Wolverine Grapplers Announce Season-Ending Awards
3/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
The top accolade went to senior All-American Joe Warren (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Kentwood HS), who received the CLIFF KEEN AWARD as the most outstanding wrestler. The departing senior placed third at the NCAA Championships and finished the year ranked fourth in the country at 125 pounds. Warren concluded his tenure at U-M tied for 15th in career victories with 104.
Joe DeGain (White Lake, Mich./Clarkston HS) took home two pieces of hardware, winning the STEVE FRASER AWARD for mental toughness and the DR. DONAHUE AWARD for academic excellence. Unselfishly, DeGain moved up from his natural 184-pound class to compete at 197, which was deep with talent, having nine ranked competitors from the Big Ten Conference. DeGain defeated five ranked opponents this past season. Academically, he was named Academic All-Big Ten for the second time and earned U-M Athletic Academic Achievement for the third consecutive year.
The JEFF REESE AWARD for the most improved wrestler went to sophomore All-American Matt Brink (Muskegon, Mich./Fruitport HS). Brink placed sixth at the NCAA meet to earn All-America honors. The heavyweight was second on the team in wins (27), improving from 16 the previous season.
The top freshman was Mike Kulczycki (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Edwards HS). The 149-pounder came in third at the Big Ten Championships, earned a final ranking of 15th and was voted to the Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie Team.
The inaugural 11TH MAN AWARD for outstanding team effort went to Matt Michalski (Farmington Hills, Mich./Farmington HS). Michalski was a spot starter, competing in both the 133 and 141 weight classes. He recorded his first dual win in his last collegiate match.
The Maize and Blue finished its season ranked No. 8 in the country with a 12-3-1 record and 5-2-1 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines had a fifth-place showing at the conference meet and came in 13th at the NCAA Championships.
Contact: Jason Binge (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
