Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/21/08 Section: News

ST. LOUIS -- The Central Michigan fan section at the Scott Trade Center was chanting 'let's go Wynn,' as Wynn Michalak locked his hands around defending national champion Joshua Glenn's neck and leg.

As time expired the official's hand shot up, awarding Michalak two points and an upset of the No. 1 seed Friday in the 197-pound weight class.

Michalak threw his hands up in triumph and jumped around the mat as he emerged victorious.

Michalak's takedown in the final second gave him a 7-5 victory and his fist trip to the 197-pound national championship match.

Michalak was taken down early in the first period, but felt that he had the upper hand after getting a reversal.

"The early takedown really helped because he rode me for awhile," Michalak said. "That gave me a lot of confidence, but I feel like I've put in the work and I deserve to be here."

Michalak now has the opportunity to be Central Michigan's first national champion since Casey Cunningham in 1999. Cunningham beat a Penn State wrestler to win his National title and Michalak will have the opportunity to do the same when he faces Penn State's second seeded Phil Davis on Saturday.

The finals start at 8:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.

Michalak now is a three time All-American, but fell short of the status last season. Tom Borrelli believes that might be the reason he is in this position now.

"There's no question that he was a different wrestler this season," Borrelli said. "He had a great drive in the room this year."

In CMU's other semifinal match, senior 184-pounder Christian Sinnott lost to top seed Jake Varner from Iowa State 4-2.

Varner controlled throughout, getting an early takedown.

Christian Sinnott earned his first All-American honor by beating Riders Doug Umbehauer 3-2 earlier Friday.

Continued...

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