Wisconsin recognized its departing seniors Tom Clum (Arvada, Colo.), Kelly Flaherty (Big Lake, Minn.), Ed Gutnik (Iselin, N.J.), Lee Kraemer (Deforest, Wis.) and Tony Turner (Spring Valley, Wis.). The five leaders helped the Badgers earn a 9-5-1 overall record, and a 4-3-1 Big Ten Conference mark. UW placed sixth in the Big Ten regular season, edging out Iowa and Michigan State. At the Big Ten championships, Wisconsin took seventh with Clum earning the Big Ten crown at 133 lbs.
Following their Big Ten championship appearance, Wisconsin headed to Oklahoma City, Okla. for the 2006 NCAA Championships. There, the team placed 21st, racking up 33.5 total points. Clum led the Badgers with a fifth-place finish at 133 lbs., while sophomore Craig Henning (Chippewa Falls, Wis.) placed eighth at 157 lbs. Both wrestlers earned All-American honor to complement their placements at the tournament.
Freshman Dallas Herbst (Winneconne, Wis.) took home the team awards for most improved wrestler and most pins. Herbst boasted an overall record of 21-12 this season and placed eighth at the Big Ten championships. He also led the Badgers with 12 pin victories, including two at the NCAAs.
Lee Kraemer earned the George Martin Scholar Award with the highest GPA on the team. Kraemer finished his career as a Badger with a perfect 4-0 conference record.
For the third straight year, Clum was named the wrestling team's most valuable wrestler. Clum led the Badgers with a 19-4 overall record, 6-1 in the Big Ten. He finished his career with two Big Ten crowns and an All-American twice over.
Though not a regular in the starting line-up this season, Tony Turner was presented the team player award for his tireless work at practice and his dedication to helping the team succeed. His positive attitude and leadership set an example for others and embodied that of a team player.
Junior Tyler Turner (Spring Valley, Wis.) qualified for his third NCAA competition falling just shy of All-America status. With a 22-9 record this season at 149 lbs., Turner was named the most dedicated wrestler. In addition to leading the team as a captain, Turner led by example, cutting weight and maintaining a high level of competition at that new weight.
Next up for the Badgers is the annual UW Wrestling Sporting Clay Bucky Shoot on June 17 at Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek, Wis.
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