Augsburg Announces Class
Augsburg published their recruiting class along with their accomplishments today. It is a large list and may yield a starter or two for the team this season.
UW-Oshkosh Preview
Injuries got in the way for Oshkosh last year, and the are hoping for a bounce back year in 2008-2009. Coach DeRoehn is also looking for a return trip to the NCAA tournament after a 2007 season saw Adam Dorner garner the first All-American of DeRoehn’s tenure. A quartet of WIAC placewinners return to lead the Titans and Jared Jaminski, Alex Mueller, and Eli Felts each topped 20 wins on the year. Chad Leviner is the fourth returning WIAC placer. Part of the effort to improve the team is aggressive recruiting done by the coaching staff. Top incoming wrestlers include Junior National All-American Carl Deluca and a trio of Wisconsin state champions in Jon Junk, Sam Engelland, and Duane Hartkopf. Some of those new wrestlers are at weights filled by returning conference placers, but Oshkosh will have things sorted out by thte time the 2009 WIAC tournament rolls around.
Team: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Head Coach: Mike DeRoehn (Plymouth State ’05)
Years at School as head coach: 5th season
Assistant Coaches: Chris Stratton, Nick Matiash, Joe Terrill, Larry Marchionda
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 6-13
Top returning starters: 125 Chad Leviner 4th WIAC, 133 Jared Jaminski 5th WIAC 20 wins, 141 Alex Mueller 6th WIAC 21 wins, 174 Eli Felts 5th WIAC 21 wins
Top incoming wrestlers:
125-Carl Deluca-USA Wrestling Folkstyle National Champion; Junior National All-American
133-Jon Junk-2008 WI State Champion
174/184-Sam Engelland-2008 Undefeated WI State Champion; 3rd in 2007; Cadet All-American
184/197-Duane Hartkopf-2008 WI State Champion; 4x State Qualifier; 3x State Placer
UW-La Crosse Preview
UW-La Crosse will be a younger team than last year, but they still remain a formidable force with National Championship aspirations. Led by returning champion Dan Laurent, the Eagles return three All-Americans and three other national qualifiers from previous years. While 5th place finisher Josh Zabel is a senior. Laurent, All-American Matt Mauseth, and National Qualifier Brandon Music will all be back next year as well. After a two year absence from the NCAA championships, both Pat Parrillo and Kevin Barber look to make a return trip in 2009. After graduating All-Americans Jordan Kolinski, Tim Palmer, and Josh Chelf, La Crosse will look to a strong incoming class including former state champ transfers Jordan Foy (St. Cloud State) and Alex Dahl (UW-Whitewater) as well as five other state champ freshmen.
Team: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Head Coach: Dave Malecek (Northern Iowa ’94)
Years at School as head coach: 3rd Season
Career Record at school: 34-3
Assistant Coaches: Derek Fuglsang, Josh Chelf, Ryan Allen, Jason Lulloff, Tony Ganas
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 21-2
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Brandon Music (125/NQ), Jordan Kolinski (133/4th), Matt Mauseth (149/6th), Jay Milz (157/NQ), Tim Palmer (165/5th), Josh Chelf (174/1st), Josh Zabel (184/5th), Dan Laurent (285/1st)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: Music, Pat Parrillo (133/NQ/2006), Kevin Barber (141/NQ/2006), Mauseth, Zabel, Laurent
Top returning starters: 285 Dan Laurent National Champion, 184 Josh Zabel 5th NCAA, 149 Matt Mauseth 6th NCAA
Top incoming wrestlers: Johnny Brennan (125), Jordan Foy (133, St. Cloud transfer), Alex Dahl (141, Whitewater transfers), Nathan Jones (141), Mike Schmitz (174), Brandon James (174); Wisconsin State Champs: Jed Domke, Vinnie Pedretti, Cody Freimoth, Grant Miller, Adam Theisen.
Rhode Island Preview
Rhode Island College capped one of the best years in team history with a national championship for wire-to-wire #1 ranked Michael Bonora. Bonora became the second NCAA champ from Rhode Island and just the third from the New England conference. Travis Drappi moves up from 133 to fill Bonora’s shoes and is joined by fellow returning NEWA placewinners Kevin Sutherland and Nick Logan. The top returner is 2008 NEWA champion Mike Martini who will try to defend his 157 lb. title and make a repeat trip to the NCAA tournament. Six starters are back, and the holes will be filled by underclassmen stepping into new roles as well as a talented incoming group that includes 3x Vermont state champ Scott Legacy, HS New England champ Brandon Gauthier, HS New England placer Rich Wapenyi and New Jersey state qualifier Mike Trasso. The team will venture out of New England a few times this season for the RIT tournament and Budd Whitehill duals as they prepare for the NEWA championships.
