2013-2014 St. John’s Preview

Saint John’s University Johnnies
Head Coach: Brandon Novak
Years at School as head coach: 10th
Career Record at school: 73-62
Assistant Coaches: Kevin Schiltz, Tony Willaert

2012-13 Dual Meet Record: 8-5
2012-13 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Ryan Arne (157), Mitch Hagen (5th, 184), Ryan Michaelis (197), John Scepaniak (285), Nick Schuler (165) and Chris Stevermer (149)

Returning Qualifiers: Ryan Arne (157), Ryan Michaelis (197) and John Scepaniak (285)

Top returning starters:
-Ryan Arne: National Qualifier (157 lbs., 2013), 10-6 record last year
-Ryan Michaelis: National Qualifier (197 lbs., 2013), 10-6 record last year
-John Scepaniak: National Qualifier (Hwt., 2013), 13-16 record last year
-Dalton Sowers: 8-6 record last year at 133 lbs., 4th West Region
-John Wells: 10-7 record as a freshman last year at 125 lbs., 5th West Region
-Josh Willaert: 20-5 record as a freshman last year at 174 lbs., 4th West Region

Season outlook:
With seven starters returning, St. John’s is in good shape heading into 2013-2014. The team was third in a top-heavy West Region and looks to beat that this season. Half of the six 2013 qualifiers are gone, as well as their lone All-American Mitch Hagen, leaving a lot of responsibility to returning qualifiers Ryan Arne, Ryan Michaelis, and John Scepaniak. Arne and Scepaniak each picked up a win at the tournament, but they will need to do more this year if St. John’s is to move up from 18th place.  Dalton Sowers and Josh Willaert each came a match away from qualifying, so it won’t take much of a step up from them to make the trip to Cedar Rapids in March.