WRESTLING'S GARDELLA RACKING UP VICTORIES...
CLEVELAND, OH (February 7, 2008) - To unknowing students that see him around campus, Drew Gardella might be known as the guy with the polka-dot backpack, but on the wrestling mat, his opponents are getting to know him as the guy likely at the end of the match to have his hand raised in victory.
So far this season, Gardella has grappled his way to a 13-3 record for the Spartans, and through three years, the Sagamore Hills native has a record of 84 wins and only 23 losses good for 16th all-time in Spartan wrestling history and second all-time in the 149-pound weight class.
Nevertheless, Gardella isn't admiring the his impressive total of 84 wins; the number 147 is what he's shooting for. But after a knee injury sidelined him early on this season, Gardella is realistic about his chances of breaking the all-time wins mark set by Chris Ricklic from 1992-1995.
I was really disappointed when I got injured because I was on pace to come close to breaking the all-time wins mark, Gardella said. I don't think there are enough matches for me to get there. I will definitely break 100, but to get to 147 is unlikely.
Gardella has been a wrestler his entire life, but it wasn't until this year that an injury caused him to miss an extended period of time.
I've been banged up a few times, but nothing until this year when I was out for two months, Gardella said. Coming back was difficult.
Last week, Gardella finished fourth in his weight class at the Pete Wilson College Invitational, going 5-2 over the weekend as the number four seed in his weight class.
I've never had to think about taking my time or being cautious of where I place my body when I'm on the mat, Gardella said. It was difficult for me to adjust, but I think I'm getting a grasp on it now.
Whether it's this season or next, Gardella's ultimate goal before leaving Case Western Reserve is to be an NCAA All-American, which would make him only the fifth wrestler in Spartan history to do so at 149 pounds.
I think I have a good shot, Gardella said. I was ranked earlier in the season, so it just comes down to putting in the time and going out there and performing.
Not only is he proving he can get it done on the mat, but Gardella is also excelling in the classroom. Last season, he was named a Scholar All-American and was part of Case's wrestling team that had the highest grade point average (3.58) of any of the 96 schools that sponsor NCAA Division III wrestling.
The valedictorian of his graduating class at St. Peter Chanel High School, Gardella is studying biology, cognitive science, and psychology at Case the only school he ever thought about attending after high school.
I came to Case because I like the atmosphere on campus, it was close to home, and they've always had a really solid wrestling program, Gardella said. Case was a natural fit for me.
Gardella currently works at a psychology lab on campus where he's had the opportunity to conduct hands-on experiments with Dr. Bonnie Lawrence.
We do sensory experiments concerning Hick's Law, monitoring the visual system and hand system, Gardella said. She found there is one system that doesn't follow Hick's Law, so I've been running experiments on the computer designed to test those.
Whether it's in the classroom or on the wrestling mat, Gardella's hands-on approach has ultimately led to great success at Case and should for years to come.
Gardella and the Spartans will get their first chance at conference action this weekend when they head to the University Athletic Association Championships at New York University. Matches are scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
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