Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brian Moser Mark Vanden Hoogen pins Brett Oswald from UW-Stevens Point in 53 seconds.

Media Credit: Brian Moser Jacob Frias gets his hand raised after earning a decision against the Pointers' Mo Malone, 5-3.

Considered one of the best wrestling programs in the state, Lakeland's program hit a slow start this year with a current record or 2-3 in dual meets. This slow start may be attributed to the youth that the Muskies have this year or the injuries suffered to key players.

Lakeland Wrestling is staggeringly young this season. Six of nine competing wrestlers against Wheaton College were underclassmen.

I think the (young competitors) are doing a heck of a job," said head coach Pete Rogers. "I think the team attitude and chemistry is bringing them up to the next level."

Sophomore David Copp at the 125 pound weight class is one example of a young athlete stepping up to the next level. Copp is currently 7-1 individually this year and recently captured the 125 pound title at the MSOE Invitational Saturday, Dec. 2.

Injuries have plagued the team as their bout sheets have been showed. Senior Noe De Leon, who splits time with Clint Harbord at 133, has been unable to wrestle as of late due to a stress fracture in his left leg.

"(De Leon) is a hard worker and you cannot replace someone like that, because he is always going to be there for me. He is always going to be there for the team," said Rogers.

Lakeland had to forfeit at 174 against Wheaton due to J.D. Sylvanus being deemed inactive for an indefinite amount of time. The sophomore contracted swelling in his spleen and liver and underwent testing.

"We hope for the best," said Rogers. "Swollen organs are never a minor thing, but we just hope that it is something easy to fix."

Senior and captain, Matt Priemesberger, has not wrestled at all this season. He is suffered many minor injuries rendering him unable to wrestle. The senior just does not feel he is up for competition yet. His inactivity may also be a result of the heavy academic workload that he has undertaken, as he is reportedly trying to enter graduate school.

"(Priemesberger) continues to have a rough go-at-it with injuries," said Rogers. "I do not know if he is going to be healthy enough to (wrestle) yet. I hope for his sake that he is able to go later in the season."

Priemesberger continues to practice and reportedly continues to maintain his leadership responsibilities as the captain of the team.
"I know wrestling is extremely important to Matt," said Rogers. "He continues to be a great leader for the team. Whether he is on the mat or not, in the practice room he is a great leader."

Mark Vanden Hoogen has certainly raised some eyebrows this season. The senior captain is 8-0 on the year with five pins already. He currently sits at eighth in the nation in Division III.

"I think (Vanden Hoogen) is capable of being an All-American," said Rogers. "I know that is his goal. I know that is what he is setting out to do."

The top eight wrestlers in the nation at the end of the year are considered All-American. At this point in time, he would qualify.

Rogers still maintains the heavyweight needs to continue to strive to improve. "I think there is always room for improvement," said Rogers. "I think in order for him to feel like he is worth (All-American status), he needs to keep on working hard and doing the right things. When (wrestlers) start thinking, 'I'm good enough,' that is when they don't become an All-American or National champion."

"Our goal is to continue to take it one match at a time," said Rogers. "If he does that, if he continues to only look at what's in front of him, I think he has an excellent shot."

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