April 15, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Two-time All-American Mike Poeta was named the 2007-08 Most Valuable Wrestler at the team's postseason banquet held Monday at Alexander's Steakhouse. Poeta also took home one of the awards for most falls on the team as he tied with junior John Wise and freshman Grant Paswall. In addition, Wise was named the team's Most Improved Wrestler and sophomore Jimmy Kennedy was recognized as the Most Dedicated Wrestler.

Poeta finished a stellar junior campaign in which he finished second at the NCAA Championships at 157 pounds and went a team-best 35-3, which tied for the ninth-most wins in a season in school history. He won the Big Ten title and also captured titles at the Midlands and Las Vegas Invitational tournaments, starting the season 22-0.

Kennedy had an incredible sophomore season, going 32-7 and finishing fourth at the NCAA Championships after placing second at the Big Ten Championships. He went undefeated during the Big Ten dual match season and won 18 of his final 21 matches in 2007-08.

Wise nearly doubled his career win total this year, going 31-16 after winning 16 bouts in each of the last two seasons. Wise placed fifth at the Big Ten Championships and took fourth at the Las Vegas Invitational, then went 3-2 at the NCAA Championships. He also defeated four opponents who were ranked higher than him on the season.

2007-08 Wrestling Award Winners
Most Valuable - Mike Poeta
Most Dedicated - Jimmy Kennedy
Most Improved - John Wise
Most Falls - Mike Poeta, John Wise, Grant Paswall