Lakeland College

Grapplers honor their own at annual team banquet

Athletics - posted on 4/4/2012

The Lakeland College wrestling team wrapped up its 2011-12 season at its annual awards banquet ceremony on April 1.

The Muskies finished their season claiming a share of their fifth straight Northern Wrestling Association Tournament, and sent a wrestler to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the fifth straight year.

Junior grappler Ryan Renon was honored as the team's most valuable wrestler after finishing a remarkable season. Renon won his third NWA Title, became the second wrestler in program history to win a regional title and qualified for Nationals. The MVP award, which will now be called the Renon Most Valuable Wrestler Award, goes to a student-athlete that epitomizes the core value of Lakeland wrestling: On the Attack and Keep Focused Always.

"He has been an incredible student-athlete to coach," said head coach Mike DeRoehn. "Ryan has left a lasting mark on our program and had a tremendous season."

Renon, who wrestled at the 165-pound weight class, also took home several statistical honors including, the most takedowns (73) and the most nearfall points (131).

Senior Robby Frias was honored as the Kudek Academic Excellence Award recipient. The Kudek award is given to the student-athlete with the highest overall grade point average. Frias, who maintained a 3.43 GPA, received the award for the second consecutive year and was named a National Wrestling Coaches Association Academic All-American.

"Robby will go down as one of the all-time greats in our program," said DeRoehn.

Frias, who wrestled at 149, led the team in wins (30).

Sophomore Grant Franson was honored as the team's most improved wrestler. Franson placed second at the NWA Tournament at 125, and nearly doubled his win total from his freshman season.

"Grant never stops working," said DeRoehn. "He literally began training the day after the regionals and has set a goal of wrestling at nationals next season.

Lakeland awarded two wrestlers the Coaches Award - junior Joel Frias and freshman Vince Cardarelle. The Coaches Award is given to those wrestlers who give 100 percent effort and do whatever is asked of them by the team and coaches.

"Joel and Vince exemplify hard work and dedication to the program," said DeRoehn. "We are grateful for their continual efforts and look forward to next season."

Freshman David Galarno, who won his first NWA Title at 174, was honored as the team's leader in pins. Galarno recorded 14 pins, highlighted by a career day of six pins at the North Central College Invite on Dec. 10, 2011.

The Muskies will be on the attack in the offseason for yet another successful campaign next season.

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