MAC Wrestler of the Week
Jan. 16, 2008
Kurt Gross ? Kent State
165 - Senior ? Parma, Ohio (Padua Franciscan)
Gross, ranked No. 16 in the nation, posted a perfect 6-0 record in his six matches at the Virginia Duals. He scored four wins by decision and one my major decision. Three of his wins came versus top 20 ranked opponents ? 6-4 over No. 15 Roger Smith-Bergsrud of Illinois; 11-8 against Andy Rendos from Bucknell; and 3-2 over Chris Brown from Old Dominion.
His emotional pin of Pennsylvania's Zack Shanaman gave Kent State the boost it needed to upset the Quakers, 18-15. He currently has a record of 11-4 and has won seven straight.
Also Nominated
Mickey Moran - Buffalo
184 lbs., Junior, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Shaler Area HS)
Moran was a perfect 2-0 last week, moving his overall winning streak to seven matches. He defeated Brad Dieckhaus over Northern Illinois by a 9-5 decision and Hiram Smith of Findlay by decision, 3-1.
Eric Kruger ? Central Michigan
141, Junior, Oak Forest, Ill. (Carl Sandburg HS)
Kruger went 2-1 in his three matches at National Duals. He opened the tournament with a 3-1 sudden victory decision over 2007 All-American and No. 10-ranked J Jaggers (Ohio State). In the second round, he dropped a 7-5 sudden victory decision to No. 4 Manuel Rivera (Minnesota), but came back to claim a 7-5 sudden victory decision over No. 18 Nick Gallick (Iowa State). Kruger was one of just two Chippewas to win a bout against the Cyclones.
Sean Clair ? Eastern Michigan
133, Redshirt Sophomore, Plum, Pa. (Turtlecreek HS)
Defeated Josh Palivoda of Cleveland State 11-0, pushing his overall record on the year to 23-3. Is a perfect 15-0 in dual matches on the season. Last loss came two months ago, Nov. 11, at the Michigan State Open.
Pat Castillo ? Northern Illinois
133, Senior, Western Springs, Ill. (Lyons Township)
Castillo def. Joe Wilson (Buffalo) via fall (2:49); Castillo def. Jan Ulinski (Findlay) via technical fall 29-11 (7:00).
Kent Smith ? Ohio
165, Sophomore, Bowling Green, Ohio (Eastwood High School)
Kent Smith posted a 2-1 record at the Virginia Duals with wins against North Dakota State and Duquesne. The sophomore tallied an 8-3 decision against NDSU's Mike Quamme and pinned Duquesne's Ryan Sula in 1:35.