Allegan's Taylor Simaz joining brother at Cornell
By Steve WidzinskiMI Grappler High School AnalystSteve@michigangrappler.com10/11 - Over the past decade few families can match the wrestling success that the
Simaz family has enjoyed in the state of Michigan. With his commitment to Cornell a
couple weeks ago, Taylor Simaz announced that he will join his brothers Eric and Cam
by becoming the third sibling in his family to wrestle for a Division 1 college program.
By choosing Cornell, Simaz will be following in the footsteps of his brother Cam who
currently competes for the Big Red as the nation’s top ranked wrestler at 197lbs.
“Cam has always played an important role in my life whether it be academics, athletics
or character,” explained Simaz “So having him there to open the door to the east coast
was a huge benefit for me.”
Cam, who is entering his final season at Cornell, is a three time All-American for the
Big Red. By having his older brother on campus the past few years Simaz was able to
get a good look at everything Cornell had to offer, which played a key role in his final
decision.
“I was fortunate enough to spend a significant portion of my last two summers on
Cornell's campus,” said Simaz “This allowed me to become more acquainted with
the facilities, current wrestlers and most importantly the coaching staff.”
By gaining this sense of familiarity with Cornell, Simaz should be in good position to make a smooth transition competing at the collegiate level. Over the past several years Cornell has emerged as a national wrestling powerhouse, with runner-up finishes at the NCAA tournament in the past two seasons. This national wrestling prowess combined with an Ivy League education created an incredible opportunity that Simaz could not pass up. He expects to eventually wrestle at 157 or 165, with the hopes of contributing to the team success the Big Red has enjoyed over the past decade while also taking advantage of the plentiful educational opportunities he will be offered at Cornell.
“First and foremost my goal is to get a good education,” Simaz explained “And then along the way I hope to contribute to the Big Red's success in the EIWA and the NCAA tournaments.”
Based on the steady stream of academic and athletic success he and his family members have enjoyed at the high school and collegiate level, it is safe to say this will be an attainable goal.
“Oh yeah,” Simaz added, “Being an NCAA individual All-American would be nice too.”
Copyright 2007-2011, Michigan Grappler, LLC
May not be republished or reproduced without expressed, written permission
Contact Michigan Grappler via E-Mail: admin@michigangrappler.com
