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Wrestlers meet U-M

December 7, 2001

The No. 20 MSU wrestling team is gearing up for its second top 20 matchup of the year, this time against No. 4 Michigan at 7:30 p.m. today at Jenison Field House.

The matchup marks the 93rd time the two rivals will meet on the mats, with U-M holding the all-time edge at 54-33-5. The Wolverines won last year’s meeting in East Lansing, 20-12.

But MSU head coach Tom Minkel said the team doesn’t pay much attention to U-M’s ranking or the Wolverines’ all-time record against MSU.

“We’re not intimidated by them,” Minkel said. “Last year, it was a barnburner of a dual meet and whenever we wrestle them, it’s always an exciting dual.”

Rashad Evans, junior college national champion and transfer student, said he looks forward the overall matchup, and especially to his individual battle with Otto Olsen, the No. 2 ranked wrestler in the 174-pound weight class.

“Me and Otto have quite a history,” Evans said. “I think I got him down this time.”

Senior All-American Chris Williams, who is ranked 18th nationally in the 125-pound weight class, said the dual will be a challenge for the Spartans.

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