Michigan State University Athletics
Simmons and Gomez Claim Championships At University Nationals
5/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
May 4, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. - Competing in the freestyle division for Michigan Wrestling Club, freshman Franklin Gomez and junior Andy Simmons claimed national titles at the 2006 University Nationals, held at Northwestern's Welsh-Ryan Arena on April 30. They will represent the United States at the World University Championships in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, June 15-20.
For Gomez, who took a red-shirt season in 2005-06, it marked his fifth national title in the past 13 months. Prior to arriving at Michigan State in the fall of 2005, he won a high school senior national championship, as well as junior national championships in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman classes for Brandon (Fla.) High School. Two weeks ago, the Puerto Rico native claimed gold in the 19-and-under division at the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas.
Gomez did not allow a point in his four matches, and defeated Central Michigan's Luke Smith in the finals (3-0, 3-0) at 121 pounds.
Simmons had a longer road to his title, going 7-0 on the weekend at 145.5 pounds. The two-time All-American dropped CMU's Brandon Carter and Eric Kruger in the second round and quarterfinals, respectively; then knocked off Harvard's Max Meltzer to reach the finals. The Williamston, Mich., native polished off his perfect record for the tournament by beating former NCAA finalist Philip Simpson in the championship match.
Three-time Spartan All-American Nick Simmons also competed, moving up a weight class from last season to 132.25 pounds, but was eliminated by Cal Poly All-American Vic Moreno in the quarterfinals.
