Spring Break
Hluschak tops D.U. career wins list
Mike Mazzeo
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Sports
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The 157-pound senior became the Dragons' all-time leader in career victories with 113 after his 5-1 win by decision over Colton Palmer of North Carolina State at the Palestra Feb. 2.
"It feels good," Hluschak said after his record victory. "It was kind of a tough one there. I didn't know how it was going to go."
Hluschak took an early 2-0 match lead with a first period takedown. After a scoreless second period, he pulled away with an escape and a subsequent takedown in the third to ensure the win.
Hluschak broke the mark of 112, previously held by Tim Rothka, who wrestled at Drexel from 1987-1991.
"It's certainly deserving," head coach Jack Childs said. "He's put everything he can into our program."
Hluschak improved his record on the season to 24-2. He is currently ranked 11th in the country.
"Whenever you have a milestone like a 100th win or break a record, it's almost a relief," Hluschak said. "Now I've got bigger goals obviously to go out to Nationals and hopefully to repeat as an All-American. That's really the forefront of all this. This is just another milestone along the way; it feels good though."
Last season at the 77th NCAA Wrestling Championships in Auburn Hills, Mich., an unseeded Hluschak won his first round match against No. 9 seed Chris Oliver of Nebraska, but lost 13-7 in a tough battle against No. 1 seed and eventual champion Trent Paulson of Iowa State. He finished eighth overall.
This year, however, he believes he has an opportunity to get through the field.
"I'm definitely geared up to go," Hluschak said of opportunity to get back to the championships. "I should be seeded this year, hopefully have a good draw and think good things. I'm ready to give it one more run. It's my last year. I'm looking forward to it."
Hluschak was recruited by Childs four years ago out of North Leigh High School and while his coach knew he had potential, Childs never could've predicted Hluschak would be breaking numerous records while piling up a plethora of awards.
"I knew he was going to be good," Childs said. "[But] to this extent no, nobody can predict that, especially on the national level where we're at."
Hluschak's coach said he believes his success has been a direct result of his work ethic and overall respect.
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