2008 Woodie Awards
Seniors recount journeys, anticipate NCAA Tournament in St. Louis Thursday
C. Sinnott, Michalak, Gritter looking to make history
By: Aaron Sides
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Sports
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Christian Sinnott summed up his season by saying it has been the best he has ever had at Central.
The senior 184-pounder successfully defended his Mid-American Conference championship on March 8 and now has his sights set on a national title.
Sinnott, ranked No. 4, said there are some matches he knew he could have performed better in, but that they all have helped him to improve overall.
"There is a couple of matches I wish I could have back, but the strength of schedule I've had has set me up good for nationals," he said.
Looking toward nationals and how far he and the rest of the senior class have come, Sinnott said making Central a nationally-recognized wrestling program has been one of their biggest accomplishments.
"We've had a lot of success in getting CMU national exposure," he said. "All the seniors have helped turn this program into a national power."
Wynn-ing ways
Arguably the most successful senior so far this season has been 197-pounder Wynn Michalak. The winningest wrestler on the roster will enter nationals with a 26-1 record and became the fourth individual, and first from Central Michigan to win four MAC titles.
Michalak also was named MAC Wrestler of the Year for the third consecutive season.
Michalak said leading up to the NCAA Championships, the coaches have done a great job getting the wrestlers ready for their opponents, but have reminded them it will be up to them when their match comes.
"The coaches are pretty good at scouting guys," Michalak said. "They tell us a lot about what the other guys are going to do. They have stressed that we have to wrestle our match, though."
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