Rolling in Omaha
Mavericks favored to win third Div. II title
Much like Stillwater, Okla., has become the mecca for Division I wrestling, Omaha is the place to be in the Division II ranks right now.
The Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks have won the last two national titles and are the clear-cut favorites to repeat this season.
The Mavericks not only return three-time NCAA champ Les Sigman (heavyweight), and defending champions in juniors Patrick Allibone (157 pounds) and J.D. Naig (165), they also bring back five other starters.
“We have a pretty veteran crew that knows what it takes,” UNO coach Mike Denney said. “They key for us is to keep everybody healthy and keep our focus. We have a great bunch. This is the best quality we’ve had, top to bottom.”
Minnesota State looks like the team with the best shot of knocking off Nebraska-Omaha. Pitt-Johnstown, Central Oklahoma, Findlay (the hosts of the 2006 NCAA tournament), Augustana and Nebraska-Kearney are among the other teams expected to contend.
“It’s never easy to win a national title,” Denney said. “There are a lot of very good teams who would love to knock us off.”
Nebraska-Omaha also returns an All-American in junior Steve Conlin at 174 along with national qualifiers in senior Dan Hilario (133), sophomore Shane Unger (149) and junior Ben Strandberg (197). Junior Nate Oviatt, a two-year starter at 184, also
returns.“Omaha is definitely the favorite,” Minnesota State coach Jim Makovsky said. “Coach Denney has a lot of returning kids, plus they’ve been national champs the last two years and that gives you a swagger.”
Two-time All-American Mitch Waite, second and seventh nationally at 133 before injuring his neck late last season, also is back this year for the Mavericks. The senior will move up to 141 in place of two-time All-American Eli Dominguez.
Waite had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck last April.
“Mitch is looking really good and he’s feeling good,” Denney said. “He’s going full tilt right now.”
Maverick freshman Cody Garcia (125) is expected to fill the void left by Dustin Tovar, who placed second and third at nationals his final two seasons. Garcia was a three-time Kansas state champion.
Sigman is looking to become just the fourth wrestler in NCAA Division II history to win four national titles. Sigman, from Sturgis, S.D., has not allowed an offensive point in 12 NCAA tournament matches.
“Winning it four times would be a heck of an accomplishment for Les,” Denney said. “What I love most about Les is he really cares about the team more than anything. He’s a very good leader and our guys really look up to him.”
Makovsky’s Minnesota State team is ready to take the next step after placing third nationally last season.
His team returns eight starters, including three All-Americans. Minnesota State is led by national runner-ups Jason Rhoten (149) and Travis Krinke (174). Both are juniors. Senior Math Bitz, who placed third at 157, also is back.
“This is probably the deepest team I’ve ever had,” Makovsky said. “We have great competition in the room.”
Rhoten had a rough off-season, breaking his femur when the golf cart he was a passenger on rolled during an outing. He had a titanium rod put in his leg in June, but his coach said Rhoten could be back on the mat before Christmas.
Makovsky’s team has also benefitted from some key transfers. Bitz transferred last year from North Dakota State to Minnesota State. Then three more Bison wrestlers transferred to Minnesota State after last season. NDSU, a former Division II power, is in the transition phase as it prepares to move up to the Division I level next season.
Pitt-Johnstown coach Pat Pecora will put another strong team on the mat this year. Pecora returns four All-Americans, including returning champion Thad Benton (141) and runner-up Ryon Mazzocco (125). Mike Corcetti (fourth at 184) and Eli Garshnick (sixth at 174) also return for UPJ.
“I really like this group of kids,” said Pecora, whose teams have won two national titles. “We have a real good group who likes to work hard and put the time in. I’m excited about our attitudes. Our team wants to do something special this year.”
Speaking of special, Benton is one of those types of kids, his coach said.
“That kid has ice in his veins — there is no fear in him and he stays real calm in real pressurized situations,” Pecora said. “He’s a very good all-around wrestler. He’s good on his feet, good on top and good on bottom. He has no weaknesses.”
Central Oklahoma struggled at nationals last year, placing 11th, but don’t count the Bronchos out this year.
UCO returns five All-Americans in Josh Leadingfox (fifth at heavyweight), Kyle Evans (sixth at 141), Jared Henning (seventh at 133), Shea Timothy (seventh at 149) and Cort Petersen (seventh at 165).
The Bronchos also put together a strong recruiting class, led by two-time junior-college national champ Earl Jones of Labette Community College and his teammate, juco national runner-up Adam Ingram.
Jones will compete at 133 and Ingram at 157.
“We’re pretty excited about this team,” Central Oklahoma coach David James said. “Last year was a big disappointment. It was not up to the standards we’re accustomed to. We’re looking to regain some respect.”
Findlay, fifth in the nation last year, returns a pair of national finalists in champion Andy Uhl (133) and runner-up Angelo Vettese (157). Findlay also returns fifth-place finisher Tony Guerra at 149.
Augustana lost national champs in Aaron Graumann (125) and two-time champ Tom Meester (184) from its second-place team, but the Vikings still have plenty of firepower.
Augie brings back All-Americans in Tim Boldt (second at 197), Andre VanderVelde (fourth at 141), Ryan King (fourth at 149), Cody Henriksen (sixth at 165) and Austin Scarset (seventh at 157).
Nebraska-Kearney is another team to keep an eye on. The Lopers are led by 2004 national champ Jeff Sylvester, who placed seventh last season at 197. Heavyweight Tervel Dlagnev placed sixth.
Shippensburg also will be strong, led by returning national champ Corey Jacoby (197). National champ Pacifico Garcia of San Francisco State also is back at 149 as is returning champ Careef Robertson of Anderson College at 174.
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