The Observer, March 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 20
Manoogian eager to earn another chance to wrestle at D-III nationals
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Most people would not consider a trip to the Division III national wrestling championships to be a disappointment. On the other hand, most people would not even know what it is like to earn the right to be there. Sophomore 141-pounder Dave Manoogian knows what it is like to feel both.
After compiling a season record of 21-7, and placing second at the Midwest regional, Manoogian was the only Spartan wrestler picked to be a national qualifier. A two-time state qualifier at Green High School in Akron, Manoogian knows what it is like to be on a big stage. However, while earning himself a trip to Dubuque, Iowa was great, it was also expected.
"I knew I would get a berth in the national tournament," he said. "It was just a matter of how far I could go with it." Winning his first match by a score of 11-5, he then dropped the next one. In his third match against UW-Platteville senior Zach Chambers, the match that would determine whether or not he was All-American material, he had been up 10-8 with just a few minutes of riding time left, but was reversed to his back, postponing all dreams of finishing on top for at least another year.
While the days of self-starvation and dehydration prior to his matches are on hold for a few months, they are not over. Manoogian says his off-season workout regime will be a little different this coming season in order to help him prepare to reach his goals.
"Last year I took about five or six months off from the mat because I was so drained, I lifted and ran and that was it," he said. "This year, I'm not going to take that time off, I'll be back out there wrestling, getting better during the off-season."
Even with taking those months off, head coach Bob Del Rosa said that "Dave is such an outstanding worker that he builds himself up so big in the weight room, and it is difficult for him to lose weight." Looking at his short, muscular figure, it would be hard to argue otherwise.
As if the dieting and strenuous physical exercise it takes to be in wrestling shape were not enough, Manoogian was also named a Scholar All-American thanks to the 3.75 GPA he keeps. He also played a part in helping Case win the Academic National Title, with a team GPA of just below 3.6.
"Part of the reason I came here was to wrestle, but the academics played a big part as well. I take pride in my grades," he said. Manoogian's hard work both in the classroom and on the mat shows through his awards in both arenas.
While Manoogian may not be satisfied with his final results, it was not a bad first season at Case by any means. A transfer student from the University of Findlay, Manoogian is studying political science and hopes to go to law school upon graduation. As far as the wrestling mat is concerned, his future expectations are high as well.
"This year it was kind of disappointing that more guys didn't get taken to nationals," he said. With a year at Case under his belt, Manoogian anticipates a change in his own behavior that may add to the number of teammates he takes with him to nationals next season.
"I was a little hesitant to be a great leader with it being my first year. Next season I will definitely be more vocal and call guys out when I need to," he said.
When asked what his thoughts were on the potential of his 141-pound sophomore, Del Rosa smiled and said, "Dave is an extremely hard worker. He can be an All-American, and he was only one win away from having the opportunity this year. With the way his weight class is opening up with guys graduating, I believe he has a legitimate shot to be a national champion."
