IU wrestling set for success again

The IU wrestling team has been dominating the headlines and creating a national buzz this year. With natural leaders in juniors Max Dean and Brandon Becker, the team has continued the streak of national contention started by two-time national champion in the 125-pound weight class Joe Dubuque. \n"Joe was a remarkable leader and mentor," junior Justin Curran told me. "He was great to watch and a distinguished character of IU wrestling." From this history sprouts two new leadership styles for this year's team.\nThe leadership styles of the two junior standouts -- Dean and Becker -- reflect their wrestling approach. \n"Becker is unorthodox and flashy, while I am more fundamental and balanced," Dean said. "But the ultimate goal is the same: to bring home a national championship."\nDean is certainly leading the team in that direction. A two-time NCAA qualifier, the junior is building an impressive winning reputation, and it is that same drive that fuels his ambition off the mat. The two-time Academic All-American is the vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is leading a group of athlete representatives in community-outreach programs, improving campus relations and student-athlete experience. \nOne pupil who respects Max's attitude and commitment is freshman Angel Escobedo. \n"Max is a great motivator and brings team morale up each meet," Escobedo said. "He's experienced, and that's a great asset to have on the road." Escobedo, a four-time state champion at Griffith High School in Griffith, Ind., is now climbing up the 125-pound rankings and turning heads on the national scale. Despite his success, Escobedo is always open to guidance. This is where Becker adds significant value to the team. \n"Brandon has superior knowledge of the sport and understands the best technique for each individual member of our team," Dean said. "I'm glad that one of Brandon's best assets is his passion to excel. It drives our team to reach our fullest potential, and his presence in the wrestling room is a definitive facet of our team."\nBecker discussed the differences in leadership styles between himself and Dean but said they complement each other well.\n"(Max and I) are very different," Becker said. "I challenge the process and continually work on inspiring our team vision, while Max definitely leads by example on and off the mat. I knew that we were a good fit our freshman year. We were in the same weight class, and that usually causes animosity. However, for us, the glory was in the challenge. It was pure competition. Max and I understand that you don't get anywhere unless you work hard, and leading is just teaching that secret to the freshmen."\nObviously, their complementary styles are having the desired effect, as eight of the 10 IU starters are nationally ranked. So keep your eye out for the Hoosiers this season as these two juniors look to lead the No. 17 Hoosiers to glory.