pete willson wheaton invitational

ABOUT WHEATON COLLEGE Wheaton College is a coeducational college of liberal arts and science, combining high scholastic standards with evangelical Christian faith and practice. Located 25 miles west of Chicago, Wheaton College is a non-denominational independent school owned and operated by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. Interdenominational in constituency, the student body represents nearly all 50 states, some 50 countries, and about 40 church denominations. Seventy percent of the students are from outside Illinois. The faculty of approximately 150 members, about 80% with earned doctorates, comes from a variety of universities and colleges, both in the United States and abroad. As active Christians, TABLE OF CONTENTS they are personally interested in the spiritual and intellectual development of students. About Pete Willson Wheaton’s 80-acre campus is located in Wheaton, Illinois, a city of nearly 50,000 residents, and ...... Front inside cover is the county seat of DuPage County. Other college-owned campuses include the 50-acre Black About Wheaton College 1 Hills Science Station near Rapid City, South Dakota, for field studies in geology and biology, and Tournament personnel 1 Honey Rock Camp, a 500-acre youth counseling laboratory in Wisconsin. Tournament participants 2 Wheaton College sponsors 22 varsity sports, as well as nine club sports and a strong intramural Tournament schedule 2 program. Wheaton is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), and Tournament rules and format 2 all Thunder teams compete at the NCAA Division III level. Tournament scoring 2 In recent years, Wheaton athletes have won 30 individual NCAA national championships in eight Past Invitational champions 3 Division III sports and have earned All-American honors in 15 sports. In addition, the 1957 men’s 2019 Invitational team results 3 basketball team won the NCAA College Division championship, the men’s soccer program won 2019 Invitational individual champs 3 Division III National Championships in 1984 and 1997 and Wheaton won the 2004, 2006, and 2007 2019 Invitational award winners 3 NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer National Championship. Past Wheaton College Invitational Champs from Wheaton 4 Wheaton College All-Americans 4 Wheaton National Champions 4 Wheaton Hall of Famers 4 Wrestlers in Wheaton’s Hall of Honor 4 Wheaton’s CCIW Champions 5 Wheaton coaching bios 6 TOURNAMENT PERSONNEL 2019-20 Wheaton roster 7 Wheaton wrestler bios 8-10 Announcer Sandy Stevens Wheaton’s National Champions 10 Head Referee Fred Feeney Feature Story: Ben Peterson 11-12 Wheaton College Athletics Director Julie Davis Wheaton’s Sports & Rec Center ...... Back inside cover Assistant Athletics Director Bill Stukes Invite Athletic Trainers Tricia Deter, Allan Prasil, Mark Demchak, Tonya Baker, Photographer Mike Hudson

*Note - This is just a brief list of the dozens of people it takes to successfully run this great tournament. The ABOUT THIS PROGRAM many referees, hospitality coordinators, weigh-in staff, student facility support staff, student trainers, mainte- This program was written and designed by nance workers and others are thanked for their efforts. the Wheaton College Athletics Commu- nication Office. Content for this program ABOUT THE COVER was written and edited by Rusty Lindsey TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE Front cover: Wheaton senior Isaac Odell won and Brett Marhanka of the Wheaton the CCIW Championship at 184-pounds as a College Athletics Communication Office. Ron Beaschler, Ohio Northern University junior in 2019. Special thanks to Jim Gruenwald for all Bryan Brunk, Messiah College of his assistance with this program and Back cover: Wheaton senior Grant Miller quali- this tournament. Most photos by Michael Tim Fader, UW-Eau Claire fied for the 2019 NCAA Division III Wrestling Hudson Photography, Championships after making his season debut at the CCIW Championships and placing third at the Upper Midwest Region Championships.

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2020 PETE WILLSON WHEATON TOURNAMENT RULES AND FORMAT INVITATIONAL PARTICIPANTS • All matches will be according to NCAA regulations Adrian College; Alma College; Augustana College; Buena • The tournament is double-elimination Vista College; Case Western Reserve; University of • Trophies are awarded to places one through eight Chicago; Concordia University (Wis.); Cornell College; • Placewinners will be recorded for places one through Defiance College; Elizabethtown College; Elmhurst Col- eight lege; Ferrum; Heidelberg University; MacMurray College; • All NCAA policies and rules will be enforced Messiah College; Millikin University; College of Mount St. Joseph; University of Mount Union; MSOE; Muskingum Match Scoring University; Nebraska Wesleyan College; North Central Fall - The match is terminated when any part of both College; Ohio Northern University; Olivet College; Otter- shoulders are held in continuous contact with the mat bein University; Pacific University; Trine University; UW-Eau for one second. Claire; UW-Oshkosh; UW-Platteville; UW-Stevens Point; Near fall - Four points (When a wrestler holds his oppo- UW-Whitewater; and Wheaton College. nent’s shoulders on or near the mat for four seconds). Near fall - Two points (When a wrestler holds his op- ponents shoulders on or near the mat for less than five TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE seconds). Friday, Jan. 31, 11 am Takedown - Two points (When a wrestler goes from a Prelims and quarterfinals, wrestlebacks; six mats, eight neutral position to a position of control). officials Reversal - Two points (When a wrestler goes from being controlled to a position of control). Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 am Escape - One point (When a wrestler goes from being Semifinals and wrestlebacks; seventh-place matches; six controlled to a neutral position) mats, eight officials Riding Time - One point (When a wrestler accumulates 60 seconds or more riding time in excess of his oppo- Saturday, Feb. 1, 12:45 pm (Approximately) nent’s riding time). Championship finals, consolation finals and fifth-place Stalling - One point (When a wrestler makes no effort to matches after completion of previous round on three mats. wrestle).

