Lakeland College

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Muskie Spotlight - Kory Thiel

Kory Thiel has come a long way since his freshman year.

After posting a 3-11 record for the Lakeland wrestling team in the 2005-06 season, the 141-pound Thiel boosted his record to 18-16 his sophomore year and has increased his win total each year.

According to Lakeland coach Pete Rogers, Thiel, who is currently 19-7 about two-thirds of the way through the 2008-09 campaign, is having his most consistent season to date.

"Kory works hard and does the right things," Rogers said. "This year, he is having his best season and is on the verge of placing high in regionals and getting to the national tournament, which is his goal."

Thiel placed third in the 141-pound division in last Saturday's Al Hanke Invite in Elmhurst, Ill., contributing to No. 30 Lakeland's third-place finish in the nine-team tournament. He was defeated by Olivet's Vince Tucker, the nation's No. 5 wrestler in the weight class, by a narrow 10-6 decision in the semifinals.

"Kory has run into a lot of the best wrestlers in the nation, but hasn't really been getting blown up by them," Rogers said. "If he continues to improve, there's no reason he can't beat those guys at the end of the season."

Thiel is a Spanish major with an international business minor. He is also a part of the Spanish National Honor Society and is a Spanish teacher's assistant and tutor.

Did you know?

Favorite TV show: CSI

Favorite musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite food: Spaghetti with meatballs

Favorite athlete: Brent Metcalf (wrestling national champion from Iowa)

For me to improve as a wrestler I need to: Keep my head on straight, keep my goals in the front of my mind and stay positive

Heroes/influential people: My parents, for supporting me in everything I do

Sport I'd be playing if I wasn't wrestling: Something easy like baseball or mixed martial arts

Greatest Lakeland memory: Getting the team nationally ranked, Florida trip with the team

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