Bio

The 2002-2003 men’s wrestling team is one of the most successful teams in the history of the Missouri Valley College Athletic Department. Led by Head Coach Mike Machholz, this team captured the program’s third National championship, producing 11 All-Americans and captured the program’s seventh regional championship. The 11 All-Americans is a single-season record for the program.

Missouri Valley finished with an All-American in seven weight classes at that year’s National tournament. Tyson Biddle captured an individual National championship in the 141 pound competition, defeating Josh Pulsifer in the championship round. At the time, Biddle won the program’s thirteenth individual National championship.

At 149 pounds, two more Vikings earned All-American status, as Shane Cristelli placed fourth and Chad Dolt captured sixth. Current Associate Men’s Wrestling Head Coach Pat Giangrosso became an all-American with a sixth place finish, as did Darion Terry, who placed seventh, both in the 157 pound weight class. Another pair of Vikings finished as all-Americans at 165 pounds, as Jory Dick placed seventh and Josh Johnston earned eighth.

Continuing the all-American trend was Kiel Giese, who placed fifth at 174 pounds, while Mario Thomas took third at 184 pounds and Adam Nuru captured eighth in the heavyweight division. The Vikings edged out second place Lindenwood (Mo.) University to capture the team National title by a 139.5-134.5 score.