National Duals Results

AAU Middle School National Duals

April 6-7, 2002   Indianola, IA  (Simpson College)

Click to see team pix! Just added: Action pictures!

Silver Bracket Champions            9^th place overall finish                 6-2 dual record

 Individual Breakdown:

 
Gold Medal Winners for Going Undefeated:

Aaron Denson

Jay Sherer

Travis Liechti

Scott Bayer

Silver Medal Winners for Finishing with 1 loss:

Tyler Sturgeon

Justin Crouch

Aaron Terry

Taylor Escamilla

Bronze Medal Winners for Finishing with 2 losses

Miles Negley

Greg Garcia

Brett Nickolite

Copper Medal Winners for Finishing with 3 losses (not for sure who won these)

Craig Brester

Bernie Nicola

Kyle Svendsen

Devon Kastler

Kai Konicek

Joe Libal

Message from Coach Sherer:

I can't tell you how proud I am of the young men that represented Nebraska in the National Middle School Duals Tournament. They travelled to Indianola as individuals and left as a team. The commraderie and esprit de'corps that developed between these kids was phenomenal. To watch these kids come together from the first dual, where they were just beginning to know each other, until the last dual where they meshed as a finely tuned machine; I was pleased to be part of it. Any individual or school rivalries that existed prior to this event disappeared and lasting friendships and memories were made.

On the mat, they set several records for the Nebraska duals team. According to Coach Ed Siedel, who has been a part of the coaching staff since the teams conception, this team set the following records:

Overall Finish: 9th
Overall Dual Record: 6-2
Gold medalists: 4.
Most Matches by pin: Scott Bayer 9
Most Matches: Scott Bayer 10
Total Medalists: 17

I don't know for sure, but I would guess that Bayer also had the contributed the most team points ever. Bayer was an animal (nick named by the team -King Kong). In my opinion, he would have placed at our High School State tourney this year, if he had the opportunity. He's awesome, literally, a man among boys. He's so strong, and so aggressive, that from an optional start, he nearly pushed his opponent into our chairs and onto the other mat, without trying to be malicious or unsportsmanlike. This kid is the real deal!!!

Kudos to all these kids, for they were the finest group of ambassadors we could have hoped for. Not only for Nebraska Wrestling, but for Nebraska youth as a whole. In victory and defeat, indivually or as team, on or off the mat, these kids were true sportsman. The character, maturity, and sportmanship they displayed drew laudatory comments from other coaches, fans, and tournament officials. Our kids truly entered into battle and generated respect with the tenacity with which we competed. As we have looked at Iowa Black and Team Jordan in the past, the coaches from Team Texas asked, "What do you do to get your kids that good? How do you get your kids to wrestle so well? The answer can be found in the character of these kids. We asked our kids to wrestle above the level of wrestling they normally compete at, not be be complacement with a win, but go for the major, the tech or the pin. Likewise in defeat, to minimize the points to the team. They learned good dual strategy. They did everything we asked of them and more.

By the time the tournament was over, we had a laundry list of walking wounded. Andy Pokorny gave up 15 lbs. and wrestled hurt until he suffered a severe sprain to his lower back and had to be assisted on the mat; Kyle Svendson suffered a blow to the head and had an "elephant man appearance;" Wes Cooper had a nagging elbow injury and then hurt his lower back in the dual against Pennsylvania; Jay Sherer battled through nagging shoulder injury; Chad Brester hurt his elbow. Devon Kastler wrestled with a pulled groin muscle; These kids wrestled their hearts out and overcame adversity to find a way to succeed and win for Nebraska Wrestling. Most of these kids are 8th graders and will be fun to watch next year in High School.

I also want to thank the parents for their support and for assisting with table help at matside; to Coach Heiliger and Joni for all they did; Dave Etherton; Ed Siedel; Coach Pokorny, Coach Denson, Pat Garcia, and Brad from BJSA. All of you contributed to make this team the best yet, and create memories and friendships that will not be forgotten.

A very special thank-you to Huskerland Wrestling, Excel Beef, and Goodyear Tire for their financial support. I would additionally like to that Phil Spady Chyrsler/Plymouth/Dodge for the transportation and to Jim Crouch for obtaining the food donations for the kids.

My tenure with the team has only been the last couple of years and I have enjoyed the experience immensely. I regret that time constraints and other responsiblities will prohibit me from assisting with the team next year. I wish Coaches Heiliger and Seidel and next years team, continued success and hope that they can build on the foundation of the teams that went before them. Remember, like autographing Coach Seidel's shirt, we're building tradition!!!!

My apologies for leaving anyone out.

C. Sherer