MARK RUSZ

Mark Rusz was a dominant wrestler at St. Charles High School where he posted a career record of 213-4 for the Bulldogs between the years of 1994-1998. Rusz was a three-time state champion wrestler at the 103, 112 and 119 pound weight divisions and was a runner-up as a freshman at 100 pounds. He was a three-time All-State Dream Team selection (best at his weight in all school divisions) by the Michigan Wrestling News. Rusz set a national record with 167 career falls (pins and technical falls) and set school records for career (213) and season wins (56), consecutive wins (123), season pins (45) and career pins (140). Rusz was in the top 10 nationally in several statistical categories. He pinned all opponents in district, regional, and finals competition in 1998 without giving up a single point. He was named by USA Wrestling Magazine as Most Outstanding Wrestler in Michigan and ranked among the Top 10 wrestlers in the nation at 119 pounds. A four-time conference, district and regional champion, Rusz also was a four-time Saginaw County champion – winning all matches in each tournament by a pin or technical foul without being scored upon. Additionally, he played quarterback for the Bulldogs’ football team throwing for 1,260 yards as a senior. In a win over Freeland he completed 17 of 26 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns. Rusz also was a two year starter for the St. Charles’ varsity baseball team. He went on to wrestle four years at Central Michigan University (1998-2003). At the 2000 East Regional Olympic Trials for Freestyle Wrestling Rusz was a medalist, finishing fourth.