MARSHALL, Minn. -  The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team announced its 2009-10 team award winners Saturday at the program's annual banquet at the Regional Event Center on the campus of SMSU.  Four awards, which were all voted on by members of the team, were handed out by head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson, including rookie of the year, most improved, the Mustang Award and outstanding wrestler.  SMSU's two Academic All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference wrestlers were also honored.

William Fate received this year's rookie of the year award.  The freshman from Mecosta, Mich., finished his inaugural campaign as a Mustang with a 14-9 record at 174 pounds.

Sophomore Brian Rodas was the recipient of the most improved award.  He wrestled at 285 pounds and compiled a record of 12-8.  A native of Farmersburg, Iowa, Rodas also qualified for the NCAA Championships after capturing a fourth-place finish at the Super Region Three tournament.

For the second time in three years, Leroy, Mich., native #C.D. Johnson# earned the Mustang Award, given to the SMSU wrestler who exemplifies selflessness and dedication to his team and academics.  The junior, who qualified for the NCAA Championships at 184 pounds, finished the season with a record of 18-17.

Brandan Schunk was named this year's outstanding wrestler.  The senior qualified for the NCAA Championships at 141 pounds and compiled a record of 16-10.  A native of Wabasso, Minn., Schunk was one of two seniors on the squad this past season.

SMSU also honored its two Academic All-NSIC selections, Johnson and sophomore Tanner Skillings, who is from Minneota, Minn.  To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better. Furthermore, the athlete must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at her or his institution and must have completed at least one full academic year at that institution.

SMSU finished the 2009-10 season with a record of 4-6 (1-6 NSIC).