Notes & Quotes: Wolverine Quad
12/30/2007 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
N O T E S
With the day's victories, the Wolverines improved to 23-12 in the all-time series against Lehigh, 12-0 in the series vs. Eastern Michigan and 1-0 in the series vs. Buffalo. Michigan boasts an impressive 54-3 all-time mark against teams from the MAC Conference with its only losses coming against Central Michigan.
In its 35-6 victory over Buffalo in its first competition of the day, U-M boasted its greatest dual-meet point total in three seasons, dating back to the 2004-05 campaign when the Wolverines defeated Army 35-9 at the Lone Star Duals.
Fifth-year senior Josh Churella and senior/junior Tyrel Todd both earned bonus points in all three oftheir wins this afternoon. Churella posted a fall, technical and major decision, whilke Todd secured a pair of falls and a dominant major decision victory. Churella has boasted bonus points in eight of 12 victories this season -- one pin, three tech falls and five major decisions. Todd has claimed bonus points in six of 10 wins this season,claiming four pins and two majors, and has won nine consecutive matches.
With three wins at today's Wolverine Quad, freshman Kellen Russell now boasts a 15-0 record in his first collegiate season. It is the best start for a U-M true freshman in program history.
Michigan other undefeated wrestler, fifth-year senior Eric Tannenbaum, improved his season mark to 13-0. Last season, Tannenbaum began the season in similar fashion, registering 23 straight wins before falling in the 165-pound final at the Big Ten Championships -- a streak that shares the 10th spot among Michigan's all-time consecutive wins leaders. The U-M captain has not lost a dual match in more than a year, boasting a winning streak of 22, dating back to the 2005-06 regular-season finale. He has not lost a single dual match since moving to 165 pounds.
Tannenbaum also improved his career record to 121-21 in five years at Michigan and moved to 14th on Michigan's list of all-time wins leaders. He needs to four wins to reach the 12th spot, currently held by Scott Rechsteiner (125. 1982-83, '85-86) and Sean Bormet (125, 1991-94).
Fifth-year senior Josh Churella also moved up theall-time wins list after improving his career record to 107-18. Churella ranks 24th among Michigan's wins leaders and needs one more to claim a share of the 23rd spot -- with Fritz Lehrke (108, 1988-91).
Adding a pair of victories at today's quad meet, fifth-year senior Jeff Marsh has already matched his career-best season win total (13) and more than doubled his career dual win total (6). Prior to this season, Marsh's most successful campaign was two years in 2005-06 when he tallied a 13-5 mark and went 3-2 in dual competitions.
Former Michigan standout Jeff Catrabone (1995-98) made an appearance at today's Wolverine Quad as Buffalo's top assistant coach. Catrabone was a three-time All-American for the Maize and Blue and ranks fourth in career wins (160) and second in career pins (55).
In the Wolverine Quad's other dual meets, Eastern Michigan defeated Lehigh 20-16, Buffalo defeated Lehigh 22-9 and Eastern Michigan defeated Buffalo 21-12.
Q U O T E S
Michigan Head Coach Joe McFarland
On the Wolverines' performance... "I thought the guys did a great job. They came back from the holiday break on the 27th ready to wrestle, and that was great to see. Everyone kept their weight under control, and we had some really good workouts leading into this competition. So, I expected a good performance today."
On Michigan's freshmen performers ... "Both Kellen [Russell] and Anthony [Biondo] continue to get better from match to match. They are making those little adjustments -- both of them have done a really good job with that. Overall, I thought we were really consistent today. Everyone did a great job."
U-M Senior/Junior Tyrel Todd
On feeling like he's starting to hit stride... "I think I've been getting better with each match this season. I'm working on moving my feet more and my explosive. Working out with Anthony [Biondo] every day, I get put into positions that I never normally would be in. It makes me work on different things, like putting my legs in. It really helps us both improve our wrestling. I've seen huge improvements in both of us. I felt a little sluggish in that first match, getting down to weight for the first time in a few weeks, but I was feeling a lot better as the day went on.
On the Wolverine team... "It's just so exciting to be on this team this year. This is, by far, the best team that I've ever been on. Kellen Russell is doing things that nobody thought was possible. Anthony [Biondo] is doing the same thing. [Eric] Tannenbaum is doing his thing, and doing it well. Josh [Churella] and Steve [Luke] have a lot of tools. [Jeff] Marsh is having a great season so far. [Chris] Diehl is right there. Mike [Watts] turned it on today. So, take your pick. Our wrestling has improved throughout the year. I know mine has gotten a lot better. It's going to keep getting better across the board.
"Enjoying the process of it is really what makes the difference. If you just focus on that national title, that's great, but it's so far away. You can't really get a hold of it. But, day in and day out, this group of guys are getting those extra workouts in and pushing themselves, and I'm seeing more guys really enjoying the process of it. We're just working hard and having fun. But now we've reached the tough part. The rest of the season is just a grind. You start worrying about injuries, guys staying focused or guys falling off the train. Now our true colors will show."
U-M Sophomore/Freshman Anthony Biondo
On today's quad meet... "I expected us to a little rusty after the break. But I think we looked really good today; it was a good day for us. It's always good to beat up on other teams a little bit. It's a confidence booster. This is when the season really starts, so it was a good way to head into the rest of the season."
On gaining momentum at his new weight class... "I have a good game plan going into every match. I'm still developing, and I'm getting more and more confident with every match. I'm working this unconventional style. It seems to be what's working, and I don't think it will end any time soon. I think I catch some guys off guard when I hit them with some funky moves, especially the bigger guys. I don't think they're used to that."
Players Mentioned
