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    St. Cloud State names captains

    Head Coach Steve Costanzo announced today, the naming of four captains for the 2009-10 wrestling season at St. Cloud State University. Returning captains will be junior Gabe Suarez (Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron H.S.) and junior John Sundgren (Blaine, Minn./H.S.). Joining them will be junior Derek Skala (Owatonna, Minn./H.S.) and sophomore Tad Merritt (Canby, Minn./H.S.).

    Suarez will be a captain for the 3rd time in his career at SCSU. Last season he finished with a 27-11 record while qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Tournament for the second year in a row at 141-pounds. Suarez was crowned champion at the Cobber Open, Menlo Open and the Super Region III Regional Qualifier. He was also named to the NSIC All-Conference Team.

    “Gabe leads by example. One of the first things you notice about Gabe is his intensity and work ethic,” Costanzo said.

    Sundgren is serving as a captain for his second straight season. Sundgren is a 2-time national qualifier and returning All-American for the Huskies. Last season he had an impressive 33-9 record with 14 falls at 157-pounds. Sundgren finished first at the Cobber, Dragon and Menlo Invite last season. He is also a 2-time Academic All-American.

    “John does great things on and off the mat. He is a great leader in the classroom, the community and in the practice room," Costanzo said.

    Skala will be serving as a captain for the first time in his career at SCSU. Skala finished last season with a 27-9 record at 174-pounds, and he brought home first place honors at the Bison Open and the Menlo Invite. Skala was also named a 2009 All-American after finishing 7th at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Tournament.

    “Derek is well respected by his peers, he is a great athlete who is a joy to be around. Derek will be an outstanding role model for his teammates,” Costanzo said.

    Merritt, the Huskies highest returning All-American will be making his first appearance as a captain for the SCSU Wrestling program. Merritt finished last year with a school record 38 wins and a school record 17 pins. Merritt brought home championship honors from the Cobber Open, Husky Open and the Menlo Invite. He was a 2009 All-American finishing in 3rd place at the NCAA championships at 165-pounds.

    “Tad is a very driven individual. He lives his life according to a standard of excellence and settles for nothing less. He will be a great leader for his teammates to follow.”

    As a team, the Huskies placed eighth at the 2009 NCAA Division II championships and also placed second at the 2009 NCAA Division regional tournament. Overall, the Huskies posted an 8-5 dual record and a 5-2 record in the always competitive NSIC under the leadership of third-year head coach Steve Costanzo.

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