May 9, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland wrestling team handed out its awards for the 2006-07 season at the annual awards picnic held at the Epping Forest Club House in Annapolis on May 6. Redshirt freshman Hudson Taylor was given the John McHugh Most Outstanding Wrestler Award after going 29-9.
Taylor was one win away from earning All-America status at the NCAA Championships this season. He also won the Most Falls Award as he had 16 during the year. That number was fourth in the entire nation last season.
Seniors Jerry Afari, Jason Kiessling, Mike Maceroli, Jeff Oldham, and Jerad Villecco were all awarded their letters. In addition, Kiessling was handed the Kevin Kearns Senior Achievement Award, named after the long-time contributor to the program. Kiessling went 30-9 in 2006-07 and advanced to the NCAA Championships after winning the ACC title at 165 pounds.
Sophomore James Knox was given the Tom Norris Unsung Hero Award, named after the Vietnam veteran and author. Knox finished the season 15-13 and finished second at the ACC Championships at 125 pounds. Freshman Mike Letts was awarded the Curt Callahan Mental Toughness Award, named after the alum, as he went 30-7 with 10 major decisions and won the ACC title at 174 pounds. Letts was also tabbed the team's Freshman of the Year.
Afari was also given the Most Improved Award as he went 19-11 at heavyweight after competing in the 197 pound weight class as a junior. Patrick Gilmore was named the Redshirt of the Year.
The Terps' co-captains, Afari and junior Charlie Pinto, were also given awards for their leadership.
Maryland's 2006-07 season was a historic one as it went 17-5 in duals. That tied the school record for wins in a season as the Terps also won 17 in 1990. They also finished 5-0 in the ACC and clinched its first outright conference dual meet championship since 1974.
The Terps had two wrestlers who racked up over 100 takedowns during the season as Kiessling led the team with 115 and Letts followed with 106.
The Terrapins finished in the top 20 in the country in home attendance this past season. The coaching staff would like to thank all of the University of Maryland fans for their support in 2006-07 and the Terps look forward to packing the Comcast Pavilion for every dual in the near future.
