Indiana University Athletics
Redshirt Freshmen Feature
2/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Competing in one of the nation's premier conferences, the Indiana wrestling program is reaching new levels as the Hoosiers have raced to a 14-2 dual-match record, the second-best start in the head coach Duane Goldman era. More impressively the 20th-ranked Hoosiers have done it with a lineup that features three redshirt freshmen in Brian Dyer (133 pounds), Brandon Becker (157 pounds) and Max Dean (165 pounds).
Becker has not only been one of the most consistent first-year grapplers, but has also been one of the more consistent starters this season. He has raced to a 21-8 record this season and is ranked 19th according to the Feb. 2, 2005 W.I.N. magazine rankings.
Prior to Indiana, Becker was a four-time district champion and a two-time regional champion out of Kingsway High School in Michleton, N.J.
But coming out of high school, Becker knew that his biggest adjustment would be an increase in his intensity, aggressiveness and the quality of competition.
"In high school, you would have a big match every couple of weeks or so." Becker said. "At the collegiate level, every time you step onto the mat you are facing tough competition."
Like most first-year starters, Becker has endured his fair share of ups and downs. Along with his 21 wins, he is tied for second on the team in falls with six and has won 11 of 13 duals. He also took home fourth-place honors at the Mat Town Invitational in Lock Haven, Pa. on Nov. 27. Becker has also seen the down side to being a first year wrestler as well. He has lost to six ranked opponents.
"You have to expect that you are going to hit some bumps in the road." Becker said. "The important thing is to keep focused and keep on trying to improve."
Dyer echoes Becker's thoughts. In high school, Dyer was a two-time state champion and a three-time finalist at Naperville North High School. During his time, Dyer went 158-9.
This season, Dyer, who has been a starter since the opening dual at 133 pounds, has lost 13 of 27 matches, more than his entire high school career. Like Becker, he has seen his fair share of ups and downs. He finished eighth at the Mat Town Invitational and has won four or more straight matches twice.
Dyer appreciates the support he has received from his family, coaches and teammates and because of that he hasn't gotten down on himself.
"I've had people and myself telling me to keep my head up and don't get down on yourself." Dyer said. "I have received phone calls from my parents and my former coach telling me to keep my head up."
Junior All-American Joe Dubuque at 125 pounds has had a particularly positive influence on him.
"The coaches are always trying to keep a positive outlook." Dyer said, "Guys like Joey (Dubuque) are always telling me to keep my head up and work hard. Knowing that the older guys have gone through the same thing that I am going through helps, too."
Along with Becker, Dyer believes the biggest transition has been the competition. He has lost to four ranked opponents this season.
"The competition is the biggest adjustment." Dyer said, "It's a lot tougher than in high school, but that is to be expected. Everybody you are going to wrestle is going to be good.
Dyer, who is 10-6 in dual matches this season, would like to be having more success, but for now he is content that the team is doing well. Dyer knows better days are coming. It's just going to take time, dedication and hard work in practice.
"I have been through tough times, difficult matches and some stretches of losing." Dyer said, "I know I have to keep my head up and keep working. I know I am doing the right things. What matters the most is the team is doing great."
The third starting redshirt freshman is Dean at 165 pounds. The West Chester, Ohio native ended his high school career as a two-time Ohio placer and was a two-time Junior National Freestyle All-American, but when he arrived at IU he was behind Becker at 157 pounds before Goldman moved Dean up one weight class to 165 pounds.
"Would I like to be at 157 pounds," Dean said. "Yes, but I am happy being at the weight class I am at. Both Brandon and I are contributing to the success of our team, and that's the important thing."
Dean also has seen success on the mat, as his 18-9 record, includes a 3-0 Big Ten dual ledger.
"It feels good to get an opportunity to be an everyday starter." Dean said, "I am happy right now, and I feel that I am doing pretty well so far."
Dean echoed the same feelings that Becker and Dyer about their first year experiences.
"I knew that I was going to lose some matches in my first year," Dean said. "I just have to concentrate on winning. The only thing I can do is continue to get better. I'm not going to use being a freshman as an excuse for losing a match."
Even though they are all in their first-year they all have the same goals as any sophomore, junior or senior in the nation, and that is becoming a National Champion and an All-American.
