Bertin Earns Keen Award as Most Outstanding Wrestler
4/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan wrestling team, which posted a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Championships, wrapped up its 2002-03 season and announced the team awards at its annual banquet on Saturday (April 12).
| | Bertin |
Bertin was also named the recipient of the DR. DONAHUE AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, the award that goes to the wrestler who has shown exemplary performance in the classroom and maintains the highest grade point average on the team. Currently majoring in general studies in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, Bertin maintains a 3.80 GPA and will enroll in the U-M Business School next fall.
The STEVE FRASER AWARD for mental toughness went to fifth-year senior captain Mike Kulczycki (North Royalton, Ohio/St. Edward HS), who battled back from a preseason torn ACL and a severe ankle sprain in early February to qualify for his fourth NCAA Championships. Kulczycki wrapped up his five years at Michigan with a 110-41 career record, placing him in 14th on Michigan's all-time wins list.
Senior/junior Pat Owen (Polson, Mont./Polson HS) received the JEFF REESE AWARD as the most improved wrestler for his dedication to improving his skills and persevering through a series of nagging injuries. Returning from injury midway through the Big Ten dual meet season, Owen earned three falls over three highly ranked wrestlers in a two-week span and qualified for the NCAA Championships after moving up a weight class to 174 pounds.
This year's MARK CHURELLA MOST OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN AWARD, named this season in honor of Michigan's three-time NCAA champion, went to two talented redshirt freshmen -- Ryan Churella (Northville, Mich./Novi HS) and Greg Wagner (Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider HS). Churella broke into the lineup in mid-January at 149 pounds and went on to compile a 13-9 overall mark while qualifying for the NCAA Championships with a third-place finish at the Big Ten Championships. Wagner posted an overall record of 24-15 at heavyweight and qualified for the NCAA tournament with a sixth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships.
The 11TH MAN AWARD went to junior/sophomore Jeremiah Tobias (Manchester, Mich./Manchester HS) for showing the most outstanding team dedication and effort in his willingness to always help his teammates. Tobias, who started in four dual meets for the Maize and Blue at 149 pounds, posted a season record of 18-7 and a team-leading 10 falls.
The Wolverines concluded the 2002-03 season with an 11-6 dual record and a 6-2 Big Ten record. The Wolverines placed sixth at the Big Ten Championships and seventh at the NCAA tournament.
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
