For Immediate Release
January 29, 2005

Chicago Captures Fifth Straight UAA Wrestling Title

New York City – Senior Ai Nguyen (Chicago, Ill./ St. Ignatius) was named the University Athletic Association co-Most Outstanding Wrestler as the University of Chicago won the 2005 UAA Championship Saturday at New York University.

The title marked Chicago’s 11th in the 18-year history of the event and its fifth in as many years.

In dual match competition, Chicago defeated Case Western Reserve University 30-14 and NYU 26-9.

Nguyen defeated NYU's Brian Benson by fall at the 4:33 mark to win the 125-pound title.

Three other Chicago grapplers won their respective weight classes: senior Sean Barnes (Wheaton, Ill./ Wheaton-Warrenville South) at heavyweight, sophomore Ben Barnes (Wheaton, Ill./ Wheaton-Warrenville South) at 184 pounds, and sophomore Phil Kruzel (Elmhurst, Ill./ Fenwick) at 174 pounds.

Chicago Head Coach Leo Kocher and his assistants were recognized as the UAA Coaching Staff of the Year.

Nguyen shared the UAA Most Outstanding Wrestler award with NYU 149-pounder Vinnie Russo. Geoff Protz of Case (141 pounds) earned UAA Rookie of the Year accolades.

Complete results