Tournament Scoring Fall two points Forfeit two points Default two points Disqualification two points Technical fall (with near fall) 1 1/2 points Technical fall (without near fall) one point Major decision one point

Advancement Championship bracket one point Wrestle-back bracket 1/2 point

Bye followed by a win Championship bracket one point Wrestleback bracket 1/2 point

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2019 Pete Willson- Past Wheaton College Invitational Team Champions Wheaton Invitational Team Results place team points year champion year champion 1 Mount Union 135 1938 Wheaton College 1980 Drake University 2 North Central 105.5 1939 Wheaton College 1981 Drake University 3 Baldwin Wallace 98 1940 Illinois State University 1982 Drake University 4 UW-Whitewater 91.5 5 UW-Platteville 84 1941 University of Dubuque 1983 Drake University 1942 University of Dubuque 6 Olivet College 80.5 1984 Augustana College (Ill.) 7 UW-La Crosse 79.5 1943 No tournament held 1985 Central College (Iowa) 8 UW-Oshkosh 76.5 1944 No tournament held 1986 Drake University 9 Millikin 74.5 1945 No tournament held 1987 Drake University 10 Otterbein 70 1946 No tournament held 1988 Drake University 11 Ferrum 67.5 1947 Wheaton College 1989 Drake University 12 Manchester 63 1948 Wheaton College 14 John Carroll 58 1990 UW-Parkside 15 UChicago 57 1950 Wheaton College 1991 UW-Parkside 16 Heidelberg 56 1951 Illinois State University 1992 Marquette University 17 Messiah 47.5 1952 Great Lakes College 1993 UW-Parkside 18 Wheaton 45.5 1953 Northern Illinois University 1994 UW-Parkside 19 Adrian 41.5 1954 University of Illinois – Chicago 1995 Lindenwood University 20 Buena Vista 39 1955 Illinois State University 1996 Missouri Valley 21 UW-Stevens Point 34 1956 Southern Illinois University 22 Alma 33.5 1997 Missouri Valley 23 Trine 32.5 1957 Southern Illinois University 1998 Missouri Valley 24 Nebraska Wesleyan 31.5 1958 Southern Illinois University 1999 Missouri Valley 25 UW-Eau Claire 27.5 1959 Southern Illinois University 2000 Missouri Valley 26 Mount St. Joseph 26.5 1960 Southern Illinois University 2001 UW-La Crosse 27 Ohio Northern 26 1961 Wheaton College 2002 Embry Riddle (Ariz.) 28 Thomas More 23.5 29 MSOE 22.5 1962 Wheaton College 2003 Lindenwood University 1963 Augustana College (Ill.) 30 Muskingum 20.5 2004 Missouri Valley 31 Case Western Reserve 17.5 1964 MacMurray College (Ill.) 2005 UW-La Crosse 32 Augustana 16.5 1965 Augustana College (Ill.) 2006 Truman State 33 Dubuque 15.5 1966 MacMurray College (Ill.) 2007 UW-La Crosse 34 Pacific 12.5 1967 Augustana College (Ill.) 2008 UW-La Crosse 35 Defiance 10 1968 Augustana College (Ill.) 2009 UW-Parkside 36 Concordia (Wis.) 9 1969 Augustana College (Ill.) 37 Elizabethtown 6.5 2010 UW-Parkside 38 MacMurray 3 1970 Augustana College (Ill.) 2011 Lindenwood University 1971 Augustana College (Ill.) 2012 UW-Parkside 1972 Marquette University 2013 UW-Parkside 2019 Pete Willson-Wheaton 1973 Marquette University 2014 UW-Whitewater Invitational Champions 1974 Marquette University 2015 UW-Whitewater 125-pounds: Mike Tortorice 1975 Marquette University 2016 UW-Whitewater (UW-Whitewater) 1976 Marquette University 2017 Messiah 133-pounds: Jordin James 1977 Marquette University 2018 Messiah (Mount Union) 1978 Drake University 2019 Mount Union 141-pounds: Hazen Rice 1979 Drake University (UW-Whitewater) 149-pounds: Luke Hernandez (Mount Union) 157-pounds: Antwon Pugh 2019 Pete Willson-Wheaton Invitational Award Winners (Mount Union) 165-pounds: Anthony Arroyo (Baldwin Wallace) George Olson Jack Swartz 174-pounds: Jairod James Outstanding Wrestler Award Most Falls/Least Time Award (Mount Union) Mike Tortorice (UW-Whitewater) Andrew Perelka (John Carroll) - 184-pounds: Dylan Roth Four falls in 7:46 (Heidelberg) Pete George 197-pounds: Keajoin Jennings Sportsmanship Award (Millikin) Joey Tromba (Otterbein) 285-pounds: Drew Kasper (Otterbein) 3 pete willson wheaton invitational

Wheaton Invitational Champions From Wheaton College* Wheaton College All-Americans *List may be incomplete due to unavailable records.

Wrestler Wrestler Wrestler Frank Aiello Dave McDowell Mickey Best Roy Hess Dick Simons Stephen Aiello Steve McRoberts Wes Berghouse Buzz Hill Dave Skonberg Mickey Best Chris Moberly Paul Carlson David Hirt Brett Stamm Toby Boltz Dan Olsen Clyde Ciccarelli Winston Hurlburt Robert Taussig Caleb Campbell John O’Neil Gerard Cozette Tom Jarman Hal Taussig Sean Collins Mark Savenok Jim Elliot John Jeffery Kai Togami Paul Elsen Dave Skonberg Ted Evans Paul Lancaster Scott Torppey Carlos Fuentez Brett Stamm Carlos Fuentez Dave McDowell Gil Waterman Everette “Buzz” Hill Brian Stamm Julie Fliehler Henry Nuss Jim Watt David Hirt Richard Simmons John Franz John O’Neil Dan Weber Tom Jarman Mikey Swider Ray Gingrich Bob Oury Manly Wilcox Rob Kime Kai Togami Carl Gunderson Harry Pett Pete Willson Paul Lancaster Gil Waterman Jim Gustafson Spencer Sawyer Tom Littauer Dan Weber Wendy Harris Howie Schoon

