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Luther College Norse
Head Coach: Dave Mitchell
Years at School as head coach: 14
Career Record at school: 169-72-6
Assistant Coaches: Jeff O’Gara, Billy Huebner, Spencer Yohe, Travis Grawin, Jesse Reyerson
2008-2009 Dual Meet Record: 7-10-1
2008-2009 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: 125 Jayson Swanson, 133 Zac Bartlett NCAA Champ, 149 Jason Pyle NCAA 7th, 157 Yonny Quist, 184 Nic Barclay, 197 Alec Bonander, HWT Allyn Plattner
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: 125 Jayson Swanson, 149 Jason Pyle, 184 Nic Barclay, HWT Allyn Plattner
Number of returning wrestlers who competed in your 2009 national qualifier: 6
Top returning starters:
125 Jayson Swanson NQ, 3rd at IIAC
141 Kevon Bokoski 4th at IIAC behind 3 All-Americans
149 Jason Pyle 7th NCAA
157/165 Lance Serbousek 5th at IIAC
184 Nic Barclay 2x National Qualifier
HWT Allyn Plattner NQ, 2nd at IIAC, lost OT in AA round
Top incoming wrestlers:
125 Louis Mazzetta, Libertyville, IL: State Qualifier in AAA
133 Ryan Capouch, Blair Taylor, WI: 2x State Placewinner, Placed 2nd & 4th.
141 Josiah Stotts, Mesa, AZ: 2x State Champion, 4x Placewinner, HM National Rank
157 Peadair Flood, Scituate, MA: State RUnner-up, Placed 4th at New Englands
174 Matt Fassbinder, Valley CEW, IA; State Placewinner; 3X State Qualifier
Last season the Norse felt the sting of not having any juniors contribute in their lineup. They will feel that again this season by not having any tradional seniors. They will be helped 2nd semester by having National Qualifiers Nic Barclay and Allyn Plattner return for an additional semester to use their medical hardship year. Luther will rely heavily on a solid Junior class that gained much experience last year as sophomores. There will be some talented freshmen who will be called on to contribute as well. The beginning of the season could be challenging, but look for the Norse to make strides near tournament time. The tough IIAC schedule helps those teams get ready for the postseason, and Luther will be no exception. The second semester additions plus some time for the freshmen to get some seasoning could make Luther a very different team in January than it will be in November.