May 25, 2011
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Collectively and individually, 2010-11 was a landmark season for Northwestern wrestling, highlighted by 18 dual wins, a 6-2 Big Ten mark, five qualifiers to the national meet and three NCAA All-Americans. On Sunday, Drew Pariano and the rest of the NU coaching staff handed out awards recognizing the outstanding achievements by this year's squad at the annual team banquet.
Northwestern's traditional three team awards for most points, most falls and most takedowns on the season went to three different members of the starting dual lineup. Senior Brandon Precin (125) took home the Stuteville Trophy for highest point total, while classmate and fellow co-captain Andrew Nadhir (149) racked up the most takedowns to win the Lupton Award.
True freshman Kaleb Friedley (141) burst on the scene in 2010-11 to win the Jack Riley Award for most pins, finishing with 13 wins by fall.
Precin, who placed third in the nation at 125 pounds for the second time in becoming a three-time NCAA All-American, was the recipient of Northwestern's Most Valuable Wrestler award, finishing 35-3 with a 19-1 dual record.
A four-year starter, two-time national qualifier and 2011 NCAA All-American, Nadhir took home NU's Ironman Award after posting a 34-8 record in his senior campaign. He capped off his career with a remarkable performance at the NCAA Championships, rebounding from a loss in his match by winning five straight bouts to reach the podium and finish sixth in the nation.
Sharing the award for Most Dedicated Wrestler were to members of the senior class, tri-captain Robert Joyce (133) and two-year starter Aaron Jones (184). Both regularly wrestled through injury to give maximum effort and leadership in matches and in practice.
For Most Exciting Performer, Pariano tabbed sophomore Jason Welch, who recorded a team-best six technical falls and put on a show at the NCAA Championships when he knocked off top-seeded and previously unbeaten Adam Hall of Boise State to secure All-American status.
Finally, Northwestern recognized those team members who achieved the highest GPA, which in 2010-11 was sophomore NCAA qualifier Levi Mele (133) and senior Robert Holbrook.
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