John Carroll Preview

Head Coach Kerry Volkman always has his team in contention for the OAC title, and they will continue to challend Heidelberg for OAC supremacy in 2008-2009.  Junior Ben Adams just missed the podium in 2008, losing in the round of 12.  He returns at 184 and will not play football this year to focus on wrestling.  Two time OAC runner-up Dan Mizener has twice just missed the NCAA tournament and will take another shot at it in 2008-2009, as will 2x placewinner Elie Naoum.  Adam Pizzuro was John Carroll’s other qualifier last year, though he has moved on due to graduation.  Filling his spot will likely be 3x Ohio state finalist Adam Kriwinsky.  Kriwinsky transferred in from American last year, but did not compete.  Just six starters are back, so there will be some new faces in the lineup beyond the likely Kriwinsky.  Chris Branchen returns at 174 from an injury that cost him most of last season and should be back in the 2nd semester.  He has been ranked nationally when healthy, and the staff at JCU is hopeful he can make a run to the podium.

Team: John Carroll University
Head Coach: Kerry Volkmann (John Carroll ’71)
Years at School as head coach: 21
Career Record at school: 263-101-5
Assistant Coaches: Jim Bertulis, Jim Ayers, Daniel Ralph

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 8-7
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Adam Pizzurro (133/NQ), Ben Adams (184/NQ)
Returning Qualifier: Adams

Top returning starters: 184 Ben Adams – NQ, OAC Champ, 33-6; 149 Dan Mizener – 2x OAC runner-up; 125 Elie Naoum – 2x OAC place-winner; 197 Jim Neumanitis – OAC runner-up

Top incoming wrestlers: Andrew Schafer 2x Ohio State placer, Blake Thoreson OH 4th, Connor Suba Ohio State Qualifier, Nick Morin 2x Wisconsin State Qualifier, Bryan Steinmetz WI state Qualifier