GREENVILLE, Pa. – Even as spring sports come into season, two Thiel College wrestlers are still hard at work preparing for their time on the national stage. Sophomore 125-pounder Robbie Miller and freshman 133-pounder Corey Brown (Greenville, Pa./Reynolds) both qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division III National Championships at Coe College as wildcards at last week's regional meet.

Miller and Brown both played a huge part in the Tomcats' fifth-place team finish at regionals, each claiming a second-place finish is his weight class.

“Obviously they both have a ton of talent, but talent only goes so far in wrestling,” said Thiel head coach Craig Thurber.  “They both come from great high school programs and have been wrestling at a high level for a long time, which also helps tremendously. Probably the biggest factor for both of them is they love to compete, and hate to lose.”

Miller, who finished 1-2 at last year's national championship, has proven just how talented he is over his two years in Greenville. The sophomore has compiled a, 54-11, career mark thus far, but is leaving nothing to chance in his second time around at nationals.

“Last year was a great learning experience for me,” said Miller. “I found out that I can't just rely on my own natural ability to win, because like me, everyone at nationals has it.  Placing there is just a matter of who worked the hardest in the off season.”

With that in mind, Miller envisions himself making a splash at D-III wrestling's biggest event.

“I have been working out a lot harder and have learned some better ways to manage my weight.  I expect to go into the first round strong and energized and keep that momentum throughout the rest of my matches.  Overall, I really would like to, and think I have a good chance of seeing myself on the podium. “

Brown – like Miller a season ago – didn't take long to distinguish himself as one of the premier 133-pound wrestlers in the region. He compiled an outstanding 22-5 record for the 'Cats in his rookie season, but was quick to point out that his transition to college life wasn't all about wins and losses.

“Coming to Thiel, the biggest sacrifice that I have made is the lack of sleep by staying up late to study to stay on the Dean's List and then wake up the next morning at 7 a.m. to get a run in,” said Brown. “It really takes a toll on the body, but there is no better feeling when you find out you are going to nationals.”

Also similar to Miller, Brown feels that the formula for success on the mats at Coe College in Iowa begins with hour-upon-grueling-hour of training.

  “Over the years there have been a handful of matches that I lost but shouldn't have. But every time I lost, I never came off the mat saying to myself 'I wish I would have done one more sit up or one more push up.'  I leave everything in the practice room just like I do on the mat.  I can honestly say just that little extra work every day and the desire to win has got me to where I am today.”

Beginning Friday, Miller's and Brown's training philosophies will be put to the test when they take to the mats of the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Miller will take on fifth-seeded Seth Ecker of Ithica who has compiled a 22-5 this season. Brown has drawn seventh-seeded Nichalos Cucciniello of Johnson & Wales who was 22-1 in 2008-09.

“Corey is a tireless worker, doing at least two workouts a day and most days three,” said Thurber.  “He is successful because of his work ethic, plain and simple. Rob had an outstanding freshmen season and I know he is looking to get on the podium this weekend. He has the talent to place very high, and if he gets on a roll, we could see our first National Champion in wrestling.”

“They have both had two great weeks of practice; they are confident, healthy, and excited for Friday morning.”