By Bob Bonett
The defending Colonial Athletic Association wrestler of the year needed to make a decision during the off-season: follow coach Tom Ryan and brother Ryan to Ohio State University, or stay on board the Hofstra ship with new coach Tom Shifflet.
Considering Hofstra's preseason rank and expectations, perhaps Patrovich retaining his Pride allegiance may actually serve to be a decision that could bring even more success.
Patrovich, ranked third in the nation at his weight class, kicked off the 2006 season with a bang, winning his first match against Wagner with a 15-0 decision in under three minutes. However, according to coach Tom Shifflet, the victory should just be a warm up for the All American senior.
"Mike is the leader of the program and should be very successful this year" Shifflet says of his fourth-year superstar.
Regardless of his final decision, though, the off-season must have been a tough one for the 165-pound wrestler. After his younger brother, Ryan, had committed to Hofstra University, Pride coach Tom Ryan left the program for a job at Ohio State University with the Buckeyes. The younger Patrovich followed Ryan, leaving Mike with the tough decision of staying at Hofstra with Shifflet, or following his roots to Ohio. Patrovich's decision is one that Shifflet must have appreciated greatly.
"Patrovich has the goal of becoming the national champion. He will be a big part of the team's success."
Mike's season kicked off with a bang as mentioned above, as the match with the Seahawks was virtually no contest.
Friday night, Patrovich and the Pride did battle with Army, a match that was expected to continue to prove Patrovich's presence as one of the elite wrestlers in the entire nation.
As for what the rest 2006-2007 season will hold for Patrovich, it appears as though all signs are pointing toward vast success. And new coach Tom Shifflet is not the only person in Division I that feels Patrovich is something special.
Sure, Patrovich is certainly the leader of the wrestling program, but his accolades go beyond his home school. Combining the high preseason ranking and the success in the past season, as long as the celebrated senior avoids any unforeseen events, such as injury, he may be looking at claiming the national championship in March, bringing it back to the school he still holds allegiance to, Hofstra University.
