University of the Cumberlands 08-09 Season Preview

The University of the Cumberlands Men’s Wrestling Team is entering their 14th season under fourth year head coach Andrew Medders. After a disappointing 18th place finish last year at the 2008 NAIA national championships, Coach Medders is looking to shake things up a little. "We refuse to take last year’s results and just tuck our heads between are legs,” said Medders. “We are not looking for excuses of why the results came out the way they did. We just have work to do and this year we will work that much harder to achieve our goals."

The Patriots lost three key wrestlers due to graduation in Michael Books who was a three time national qualifier and an All-American in both 2007 and 2008. Dustin Center was graduated having three All-American finishes for the Patriots while David Dierken will leave a void in the heavy weight position.

However, the Patriots are returning several key wrestlers from last year's team. Senior Robert Nuskabel (184), Charles Simmons (174) and Travis Lovett (197) will return to lead the team. All three wrestlers are returning national qualifiers. Other key returners are red-shirt sophomore Damion Stephenson and red-shirt junior Tim Mitchum. Stephenson will be looking to make a mark after having to drop out of the national tournament due to an injury while Mitchum had health problems right before the post season. Both will be looking to claim a spot on the national team this year. Coming off of their freshmen year and making true statements in the starting lineups in ’08, Peter Martinez (125) and Jeff Steele (149) are looking to making things happen on a higher scale this year. Martinez finished the national tournament only being one match away from an All-American medal. Jeff Steele is looking to make a statement after having to drop out of the tournament due to health issues in the middle of the 2008 NAIA national tournament as well.

Coach Medders feels that this year's recruiting class has a lot of potential and feels as if many of the wrestlers can step up and make a true run for a starting position on the varsity roster. "There are a lot of very good prospects this year,” said Medders. “I am proud of my coaching staff for the hard work they put into recruiting during the off season. With that being said the room is full of good athletes and the positions are wide open for those that are ready and willing to step up to the mat.”

Coach Medders and his coaching staff are looking forward to the 2008-09 season. “This program and these guys deserve a national title but they will have to earn it each and every day,” stated Medders.

The men’s wrestling team is set to begin their official season on November 1st, 2008 in Williamsburg, KY. They will open the season as they host the annual Patriot Open.

[2007-2008 Season Preview] [2006-2007 Season Preview] [2005-2006 Season Preview]
[2004-2005 Season Preview ]