ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan graduate Domenic Abounader will remain at his alma mater to continue his wrestling career with the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club, the club announced Thursday (May 31). Abounader plans to represent Lebanon, drawing from his father’s roots, in his international career.
“Dom has brought a tremendous amount of passion and intensity to the Michigan wrestling program,” said head coach Sean Bormet. “He’s a great leader and a great competitor. I think this past season was a breakthrough for him and he’s got a lot of success ahead of him. Dom has great skill sets and outstanding defense. He hasn’t done a lot of freestyle, because he also played football at a very successful high school, but I think once he starts really honing in on some of the skills, situations, positions and tactics, he’s going to be great at it.”
“I have a family here,” said Abounader. “Sean, Josh and Kellen have become family to me, and I’d love to be around to see all the guys on the team succeed and help them accomplish their goals. I’ll have great workout partners within the college and club teams and in a great atmosphere that I enjoy being around.
“I still have a lot to learn when it comes to freestyle, but I’m looking forward to it. I think my wrestling will translate pretty well. I think my athleticism carries over to freestyle. I need to focus now on learning some of the techniques and get more comfortable in the various positions.”
Abounader was a fixture at 184 pounds for the Wolverines over the last five years, compiling a 96-30 career record, including a sterling 42-11 mark in dual meets. Abounader, who redshirted his true senior season due to injury, placed fifth at the NCAA Championships as a senior (2018) and was a four-time NCAA qualifier. He never finished worse than third place at the Big Ten tournament, capturing the 184-pound title as a sophomore (2015).
Abounader joins fellow Wolverines Kevin Beazley and Adam Coon as the newest members of the CKWC.
