By Damion Martindale
The MSU Northern wrestling team put the final touches on the 1999-2000 season with the end of the year senior banquet.
The season saw the Lights compile a 11-4 dual record and its third-straight Great Plains Regional championship. The season was capped off with a 19.5 point victory over Missouri Valley University en route to their third-straight NAIA national title.
The Lights wrestlers set a record with 11 All-Americans, surpassing Adams College who held the previous record with 10.
The team was lead by National Champion Jason Fratzke (133), and three-time National Champion Turk Lords.
Others receiving All-American honors were Able Valdez (4th), Jessie Shaeffer (7th), Lyle Cronk (5th), Tamien Labuff (8th), Brendan Burns (4th), Chris Hayes (6th), Mark Lane (5th), Tyson Thivierge (2nd), and Damion Martindale (7th).
At heavyweight, Dane Jacobsen came an eyelash away from being an All-American, getting knocked out of the tournament one match before placing in a heart-breaking loss to Al Billings of Missouri Valley, who went on to the 7th and 8th place match where he was defeated by the Lights' Damion Martindale.
The seniors honored at the banquet this year were seniors Jessie Shaeffer, Lyle Cronk, Casey Pinon, Nate Laslovich, Mark Lane, and Damion Martindale.
Banquet Honors:
Coaches Award Chris Hayes
Courageous Award Jason Fratzke
Most Falls Jessie Shaeffer
Outstanding Wrestler Turk Lords
Most Inspirational Lyle Cronk and Tyson Thivierge
