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April 21, 2002

Gophers celebrate 2001-02 season at awards banquet

The 2002 NCAA Champion University of Minnesota wrestling team held its annual awards banquet at the Four Points Sheraton in Minneapolis, MN, Sunday evening to honor the athletes that led the Golden Gophers to their second consecutive national title. In March, Minnesota captured the NCAA crown with seven grapplers that earned All-America honors, including NCAA Champions Jared Lawrence and Luke Becker.

Appropriately, Lawrence was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler and Becker was named the Most Valuable Wrestler for the 2001-02 season. The night was highlighted by the moving speeches by Golden Gopher seniors Leroy Vega, Chad Erikson and Owen Elzen. A complete list of the award winners is below.

  • Most Valuable: Luke Becker
  • Most Outstanding: Jared Lawrence
  • Fraser Dean Award Most Courageous: Leroy Vega and Chad Erikson
  • Most Dedicated: Owen Elzen
  • Chris Berglin Most Improved: Ryan Lewis
  • Most Exciting: Ryan Lewis
  • Most Falls Award: Luke Becker (12)
  • Outstanding Freshman: Nate Baker
  • Freshman Outstanding Academic Award: Jeremy Larson
  • Upperclassman Outstanding Academic Award: Owen Elzen
  • Verne Gagne Scholarship/Leadership Award: Jacob Volkmann
  • All-American Awards: Ryan Lewis (2nd, 133 pounds), Chad Erikson (7th, 141 pounds), Jared Lawrence (1st, 149 pounds), Luke Becker (1st, 157 pounds), Damion Hahn (5th, 184 pounds), Owen Elzen (4th 197 pounds), Garrett Lowney (5th, Hwt)
  • Senior Awards: Leroy Vega (125), Chad Erikson (141), Owen Elzen (197)