St. Cloud, MN- St. Cloud State University Head Coach Steve Costanzo and staff have announced their team captains for the upcoming 2011-2012 Season.
Six individuals have been named team captains for the 2011-2012 wrestling campaign. Seniors Tad Merritt, Lucas Munkelwitz, Derek Skala, and Jacob Tabbert, along with Juniors Jacob Kahnke and Jacob D. Horn will be leading the way as the Huskies look to improve on last year’s 2nd place finish at the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
Merritt of Canby, MN is one of two returning captains from last season. Merritt is a 3x NCAA National Qualifier and the most decorated as a 3x All-American for the Huskies placing 3rd as a Freshman, 5th as a Sophomore, and 3rd as a Junior.
Munkelwitz of Forest Lake, MN is a 3x returning NCAA National Qualifier for the Huskies finishing last season with a 14-6 dual meet record, and 19-10 overall.
Skala of Owatonna, MN is another returning captain from last season. He is also a 3x returning NCAA National Qualifier and All-American for the Huskies with a 7th place finish as a Sophomore at the Division II National Tournament.
Tabbert of Inner Grove Heights, MN is a graduate of Simley High School. Returning Cobber Open Champion at 149, and was 1-0 in dual meet action last season and 8-6 overall.
Kahnke of Shakopee, MN is a 2x returning NCAA National Qualifier and 2x All-American placing 4th as a Freshman and 2nd as a Sophomore for the Huskies.
Jacob D. Horn of Ephrata, WA is a returning NCAA National Qualifier and All-American with a 5th place finish in the 2011 NCAA Division II National Tournament.
“We are very fortunate to be in the hands of such great leaders,” said Coach Steve Costanzo. “These guys have been the roots and vines of this great program. We look forward to a great year with their leadership both on and off the mat.”
The St. Cloud State Wrestling Team returns 5 NCAA All-Americans and 6 NCAA National Qualifiers to the mats this year. The Huskies will open up their season on Friday, November 4th as they host their annual Black/Red Intrasquad Classic in Halenbeck Hall at 7 p.m.