Lakeland College

Grapplers claim fourth straight NWA team title

Athletics - posted on 2/19/2011

MEQUON, Wis. - The Lakeland College wrestling team placed 11 wrestlers in the top four and four took first place to lead the Muskies to its fourth straight team title at the Northern Wrestling Association Conference Tournament in Mequon, Wis.

The Muskies took first place after recording 102 points, while only competing in nine out of the ten weight classes. Lakeland finished just seven and a half points ahead of the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Leading the grapplers was Senior Isaac Roberson (Chicago, Ill.) who won the Outstanding Wrestler for the NWA after taking first place at the 157 weight class. Roberson garnered the award after beating MSOE's Virgil Pope.

"Isaac came up big for the team tonight," said Lakeland assistant coach Jake Frias. "We are all extremely proud of his accomplishments tonight."

Sophomore Ryan Renon (Wrightstown, Wis.) also took first place at 165 and earned his second consecutive NWA Conference title, while sophomore Brandon Garcia (Adell, Wis.) respectively took second.

"Brandon stepped up and beat a wrestler 10-5 from MSOE who he had lost to earlier in the season. After he won his match, the momentum swung back towards Lakeland."

Junior Miguel Luis (Oak Lawn, Ill.) won his first collegiate tournament and took first at 174.

At 197, junior Rob Forgette (Menominee, Mich.) took the championship to win his first NWA Conference Title. Also placing at 197 was freshman Zach Wetzel (Campbellsport, Wis.)who took second and gave Lakeland a huge advantage.

Junior Robby Frias (Oak Lawn, Ill.) took second place at 141 and showed his heart and dedication in a tough championship match.

Freshmen Grant Franson and Jacob Bugjaski took fourth and third at 125 and 149, respectively.

Wrestling two weight classes up and taking third place was senior Nick Kusta (Oak Lawn, Ill.)

"Nick did a great job for us tonight and really came up big wrestling two weight classes up in a tournament that we needed every point we could get."

At the heavy weight was freshman Tom Phalin (Sheboygan, Wis.) who claimed a second-place finish after losing to MSOE in the championship match.

"Overall the team played together as a family," said Frias. "They picked each other up when they were down and we are proud of the guys. Now, it's time to prepare for Regionals next Saturday. It doesn't get much better than wrestling in your home gym."

Lakeland now moves on to the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional as they place host to 15 teams from around the Midwest and West. The Regional beings at 9 a.m. in the Todd Wehr Center.

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