrick Bond at 2:48, and fifth-year senior Steve Luke improved on his perfect record with a 5-2 decision against John Dergo at 174 pounds.
Michigan capped a strong Big Ten Conference dual season, finishing with a 5-2-1 mark, with a dominant 23-9 victory against Purdue the following night in West Lafayette, Ind. U-M won seven individual matches against the Boilermakers, including major decisions from junior/sophomore Aaron Hynes at 157 pounds and Todd at 197. The Wolverines kicked off the dual meet with three straight decisions to lead the contest from start to finish. Freshman Zac Stevens (below) picked up his third Big Ten dual win, using three takedowns -- one in each frame -- to cruise past Carson Beebe at 133 pounds, while junior/sophomore heavyweight Eddie Phillips put exclamation point on the U-M victory, taking down Chris Kasten in the final 10 seconds to earn a 4-3 decision in the final bout.
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Future Wolverine Wrestler Updates
Congratulations are in order to a pair of future Wolverine wrestlers who won big tournament titles last weekend. Blair Academy's Sean Boyle captured his second straight National Prep crown last Saturday (Feb. 21), earning three pins and a major decision before claiming a 7-1 decision in the 119-pound championship finale. Boyle previously captured the 112-pound National Prep crown last season as a junior. He was one of eight Blair wrestlers to claim individual titles as the Bucs won their 29th consecutive National Prep team trophy. To see Sean's championship match, visit Flowrestling.org.
Eric Grajales (below), out of Brandon HS in Brandon, Fla., captured his fourth straight Florida state title last Saturday (Feb. 21), becoming just the eighth wrestler in state history to achieve the feat and capping a remarkable prep career with a perfect 218-0 record. Grajales pinned his way into the 135-pound final before settling with a technical fall in the championship match, headlining a Brandon team that set state records for most team points and most individual champions. For comments from Eric following his championship match, check out Flowrestling.org.
Michigan's additional two incoming wrestlers -- Hesperia's Brandon Zeerip and Dundee's Pete Rendina -- will be competing in the Michigan state championships in two weeks, March 12-14, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Stay tuned for updates on their results!
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Wolverine News & Notes
After the tremendous success of last year's NCAA Wrestling Championship social activities, we have decided to do it again! This year we will host post-event socials at J. BUCK's Restaurant on both Friday and Saturday night (March 20-21). J. BUCK's is located at 1000 Clark Street, just an easy 1/2 mile stroll from the Millennium Hotel. Stay tuned, more details are to come in next week's Wolverine Wrestling Wrap.
The 2009 Wolverine wrestling banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at the Junge Champions Center. All Michigan parents, alumni and fans are invited to attend. The cost per person will be $25. Reversation and payments will need to be received by April 13. Click here for the reversation form and more information.
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On the Horizon
With its annual Ann Arbor-based spring break underway, the Wolverine wrestling team's preparation for the Big Ten Championships is in full swing. The conference tournament is scheduled for March 7-8 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.
Wolverine Wrestling Wrap is sent by the University of Michigan wrestling program to all U-M alumni, booster, parents, campers and fans. If you prefer not to receive it, please send an email to wrestlingwolverines@gmail.com with a subject of UNSUBSCRIBE. If you would prefer use of a different email address, send an email to wrestlingwolverines@gmail.com with a subject of ADDRESS CHANGE.