Messiah Preview

Messiah College broke new ground last year when they joined the Empire Conference along with fellow former MAC team Lycoming.  In their first year in the new conference, they placed six in the top four, and five of those return this season.  Messiah finished last year in the national rankings and hopes to continue a gradual climb to the upper levels of Division III.  Leading the team this season is returning NCAA qualifier Trent Zempel.  Zemple just missed the podium as a sophomore last year.  Eight other starters return for the Falcons in 2008-2009, but several will be pushed by a number of talented freshmen including 3x VA placewinner Kevin Delawder and 2x NJ State Qualifiers Rich Pennisi and Chris Hardenberg.  MD placewinners Matt Cross and Tim Stewart also join the squad but will start the season behind veteran wrestlers.  Though not a state qualifier, Ty Kanouff won several matches in college opens last season and projects as a possible starter at 125.  Top returners are  Zempel (165), 33 match winner Craig Gin (149/157), 29 match winner Dave Jones (174), and 26 match winner Mike Bressler (149/157).

Team: Messiah College
Head Coach: Bryan Brunk (WNEC ’98)
Years at School as head coach: 6th year
Career Record at school: 45-55
Assistant Coaches: Ben Stum, Josh Cragg

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 10-12
2007-2008 National Qualifier: Trent Zempel 165
Returning Qualifier: Trent Zempel 165

Top returning starters:
Trent Zempel Round of 12 NCAA, 149/157 Craig Gin-33-12, 4th Empire; 149/157 Mike Bressler 28-13, 2nd Empire; 174 Dave Jones 29-18, 4th Empire.

Top incoming wrestlers:
125- Ty Kanouff-2X 4th PA-AAA Northeast Region
141- Kevin Delawder- 3X VA-AA State Placer (4,6,5)
141- Rich Pennisi- 2X NJ State Q
149- Chris Hardenberg- 2X NJ State Q
157- Matt Cross- MD State Champion
174- Tim Stewart- 2X MD State placer (4,3)