UW-La Crosse Preview
UW La Crosse Eagles
Head Coach: Dave Malecek
Years at School as head coach: 5
Career Record at school: 67-12
Assistant Coaches: Derek Fuglsang, Ross Needham, Josh Zabel, Andy Moore
2009-2010 Dual Meet Record:14-3
2009-2010 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: 125 Albie McKinney NQ, 133 Bebeto Yewah Champ, 149 Matt Mauseth 3rd, 165 Cory Ferguson 8th, 174 Mike Schmitz Champ, 197 Andy Moore 4th, 285 Dan Laurent Champ
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: McKinney, Yewah, Mauseth, Ferguson, Schmitz
Number of returning wrestlers who competed in 2010 national qualifier: 8
Top returning starters:
Albie McKinney 2x NQ 125
Bebeto Yewah NCAA Champ 133
Alex Dahl 2nd at WIAC 141
Mauseth 3x All American 149
Ryan Farwell Sr. 157 2nd WIAC
Cory Ferguson Sr. 165 All American
Mike Schmitz Jr. 174 Champ
Mitch Artist Sr. 184 2nd at WIAC
Top incoming wrestlers:
Justin Enderby Wi State Champ 125
Spencer Courier 133 2x Mo Placewinner
Tyler Maxwell 149 2x Ia Placewinner
RJ Dilcher 157 Illinois Placewinner
Clay Olson 174 Mn State Placewinner
Evan Sinram 184 Wi Placewinner
197 Parker Brand RCTC Jr. College All-American
Cody Endres 197 Wi 2x Finalist
Rance Nofsinger Wi Finalist HWT
Season outlook:
La Crosse came close to winning the championship last year after entering the season ranked number one, but they had to settle for the second place trophy. They were able to take home the consolation prize of three NCAA Champions, two of whom return in Yewah and Schmitz. Also, 2009 champ Matt Mauseth is back for his senior year and is looking for his fourth All-American award. With eight starters returning, La Crosse should again be very strong and in contention for the championship. A lot will depend on how well they replace All-American Andy Moore at 197 and three time NCAA champ Dan Laurent at 285. They did bring in a nice looking class with no less than eight state placewinners and an NJCAA All-American. If a couple of their WIAC runners-up can make it to the NCAA tournament this time around and the returning qualifiers can keep it up, the Eagles will be a tough matchup all year long and especially in March.