"I'm not going to set goals that are so high and unattainable." Dean said. "I am going to set measurable, attainable, realist goals. I know that I am not going to be a national champion in my first year or be the next Cael Sanderson (former Iowa State wrestler who went 159-0 during his college career), but my goals are to go to NCAAs, win some matches and become an All-American. Just because I am a freshman doesn't mean it can't be obtained."
Becker has not only been one of the most consistent first-year grapplers, but has also been one of the more consistent starters this season. He has raced to a 21-8 record this season and is ranked 19th according to the Feb. 2, 2005 W.I.N. magazine rankings.
Prior to Indiana, Becker was a four-time district champion and a two-time regional champion out of Kingsway High School in Michleton, N.J.
But coming out of high school, Becker knew that his biggest adjustment would be an increase in his intensity, aggressiveness and the quality of competition.
"In high school, you would have a big match every couple of weeks or so." Becker said. "At the collegiate level, every time you step onto the mat you are facing tough competition."
Like most first-year starters, Becker has endured his fair share of ups and downs. Along with his 21 wins, he is tied for second on the team in falls with six and has won 11 of 13 duals. He also took home fourth-place honors at the Mat Town Invitational in Lock Haven, Pa. on Nov. 27. Becker has also seen the down side to being a first year wrestler as well. He has lost to six ranked opponents.
"You have to expect that you are going to hit some bumps in the road." Becker said. "The important thing is to keep focused and keep on trying to improve."
Dyer echoes Becker's thoughts. In high school, Dyer was a two-time state champion and a three-time finalist at Naperville North High School. During his time, Dyer went 158-9.
This season, Dyer, who has been a starter since the opening dual at 133 pounds, has lost 13 of 27 matches, more than his entire high school career. Like Becker, he has seen his fair share of ups and downs. He finished eighth at the Mat Town Invitational and has won four or more straight matches twice.
Dyer appreciates the support he has received from his family, coaches and teammates and because of that he hasn't gotten down on himself.
"I've had people and myself telling me to keep my head up and don't get down on yourself." Dyer said. "I have received phone calls from my parents and my former coach telling me to keep my head up."
Junior All-American Joe Dubuque at 125 pounds has had a particularly positive influence on him.
"The coaches are always trying to keep a positive outlook." Dyer said, "Guys like Joey (Dubuque) are always telling me to keep my head up and work hard. Knowing that the older guys have gone through the same thing that I am going through helps, too."
Along with Becker, Dyer believes the biggest transition has been the competition. He has lost to four ranked opponents this season.
"The competition is the biggest adjustment." Dyer said, "It's a lot tougher than in high school, but that is to be expected. Everybody you are going to wrestle is going to be good.
Dyer, who is 10-6 in dual matches this season, would like to be having more success, but for now he is content that the team is doing well. Dyer knows better days are coming. It's just going to take time, dedication and hard work in practice.
"I have been through tough times, difficult matches and some stretches of losing." Dyer said, "I know I have to keep my head up and keep working. I know I am doing the right things. What matters the most is the team is doing great."
The third starting redshirt freshman is Dean at 165 pounds. The West Chester, Ohio native ended his high school career as a two-time Ohio placer and was a two-time Junior National Freestyle All-American, but when he arrived at IU he was behind Becker at 157 pounds before Goldman moved Dean up one weight class to 165 pounds.
"Would I like to be at 157 pounds," Dean said. "Yes, but I am happy being at the weight class I am at. Both Brandon and I are contributing to the success of our team, and that's the important thing."
Dean also has seen success on the mat, as his 18-9 record, includes a 3-0 Big Ten dual ledger.
"It feels good to get an opportunity to be an everyday starter." Dean said, "I am happy right now, and I feel that I am doing pretty well so far."
Dean echoed the same feelings that Becker and Dyer about their first year experiences.
"I knew that I was going to lose some matches in my first year," Dean said. "I just have to concentrate on winning. The only thing I can do is continue to get better. I'm not going to use being a freshman as an excuse for losing a match."
Even though they are all in their first-year they all have the same goals as any sophomore, junior or senior in the nation, and that is becoming a National Champion and an All-American.
"I'm not going to set goals that are so high and unattainable." Dean said. "I am going to set measurable, attainable, realist goals. I know that I am not going to be a national champion in my first year or be the next Cael Sanderson (former Iowa State wrestler who went 159-0 during his college career), but my goals are to go to NCAAs, win some matches and become an All-American. Just because I am a freshman doesn't mean it can't be obtained."
Players Mentioned
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