Wheaton Alumni/Coaches in Division III Wheaton National Champions Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame

Paul Elsen Year Wrestler Wt. Class Tom Jarman 1963 Tom Jarman 157-pounds Brett Stamm 1980 Brett Stamm 167-pounds George Olson 1982 Brett Stamm 177-pounds Pete Willson 1996 Paul Elsen 177-pounds 1997 Paul Elsen 177-pounds 2001 Dan Weber 165-pounds

Wrestlers in Wheaton Athletics “Hall of Honor”

Name Grad Year Name Grad Year Greg Campbell 1970 John O’Neil 1957 Caleb Campbell 1998 Bob Oury 1960 Sean Collins 2001 Bill Scholl 1969 Paul Elsen 1997 Dick Simmons 1950 Cy Faulkner 1967 Dave Skonberg 1964 Julie Fliehler 1955 Brett Stamm 1982 Wendy Harris 1950 Hal Taussig 1951 Everette “Buzz” Hill 1968 Kai Togami 1982 David Hirt 2001 Scott Torppey 1982 Tom Jarman 1965 Jon Tuin 1983 Doug Johnston 1937 Gil Waterman 1976 Paul Lancaster 1984 Dan Weber 2001 Les Malmquist 1936 Pete Willson 1950 Dan Olsen was a two-time Division III All-American in Dave McDowell 1968 the 184-pound weight class, Steve McRoberts 1978 earning All-American honors Henry Nuss 1958 in 2013 and again in 2015. George Olson 1934

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COLLEGE CONFERENCE OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CHAMPIONS FROM WHEATON COLLEGE

The College Conference of Illinois and The Wheaton wrestling program has won ence’s “Outstanding Wrestler”: Randy El- Wisconsin was formed on April 26, 1946, as seven CCIW team championships through lison (1977); Brett Stamm and Scott Torppey the College Conference of Illinois. Charter the years, the second most of any confer- (1981); Brett Stamm (1982); Dave Meyer members included Augustana, Carthage ence school. Wheaton’s championships (1988); Matt Ecker (1990); Paul Elsen (1995 (then located in Illinois), Elmhurst, Illinois have come in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1976, 1977, and 1997); Sean Collins (2003); and Dan College, Illinois Wesleyan, Lake Forest, 1981, and 2015. On 10 occasions, Wheaton Olsen (2015). Below is a listing of Wheaton’s Millikin, North Central and Wheaton. grapplers have been named the confer- CCIW Champions through the years.

Wrestler Wt. Class Year Wrestler Wt. Class Year Wrestler Wt. Class Year Matt Acker 150 1990 Paul Lancaster 190 1981 Mark Savenok 149 2015 Matt Acker 158 1989 Paul Lancaster 190 1982 Bill Scholl 177 1969 Frank Aiello 174 2015 Dave Leaman 115 1969 Brent Skorup 141 2008 Frank Aiello 157 2017 David Leaman 123 1968 Brett Stamm 167 1980 Stephen Aiello 165 2014 David Lindberg 147 1957 Brett Stamm 177 1981 Stephen Aiello 165 2015 Tom Littauer 177 1977 Brett Stamm 177 1982 Stephen Aiello 174 2016 Mark Macy 158 1985 Chuck Stuber 130 1957 Stephen Aiello 165 2017 Mark Macy 158 1986 Chuck Stuber 137 1958 Dan Albinson 167 1986 Kevin McCarthy 118 1977 Mikey Swider 197 2015 Mickey Best 150 1989 Matt McCrary 174 2014 Mikey Swider 197 2016 Mickey Best 158 1988 Steve McKenzie 150 1986 Gene Taylor 123 1957 Toby Boltz 174 2007 Steve McRoberts HWT 1975 Paul Teasdale 177 1957 Toby Boltz 174 2008 Steve McRoberts HWT 1976 Kai Togami 134 1980 Bryan Brunk 150 1996 David Meyer 118 1988 Kai Togami 134 1981 Greg Campbell 152 1969 Chris Moberly 126 1976 Scott Torppey 142 1979 Caleb Campbell 167 1997 Chris Moberly 126 1977 Scott Torppey 142 1981 Chase Campbell 285 2007 Chris Moberly 126 1979 Scott Torppey 142 1982 Roy Carlson 191 1957 Gil Mucher 167 1957 Logan Walkup 184 2016 Sean Collins 149 2002 Steve Myers 191 1968 Gil Waterman 134 1976 Sean Collins 149 2003 Steve Myers 191 1969 Dan Weber 157 2000 John Dale 142 1987 Tony Nord 125 2001 Dan Weber 165 2001 Chad Downie 126 1995 Tony Nord 133 2003 Steve Wilderson 167 1989 Randall Ellison 190 1977 Henry Nuss 147 1958 Damian Wyman HWT 1999 David Elsen 167 1995 Henry Nuss 157 1957 Paul Elsen 177 1994 Dave Ober 167 1983 Paul Elsen 177 1996 Isaac Odell 184 2019 Paul Elsen 177 1997 Dan Olsen 184 2015 Paul Elsen 190 1995 Bob Oury 157 1958 Darren Faber 197 2012 Brian Oxley 177 1971 Jared Fekete 157 2015 Doug Pound 167 1973 Jared Fekete 157 2016 Mark Savenok 157 2013 James Ferris 123 1958 Mark Savenok 157 2014 Carlos Fuentez 125 2018 Scooter Hill 158 1997 Scooter Hill 167 1996 David Hirt 184 2001 David Hirt 184 2002 David Hirt 184 2003 Doug Howard 142 1974 Winston Hurlburt HWT 1957 Winston Hurlburt 191 1958 Brad Jarman 145 1968 Rob Kime 190 1984 Paul Lancaster 177 1983 Paul Lancaster 177 1984

Paul Elsen was a four-time CCIW Champion (1994-97) in his outstanding Wheaton career and he was honored as the CCIW’s “Outstanding Wrestler” in 1995 and 1997.

