UW had a remarkable 2006-07 season, as the Badgers surpassed expectations claiming 13th at the NCAA championships and second at the Big Ten championships. The team went 19-3-0 overall and 5-3-0 in the Big Ten. In addition, Wisconsin set four new school records, two in team victories, one in attendance and one in awards won.
UW had nine grapplers compete at the 2007 NCAA Championships, with two earning All-America honors. Craig Henning (Chippewa Falls, Wis.) was the highest Badger finisher, taking second at 157 lbs., while Turner claimed sixth at 149 lbs.
Wisconsin's trip to the 2007 Big Ten Championships was one of the best in program history. The Badgers earned wins over three top-seeded wrestlers and notched various other upsets throughout the tournament to finish as runner-up behind top-ranked Minnesota.
From Nov. 23, 2006 through Jan. 19, 2007 the Badgers won a school-record 14 consecutive dual meets. Included in the streak were 12 road wins and undefeated appearances at the Northwestern Duals, ACC/Big Ten Clash and Lonestar Duals.
This year, the Badgers ranked 10th in the nation in wrestling attendance with an average crowd of 1,333 fans. Wisconsin drew a season-high 2,220 for its dual against Illinois on Feb. 11 at the UW Field House. It is the first known time the Badgers have made the top-10 in attendance rankings.
Aside from recognizing the team accomplishments, Wisconsin also honored individual grappler's performances with 32-lb., solid marble trophies from Jim Durham at Quarra Stone Company.
All-Americans Henning and Turner earned team awards to compliment their successful seasons. Henning was named Wisconsin's most valuable wrestler after concluding the season with a 31-4 overall record and 18-2 in dual competition. Turner, a three-time team captain, took home the award for most dedicated wrestler, an award he also earned last season.
Freshman Kyle Ruschell (Crittenden, Ky.) took home the most improved wrestler award after his impressive freshman campaign. Ruschell earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after finishing runner up at the Big Ten championships at 141 lbs. He boasted an overall record of 30-9 and 17-5 in dual competition.
For the second consecutive year, Dallas Herbst (Winneconne, Wis.) took home the award for most pins in a season. Herbst notched 18 falls this season, tying Lee Kemp's single-season record. In addition, Herbst's pins earned him the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honor in January after he concluded the Lonestar Duals in Dallas with four pins in four matches.
Drew Hammen (Random Lake, Wis.) and Mike Metzger (Columbus, Wis.) were presented the team player award for their tireless work at practice and dedication to helping the team succeed. Their positive attitude and leadership set an example for others and embodied that of a team player.
Erik Senescu earned the George Martin Scholar Award with the highest GPA on the team. Senescu, a native of Louisville, Colo., also earned academic All-Big Ten for his achievements in the classroom.
Next up for the Badgers is the annual UW Wrestling Sporting Clay Bucky Shoot on June 16 at Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek, Wis.
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