COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou wrestling concluded their historic 2014-15 season in mid-March, and today three members were honored by the Mid-American Conference (MAC) league office for their outstanding seasons.
Redshirt freshman Willie Miklus was named MAC Freshman of the Year, redshirt senior Drake Houdashelt was selected as MAC Wrestler of the Year, and Head Coach Brian Smith was tabbed MAC Wrestling Coach of the Year.
After redshirting last season, Miklus jumped onto the national scene this year following his 18-0 start to the 2014-15 campaign. Miklus earned national notoriety early on after defeating Old Dominion’s No. 2 ranked Jack Dechow on Nov. 23, 2014.
Following a runner-up finish at 2015 MAC Championships, Miklus concluded his breakthrough season with a seventh place finish and All-American honors at 2015 NCAA Championships. The Altoona, Iowa native defeated four ranked 184 pound foes in St. Louis, Mo. en route to his first career All-American award.
Houdashelt’s storybook career in black and gold concluded in a big way, as he claimed his first career National Championship at 149 pounds. The O’Fallon, Mo. native capped off his outstanding 2014-15 season with a 3-1 decision victory over Edinboro’s No. 3 ranked David Habat in the 149 pound title matchup.
The redshirt senior earned Mizzou wrestling their sixth all-time National Championship. Houdashelt also became just the third grappler in program history to accumulate three or more All-American honors in their career. Furthermore, he became the first Tiger ever to win four conference crowns after taking top honors at 2015 MAC Championships.
Houdashelt’s 134 career wins is third most in Mizzou wrestling history, while his .854 career winning percentage ranks fifth place all-time. Additionally, his 39 career major decisions is the most in Tiger Style history.
Smith’s recognition marks his third consecutive MAC Wrestling Coach of the Year honor. Dating back to the 2011-12 season when he took home Big 12 Coach of the Year honors, Smith has now been the recipient of four straight Coach of the Year awards.
Mizzou and Coach Smith wrapped up a perfect 24-0 regular season after defeating then No. 1 Iowa on Feb. 22, 2015 for the 2015 National Duals Finals Championship. The 24 wins this season were the most ever in Mizzou wrestling history, and it marked only the second undefeated season in program history.
Smith also helped lead the Tigers to the 2015 MAC Championships crown. It was the fourth straight conference tournament title for Mizzou, dating back to the 2012 Big 12 Championships crown.
— MU Sports Information —