Olson Selected as U-M's Most Outstanding Wrestler
3/23/2001 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
| | Olson |
Olson also received the STEVE FRASER AWARD for mental toughness. Assistant coach Kirk Trost, who presented the award, said, "Otto is tough. There is probably a picture of him in the dictionary next to the word. He sets a great example for the guys."
A.J. Grant (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston HS) received the JEFF REESE AWARD as the most improved wrestler for his dedication to improving his skills and persevering through the early portion of the season. Grant became an All-American with his fourth-place finish at 125 pounds and 5-2 record at the national championships.
This year's MOST OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN AWARD went to 133-pounder Foley Dowd (Howell N.J./The Peddie School). Dowd finished eighth at the Big Ten Championships (March 3-4) and had a No. 9 final ranking.
The 11TH MAN AWARD went to freshman Ryan Bertin (Broadview Heights, Ohio/St. Edwards HS), who showed outstanding team dedication and effort. Trost commented, "Ryan was always the first guy to practice and often the last to leave. He played a huge part in helping numerous guys prepare for the Big Tens and nationals."
The DR. DONAHUE AWARD for academic excellence went to Mark Lazzo (Rochester, Mich./Adams HS), who has shown exemplary performance in his mathematics program and boasts the highest grade point average on the team.
In his closing remarks, head coach Joe McFarland said, "This was a really exciting season. Nine of the 10 starters are coming back and all 30 guys on the team have contributed to the success of this year."
The Maize and Blue finished the season with a 17-3-1 dual record and a 7-3-1 Big Ten record. The Wolverines finished fourth at the conference meet and seventh nationally.
Contact: Karen Simpson (734) 763-4423
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