Class of 2000

Mike Mena,

Sterling Newman/University of Iowa

A native of Rock Falls, IL and a 1992 graduate of Sterling Newman Central Catholic High School, Mike Mena won four IHSA State Titles while wrestling for the Comets His high school career record of 157-0-1 marks him as the only Illinois High School wrestler to win over 100 matches with out a loss. He holds the school mark for most falls with 101 Mike earned first team All-American honors as a junior and was honorable mention All-American as a senior. He was Newman's Most Valuable Wrestler his sophomore, junior and senior year and was team captain his senior year. He also played football at Newman. He was a two-time placewinner at the Junior Nationals. He was selected by the IWCOA as the Class A Outstanding Wrestler in 1992.

At the University of Iowa Mike compiled a 106-24 record. He was 3rd in the Big 10 Conference and 7th in the NCAA his freshman year, Big 10 Champion and 3rd at the NCAA his sophomore year, 2nd at the Big 10 and 5th at the NCAA his junior year, and he capped off his senior year with a 2nd place finish at the Big 10 and NCAA Runner-up in 1997 During his redshirt freshman year in 1992-93, Mike compiled a 20-4 record with eight falls.

Mike was Midlands Champion in 1995 and 1994. He was named Outstanding Wrestler of the Northern Open in 1993