Olivet Preview
Olivet narrowly missed the top ten last year, finishing 11th by 3.5 points, but they return all of their point scorers from the NCAA tournament. Former runners-up Jason Brew (157) and Kyle Vanderhyde (174) each return for their final seasons of competition. Joining them will be seven other starters from last year’s Midwest Regional runner-up team. The top incoming wrestler is likely Central Michigan transfer and former Michigan state champ Blake Birmingham who returns after a year away from the mats. Sophomore Vince Tucker-Lahar is back after a 28 win freshman campaign at 149, though he will drop to 141 for 2008-2009. Adding to the excitement for this year is the construction of a new wrestling room, coaches offices, and weight room that will be used by the Olivet team this year.
Team: Olivet College
Head Coach: Todd Hibbs (Mount Union ’89)
Years at School as head coach: 5th
Career Record at school: 46-17-2
Assistant Coaches: Jeff Therrian
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record:Â 7-7
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: 157, Jason Brew (157/2nd), Kyle Vanderhyde (174/4th)
Returning All-Americans:Â Brew and Vanderhyde
Top returning starters:Â 157 – Jason Brew, NCAA Runner-Up; 174 – Kyle Vanderhyde, 2X All-American, 2nd and 4th; 141 Vince Tucker, 28 wins as a freshman at 149
Top incoming wrestlers:Â 149/165, Blake Birmingham, Central Michigan transfer, former MHSAA state champion; 165, Caleb Norville, 2X Indiana state placer