Kyle and Starks were named co-winners of the Mike Natvig Award, presented to the team’s outstanding wrestling at the squad’s annual team banquet Tuesday night.
In addition to the Natvig Award, Kyler won the Arvin Memorial Award, Patrick Marchetti was named the Crum Memorial winner, Collin Wittmeyer garnered Most Improved honors and Ryan Mergen won the LeRoy Alitz Award at the Cadet Mess Hall.
Kyler, Army’s all-time career leader in wins with 146, is now a four-time winner of the prestigious Natvig Award while Starks was honored for the second time. The Natvig Award was established in 1973 in memory of Natvig, a 1963 graduate who won a national championship. Kyler is the second four-time winner of the award, joining Phillip Simpson (2002-2005). Starks, a three-time national qualifier who owns more than 100 career wins, is the first two-time winner since Maurice Worthy earned back-to-back honors in 2000 and 2001.
Kyler, a four-time national qualifier, four-time EIWA finalist and two-time EIWA champion, also took home the Arvin Memorial Award for the member of the graduating class distinguished in leadership, scholarship and commitment to Army wrestling. It is named in honor of Bob Arvin, a 1965 West Point graduate who was the Brigade Commander and wrestling team captain during his senior season. It was first handed out in 1985.
A freshman, Marchetti collected the Crum Memorial Award, presented to the most courageous wrestler from the freshman class. Wrestling primarily at 157 pounds, Marchetti went 11-16 during his first season with five bonus point wins. The award, presented for the first time in 1985, is named for Wally Crum, a member of the class of 1960 who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.
Wittmeyer, a freshman, was named the Most Improved wrestler after posting a 24-15 record in his first season. Wittmeyer was fourth on the squad in wins and registered nine bonus point wins. The award was first distributed in 1990 and recognized the wrestler based on skill level, work ethic and accomplishments.
Mergen earned the “Mr. Intensity” Award, presented for the first time in 1990 in honor of legendary coach LeRoy Alitz. The award recognized the most dedicated wrestler on the team and Mergen was named for the second time in three years. A team co-captain, along with Kyler, Mergen posted an 18-9 record with three major decisions. Mergen is the first multiple-time winner since Jon Anderson of the Class of 2006 won three times.
The four members of the senior class – Kyler, Starks, Mergen and Lance Penhale were recognized as well.
2009-10 Army Team Awards
Mike Natvig Award -- Matt Kyler and Richard Starks
Arvin Memorial Award -- Matt Kyler
Wally Crum Memorial Award -- Patrick Marchetti
Most Improved Award -- Collin Wittmeyer
LeRoy Alitz “Mr. Intensity” Award – Ryan Mergen
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