May 28, 2008
GREELEY, Colo. - The University of Northern Colorado announces the signing of two wrestlers to National Letters of Intent. Mitchell Polkowske out of Centauri High School in La Jara, Colorado and Chris Sutton-Kern, a transfer from Colby Community College will both enroll at Northern Colorado for the fall semester.
Polkowske, a Colorado High School standout and two sport athlete at Centauri High School, is expected to be a very valuable asset to NC wrestling. As one of Colorado's top amateur wrestlers, Polkowske won two state titles, placed sixth as a sophomore and qualified for state as a freshman. His last two seasons he posted a perfect 89-0 record and along the way, broke the Colorado state record for takedowns in a single season, finishing with 343 as a senior. To cap off an incredible senior season, Mitchell also earned All-American honors after placing 4th at Senior Nationals in Virginia. Along with his wrestling accomplishments, Polkowske maintained a 3.88 GPA in the classroom.
"Polkowske will be a top notch addition to the team and will look to make an immediate impact not only on the Bears wrestling team, but on the national stage as well," expressed Head Coach Jack Maughan.
Kearn, a native of Concordia, Kan., and a high school state runner-up, joins the Bears after a very successful career at Colby Community College. Kearn twice earned All-American honors at the JUCO National Tournament, placing sixth and third. Kearn was also a two-time regional champion and should make an immediate impact at the 184-pound spot next year.
The Bears and Maughan are excited to see Kearn and Polkowske on campus in 2008.
"We feel very lucky to have these two outstanding young men joining our team, and feel that they will have a tremendous impact on UNC wrestling's immediate future."
