Huskers Look To Improve At Nationals in 2003

Despite losing four-time All-American Bryan Snyder and two-time NCAA qualifier Tony Denke, the Nebraska wrestling team returns a group of young-but-experienced wrestlers who are hoping to improve on their 8-9 dual record and eighth-place finish at the 2002 NCAA Championships.

"I think we will have a group of exciting wrestlers this season," coach Mark Manning said. "The 10 guys we will put on the mat every time have the fight and the attitude that we look for."

Leading the way for the Huskers will be a pair of All-Americans in junior Jason Powell (125 pounds) and sophomore Justin Ruiz (197 pounds).

"Jason had a good year last year, placing fifth at nationals," Manning said. "With him getting back to 100 percent healthy this year, he is going to be a dangerous wrestler."

Powell will look to improve this season on his third-place showing at the 2002 Big 12 Championships. He won the league title as a freshman.

Ruiz finished last season placing fifth at nationals and will look to advance further this season. Ruiz added a 27-11 mark for the Huskers in his first year of competition.

"Justin had a great NCAA meet. This past spring and summer he has put a lot of work into his game," Manning said. "We feel he is definitely going to be a contender for a national title in a very difficult weight class."

Nebraska also returns four other starters and two NCAA qualifiers who helped the team last season. Sophomore Travis Shufelt (149 pounds) qualified for the NCAA meet in 2002 despite missing half the season with an elbow injury. Shufelt placed third at the Big 12 Championships before finishing with a 1-2 record at nationals.

At 174 pounds, sophomore Travis Pascoe returns after posting a third-place finish at the Big 12 meet and a 2-2 mark at nationals.

Other starters returning are Joey Malia (133 pounds), Dusty Spaulding (141 pounds) and Pat Miron (Hwt.). "These guys are going to be competitive and are going to get after it every time on the mat," Manning said.

Other projected starters include redshirt freshmen B.J. Padden (184 pounds), Jacob Klein (165 pounds) and Nate McMillin (157 pounds).