Indiana University Athletics
Heavyweight Newcomer Dave Herman
1/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Jan. 23, 2006
A key component of the No. 15 Indiana Hoosier wrestling team comes in a 285-pound frame from Fort Wayne, Ind. Sophomore Dave Herman has helped Indiana wrestling reach national status by leading the team in wins with an individual record of 23-7 overall and 9-1 in duals. Herman's success in the heavyweight division has contributed to two regular-season team titles, with the latest coming in an 18-15 team victory over then-No.25 Penn to claim the Virginia Duals crown.
For Herman, the success did not come early in his wrestling career. While attending Concordia High School, Herman participated in various sports, including track and field, football, cross country and wrestling. Herman's wrestling career, however, met some challenges in high school. After suffering season-ending injuries, Herman never made it through a full wrestling season.
After high school, Herman's wrestling career was put on hold as he attended IPFW for the next year-and-a-half where they did not have a wrestling program.
The heavyweight did not get his true start in wrestling until he came to Indiana. Herman kicked off his collegiate wrestling career when he transferred to Indiana in the fall of 2003. After a redshirt season in 2003-04, Herman immediately contributed with an overall record of 28-9 and 6-1 in dual matches.
So far in 2006, Herman has become a huge contribution to the team's success. Herman sites the leadership of head coach Duane Goldman as a huge foundation for his transition to the collegiate wrestling arena.
"Coach has always had a winning attitude and that has helped me believe in myself and what I can do," Herman said.
As the Big Ten Conference schedule approaches, Herman is preparing for the physical and grueling matches that lie ahead in the Big Ten heavyweight division. While the conference boasts some of the nation's best heavyweights, the Big Ten is just a step towards a greater goal for Herman.
"The Big Ten is going to be a good stepping block to NCAA Championships," Herman said. "The Big Ten gives me a chance to see where I stand among some of the best in nation."
During his career at IU, Herman has kept moving forward and is always looking for new ways to sharpen his techniques.
"I have done fairly well so far,' Herman said. " There are always ways I can improve my techniques and take them to another level."
Herman has proven to be a great asset to the undefeated Indiana squad, and looks to help put IU back among the nation's elite. On Jan. 14, Herman proved that by winning his final match at the Virginia Duals with a 3-2 decision over Paul Velekei (Penn), sealing the win in Indiana's second title of the season.
"The best comes out in me when the dual match is on the line in my match," Herman said. "It makes me wreslter harder knowing my team is counting on me."
Herman and the Hoosiers look to extend their undefeated season as they continue their Big Ten schedule on Jan. 27 at home against Illinois.
