Northwestern University Athletics
2000-2001 Northwestern Wrestling Outlook
11/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Nov. 7, 2000
EVANSTON, Ill. -
The Northwestern wrestling team enters the 2000-2001 season with seven returning starters from a team that finished sixth in the rugged Big Ten.
"With the quality guys we have coming back and the excitement this recruiting class brings, we expect to compete among the top of our conference," said head coach Tim Cysewski.
This year's projected starters have a good balance of freshman some experienced redshirt freshman and sophomores and the ever important senior leadership.
Starting at 125 pounds, freshman Paul Augle, a 1999 Illinois state champion will begin his collegiate career as a starter. The local product from Tinley Park, Ill., recorded 135 wins to 11 losses while competing in high school.
Junior John Giacche looks to improve on an 18-13 record a season ago at 133. Giacche finished eighth at last year's Big Ten tournament, just missing a chance to compete at the national meet.
"I'm excited to see what John can accomplish this year," said Cysewski. "John improved from last year and has shown a lot hard work off season. I expect him to be one of our leaders on the mat."
Also vying for mat time at 133 will be freshman Brian Roskin. Roskin was named the Missouri All-District Wrestler of the Year in 1999. He holds Missouri state records for most takedowns, most team points, career takedowns and career wins.
Freshman Josh Ballard, a two-time New Mexico state champion, steps onto the mat right away at 141. Ballard hopes to fill the big shoes left behind by three-time All-American Scott Schatzman. Ballard was named a 2000 All-American by Wrestling USA Magazine and rated fifth in the country in his weight class.
Redshirt sophomore Ryan Cumbee looks to fit the top spot at 149 pounds with junior Jonathan Friedstat is also looking to rack up some wins.
"This is a competitive weight class for us," said Cysewski. "These guys are excellent wrestlers who deserve to compete. We'll see who steps to the forefront in preseason."
Redshirt junior Jason Erwinski gets top billing at 157 pounds after sitting out last year with a staff infection in his elbow.
"Jason is one of our best conditioned athletes and we expect him to show us great things this year," stated Cysewski.
In the 165 pound weight class, redshirt freshman Ryan Kane will get the starting nod from coach Cysewski.
Also looking to compete at 165 will be freshman J.P. Boulus and sophomore Dyer Vann.
One of the two returning seniors on this year's young squad is Tom Ciezki. Ciezki finished fifth at the Big Ten tournament (184 pounds) and looks to improve on a disappointing NCAA meet. He will compete at the 174 pound weight class this season.
"Tom will be a powerful presence at 174 pounds this year. He's lighter and faster than he was a year ago," said Cysewski. "We plan on Tom having a great year."
Taking over at 184 pounds for Ciezki will be either sophomore Brendan Curran or senior Will Marcantel. Curran redshirted a year ago while Marcantel saw limited action.
"It will be a battle to see who steps out on the mat for us. Both of these guys have the potential to be excellent wrestlers," said Cysewski.
Sophomore Matt Huebner will start at 197 pounds for the `Cats in 2000-01. As a freshman, Huebner finished seventh at the Big Ten tournament, beating Lee Weber of Iowa to qualify for nationals. At the NCAA tournament, he went 1-2, picking up valuable experience for this season.
"Matt had a break through season a year ago," said Cysewski. "He's been through the Big Ten and knows what it takes to win. Our staff expects a lot from him this year."
In the heavyweight division, junior Josh Saul looks to improve on his 13-17 record in 1999-2000. Saul just missed qualifying for the NCAA tournament with an eighth-place finish at the Big Ten championship.
"Josh spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason," stated Cysewski. "We'll look to him for some key victories this season."
Freshmen Chris Graves and Michael Little will be competing for matches at 197 or heavyweight, respectively.
Little is a three time Oklahoma state champion and a 1999 high school All-American.
"I'm excited to see what this team can accomplish," concluded Cysewski. "With the experience of the older guys and youthfulness of our team, I expect us to compete for some titles."
