Wrestling411

There is much promise for this year’s Minnesota Golden Gophers wrestling team. After winning a team title in 2007, the Golden Gophers slipped to 10th place in 2008 and 14th place in 2009. But this year’s team has a different look.

Leading the charge is Dustin Schlatter, an NCAA champion as a freshman and this year’s freestyle world team member at 163 pounds. Following a redshirt season, Schlatter will move up to 165 pounds after three seasons at 149.

Oregon native Joe Russell spoke with Wrestling 411 about the potential of this year’s team, Brock Lesnar’s continued impact on Minnesota wrestling, the disappointment Oregon dropping two Division I programs, and overcoming adversity.