NCAA RECAP - Eastern gains much-needed big stage experience
By Dan Cleypool
MI Grappler Staff Writer
ST. LOUIS -- Four Eastern Michigan University wrestlers were exposed
on the sports biggest stage.
But coach Derek Del Porto says that may be a good thing for the future.
The Eagles qualified three underclassmen and one senior for this years
NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, competed this past weekend
at the Scottrade Center.
Sophomore Jared Germaine (125 pounds), junior Aaron Sulzer (157
pounds), sophomore Phillip Joseph (174 pounds) and senior Wesley
Schroeder (heavyweight) proved they belonged, but still have work to do
to earn All American status.
Each wrestler won at least one match, but were eliminated three wins
away from becoming All Americans.
"One thing about this tournament is that it will expose a wrestlers weakness," Del Porto said. "We will now have three wrestlers coming in to our room with information that is critical. We are aware of their errors, and now know what we need to correct. Those three are motivated to improve, and let me tell you, in a wrestling room, that will spread like the flu. The atmosphere gets better for everyone, and thats our expectation for everybody, to get better everywhere."
"We want more qualifiers, more placers, better execution and more success every year," he added. "Our goal is to get better every year."
Germaine echoes his coachs sentiments.
" I felt good about my preparation and I felt good physically but this was a learning experience," Germaine said. "I made some mistakes and I experienced some new techniques."
Aside from the talent to deal with, the Eagles also had to overcome the atmosphere and the grind.
That was also a learning experience for Joseph, who had to wrestle his weight class's sixth seed, and then was dropped to a consolation rat-tail.
"Taking it all in, its a little overwhelming while trying at the same time to remain focused," Joseph said after his rat-tail win. "This experience has been good, but to be honest with you, I feel dead tired right now."
It is evident that EMUs three returning qualifiers were quick studies in St. Louis and are anxious to get back in the practice room and prepare for the 2013 finals.
It appears the Eagles are heading in the right direction.
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