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WHEATON COLLEGE WRESTLING HEAD COACH JIM GRUENWALD

Jim Gruenwald is in his 11th year as the head coach for the Thunder wrestling team in 2018-19. He is also in his sixth year as Head Strength Coach for Wheaton Athletics. Gruenwald, a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Greco Roman wrestling team, came to Wheaton after serving as an assistant coach for .U S. Greco Roman wrestling team at the U.S. Olympic Education Center in Marquette, Michigan from 2005-09. Gruenwald finished sixth at 60 kg in the Greco Roman competition at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and was 10th at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. A three-time U.S. Champion, Gruenwald completed his competitive career on the mat in 2008 as a National Champion. He also won U.S. Titles in 2003 and 2004. Gruenwald is a 1994 graduate of Maranatha Baptist Bible College, earning a Bach- elor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education in 1994. He compiled a four-year record of 154-19 on the mat in his career at Maranatha. Gruenwald was a three-time National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Champion, earning MVP honors in 1989 and 1991. A former Wheaton Invitational Champion, Gruenwald is a member of Northwestern University’s Midlands Championships 20-Win Club, with 22 career victories at the prestigious tournament. Jim and his wife Rachel have seven children: son Adin and six daughters, Arwyn, Ava, Autumn, Aleyse, Ashley and Amber.

WHEATON COLLEGE WRESTLING ASSISTANT COACHES

Frank Aiello returns Mark Savenok is in Tanner Shultz is in to his alma mater after his fifth year as an assis- his third season as an graduating in 2018. A tant coach for the Thun- Assistant Wrestling two-time CCIW Cham- der wrestling program. Coach. He is a gradu- pion, Aiello earned All- Savenok, a four-year ate of Lyons Township American honors with letterwinner on the mat, High School in Western a fourth place finish at graduated from Whea- Springs, Illinois where 165 pounds at the 2018 ton in 2015. In four years he wrestled for 4 years. NCAA Championships. with the Thunder, Save- During his high school Aiello finished in the nok compiled a career wrestling career he top six at the Pete Willson Wheaton Invi- record of 113-27. achieved State Qualifier, All-Conference, tational three times in his career and was Savenok finished seventh in the and was voted Honorary Team Captain. awarded the Pete George Sportsmanship 157-pound weight class at the Division III Tanner also was the winner of a teacher Award in 2015. Championships in 2013-14 and also quali- voted Health Award given to one male fied for Nationals as a senior in the 2014-15 and one female athlete for demonstrat- A four-time CCIW season. He won three CCIW Champion- ing exceptional leadership and character Champion, Stephen ships in his tenure at Wheaton with titles qualities. Aiello returns to his at 157-pounds in his sophomore and junior Tanner continued his wrestling career at alma mater after gradu- seasons and a conference championship at the divsion one level for the University of ating in 2017. Aiello was 149-pounds as a senior. Wyoming where he earned undergraduate a three-time National degrees in exercise science and nutrition. Qualifier and earned He later earned a graduate (Master’s) de- All-American honors gree in exercise physiology. as a freshman in 2014. Tanner is the founder and current owner Aiello was a three-time of Functional Fitness- For Stronger Living. tournament champion at Wheaton includ- He is a Certified Strength and Condition- ing twice winning his weight class at the ing Specialist (CSCS), a Certified Nutrition Messiah Invitational. Coach (Pn-1*), and has recieved a coach- ing endorsement from the University of Wyoming. Tanner has been a coach and personal trainer for over 15 years. Tanner and his wife, Elissa, have 4 kids and have lived in the Wheaton/Winfield area since 2004.

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2019-20 WHEATON COLLEGE WRESTLING TEAM

Name Wt. Class Yr. Hometown/High School/Previous School Giovany Armira 125 Fr. Berwyn, Ill./Chicago Hope Academy Benjamin Black 141 So. Derby, Kan./Rose Hill Sean Ferguson 149 Jr. Boise, Idaho/Capital Josiah Fitzjerrels 141 Sr. Mount Vernon, Ill./Mount Vernon Township Ethan Fong 133 Jr. Lexington, Mass./Lexington Luke Gentry 184 So. Hudson, Ill./Hudson Andrew Harrell 149 Sr. McKinney, Texas/McKinney Christian Academy Hunter Harrison 174 Jr. Castle Rock, Colo./Valor Christian Ethan Harsted 141 So. Ottawa, Ill./Ottawa Natan Jara 197 So. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North Brendan Johnston 125 Fr. Colorado Springs, Colo./The Classical Academy Josiah Krason 133 Jr. Ipswich, Mass./Ipswich Ben Lokos 184 So. Gaithersburg, Md./Damascus Caele Manley 157 So. Hoolehua, Hawaii/Molokai Grant Miller 285 Sr. Herscher, Ill./Herscher Jacob Murrie 165 So. Charlottesville, Va./The Convenant School Aidan Naylor 174 Sr. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton Academy Isaac Odell 184 Sr. Lincoln, Nev./Lincoln East Charles Owens 149 Fr. Crawford, Fla./Wakulla Jackson Punzel 197 Fr. Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central Logan Roberts 197 So. Franklin, Tenn./Independence Stephen Stapleton 125 Fr. Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./Univ. of Detroit Jesuit HS Stephen Watson 174 So. Kent, Wash./Kentwood Anthony Zamora 125 So. Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield East/Old Dominion University

Head coach: Jim Gruenwald Assistant coaches: Stephen Aiello, Frank Aiello, Mark Savenok, Tanner Shultz

