"Our program took another step forward during the year and had another very successful season," said Navy head coach Bruce Burnett, who owns a 66-28 record in six years guiding the Midshipmen. "We had another outstanding dual-meet season and placed seven wrestlers at the tough EIWA Conference Tournament with five of them going to the NCAA Tournament. All five then won matches at tbe NCAA Tournament with two making it to the round of 12. We also had eight wrestlers win 20 or more matches, showing off our depth. I am proud of the team and the coaches, and am especially thankful for the group of seniors that helped make it such a good year. With a couple of points here and there, it could have been a great year, and a great year is what we are all looking forward to next year."
Senior heavyweight Tanner Garrett (Tulsa, Okla.) ended his career being awarded the Weems Award, given in memory of Lieutenant Commander George Thackray Weems, and earned by the Navy wrestler that displays aggressiveness, determination, good sportsmanship and team spirit. Garrett finished his season with a 43-5 record and was just one win shy of earning All-America honors. He placed second at the EIWA Tournament three times and his 43 wins were the second most ever by a Navy wrestler in a single season. He finished his career with a 114-33 record, good for a tie for fourth on the career victories list. He advanced to three NCAA Tournaments and posted an amazing 104-20 record during his final three years.
Junior John Jarred (Kansas City, Mo.) earned the Most Improved Wrestler award, given to the wrestler who has made steady improvements throughout the 2005-06 season. Jarred burst onto the scene with a 35-10 record after recording just a 10-9 record in his previous two seasons combined. Jarred opened the season 17-1 with a title at the Eastern Michigan Open, a second-place finish at the Navy Classic and a third-place showing at the Penn State Open. His 35 wins are tied for the eighth most in a single season in school history.
Senior Chris Pogue (Chesapeake, Va.) won the Ray Swartz Award, given in honor of former Navy wrestling coach (1938-60) and National Wrestling Hall of Fame member, Ray Swartz. The award is for the Navy wrestler achieving the most falls in the least amount of time. Pogue finished his senior season with a team-best eight falls and a 29-12 record. He advanced to his first NCAA Tournament after recording a 15-5 mark since moving to 197 pounds midway through the season.
Senior Jonny Kane (Portland, Maine) was named the recipient of the Ed Peery Award, named for the former Navy head coach (1960-87) and member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The award is given to the wrestler who demonstrates outstanding leadership, hard work ethic and competitive spirit. Kane spent much of 2005-06 injured, but managed a 20-9 mark to end his career with a 68-38 record.
Sophomore Matt Stolpinski (Westfield, Mass.) was given the Coaches Award, an award for the wrestler that displays great leadership and work ethics. Stolpinski reached his first NCAA Tournament with a 30-11 record and owns a 55-28 career record. His 55 wins in the first two years are the third most by a Navy wrestler in his first two seasons.
Lastly, senior Craig Dziewiatkowski (Aurora, Ill.) won the Brett J. Harman Award, given to the wrestler that demonstrates selfless character in both thought and action as well as an individual who puts the team ahead of himself. This person is able to maintain a positive attitude in spite of adversity and his disposition lifts the morale of teammates. His infectious attitude toward life and the sport of wrestling inspires those around him to excel in sport and life. Dziewiatkowski finished his season with a 19-11 mark after suffering an early season ankle injury that he was never able to recover from fully. Dziewiatkowski, who advanced to the 2005 NCAA Tournament, ended his career with a 72-41 record.
Navy will return six wrestlers that competed at the EIWA Championships and three that wrestled in the NCAA Tournament.
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