Senior Nick Wilkes (Onamia, Minn./Mille Lacs H.S./Dana College), junior Brad Padgett (Buckley, Wash./White River H.S./Highline C.C.) and redshirt freshman Gabe Suarez (Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron-Memorial H.S.) have been named 2007-08 St. Cloud State University wrestling team captains, head coach Steve Costanzo announced.
Wilkes (197 pounds) will serve as the team captain for the second year
in a row for the Huskies. Entering in his senior year, Wilkes is a
returning NCAA Division II National Qualifier while posting an 18-8
record last season. In 2006-07, he placed 1st in the Cobber Open, 2nd
in the Dubuque Open and 4th in the North Central Regional
Championships. He was named NCC Wrestler of the Week honors once. In
addition, he was honored as the Dean Weisman Wrestler of the Year for
SCSU.
"Nick has been a strong leader for the Huskies this past year and I
expect nothing less from him," Costanzo said. "We look for him to have
another solid season for us."
Padgett (184) will serve his first year for the Huskies as team
captain. He is a transfer from Highline CC, where he was a two-time
NJCAA All-American. In 2006-07, he placed second in the nation at 184
with one loss. He is a past Regional Champion and was named Regional
Wrestler of the Year.
"Brad is a captain because he leads by example on and off the mat,"
Costanzo said. "He has a great attitude and work-ethic and has
demonstrated great leadership abilities in a short period of time with
the Huskies."
Suarez (133/141) will serve as team captain this year for the first
time. Only a Redshirt Freshman, Suarez competed unattached last season
winning over twenty matches placing in four Opens. He was named 2006-07
Redshirt Wrestler of the Year for the Huskies.
"Rarely does a Freshman get voted captain by his team,” said Costanzo.
“Gabe has earned the respect of all of his teammates by the consistent
effort and work-ethic in and out of the practice room. He is an example
of getting what you get by working hard.”
The Huskies begin their season on Nov. 17, as they travel to the Cobber Open.