Sanders, Straehler named CUW Student-Athletes of the Year

Sanders, Straehler named CUW Student-Athletes of the Year

MEQUON, Wis. – Sophomore Wrestler Greg Sanders and senior Women's Soccer player Lauren Straehler were named the Concordia University Wisconsin Student Athletes of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year, as was announced by the CUW Athletic Department Thursday, May 16.

Sanders (San Antonio, Texas) received the men's award after an outstanding sophomore season, which concluded with him winning the national championship at the 149 lb. weight class with a 6-4 victory over Kodie Silvestri of Wartburg College.

The sophomore grappler concluded his 2012-13 season with a 40-4 overall record, which included being named the Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Division III Tournament. Sanders also claimed championships at the MSOE Invite, the North Central Invite, the Pete Wilson Invitational, as well as winning the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament, where he was also named Outstanding Wrestler.

"I am very thankful to have a guy like Greg on our team," says CUW Wrestling head coach Corey VanGroll. "He is a true example of a champion and student-athlete and I look forward to working with him for two more years. He still has a lot he can improve upon, and has a chance to be one of the best NCAA division III wrestlers ever."

Straehler (Pewaukee, Wis.) finished her career with another impressive season as she was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Central Region Team for the second straight year. She started all 20 matches this past season and ranked third in the Northern Athletics Conference with 38 points.

Straehler finished the 2012 campaign with 17 goals scored, while adding four assists. She scored a goal in 12 of the team's 20 games, including scoring multiple goals four times as she earned All-NAC First Team honors for the third straight season.

"Lauren has had a tremendous career at Concordia University Wisconsin and without her we would not have had the success we had over the past three years," says Falcons head Women's Soccer coach Ryan Middendorf. "She will go down as one of the best players in CUW Women's Soccer history."