7 pete willson wheaton invitational 2019-20 WHEATON COLLEGE WRESTLER BIOS Giovany Armira Luke Gentry Class: Freshman Hometown: Berwyn, Ill. Class: Sophomore Hometown: Hudson, Ill. High school: Chicago Hope Academy High school: Hudson Weight class: 184 Weight class: 125 Major: Engineering Major: Biology 2019-20: Picked up his first collegiate victory at 2019-20: Has a record 2-4 at 184. the Messiah Invitational...placed sixth at the Trine 2018-19: Picked up his first collegiate victory at Invitational...has a record of 5-6 at 125 and 133. the MSOE Invite on Dec. 1., going 1-10 on the High School: Four-year varsity wrestler... two-time season at 184. High School: Four-year varsity State Qualifier...team MVP. starter...Two-year team captain...mission trips to Massachusetts, Michigan and Missouri Benjamin Black Andrew Harrell Class: Sophomore Hometown: Derby, Kan. Class: Senior Hometown: McKinney, Texas High school: Rose Hill Weight class: 141 High school: McKinney Christian Academy Major: Psychology Weight class: 149 Major: Business/Economics 2019-20: Placed sixth at the MSOE Invite...has a 2019-20: Made his season debut on Jan. 9 in du- record of 4-12 at 149. 2018-19: Picked up his first als against Lincoln and Hannibal-LaGrange...has a collegiate victory at the MSOE Invite, finishing record of 0-3 at 149 pounds. 2018-19: Had a record the season 1-12 at 141. High School: Three-year of 3-20 at 149 pounds. 2017-18: Record of 1-11 at 149 varsity starter...team captain...All-Conference pounds. 2016-17: Finished the season with a 9-12 re- performer...also played soccer and baseball. cord... finished fifth at the North Central Invitational. 2015-16: Picked up wins against Adrian’s James Renaud and Ben Reagan of Concordia (Wis.). 2014-15: Competed at both 149 and 157-pounds . Sean Ferguson 2013-14: Competed in six matches as a freshman. High School: Two-time Class: Junior Hometown: Boise, Idaho. All-State honoree...earned State Runner-up and third place honors...also High school: Capital Weight class: 133 played football...mission trip to Costa Rica. Majors: Mathematics Hunter Harrison 2018-19: Had a record of 4-12 at 133 and 141 pounds. 2017-18: Went 3-11 at 133 pounds, picking up his first Class: Junior Hometown: Castle Rock, Colo. collegiate victory at the Messiah Invitational. High High school: Valor Christian Weight class: 174 School: Four-year varsity starter...Placed twice in Majors: Business/Economics State, Runner-Up and Fourth Place...Tiger Grizz 2019-20: Finished fifth at the Trine Invitational...has a Invitational Finalist...Two-time team captain...BPA record of 9-5 at 174. 2018-19: Had a record of 6-9 at Club...Missions trip to Kenya. 174 pounds after making season debut at Dubuque Duals on Dec. 15. 2017-18: Went 3-13 at 165 pounds Josiah Fitzjerrels in his debut season with the Thunder, earning his first collegiate victory at the Messiah Invitational. Class: Senior Hometown: Mount Vernon, Ill. High School: Three-year varsity wrestler...JEFCO 4A Wrestler of the High school: Mount Vernon Twp Weight class:141 Year...Fourth-place in Colorado High School State Tournament as a Majors: Business/Economics and Psychology Senior...Fourth-place in CO Greco State Tournament...Third-place in CO Freestyle State Tournament...Twice named First-Team All-League...Also a 2018-19: Made his season debut at the Spartan Mat member of Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, and Speech and Debate teams. Classic on Jan. 12, going 0-4 on the season. 2017-18: Went 3-20 at 133 pounds. 2016-17: Finished the sea- son with a 4-21 record...won a 10-6 decision against Ethan Harsted Johns Hopkins’ Brandon Tran in his collegiate debut Class: Sophomore Hometown: Ottawa, Ill. at the Messiah Invitational. High School: Four-year High school: OttawaWeight class: 141 varsity starter...team MVP...team captain...State Qualifier...also played Major: Elementary Education soccer...National Honors Society. 2019-20: Has a record of 10-5 at 141 and 149... placed fourth at the Trine Invitational. Ethan Fong 2018-19: Record of 27-15 at 133 pounds...took first place at the Trine Invitational...finished second Class: Junior Hometown: Lexington, Mass. at the CCIW Championships...finished third at High school: Lexington Weight class: 133 the Messiah Invite...placed fourth at the MSOE Majors: Political Science Invite...sixth place finisher at the Spartan Mat 2019-20: Has a record of 0-4 at 133. 2018-19: Made Classic. High School: Four-year varsity starter...won several state his season debut at the Spartan Mat Classic on titles in high school...also played football and pole vaulted...state Jan. 12, going 0-2 on the season. 2017-18: Went 0-4 qualifier in pole vaulting at 125 and 133 pounds in his debut season with the Thunder. High School: Four-year varsity starter.

