May 3, 2011
LIKE! Maryland Athletics on Facebook
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland wrestling team celebrated its third conference championship in four seasons and its third consecutive top-20 finish nationally Saturday night at the team banquet.
This year's senior class, which consists of Owen Duffy, Patrick Gilmore, Jon Kohler, Dex Lederer, Mike Letts, Bradley Nielson, Lou Ruland, Will Sharbaugh, Tommy Sitar, Pat Strizki and manager Sam Bell, was also honored with individual presentations.
"This year's team accomplished many great things and I am very proud of them," said head coach Kerry McCoy. "The banquet was a great event that enabled us to showcase the incredible season."
Thought of by many to be rebuilding, the Terps exceeded expectations by winning the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, placing 18th at the NCAA Championship and having three All-Americans in Letts, sophomore Josh Asper and true freshman Spencer Myers.
Maryland led the conference with six wrestlers being named to the All-ACC wrestling team. Asper and Myers were recognized as they were named Wrestler of the Year and Co-Freshman of the Year, respectively.
Associate Athletic Director Ziz Abdur-Ra'oof honored Maryland's 20 letter winners in the 2010-11 season.
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Corliss Fingers was also on hand to present awards for weight-room performance.
Asper was awarded the John C. McHugh Outstanding Wrestler of the Year honor for the first time after going 35-5 and placing sixth nationally. A Parkton, Md., native, Asper didn't lose a single dual match this season and also was perfect in matches determined by pinfall or major decision. Asper, who also won the Curt Callahan Mental Toughness Award, led the Terps with team-highs in wins (35), dual wins (19), major decisions (11) and pins (7).
The Kevin R. Kearns Award, given to the senior wrestler who has contributed the most to the program at Maryland, was awarded to Letts. A senior captain, Letts placed placed seventh at the NCAA Championships after rebounding from a 2010 season which was cut short due to injury. Letts leads Maryland's active roster with over 120 wins in his career and is the only Maryland wrestler to medal in international competition.
Below is the complete list of banquet award winners:
Letter Winner Awards
Shane Gentry, Ben Dorsay, Spencer Myers, Danny O'Malley, Justin Cash, Domenic DeRobertis, Danny Orem, Eric Beverly, Jimmy Sheptock, Kyle John, Alex Pagnotta, Ty Snook, Christian Boley, Dallas Brown, Brian Marcoux, Josh Asper, Owen Smith, Corey Peltier, Ryan Gray, Pat Strizki and Joey Boone
Senior Letter Awards
Dex Lederer, Tommy Sitar, Owen Duffy, Lou Ruland, Jon Kohler, Mike Letts and Bradley Nielson
Iron Terps (Given to the individual with the greatest improvement)
Cleans- Dallas Brown and Brian Marcoux (35 lbs.)
Bench- Jimmy Sheptock (70 lbs.)
Strength Index- Owen Smith (73 lbs.)
Squat Ty Snook (129 lbs.)
Vertical Jump- Ty Snook (4.5 inches)
Toll Payer Award
Mike Letts and Josh Asper
Redshirt of the Year
Mark Hartenstine and Jenkins Monzey
Freshman of the Year
Spencer Myers
Most Improved Award
Corey Peltier
Tom Norris Unsung Hero Award
Kyle John and Jon Kohler
Curt Callahan Mental Toughness Award
Josh Asper
Kevin R. Kearns Award
Mike Letts
John C. McHugh Outstanding Wrestler of the Year Award
Josh Asper
John, Wrestling Squad Honored at President's Cup Brunch
Junior Kyle John and the entire wrestling team were honored Sunday at the President's Cup Brunch, held at the Riggs Alumni Center.
John, the ACC Scholar-Athlete Wrestler of the Year, earned one of just 10 ICA Community Service Awards, given to student-athletes who excelled in public service to the community.
The wrestling team picked up CHAMPS/Lifeskills Cup honors for its academic and athletic excellence, commitment to career and personal development and commitment to community service. The squad has now earned the cup for the second consecutive year.
Duffy, an Art Studio major, was also recognized for having the highest GPA on the team (3.69) for the second year in a row.
-ES-
