Cournoyer Wins NCWA National Wrestling Championships

BLAIR SENDS NINE TO NCAA DIVISION I WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS BEING HELD IN AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN THIS WEEKEND MARCH 15-17

Dallas, Texas and Auburn Hills, Michigan: Blair came away with one champion at the annual NCWA National Wrestling Championships which were held this past weekend in Garland, Texas. That champion, Alex Cournoyer rattled of five consecutive wins including an 11-6 finals win over Paul Rothenberg of Central Florida to capture the 141 lbs. crown. In all, more than 352 athletes from 150 universities competed.

Also competing for the Blair Bucs were Jake Fedechko (157 lbs.), Tom Ferrell (HWT) and Max McFadden (133 lbs.). All Blair athletes made it to the round of 12, missing All-American status by one match.

“The NCWA Wrestling Championships has grown in numbers and status since Blair started competing four years ago. Alex (Cournoyer) turned his season around by moving up to 141 lbs. from 133 lbs.; he competed extremely well at the end of the year. The move (up one weight class) made him combative for the entire seven minutes,” says Jeff Buxton. Cournoyer is Blair's fourth NCWA National Champion. Rollie Peterkin (now at PENN), Brendan Byrne (now at Maryland), and Chris Banket (now at PENN), each won a national title. Unfortunately, Banket had to stop wrestling in college due to a neck injury.

“The Post Graduate team competed hard this year and will be prepared for their college careers. Hudson Collins was held out of the nationals due to an injury and Phil Lukanich had family obligations,” says Jeff Buxton.

BRACKETMANIA-NCAA DIVISION I WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS: Nine former Blair grapplers will take their talents to The Palace at Auburn Hills, Michigan for the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships, which will be held March 15-17. Robbie Preston (133 lbs.) and Max Meltzer (141 lbs.) will represent Harvard and look to become first time All-Americans. Adam Frey (133 lbs.) and Zack Hammond (HWT.) will wear the Big Red of Cornell. Frey will go in as a top seed.

Mark Perry (165lb) of Iowa will go in as a #2 seed and a fan favorite. Matt Palmer (174) of Columbia will look to end his career as a two-time All-American. Matt Maciag (174 lbs.) of Wisconsin makes his first trip to the big dance. Kurt Backes of Iowa State and Hudson Taylor out of Maryland will compete at 197 lbs.; both will look to advance through their respective brackets at 197 lbs. Backes (having the experience here) can win it all-he did place as a freshman.

“It would be great to see Max, Matt and Kurt to go out as All-Americans. Everyone can fare well at the tournament as they all have wins over returning all-Americans and seeded wrestlers. Adam Frey is in the hunt at 133 lbs., and on the other side of the 133 pound bracket Robbie Preston is capable of placing high. We all anticipate the Johnny Hendricks vs. Mark Perry re-match as Hendricks closes out his college career and Mark jumps into the spotlight,” Buxton says. Hammond, Taylor and Maciag all make their first trip to the NCAA Championships.

You can follow the NCAA action from March 15-17 at www.themat.com or www.espn360.com.

Please direct all questions and comments to buxtoj@blair.edu.