2008 Woodie Awards
A fitting farewell
By: Robbie Sgro
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Sports
Wynn-ing ways
Each step has been a progression for CMU's seniors who were involved in the NCAA Championships the last three seasons. And perhaps no person exemplifies that than Michalak.
The Chippewas surprised people as a dual team in 2006, reaching a No. 4 ranking, and Michalak soared to No. 1 in his weight class. But at the NCAA Championships, the Chippewas finished 26th and Michalak lost in the second round before securing his second All-America honor.
Last season, Central improved to 15th at the tournament, but Michalak fell one win short of All-America honors.
But this season, Michalak and the Chippewas proved their worth. As a team, CMU's wrestlers wrestled to their seeds and more, and Michalak upset No. 1 seed Josh Glenn with a last-second takedown to reach the finals.
Michalak's runner-up finish and third All-America capped one of the best careers and senior classes in school history.
"That was real exciting," Borrelli said. "I think it was real good for CMU to get national exposure on ESPN."
Now, Luke Smith, Carter, Brandon and Christian Sinnott, Michalak and Gritter all are gone. It's up to Conor Beebe, Eric Kruger, Stewart and Mike Miller, an All-American last season who took an Olympic redshirt.
CMU won its fight for national respect this year, but not much is expected next season after the seven seniors move on. The cycle begins again next fall.
rsgro@cm-life.com
Each step has been a progression for CMU's seniors who were involved in the NCAA Championships the last three seasons. And perhaps no person exemplifies that than Michalak.
The Chippewas surprised people as a dual team in 2006, reaching a No. 4 ranking, and Michalak soared to No. 1 in his weight class. But at the NCAA Championships, the Chippewas finished 26th and Michalak lost in the second round before securing his second All-America honor.
Last season, Central improved to 15th at the tournament, but Michalak fell one win short of All-America honors.
But this season, Michalak and the Chippewas proved their worth. As a team, CMU's wrestlers wrestled to their seeds and more, and Michalak upset No. 1 seed Josh Glenn with a last-second takedown to reach the finals.
Michalak's runner-up finish and third All-America capped one of the best careers and senior classes in school history.
"That was real exciting," Borrelli said. "I think it was real good for CMU to get national exposure on ESPN."
Now, Luke Smith, Carter, Brandon and Christian Sinnott, Michalak and Gritter all are gone. It's up to Conor Beebe, Eric Kruger, Stewart and Mike Miller, an All-American last season who took an Olympic redshirt.
CMU won its fight for national respect this year, but not much is expected next season after the seven seniors move on. The cycle begins again next fall.
rsgro@cm-life.com
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