Feb. 6, 2006

Wayne State University fencer Anna Garina is one of the 22 finalists for the 2005 Michigan's Best as the state's top sports figure in a contest sponsored by the Detroit Free Press.

Garina won back-to-back NCAA titles (2004-05) in the women's epee becoming the fourth woman in NCAA fencing history to win back-to-back titles and the first in epee.

Past winners of Michigan's top sports figure were Ben Wallace for 2004, Anthony Holt in 2002 and 2003, Curt Anes in 2001, Tom Izzo in 2000, Brendan Shanahan in 1999, Steve Yzerman in 1988 and 1998, Barry Sanders in 1994 and 1997, Grant Hill in 1996, Tshimanga Biakabutuka in 1995, Rick Granata in 1993, Robbie Buhl in 1992, Desmond Howard in 1991, Cecil Fielder in 1990, Ella Willis in 1989, Alan Trammell in 1987 and Walt Brau in 1986.

Detroit Free Press article on Michigan's Best.