2008 Woodie Awards
Losing Is Not an Option for MSU Wrestlers
Jose Ortiz
Issue date: 11/20/03 Section: Sports
Starting the off the season ranked 11th, the MSU wrestling team is looking to make some noise this year. Last season the Red Hawks had five all Americans, placed fourth in the Division III National Tournament, and had Rami Ratel finish as the number one ranked wrestler in the nation.
Lorraine Infante, half cheerleader, half wrestler, and all woman, is living out her dream of not only being a member of the wrestling team, but actually competing. She has a lifetime collegiate record of 3 - 1, and is eager to do whatever it takes to improve. She practices with the guys, and wrestles them as well. Infante, who's been wrestling since her junior year in high school, says that the guys do not treat her any different. That was apparent in practice, where she was wrestling with former Russian champion, Eduard Aliakseyenka. She says, "It's the greatest thing ever to beat a guy."
This year they have lost Ratel, as his four year eligibility has run out, but have returning senior Dominic Dellagatta, who is the nations number one D III wrestler in the 164-weight class. He comes back as team captain after a three-year hiatus. This blonde haired senior says his main goal for this season is "to work hard and to do my best and hopefully win a national championship as an individual and as a team." He then followed showing confidence in his teammates saying, "I don't see any obstacles, I don't look at that stuff. In order to win you have to expect to win."
Another wrestler to watch is No. 2 ranked Eduard Aliakseyenka. The 30-year-old, was a Russian national champion in 1998, and placed sixth in the world. He says that the main difference between wrestling for us, and for his country is "I'm doing this for fun, back in Russia, this was my job." The 184 pound beast has a career record of 77 - 7, and by the looks of him, will be adding to that total in the months to come.
Its obvious that MSU's wrestling is stacked for the kill, and the only thing stopping them is them. The trio of top ranked wrestlers is capped off with the No. 1 ranked 184-pounder Dennis Gaul, who comes off of a freshman year where he tallied 22 wins last season.
Along with the old school, we now have the new school. Senior Steven Roy who, up until now has just a .500 record, thinks this is his breakout season. Roy wants to get a chance to help the team and says, "they haven't actually given me a chance to shine yet, but I feel I'll get my shot this year. I think I'm better than most of the guys in here anyway." Roy was not trying to take anything away from the team, adding "I really think our team has the ability to win a national championship this year."
Well the scene is set for the Red Hawks to make their run at a third national championship in school history, and to add to their long list of all Americans. The first home match is Tuesday Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Lorraine Infante, half cheerleader, half wrestler, and all woman, is living out her dream of not only being a member of the wrestling team, but actually competing. She has a lifetime collegiate record of 3 - 1, and is eager to do whatever it takes to improve. She practices with the guys, and wrestles them as well. Infante, who's been wrestling since her junior year in high school, says that the guys do not treat her any different. That was apparent in practice, where she was wrestling with former Russian champion, Eduard Aliakseyenka. She says, "It's the greatest thing ever to beat a guy."
This year they have lost Ratel, as his four year eligibility has run out, but have returning senior Dominic Dellagatta, who is the nations number one D III wrestler in the 164-weight class. He comes back as team captain after a three-year hiatus. This blonde haired senior says his main goal for this season is "to work hard and to do my best and hopefully win a national championship as an individual and as a team." He then followed showing confidence in his teammates saying, "I don't see any obstacles, I don't look at that stuff. In order to win you have to expect to win."
Another wrestler to watch is No. 2 ranked Eduard Aliakseyenka. The 30-year-old, was a Russian national champion in 1998, and placed sixth in the world. He says that the main difference between wrestling for us, and for his country is "I'm doing this for fun, back in Russia, this was my job." The 184 pound beast has a career record of 77 - 7, and by the looks of him, will be adding to that total in the months to come.
Its obvious that MSU's wrestling is stacked for the kill, and the only thing stopping them is them. The trio of top ranked wrestlers is capped off with the No. 1 ranked 184-pounder Dennis Gaul, who comes off of a freshman year where he tallied 22 wins last season.
Along with the old school, we now have the new school. Senior Steven Roy who, up until now has just a .500 record, thinks this is his breakout season. Roy wants to get a chance to help the team and says, "they haven't actually given me a chance to shine yet, but I feel I'll get my shot this year. I think I'm better than most of the guys in here anyway." Roy was not trying to take anything away from the team, adding "I really think our team has the ability to win a national championship this year."
Well the scene is set for the Red Hawks to make their run at a third national championship in school history, and to add to their long list of all Americans. The first home match is Tuesday Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.