CWU WRESTLING RELEASE

May 23, 2001

Ballard, Denison Honored ELLENSBURG - Central Washington University wrestler Matt Ballard (Sr., Cowiche-Highland/YVC) was named the team's most valuable competitor at the Wildcats' post-season awards banquet Friday night. Ballard, the team captain and two-time NCAA Division II West Regional champion at 165 pounds, finished second at the Division II nationals in early March.  He posted a final season record of 31-16 and was ranked sixth nationally in his weight class. Cole Denison (Jr., Tonasket-NIC), also a national qualifier, was voted the team's most inspirational performer.  The 141-pound grappler was second at the West Regionals and claimed one match victory at nationals. The Wildcats posted a 12-11 record in dual meets during the 2000-01 campaign and were ranked 20th in the final regular-season D-II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 poll.  They were 4-4 in duals against teams ranked in the top 20. 

Contact: Roy Elia (509-963-1485; 509-963-2351 fax; 509-963-1486 hotline) E-mail: sid@cwu.edu