More Michigan Success Over the Weekend

Submitted by saveferris on

While most of us were focused on the performance of the Michigan men's basketball and hockey teams this weekend, it should be noted that Michigan added to the school banner count in two other sports as well.

The 9th ranked Michigan women gymnasts won their 5th straight Big 10 title this weekend, edging out 10th ranked Penn State and 15th ranked OSU (woo!). 

Meanwhile, in Michigan wrestling, team captain Kellen Russell won the NCAA championship in the 141 lb weight class, fnishing his season a perfect 38-0, all while battling an ankle injury.  The Wolverines overall finished 15th.

Congratulations to all Michigan athletic teams that have accomplished so much this season.  Go Blue!

Jasper

March 21st, 2011 at 11:07 AM ^

Back in the day, I don't remember the non-revenue sports at Michigan having as much success as they've had over the past ten years or so.  My memory might be faulty, but it didn't seem that too many teams (swimming being one exception) did that well in the Big Ten or nationally.

saveferris

March 21st, 2011 at 12:28 PM ^

Michigan is typically ranked in the Top 10 of the Directors Cup standings.  Granted that is partially a reflection of the number of varisty sports we support overall, but it also belies a certain amount of consitency success-wise amongst all our programs.

Women's gymnastics has historically been pretty strong and women's success in softball goes back to the early 90's.  As you said, M swimming has always been a strong program here as well.  You are correct that other sports like wrestling and baseball haven't really emerged as competitive until this decade.

saveferris

March 21st, 2011 at 12:37 PM ^

I saw some highlights of a few of his matches and he's almost turned his disability into an advantage.  He's able to pivot off his non-leg hip to execute a reversal and since there is no leg in his way, it's a lightning fast move.  I'm sure he struggles a bit grappling on one leg, but once he's on the mat with an opponent, he's a handful.

MichFan1997

March 21st, 2011 at 1:10 PM ^

I can tell you that it has always been a pretty successful program. You may have heard of a man named Cliff Keen. He coached U of M from 1925 to 1970 and won 13 Big Ten titles and had 68 all-Americans. His teams also finished top 3 in the Big Ten 40 times and he had 11 national champions. Michigan has also had vastly successful wrestlers such as the Churella family and more recently, Steve Luke. Luke was national champ a couple years back too.