The Staples Motley Cardinal wrestlers wrapped up the 2009-2010 season with their awards banquet on Monday, March 8.

Awarded the Most Valuable wrest ler for the season was senior Jordan Bendson. The Most Improved award went to sophom o r e Blake Petrich.

The Staples Motley wrestlers had a good season, going 20-3 in dual meets, and getting two first place tournament finishes and two second place finishes.

Twelve Cardinal individuals placed in the top six in the tough Section 8AA tournament and four wrestlers advanced to the state tournament. Total team wins vs. losses was 359-179, for a 67 percent winning percentage.

At the team banquet, individual awards were given out to the following athletes:

o Blake Petrich was awarded the Most Improved,

o Jordan Bendson received the Most Valuable Wrestler award.

o Jordan Bendson received the most wins (36), most pins (22) and most takedowns (55) awards.

o Dylan Shequen was recognized for the most reversals (27) and the most 2-point nearfalls (18).

o Freshman Blake Miller had the award for most 3-point nearfalls with 26.

Sixteen Cardinals received varsity letters, including freshmen Jordan Heldman, Blake Miller, Brent Lisson and Tyler Pogreba, 10th graders Blake Petrich, David DeYonge, Brandon Flickinger, Taylor Bendson, Brady Killian and Dylan Kylander; juniors Chandler Trout and Ryan Kobliska and seniors Jordan Bendson, Dylan Shequen, Ryan Detloff and Sam Duberowski.

The four seniors had a great season, with a combined season record of 129- 24 with 62 pins.

Bendson, who was a twotime state runner-up at 145 pounds, this year finished with a 36-3 record at 152 pounds.

Shequen finished with a 36-8 season, while Detloff finished his senior year with a 32-10 mark.

Rounding out those who went to state, Petrich had a fine sophomore year, going 28-12 at 189 pounds.

The Staples Motley boys not only worked hard on the mat, but they also showed dedication off the mat, in the classroom. The team earned a Gold Team Academic Award, by having an average GPA of 3.51.