Then-freshman Ian Hinton struggles to get up from his Oklahoma opponent’s attempted takedown during his 174-pound weight class match Feb. 13, 2009, at Jenison Field House. Hinton lost, 3-2, and MSU lost overall, 21-8.
The holidays will bring plenty of rest and relaxation to the MSU wrestling team, as several players will look to clear up minor injuries and prepare for final exams.
The Spartans still will participate in practices and workouts, but take part in just one competition between now and Jan. 9, which should allow players to get healthy and recharge.
“I think we need a break because the team is dinged up,” head coach Tom Minkel said. “We’ve got three weeks before we compete and we’ll hopefully get rest, take care of final exams, not get out of shape, then get healthy in the second semester. And I think we’ll be in good shape by then.”
The Spartans are bruised, battered and nicked up, but fortunately don’t possess too many serious injuries. After competing in the Midlands Championships Dec. 29 and 30 in Evanston, Ill., the Spartans will embark on a rigorous stretch of dual meets beginning Jan. 9 against West Virginia and continuing with Big Ten play shortly after.
MSU is 3-1 on the young season after having competed in five events, the majority of which were tournaments. The Spartans are hoping to improve upon last season’s 0-8 conference season and 25th place finish in the NCAAs. MSU’s overall record in 2009 was 6-10.
Leading the way is senior Franklin Gomez, the defending national champion in the 133-pound weight class, who boasts a 7-0 overall record and has had a strong start to the season.
“He had a marvellous year last year, but he’s a much better wrestler now than he was last year,” Minkel said. “He’s really sound and he’s just improved. He’s given up one takedown in all the matches that he’s wrestled. He’s scored a ton of points and been really good.”
The Spartans have four seniors, but still are propelled by a young roster that includes 13 freshmen. They registered an impressive 26-9 victory against Eastern Michigan on Dec. 3, and hope to use the break to get prepared for the rigorous stretch of the season and Big Ten play.
“As a team, I think we just need to get after it,” senior heavyweight Alan O’Donnell said.
“If we get after it like we did against Eastern, I think we’ll have a successful season. We’re right there talent-wise, we just have to wrestle.”
Players said they’re hoping to finish in the middle of the conference this season and see improvements in the Big Ten from previous seasons.
After competing in their early slew of competitions, Spartan players know where they stand compared to some of their main competitors and know what they have to do to succeed once the calendar hits January and the pace intensifies.
“I think we’re off to a pretty good start,” 184-pound sophomore Ian Hinton said. “We have a few injuries, so a couple weeks here before Midlands is a good time to get rested up and healed up and get ready for the next tournament.”
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