8 pete willson wheaton invitational 2019-20 WHEATON COLLEGE WRESTLER BIOS Natan Jara Grant Miller Class: Sophomore Hometown: Wheaton, Ill. Class: Senior Hometown: Herscher, Ill. High school: Wheaton North Weight class: 197 High school: Herscher Major: Business/Economics Weight class: 285 Major: Biology (Pre-Med) 2019-20: Has a record of 13-13 at 197...placed 2019-20: Made his season debut on Jan. 9...has fourth at the Messiah invitational and Kaufman a record of 2-1 at 285. 2018-19: National Qualifier Open. 2018-19: Record of 16-15 at 184 pounds... with third place finish at Upper Midwest Region- picked up his first collegiate victory at the als...finished the season with a 6-5 record at 285. Messiah Invitational. High School: Two-year var- 2016-17: Went 0-1 at 285-pounds his freshman year. sity starter... All-Conference honors... qualified for High School: Three-year starter on the mat...a team state...also played football, lacrosse, and ran track . captain in 2016...finished second at 285-pounds at Class 1A in 2016...All- State...All-Conference...All-Area Kankakee...All-State Academic Team... Brendan Johnston Illinois State Scholar... First-team Scholar Athlete... National Honor Society Class: Freshman Vice President. Other: Also a member of the Thunder football team. Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo. High school: The Classical Academy Jacob Murrie Weight class: 125 Major: Undecided Class: Sophomore 2019-20: Picked up his first collegiate victory at Hometown: Charlottesville, Va. the Messiah Invitational...has a record of 3-8 at High school: The Covenant School 125. High School: Four-year varsity wrestler...also Weight class: 165 Major: Urban Studies participated in cross country. 2019-20: Has a record of 2-5 at 165. 2018-19: Had a record of 2-10 at 174 pounds...picked up his Josiah Krason first collegiate victory at the Trine Invitational. Class: Junior Hometown: Ipswich, Mass. High School: Four-year varsity starter...Two-time High school: Ipswich Weight class: 133 captain...several conference championships and Major: Business/Economics state qualifications...also played soccer. 2019-20: Has a record of 3-7 at 133 pounds. 2018-19: Aiden Naylor Had a record of 0-6 at 125 pounds. 2017-18: Went 1-8 at 125 pounds in his debut season with the Thunder, Class: Senior Hometown: Wheaton, Ill. earning his first collegiate victory at the Messiah High school: Wheaton Academy Invitational. High School: Four-year varsity starter... Weight class: 174 Major: Applied Health Science Compiled 100 career wins...Three-time Sectional Has a record of 1-6 at 174 and 184. placer...2016 Sectional Champ...Fifth-place finish at State...Two-time All- 2019-20: 2018-19: Wrestled in eight matches at 174 pounds. State participant...Two-time State placer...Two-time Salem News All-Star... 2017-18: Record of 1-6 at 174 pounds Competed in Two-time Newburyport News All-Star...Two-time CAL All-League...National . 2016-17: four matches in his debut season with the Thunder, Honors Society...Honors Band member... School Council Member...Volun- wrestling at both the Messiah Invitational and Trine teered at Feed the Hungry in Boston.... Service trips to Jackson, Miss. with Invitational. : Four-year varsity wrestler... VOCM...Also participated in baseball, tennis, and soccer. High School team captain...sectional qualifier...also played football and lacrosse... National Honor Society. Ben Lokos Class: Sophomore Hometown: Gaithersburg, Md. Isaac Odell High school: Damascus Weight class: 197 Major: Business/Economics and Computer Science Class: Senior Hometown: Lincoln, Neb. High school: Lincoln East High School: Four-year varsity starter...won mul- Weight class: 165 Major: Business/Economics tiple state and local championships. 2019-20: Has a record of 19-5 at 184...pinned his way Other: Also a member of the Thunder football through the Messiah Invitational...finished second team. at the Trine Invitational and third at the Concordia Open...placed sixth at the Kaufman Open...has 13 victories by fall. 2018-19: Finished the year with a record of 35-5 Caele Manley at 184...CCIW Champion at 184...finished second at the Pete Willson Class: Sophomore Hometown: Hoolehua, Hawaii Wheaton Invitational...led the nation in victories by fall...placed first at 184 High school: Molokai Weight class: 157 pounds at the Messiah Invitational, Trine Invitational, MSOE Invite, and Major: Engineering Spartan Mat Classic...finished third at the Concordia Open. 2017-18: Finished 34-10 at 184 pounds...CCIW Wrestler of the Week on 2019-20: Has a record of 6-9 at 157. 2018-19: Dec. 12...won the Trine Invitational and the NCC Invitational...placed fourth Record of 9-20 at 157 pounds...picked up his first at the Pete Willson Wheaton Invitational... finished second at the Messiah collegiate victory at the Messiah Invitational... Invitational...earned a third place finish at the Concordia Open...third at placed third at the Trine Invitational. High School: the CCIW Championships. Four-year starter...also played volleyball, football, 2016-17: Posted a record of 15-12 as a freshman with matches at 165 and and cross country. 174-pounds...placed third at 165-pounds at the Trine Invitational. High School: A four-year varsity starter at Lincoln East High School. 9 pete willson wheaton invitational

2019-20 WHEATON COLLEGE WRESTLER BIOS Charles Owens Stephen Stapleton Class: Freshman Hometown: Crawford, Fla. Class: Freshman High school: Wakulla Hometown: Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. Weight class: 157 Major: Undecided High school: University of Detroit Jesuit HS 197 2019-20: Picked up his first collegiate victory at Weight class: the Messiah Invitational...has a record of 2-9 at Majors: Political Science and Business 157. High School: 2019-20: Earned his first collegiate victory at the Messiah Invitational...has a record of 1-11 at 125. High School: Four-year varsity starter... three-time All-Conference...two-year team captain.

Jackson Punzel Stephen Watson Class: Freshman Hometown: Naperville, Ill. Class: Sophomore Hometown: Kent, Wash. High school: Naperville Central High school: Kentwood Weight class: 174 Weight class: 197 Major: Business Major: Chemistry and Physics 2019-20: Made his collegiate debut and finished sixth at the MSOE Invite...has a record of 2-1 at 197. 2019-20: Made his season debut in a dual against High School: Four-year varsity starter...two-time Hannibal-LaGrange on Jan. 9...has a record of 0-1 team captain...two-time State Qualifier...finished at 174. 2018-19: Had a record of 6-7 after making fifth as a senior. his debut at 174 pounds at the MSOE Invite... earned his first collegiate victory at the NCC Invite. High School: Three-year varsity starter... Logan Roberts several All-State football honors...also played football. Other: Also a member of the Thunder football team. Class: Sophomore Hometown: Franklin, Tenn. High school: Independence Anthony Zamora Weight class: 197 Major: Biology Class: Sophomore Hometown: Plainfield, Ill. 2018-19: Had a record of 5-10 at 197 pounds... High school: Plainfield East earned his first collegiate victory at the Mes- Previous School: Old Dominion University siah Invitaitonal. High School: Four-year varsity Weight class: 197 Major: Business starter... team captain...won regionals and qualified 2019-20: Has a record of 5-9 at 125 and 133. Previ- for state...mission trip to Chicago. ous College: Went 3-4 in unattached tournaments as a freshman at Old Dominion University.

