Nick SimmonsThe four upperclassmen had a combined record of 114-32 in 2004-05.
"Seldom has MSU had more leadership than it does this year," head coach Tom Minkel said. "These four men have not only had great success on the mat, but they have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills as well."
McKnight will serve as a captain for the second straight season after making his second appearance at the NCAA Championships in March 2005. He was an NWCA Academic All-American last season, and improved on his 2003-04 finish at every tournament. McKnight led the team in takedowns and finished second in major decisions with seven.
Boudro will make the drop from 174 pounds to 165 pounds after taking fourth at the 2005 Big Ten Championships. Despite sustaining various injuries through the course of the season, Boudro persevered to finish the season ranked as high as No. 12 in the polls.
Nick Simmons will once again compete for a national title at 125 pounds. He took fourth at the 2005 NCAA Championships and claimed State's first Big Ten Championship since 2000. Simmons wrestled competitively throughout the summer, winning the Freestyle University National Championship, taking third at the U.S. Senior National Championships and fifth at the University World Games. He was also named MSU Male Athlete of the Year for the 2004-05 season.
Andy Simmons claimed All-American honors for the first time in 2005 despite suffering a knee injury late in the season. Simmons took second at 141 pound at the 2005 Big Ten Championships, and defeated third-place finisher Cory Cooperman of Lehigh by fall in the national quarterfinals before having to injury default his final two matches. He tied his brother, Nick, for the team lead in victories with 32.
Official practices begin for the team Tuesday, Oct. 11, and the first competition of the year will be at the Eastern Michigan Open on Nov. 5 in Ypsilanti, Mich.
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