October 16, 2005

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Men and Women Wrestling Team Have First Ever Intra Squad Dual

The University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) wrestling program has been in pre-season training for the past two months. On October 14, 2005, the teams opened their season with an intro squad dual. The program hosted the dual in the Intramural gym for a large UC audience. Their hard work and training was put to the test as teammates divided into the Red and Blue Dual. Coach Andy Medders, head men’s coach and Coach Kip Flanik, head of the women’s team divided the wresters into two even teams, one red and one blue.

The men’s competition was tough, yet pleasant to watch. Even though the men were facing their own teammates, they put every thing they had into the matches. The matches were very intense and kept the audience on their toes. Coach Medders states, “I am very proud of the guys that wrestled in the dual. They really went after each other. This is exactly what I wanted to see tonight. A lot of scrapping and fighting until the whistle was blown.” Coach Medders is looking forward to seeing the same fight inside his men as they travel to Georgia Tech next weekend to officially open their season.

On the other mat, the women’s team pulled audience members to the edge of the bleachers. The dual showcased many of UC’s talented ladies in a total of twenty-three matches, each filled with excitement. However, with fifteen new rule changes since the 2004 Olympic Games and very few matches at home, some audience members had a hard time following the matches. Coach Flanik hopes to change this. There are two additional competitions scheduled for the home crowd to enjoy.

On October 22, 2005, the men’s wrestling team will be traveling to Atlanta, GA to compete in the Georgia Tech Open, while the women’s team will travel to Phoenix, AZ to compete in the Sunkist open.

Article Provided by Ken Prophete and Jesse Clifton, University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) Sports Information Assistants.