By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team recently held their post-season awards banquet at the Dulany Inn in the Davies Center. At the event, a number of wrestlers were honored for their success during the year.

"We had a really good showing," said Coach Tim Fader. "John Peterson spoke at the banquet, and we had to bring in extra tables from outside."

As expected with his NCAA tournament run and impressive season, Zackary Sirny (Sr.-Wild Rose, WI) was named the team's Most Valuable Wrestler. Sirny was also awarded the "Hardest Worker" Award.

A trio of seniors were all given the Ricky Gonzales Memorial Teammate Award, with those being Robert Rocole (Sr.-Lakewood, WI/Wabeno), Justin Karkula (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/West), and Scott Worlund (Sr.-Pittsville, WI).

The remaining awards all went to team newcomers for the 2016-17 season. Jordan Meyer (Fr.-Evansville, WI) was deemed the Best Freshman. Another freshman, Grant Balconi (Fr.-Muskego, WI), earned "Most Improved." A third first-year Blugold, Kyle Eberle (Fr.-Hartland, WI/Arrowhead), was given the "Never Better" Attitude Award.

The final two honorees were new Blugolds this year as well, though not freshmen. As previously announced, Tyler Vogt (Jr.-Owatonna, MN) earned Scholar All-American status. Finally, Toby Mosley (So.-Sparta, WI) was presented with the "Training Room" Award.

In all, Fader awarded twenty-four letter-winners this year. Karkula and Rocole joined an elite group of four-year letter-winners in their tenure with the Blugolds.

UW-Eau Claire finished the season with a record of 9-5, which was the first time since 2008-09 that the Blugolds had a winning dual meet record.

Follow the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.