2004-05 WRM at Cliff Keen Invitational -- Notes & Quotes
12/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
N O T E S
The Wolverines have placed fifth or better in 10 of their last 12 appearances at the Cliff Keen Invitational.
With 148 points, U-M tallied its second-highest team score in 22 total appearances at the annual tournament. When the Wolverines won the team title in 2001, they combined for 163 points.
The Wolverines boasted their most individual champions at the Cliff Keen Invitational with four wrestlers winning at their respective weights. On five previous occasions, U-M had two individual champions, most recently in 2001.
Michigan had not had an individual champion since the 2001 tournament.
Mark Moos, Ryan Churella and Greg Wagner all have a pair of individual tournament titles to their credit this season, winning at the Body Bar Invitational and the Cliff Keen Invitational.
With a perfect 6-0 record, fifth-year senior Ryan Bertin improved his career record to 118-20, moving him into the 13th spot on U-M's all-time wins list. He needs just two more wins to reach the 12th position, currently held by Lanny Green (120-47, 1990-93).
Q U O T E S
U-M Head Coach Joe McFarland
On the team's improvement from last season's tournament ... "We were in the team race last season, we just didn't finish well. This season, I think we're wrestling with more confidence, and that really shows a good sign of maturity and development. We had a much stronger finish, and that made a big difference."
On the significance of this performance ... "The purpose of everything we do during the season is to improve our preparation for the end of the year at the NCAA meet. We'll enjoy this team title for the next couple days, but then will move on and refocus on the task at hand. This weekend was a good indication of where we are right now as a team. I think a performance like this will build more confidence, and that's what it takes to win championships."
Fifth-Year Senior Captain Ryan Bertin
On winning the individual title in his final appearance ... "This tournament was a big deal, and my motivation was very high all week in practice. Every year, I've been right on the verge, but then I don't wrestle well or I get hurt and it doesn't work quite the way I want. I really focused on my intensity throughout this tournament, and I think it paid off. It's nice to finally win; hopefully, it's a sign of good things to come."
On Michigan's team performance ... "We have a great group of wrestlers this season; we're all on the same page. We all want to work hard, and we're all willing to work hard. We're pounding each other's heads every day, and we push each other to improve. When you see Mark (Moos) win, it really motivates you, and you know Ryan (Churella) is going to do well. You always want to do well for yourself, but at the same time, you really want to do well for the team."
Senior/Junior Captain Ryan Churella
On the 165-pound final against Nate Yetzer ... "I had wrestled him a couple weeks ago at Cornell, so I was familiar with his style. I pretty much just stuck to the basics. I wanted to stay aggressive through the whole match, and I really think that helped open up a lot of scoring situations. I'm pretty comfortable on top, so when I was able to get him on the mat that earned some extra points."
On the difference from last season's tournament ... "For me personally, the weight cutting really took a lot out of me, and early in the season, I wasn't used to it, so I didn't think I wrestled nearly as well as I could have. As far as the team goes, I think we're training a lot smarter. Practice isn't as structured right now as it has been in years past; it allows each of us to develop on our own around a team plan, which suits the different training styles. Everyone has the same goal and the same work ethic, and I think we're just having a lot more fun in the room."
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
