Jan. 26, 2010

Contact: Renee Adam

Here is the newest edition of the Cleveland State wrestling newsletter. It is also viewable in pdf form.

Complete Release in PDF Format

Coaches Corner

The coaching staff and all the wrestlers would like to thank the family, friends, alumni and fans for all the support during the first half of our 09-10 wrestling season. As the first semester came to an end and we look ahead to the second half of the season we are excited about the direction in which the team is headed. With the leadership of seniors Marcus Effner and Dan Castillo our young team is prepared for the challenges we will face in the second half of the season.

We had a great turn out for our alumni match against John Carroll on November 24. Many former Vikings came out to watch our team grab a 31 - 13 win over the Blue Streaks. It was a great opportunity for new and old Vikings to meet and we look forward to visiting with more alumni at future events.

We returned from the holiday break and traveled to Northwestern to compete against some of the best competition in the country at the prestigious Midlands Invitational. We are now preparing for a tough dual meet schedule through out the months of January and February. We will travel to Indiana on January 16 for duals against Indiana and American Universities and then start our league dual meet schedule against Pittsburgh on January 21. On March 7, 2010 the ten best Vikings will head to Morgantown, WV to compete in the EWL Tournament and try to earn a spot amongst the nation's top wrestlers at the NCAA Championships held in Omaha, Nebraska on March 18-20th.

We hope everyone in the Vikings wrestling family had a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing everyone in the new year.

Effner Returning To Form

After missing the entire 2008-2009 season due to a knee injury, sixth-year senior Marcus Effner is regaining the form that has led him to be a two-time NCAA qualifier.

Thus far, Effner has posted a 9-4 record, including two major decisions. Starting at the Eastern Michigan Open, Effner tallied a 3-1 mark on his way to a sixth place finish.

While being a dominant 5-2 in dual meets this season, Effner picked up his 82th career win on December 4, 2009 when he scored an 11-3 major decision over Appalachian State's Colt Howell.

Marcus is the active team leader in wins with 82, and is six behind assistant coach Anthony Coleman's mark of 88.

Vikings Show Early Season Success

The Cleveland State Vikings opened the 2009-2010 season by having four wrestlers place at open tournaments, while scoring two dual meet wins.

CSU began the season at the Eastern Michigan Open, where Rob Michaels and Marcus Effner both placed for the Vikings. After an 18 win season a year ago, Michaels got back on the mat and picked up where he left off, hammering out five wins on his way to a fourth place finish, while senior Marcus Effner collected three victories on his way to a sixth place finish. This tournament also gave three freshman their first collegiate victories, Zech Huff (16-5 major decision), Chris Weber (fall, 1:31), and Nick Anthony (8-5 decision).

A week later the Vikings would again find themselves in Michigan, this time at the Michigan State Open. Sophomore Corey Carlo posted a 3-1 record on his way to a 5th place finish in the 157 pound weight class.

At the Penn State Open, Corbin Boone picked up two wins, while Ryan Houchens and Shayne Stewart also scored victories.

While in dual meet action, the Vikings have posted a record of 2-6, topping John Carroll (28-13) and Appalachian State (28-20).

In a dominating 11th consecutive victory over John Carroll, the Vikings hammered out three pins from Zupancic, Weber, and Michaels who only needed 0:29 seconds, and one major decision from Marcus Effner.

The Vikings followed that up by collecting their second victory over Appalachian State. Zupancic scored the first technical fall of the year, while Mike Mencini and Jeff Schuller tallied pins. Rob Michaels and Marcus Effner both earned major decision victories in the win.

Q&A With Jeff Schuller, the Marine

Q: When did you enlist?
A: May 1999
Q: Why Marines?
A: I am a 3rd Generation Marine. I am grateful for everything this country has done for me.
Q: What is your rank?
A: Staff Sergeant
Q: Favorite Marine movie?
A: Generation Kill
Q: What is your MOS?
A: Infantry/Mobile Assault Platoon/Personal Security Detail.
Q: How many tours of duty have you done?
A: 2, as of now.
Q: What has been the most gratifying aspect of being a Marine?
A: Serving the country that I love and continuing the legacy of the Marine Corps.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in the Marines? Why?
A: I've had the privilege of serving under some pretty amazing leadership. One of the fortunate side effects of war is the increased quality of leadership at all levels. Experience breeds expertise.
Q: What are your plans after college?
A: Continue working in government service in some capacity.

Getting to Know ... Robbie Michaels

My Favorite:
Post Season Food: Pizza and all of the above
In-Season Food: Chicken and Rice
Movie: Step Brothers
Actor: Jim Carey
Music Group: Gary Allan, Brooks & Dunn
Sports Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Class: Intro. to Communication

About Me:
Season Goal: To stand on the podium at the NCAA Championships.
My proudest wrestling accomplishment is: Placing second at the Ohio State tournament, and fourth as a team.
My proudest CSU wrestling moment: I would have to say winning the Michigan State Open as a redshirt freshman.
What is the best part about having my brother on the team: He pushes me harder than anyone else, everything is a competition between us.
Advice for freshmen: "To never quit when things are looking down. Keep working for your goals in wrestling and school."
If I could golf with 2 people, who would they be: Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell
After college I plan on: Owning my own business and potentially pursuing an MMA career.