WHEATON COLLEGE’S WRESTLING LEGACY - THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Wheaton College has a long tradition of wrestler from the school to win the title side longtime Wheaton coaches Pete Willson wrestling though the years. The school has seen twice. The Danville, Pa., native placed fourth and George Olson. 24 wrestlers earn NCAA All-American honors as a freshman at the 1979 NCAA Division III Dan Weber transferred into Wheaton from through the years, including four individuals National Championships at 167 pounds. He Indiana University in 1999 and made an immedi- who won National Championships: Tom Jar- won the national championship the next year ate impact in his two seasons in orange and blue. man, Brett Stamm, Paul Elsen and Dan Weber. in that weight class. In his junior year he again As a junior in 1999-2000, he compiled a record Stamm and Elsen are the two wrestlers among took fourth place, this time at 177 pounds, and, of 29-4, finishing third at the National Champion- Wheaton’s 11 athletes to win multiple individual true to form, won the national championship in ships. In 2000-01 he amassed a flawless record National Championships. that weight class his senior year. Following his of 25-0 to win the Division III National Champi- In 1963, Tom Jarman became the first athlete Wheaton years, Brett was awarded an NCAA onship at 165-pounds. Weber won 93 percent of from Wheaton to win an individual national Postgraduate Academic/Athletic Scholarship, his matches in his two seasons at Wheaton with championship in wrestling. Jarman won the title which he used while completing his master’s an astonishing career record of 54-4. in the 157-pound weight class at the NCAA Small degree in teaching at Augustana (S.D.) College College Division Championships. Wrestling from 1982-84. He was also an assistant wrestling stayed with Jarman following his graduation coach during his time at Augustana. Brett has from Wheaton. In 1969, he took the head wres- returned to Pennsylvania where he teaches and tling coach position at Taylor University. After a has also coached wrestling there. ten-year stay at Taylor he was named the head Paul Elsen compiled a career record of 109- wrestling coach at Northwestern University 19, earning Division III All-American honors in for another ten-year stint. In 1989 Jarman was wrestling three times. Elsen recorded a record named the head wrestling coach and athletic of 55-3 in his junior and senior seasons (1995-97), director at Manchester College, where he has winning the Division III National Championship served both roles until his retirement in 2007. In at 177-pounds in 1996 and 1997. In March of 2003, March of 2003 he was inducted into the Division Elsen was inducted into the Division III Wrestling III Wrestling Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame, the same year that fellow Wheaton Brett Stamm became Wheaton’s second alumnus Tom Jarman was inducted. Jarman and Brett Stamm was Wheaton’s first two- National Champion in wrestling and the first Elsen joined Stamm in the Hall of Fame, along- time National Champion in wrestling. 10 pete willson wheaton invitational

DISTINGUISHED FORMER WRESTLER/COACH: BEN PETERSON

By Brett Marhanka, Wheaton College “Because John and I were so close in pressure and gave me the opportunity to Athletics Communications Director weight and so close in age, we wrestled dream that maybe a coach would find me.” against each other an awful lot – almost on Ben lost his opening match to a com- a daily basis. Our older brothers were off petitor that had qualified for the National in college and in the military so we never Team the year before. After the match, wrestled against them. But they wrestled his opponent asked Ben how old he was. and had done well so we wanted to do as After telling him he was 17-years-old, the well or better.” wrestler said to him, ‘You stay at this, you As a senior in high school, Ben finished could be good.’ Ben reflects, “It was in- second in the Wisconsin state tourna- credible encouragement.” ment. In 1968 he was searching for a col- “My next match was against an Iowa lege to continue his education and wres- State wrestler. My coach was elated be- tling career. He eventually ended up at cause he knew the Iowa State coaches Iowa State University, a collegiate wres- would be there to watch. I was ahead 3-2 tling power. However, he notes of his path at the end of the first period, but I woke to becoming a Cyclone, “Going to Iowa up a bear,” he recalls with a smirk. “He State had God’s fingerprints on it.” scored seven points on me and I never “There was a regional Olympic qualify- scored again. But, because of my one ing tournament that was going on in the move in that match and them seeing me, spring of my senior year of high school. My two weeks later the head coach called me coach told me to go the trial and maybe up and asked me if I would be interested some college coaches would see me. I in being an Iowa State Cyclone wrestler. won that tournament and the next step I say that how all that worked had God’s Ben Peterson is known to many people was to go to the National tournament,” fingerprints on it.” as a champion wrestler and 2002 inductee says Peterson. He continues, “I was scared Peterson had a decorated career at into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. of the guys that I would see at the national Iowa State, winning NCAA Champion- He is a two-time NCAA Champion on tournament and I didn’t want to go. Some ships at 190-pounds in 1971 and 1972. In the mat, earned a gold medal at the 1972 local business people gave money for my 1998, he went into the Iowa State Hall of Olympics in Munich, West Germany and a expenses and my coach raised money for Fame, going in as part of the second in- silver medal in 1976 at the Montreal Olym- me to go the tournament. Of all places, it duction class. pics. He is also a husband, father, coach, was hosted and organized by the coaches Shortly after graduating from Iowa mentor, leader and faithful man of God. at Iowa State. I told my coach ‘I can’t win State, Ben’s wrestling career continued Ben Peterson grew up in northwestern that thing’, hoping to get out of it. I’ll never as he and John represented the United Wisconsin, graduating from Cumberland forget the statement he made, ‘I know States at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. High School in 1968. “My first time wres- that Ben, but maybe some coach will see He won a gold medal in Munich at 90 kilo- tling was in a PE class and then started you.’ It was a masterful statement and he grams, and John won a silver medal at 82 regularly wrestling in high school,” recalls was honest with me. It took away all the kilograms that year. In 1976, the brothers Ben. He adds, “My mother was not in fa- vor of wrestling at all. I was going to play basketball, I am tall and slim, and thought I would be a basketball player. I broke my leg when I was in the seventh grade and my coordination was not good. I went on to play basketball in the eighth grade and was a total failure.” Because of the failed attempt, he moved on to wrestling. “Later, I won a match and then had a conversa- tion with my mother and told her I was go- ing to wrestle.” Ben reflects, “I really started wrestling because of my brothers. My two older brothers wrestled, and my brother John was just a year-and-a-half older than I was. However, due to some injuries John had, he and I both started at the same time – when I was a freshman.” Ben continues, 11 pete willson wheaton invitational

