Wrestling Team Sends Two Wrestlers to the NCAA Division III National Championship
The Olivet College wrestling team is sending two wrestlers to the 2003 NCAA Division III National Championships this Friday-Saturday, March 7-8, at Ohio Northern University.
OLIVET, Mich. -- The Olivet College wrestling team is sending two wrestlers to the 2003 NCAA Division III National Championships this Friday-Saturday, March 7-8, at Ohio Northern University.
Freshman Justin Torres (Holly High School) captured the regional championship last weekend at 197 pounds. He enters the national tournament with a 29-1 record with 16 wins by pin. The lone defeat was a 7-6 overtime loss against J.D. Olivia from Division I Northern Illinois back on Nov. 16 , 2002.
"I have never had the opportunity to coach anyone with the wrestling ability of Justin," said first-year Head Coach Steve Laidacker. "He has great instinct and balance and that can not be taught. I fully expect Justin to be an All-American this year."
Senior 149-pounder Chris Dunham (Nashville/Maple Valley High School) finished in third place at the regional meet and earned one of the region’s wildcard berths. He leads the Comets in wins with a 39-9 record.
"Chris provided the leadership and work ethic for this entire team," stated Laidacker. "He has worked harder than anyone that I have coached. He will end his career as a two-time scholar All-American."
In addition, freshman 165-pounder Mike Andrews (Swartz Creek High School) was second at the regional meet and is an alternate at the national championships. He has a 26-17 record and leads the team in reversals and near-fall points.
"Mike has progressed every time out," says Laidacker. "As a starting freshman, he made a lot of mistakes early in the season. He then began to adapt his wrestling style so that it was more conducive to the rigors of collegiate competition."