Luther Preview
With four NCAA qualifiers back from last season’s 6th place team, Luther is shooting for a trophy in 2008-2009. Zach Bartlett, Yonny Quist, and Alec Bonander are all returning All-Americans,a nd Nic Barclay was a qualifier last year. Additionally, 20 match winners Jason Pyle and Allyn Plattner were behind NCAA qualifiers in the lineup, but they should be able to find their way into starting positions this year. Kevin Bokoski is another quality wrestler with starter talent that had to sit behind All-Americans at 133 and 141 last season. This depth will help Luther stay on an upward path and try to knock off one of the top teams in the IIAC on their way to yet another top ten finish in the NCAA. A small freshman class joins up this year, though Luther’s depth this year affords the luxury of a small recruiting class. It is not without talent, however, as it is headlined by 3x Alaska placer and 1x champ Quincy Voris. If Luther can keep everyone healthy and in the right weights, they will be tough to beat.
Team: Luther College
Head Coach: Dave Mitchell (UW-La Crosse)
Years at School as head coach: 13 Years
Career Record at school: 156-62-5
Assistant Coaches: Jeff O’Gara, Matt Pyle, Paul Meirick, Jesse Reyerson, Travis Grawin
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 13-6
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Zach Bartlett (133/7th), Travis Grawin (141/4th), Yonny Quist (149/8th), Nic Barclay (184/NQ), Alec Bonander (197/5th), John Miller (285/NQ)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans:Â Bartlett, Quist, Barclay, Bonander
Top returning starters: 125 Lee Meirick, 133 Zach Bartlett 7th NCAA, 149 Yonny Quist 8th NCAA, 149/157 Jason Pyle 20+ wins, 184 Nic Barclay NCAA qualifier, 197 Alec Bonander 5th NCAA, 285 Allyn Plattner 20+ wins
Top incoming wrestlers:Â Quincy Voris AK champ and 3x placer; Adam Rave IA State Qualifier