2018-19 Mount Union Preview
Team: University of Mount Union
Head Coach: Josh Malave
Years at School as Head Coach: 2
Career Record at Current School: 19-13
Assistant Coaches: Gavin Speelman (First Year), Jeff Kullman (First Year), Doug Thomas (2nd Year), Mike Miller (2nd Year)
2017-2018 Dual Meet Record: 11-2
2018 NCAA Qualifiers:
125- Nick Mancini (5th)
133- Nolan Wochna
157- Michael McIntire
174- Jairod James (National Champion)
Returning NCAA Qualifiers:
133- Nolan Wochna
157- Michael McIntire
174- Jairod James (National Champion)
Top Returning Starters:
133- Nolan Wochna (NQ, 2nd Team All OAC, Regional Runner Up)
149- Luke Hernandez (Regional Placer)
165- Michael McIntire (NQ/157, Regional Runner Up, 1st Team All OAC)
174- Jairod James (National Champion, Regional Champion, 1st Team All OAC)
Top Incoming Wrestlers:
125- Luke Hewitt (OHSAA SQ)
125- Luke Blaine
133- Jordin James (JUCO NQ, 2X OHSAA SQ)
141- David Massey- OHSAA State Champion, 2X OHSAA State Placer
141- Zach Berdysz
141- Cole Bailey (OHSAA SQ)
141- David Graber
149- Justin Rayner
157- Antwon Pugh (2X OHSAA State Placer, 3X OHSAA SQ)
157- Dylan Miller- (OHSAA SQ)
157- Wyatt Strum (WV SQ)
174- Logan Toth (OHSAA State Alternate)
184- Jaden Mendeluk (OHSAA SQ)
184/197- Tyler Stepic (2X OHSAA SQ, OHSAA State Placer)
197- Landon Talbert (OHSAA SQ)
285- Assante Ndongo
Season Outlook:
During the 2017-2018 campaign the Purple Raiders secured their fifth Top 10 finish in program history and their first National Champion since 1992. Mount Union returns four Regional Placers, three Nationals Qualifiers and a National Champion. A talented recruiting class has them positioned to compete for an Ohio Athletic Conference Dual Meet Title, a Regional Championship and another Top 10 finish at the National Tournament.