March 7, 2008

By Bradley Young
UNC Athletic Communications

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - This time last year the Carolina wrestling team was fired up about going back to the ACC Championships looking for what would be their third straight ACC title.

What they came home with, however, was a disappointing third-place finish and one of the nation's best wrestlers without a spot at the NCAA Championships.

This year, things are different.

After beginning what looked to be a rebuilding year for the Carolina grapplers, the Tar Heels finished the dual season with a 10-6 record and two wrestlers ranked in national polls. Leading the way for the Tar Heels is junior standout Keegan Mueller.

Mueller, a 165-pound grappler from Dallas, Texas, has compiled an astounding 26-3 record this season while going 5-0 in ACC action. He has been ACC Wrestler of the Week twice this season and currently ranks No. 9 in the country at 165 pounds.

"Coach has been in my ear all season," says Mueller. "`Hey Keegan, there is going to be a title this year. You reek of confidence.' I just say, `Thanks. I think.'"

That is a lot of pressure to put on a wrestler, a lot of pressure that Mueller says he felt last season. This year, however, Mueller just laughs about it.

"I'm having a blast this year," he says. "This year there is so much peace. I enjoy our team, we're tighter, and I know everyone a lot better. It is just a joy, I'm really enjoying this year."

Overall, the team is different than last season. With the loss of three seniors, the team is extremely young. New leadership, new training, new goals - everything is different.

"The difference in training was helpful," says Mueller. "We're not overexerting ourselves all the time."

Mueller attributes this change to the coaches he says serves as mentors for him. "They have been helping out a ton. They made our training more about strategy - getting to know our bodies, getting to know ourselves."

It seems to have worked. Mueller has won 20 consecutive matches, and 10 of his last 11 were won by technical fall, major decision or fall. "I always have a strategy of what I want to do and I primarily just want to break the opponent." But that is only when he's wrestling. Off the mat, his attitudes towards other teams are a bit diverse.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I go out and try and create any relationships, any friendships I can," says Mueller. "Don't get me wrong when I'm out there I want to dominate. But, if I think about wrestling all day, all weekend, I'm going to get worn out before it's all done."

This happy medium between friendships and wrestling come from his teammates. These teammates, Mueller says, that do not get enough recognition. "I realize I have been given some recognition and have become a voice for our team" says Mueller, "but some of our other guys are having amazing seasons as well."

Mueller talks about Nick Stabile, the 141-pound wrestler from Lenhartsville, Pa, who is having an outstanding freshman season. Dennis Drury, who Mueller says has really come into his own, has had a great second half this season, and Justin Dobies, who Mueller says really has provided the most leadership for him this season, has been doing an outstanding job as well as he currently is ranked No. 20 in the country.

"I'm feeding off of those guys," Mueller says. "I'm glad I can be a voice of the team but there is so much leadership on this team. I'm just grateful to be a part of it."

Mueller will be feeding off of those guys this weekend as the Tar Heels try to retake the ACC Championship. A championship he does not believe critics see Carolina taking. "As a team, I don't think teams are worried about us," Mueller says. "I hope we change their minds."

Although the team is the main focus of the weekend, Mueller has a lot to think about when it comes to individual performance. Having placed third in last year's tournament, Mueller, who was then ranked No. 12 in the country was left out of nationals. "I was ranked high in the country and they take 32 people for each weight class, plus some wildcards. I didn't get to go because I didn't win ACCs, so that got my attention all last summer."

When asked about his performance at the ACC tournament last season, Mueller just said he was fearful. "I had individuals on my mind, and I was worried. We were all focusing on other people and we needed to be focusing on ourselves"

Mueller says he is truly enjoying this season, especially after putting so much pressure on himself in the past. He is not making many predictions about this weekend's tournament, but he is making one. "I guarantee that we will be concentrating on ourselves. We will concentrate on making other people play our game."

That, and that he will be having fun.

Mueller and the Tar Heels will travel to College Park, Md., Friday, to begin their quest for an ACC title. ACC Championship action will begin at noon, Saturday at the Comcast Center.