Washington & Lee Preview

Washington & Lee has zero starters back at their 2008 weights.  The top returner, John Christopher, returns to 285 after a season at 197, and two others will go to lower weights.  After an 8th place finish in last year’s Centennial Conference championships, Washington & Lee will rely on incoming freshmen to carry a heavy load this year.  Two time West Virginia state champ David Dennis leads the group with 3x Louisiana placer Luis Alexander and New England placewinner Ben Ersing close behind.  Sam campbell, a 3x Illinois qualifier will help in the lower weights as well.  The coaching staff hopes a brand new wrestling room will help increase the profile of Washington & Lee wrestling and give the southernmost wrestling team in DIII its first All-American since 1989.

Team: Washington & Lee University
Head Coach: Gary Franke
Years at School as head coach: 37
Career Record at school: 187-191-3
Assistant Coaches: Mike Bennett

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 7-5

Top returning starters with accomplishments: 285 John Christopher, 2nd Ursinus Fall Brawl, 3rd Messiah Petrofes

Top incoming wrestlers: David Dennis 2-time WV champ & 4x placer, Sam Campbell 3x IL qualifier, Luis Alexander 3x LA state placer, Ben Ersing – 3rd MA & 4th New England