2013-2014 Wheaton Preview
Wheaton College Thunder
Head Coach: Jim Gruenwald
Years at School as head coach: 5th Season
Career Record at school: 14 – 37
Assistant Coaches: Head Asst. Eric Terrazas, Scott Torppey, Darren Faber
2012-2013 Dual Meet Record: 6-7
2012-2013 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Dan Olsen (7th @ 184) and Darren Faber (NQ 197)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: Dan Olsen
Top returning starters:
157 Mark Savenok (37-6 as sophomore, 56-11 overall)
184 Dan Olsen (AA and 36-7)
174 Matt McCrary (36-15 as junior, 60- 49 overall)
197 Mitch Steed
Top incoming wrestlers:
Jared Fekete (3 x MI state qualifier, 4th as Junior)
Stephen Aiello (4 x Virginia state place winner, 2nd as senior)
Taylor Gohn (3 x MI state qualifier, 6th and 2nd place)
Logan Walkup (Iowa 2nd in state)
Season outlook:
Wheaton should be able to put a full lineup on the mat for the first time in a little while, and that lineup has some experience. Dan Olsen returns after an All-American finish a year ago and a trip to the University World Championships in Greco-Roman. Mark Savenok has shown flashes of brilliance and has the talent to hang with anyone. Matt McCrary has gotten wins over NCAA qualifiers, and will be aiming for more consistency this year. Mitch Steed should settle into his natural weight of 197 after finishing last year as an undersized heavyweight. With a solid core, Wheaton could have their first winning record in a long time if the newcomers to the lineup can supplement the talent that is already there.