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Makovsky Named Honorary Coach at the NWCA All-Star Classic

November 9, 2008

Mankato, Minn. -- Minnesota State head wrestling coach Jim Makovsky has been named an honorary coach for the November 24 NWCA All-Star Classic, held Columbus, Ohio at The Ohio State University.  The meet features twenty of the top wrestlers in NCAA Division I.

“I am proud to be selected as an honorary coach for this event and grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this event.  I am looking forward to being in the company of some of our countries greatest wrestlers and coaches.”

This year's event is the 43rd annual All-Star Classic and is the fifth year that the United States Marine Corps has sponsored the event. This is Makovsky's first time being honored in an event of this nature. Other honorary coaches include: Tom Ryan (Ohio State), Mark Manning (Nebraska), Dave Malecek (Wisconsin- LaCrosse)

Makovsky reached the 200-win mark last season with a 20-1-1 dual record, which set the school's single season record for wins. Over his twenty years of coaching, he is 215-84-5 (.720) and 190-65-2 (.740) at MSU. Makovsky has coached sixty-nine All-Americans, sixty-nine All-Academic wrestlers, and nine national champions.

Makovsky’s teams have placed in the top eight in the NCAA II National Championships eleven of the past fifteen years.  Last year’s squad placed second by one-half of a point and featured seven NCAA II All-Americans and two National Champions.  The Mavericks were also won the NWCA National Dual Meet Championships and successfully defended their North Region Championship. 

Makovsky has served as President of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and continues to serve on the NWCA Board of Directors.

Minnesota State opens its 2008-09 campaign November 15, 2008 with the Harold Nichols Open in Ames, Iowa.