DISTINGUISHED FORMER WRESTLER/COACH: BEN PETERSON

competed at the Montreal Olympics with wrestled for Peterson at the school from him,” says Allen. He continues, “Coach Pe- John winning gold and Ben earning silver. 1990-94. “I wouldn’t be the man that I am terson is such a high man of character. I Ben says of his Olympic experience, today if it weren’t for Ben Peterson,” re- was impressed by the humility he had as “One of the things that made it so special flects Gruenwald. “I grew up in a broken he interacted with other coaches and the was having my brother John in the middle home and did not have a God-fearing way he used the platform of wrestling. He of it.” He adds, “I will always remember, the Christian mentor in my life to the degree achieved so much in the sport and used moment that both John and I finished our that Ben Peterson was. He demonstrated wrestling for opportunities to spread the matches at the Olympics in ’72 in Munich. what it was to be a Christian husband, Gospel.” He was done with his match, he secured Christian father and Christian neighbor. Allen recalls, “I had him as a professor his silver medal, and he looked down at He built into me the entire time I was at in college and the class he taught was my mat he saw me get the pin I needed to Maranatha. I cannot quantify his role in my personal evangelism. I saw that lived out get my gold medal. He immediately came life, other than I became a different per- with him as a coach and in his camps in to my mat and hugged me, broke my ribs son under his mentorship.” the summer.” Allen concludes, “He was so and carried me off the mat. That is prob- Following a career at Maranatha that committed to using the platform that he ably the highlight of all eight years.” saw him post a 154-19 collegiate record, had created through his accomplishments In 1972, he began coaching at Maranatha Gruenwald continued his career in wres- to win others to Christ. That was an awe- Baptist Bible College (now Maranatha tling. He earned three U.S. Champion- some thing to see. It has affected my lead- Baptist University), in Watertown, Wiscon- ships in Greco Roman wrestling, and rep- ership as a coach over the years to use the sin. “The President of Maranatha and the resented the United States at the 2000 opportunity we have to be a witness for head of the academic department came Olympics in Sydney, Australia and the our faith.” over to Madison and introduced them- 2004 Olympics in the Athens, Greece. Allen notes, “When I think of Coach selves to me and asked if I would be in- Gruenwald reflects on Peterson, “Be- Peterson, I think of his humility. He is a terested in coaching there. They had just cause of his Olympic background he held humble servant. He was purposeful in in- started Maranatha a few years earlier.” He a pretty high standard. I think the biggest tegrating his faith in his coaching to us. He continues, “I had a desire when I came out thing for me was his ability to challenge would lead us through scripture and devo- of college that I wanted to do a good job me.” He adds, “He was in my corner for tionals as a team.” Allen adds, “His doing in giving the Gospel to people. I coached every match at the 2000 Olympic trials. It that was the living, breathing example of there for one year and then left to train was awesome, because he had been in my what we are called to do and live out the for my second Olympics. When I came corner so much and was so comfortable Great Commission.” back, the President asked about paying there.” Jim continues, “Ben was there to In 1977, Ben and John Peterson started me and I said, ‘Is there any way I can take encourage me at that point and of course Camp of Champs wrestling camp in Wis- classes? I am asked to speak all the time I made that Olympic team.” consin. Gruenwald says of the camp, “Ben and I don’t feel like I am doing it very well. Gruenwald says, “Not only was he a was very definite about what Camp of Your whole purpose is to train people to solid spiritual man, but he understood Champs was. Camp of Champs was not work in Christian ministry and give the competing at the highest level. His suc- a Christian camp, it was a wrestling camp Gospel.’ He said ‘Of course Ben you can cess added weight to the spiritual impact run by Christians. These kids would come have all the classes you want.” Peterson he had on me.” He says of Peterson’s im- in for Ben Peterson the Olympic champi- concludes, “I actually ended up getting my pact on him as a coach today, “The big- on and they would leave with their heart Master’s Degree before it was done.” gest thing I picked up from Ben was how captured by Ben Peterson the Christian. His coaching career at Maranatha im- he does mentorship. The wrestling part For 40 years, he pointed wrestlers to- pacted many, including Wheaton Col- is important. But if you look at wrestling wards God and Christ. That has impacted lege wrestling coach Jim Gruenwald who from an eternal mindset, what is more im- me, because I have done the same thing portant is that these young for the last 32 years.” men are pointed in the right Tom Allen sums up Ben Peterson, “The direction - and we maximize way he has lived his live is an inspiration. their wrestling ability, which He was in the arena, in the wrestling and is something I have clung to coaching world, where people were at dif- my entire life.” ferent levels of faith, or no faith at all. He Tom Allen, the head foot- lived in that world with a grace and humil- ball coach at Indiana Univer- ity that others respected, whether they sity, wrestled at 190-pounds believed what he believed or not. That’s for Peterson at Maranatha an awesome approach. He never compro- from 1989-1992. “He was my mised what he believed, and is respected college coach, and the rea- as a man and a wrestler. That allowed him son I chose Maranatha was to eventually make an impact on someone to compete and wrestle for that maybe wasn’t a believer at the time.” 12