Three Olivet College wrestlers named to 2020 All-MIAA Team

FREELAND, Mich. – Three Olivet College wrestlers – junior Cameron Mahlich, sophomore Reese Wallis and senior Cole Hersch -- have been named to the 2020 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Team.

The All-MIAA Wrestling team is the top wrestler at each of the 10 weight classes. Any wrestler who had a 3-0 record in the three league dual meets was an automatic selection at his respective weight class. The remaining weight classes, as well as the MVP, were voted on by the league coaches.

Under the leadership of 11th-year head coach Brandon Brissette, Olivet captured its third straight and 12th MIAA title in school history. The MIAA re-instated wrestling prior to the start to the start of the 2018-19 season. Wrestling was previously a league sport from 1968-84.

"I am so proud of our team," said Brissette. "We had so many guys who were willing to either bump up or cut down a weight to keep this championship home at Olivet College. One of our senior captains, Haydyn Kinjorski, was an example. He was willing to forego his chance at All-MIAA honors and bumped up to 184 pounds to give the team a chance to win the duals. For the Alma dual, we had 20 wrestlers make weight just in case we needed them. It is that kind of commitment and team pride which makes these guys champions!"

Mahlich was the automatic selection at the 125-pound weight class. He won an 18-7 major decision over Dajun Jones from Adrian College, 16-1 technical fall over Anthony Eberle from Trine (Ind.) University and 7-1 overtime decision over Austin Wieczorek from Alma College. Mahlich has a 15-10 record in 2019-20. Half of his losses have been decided by either one or two points.

"Cam has wrestled with such passion this year," said Brissette. "He gets the team fired up right off the start. We will look for him to carry that energy into our upcoming competitions, especially the NCAA Regional."

Wallis is a repeat honor and was voted on by the coaches for the 133-pound bracket. He defeated Sebastian Iverson from Trine, 12-3 and Chase Beecher from Alma, 16-1. Wallis is 16-5 this season.

"Reese has really matured as a wrestler in his sophomore season," said Brissette. "He has shown us he can adapt his game plan for any opponent. Reese methodically cuts down his opponents."

Hersch repeats on the All-MIAA Team at 157 pounds. He won a 15-6 major decision over Zach Altman from Trine and 9-2 decision over Matt Tomsett from Alma, and pinned Riley Raser from Trine. Hersch has a 24-5 record this season. The 24 wins leading the team. Nineteen of the wins have scored bonus points, with seven pins, six technical falls and six major decisions.

"Cole gives us everything he has day in and day out," said Brissette. "His pace is unbelievable, as he looks to break down guys in every match. We are excited to what Cole will do over the next several weeks of our season."

The Comets are back in action today and tomorrow at the Wheaton (Ill.) College/Pete Willson Invitational. Action began this morning at 11 a.m. CT, and resumes tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. CT.