April 17, 2007 - Awards Banquet
The Rider University wrestling team held its annual Awards Banquet, with several Broncs being honored.
Junior Don Fisch (Williamstown/Delsea) was named the team’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Freshman Mike Miller (Wilmington, Del./Brandywine) was named Rider’s Most Outstanding Freshman. Sophomore Doug Umbehauer (Shamong, N.J./Lenape) was named the team’s Most Improved Wrestler and was the co-winner of the Fred Henson Memorial Award with junior T. J. Morrison (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cedar Cliff).
“Doug and T. J., these two young men are the heart and soul of our wrestling team,” said Associate Head Coach John Hangey. “They are both very motivated, competitive and extremely driven young men in the classroom and on the wrestling mat.” The Fred Henson award is presented to the individual(s) who demonstrates hard work, positive attitude and dedication both on and off the mat.
Fisch earned All-America honors at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan, finishing fifth in his weight class. “Don is truly the most outstanding wrestler we had this season among several individuals that had very good years,” said Hangey. Fisch was unseeded at Nationals and defeated the fifth, 12th, fourth and seventh seeds, losing only to the first seed and to the eventual third place finisher. “Donnie becoming our 12th All-American is a tremendous accomplishment for himself and our program,” Hangey said. “Being an All-American is what our kids base their success on and he was able to do that.”
The 4-2 record at Nationals gave Fisch a record of 33-10 for the season, the most wins on the team and an 89-25 record for his career heading into his senior year.
Umbehauer entered the month of March ranked 12th in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News and won his weight class at the Colonial Athletic Association Championships to earn his second trip to Nationals with a record of 28-10. “Doug established himself as one of the elite 174 pound wrestlers in the nation this season,” Hangey said. “By virtue of placing second in the prestigious Midlands Championships and placing sixth at the Las Vegas Invitational, he was able to place himself amongst the very best in the nation.”
Miller compiled a record of 24-15 as a Rider Rookie, finishing second in the CAA tournament and advancing to the NCAAs. Miller was named to the CAA All-Rookie team. “Mike had a nice freshman season for Rider,” Hangey said, “winning 24 matches, making the finals of the conference and qualifying for the NCAAs. We feel that Mike has a very bright future here at Rider.”
Morrison qualified for the NCAA Championships for the third consecutive time and went 2-2 at Nationals to finish the season with a 31-11 record. Morrison is a Business Administration major with a 3.287 grade point average and was Rider’s nominee for the CAA Scholar-Athlete Award.
The Program Contributor Award was presented to Lloyd Berns. “Lloyd is a pioneer for Rider Wrestling,” Hangey said. “He was very instrumental in getting the wrestling program started at Rider in 1968-69. To this day, he stays very involved with the development of our program by generously contributing at our annual golf outing and comedy night fundraisers.”
The Broncs placed 30th at the NCAA Championships and compiled a record of 11-8 overall, 5-3 in the CAA. Rider placed third in the CAA Championships.
The 2006-07 season began with a victory over 21st ranked Lehigh in front of a sold out Alumni Gym in the home opener. Other non-conference wins in 2006-07 included Arizona State, Bloomsburg, VMI, Rutgers and Clarion.
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