Jan. 20, 2010

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Craig Sesker of USA Wrestling and TheMat.com recently caught up with MSU senior wrestler Franklin Gomez. Gomez is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation and captured the NCAA title at 133 pounds last season.

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Ask Michigan State coach Tom Minkel what he is looking for in an ideal college wrestler and he will provide an immediate response.

Franklin Gomez.

Gomez is more than just a returning NCAA champion wrestler.

"Franklin Gomez is the total package - and a lot more," Minkel said. "He's a great person. He's an honor student. He's very involved with his church. He's a student of the sport. He's a hard worker. He's humble. He's fun to be around. If you are looking for the perfect, grounded, well-rounded student-athlete, it's Franklin Gomez.

"We're really happy he's part of the family here."

Gomez is just as proud of what he's done off the wrestling mat as what he's done on it.

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