Team: Rhode Island College
Head Coach: Jay Jones (Rhode Island ’94)
Years at School as head coach: 10th season
Career Record at school: 116-85
Assistant Coaches:Â Bob Smith, Dave Paquette, Brendan Casey
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 16-4
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Michael Bonora (141/1st), Mike Martini (157/NQ)
Returning Qualifier: Martini
Top Returning Starters:Â 157 Mike Martini NCAA qualifier NEWA Champ, 184 Nick Logan NEWA 4th, 149 Kevin Sutherland NEWA 5th, 141 Travis Drappi NEWA 4th @133
Top incoming wrestlers:
125 Brandon Gauthier HS New England Champ
125 Jared Rhodes PA District Placer
133 Scott Legacy 3x VT champ, New England 3rd
141 Mike Trasso NJ region champ
285 Rich Wapenyi HS New England 3rd
Loras Preview
Coming off its first losing season in 15 years, Loras looks to rebound in 2008-2009. With six returning starters, including national qualifier Erik Hanson, Loras is well situated for a rebound year. However, navigating the tough IIAC schedule will make topping .500 a challenge for any team. Hanson made the quarterfinals last year where he fell to Milks of Platteville. In the All-America round, he defaulted to Josh Terrell, as wrestler he had defeated in the IIAC semifinals two weeks earlier. Seniors Jordan Loy and Trevor Kaufman will provide leadership for the Duhawks in head coach Randy Stewards 16th year at the helm.
Team: Loras College
Head Coach: Randy Steward (Cornell College ’82)
Years at School as head coach: 16th season
Career Record at school: 177-106-1
Assistant Coaches: Rick Casarez, Rick Healey
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record:Â 7-14
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Erik Hanson (157/NQ), Jay Figgins (184/NQ)
Returning National Qualifier: Hanson
Top returning starters: 157 Erik Hanson NCAA Qualifier, 125/133 Mark Beatty 20+ wins, 133/141 Jordan Loy 20+ wins, 285 Trevor Kaufman 20+ wins
NWCA Preseason Rankings
The NWCA’s first rankings were released today. See them linked in the Rankings page as well as below
October 27, 2008 Team | Individual
Lakeland Preview
Lakeland found its way into the national rankings last year with a strong young team that returns most of its strength from a year ago. National qualifier Paul Hartt graduates, but NCAA alternate Adam Sutter is back after a strong 2007-2008. Sutter was a fixture in the rankings and defeated three All-Americans, including champion Dan Laurent, during the regular season. He hopes to finish stronger in 2009. Regional placewinners Jonas Flok, David Copp, Kory Theil, and Ben Chapman are all back as well. A trio of state placewinners join the Muskies in 197 lb. transfer A.J. Aronstan from NY, 3x WI placer Ryan Renon at 157, and WI placer Sam Delain at 125. In addition, state qualifiers Josh Deluca Tyler Laturi, Robert Forgette, and Mike Perl join up in 2008. These newcomers will have troulbe cracking the lineup on a team that has moved from young to experienced over the past few years. Lakeland has had one All-American and two national qualifiers in its history, and this team hopes to add to both of those numbers this year.
Team: Lakeland College
Head Coach: Peter Rogers (Ohio State ’00)
Years at School as head coach: 7
Career Record at school: 35-43-1
Assistant Coaches: Courtney Howard, Tim Vallier, Nate Muckerheide
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record:Â 13-5-1
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Paul Hartt (197/NQ)
Top returning starters: 285 Adam Sutter NCAA Alternate ’08, 157 Jonas Flok 3rd Great Lakes, 125 David Copp 5th Great Lakes, 141 Kory Theil 5th Great Lakes, 149 Ben Chapman 5th Great Lakes
Top incoming wrestlers:
A.J. Aronstan 197 – Transfer from Morrisville NY, 3rd in NY H.S. state ‘06
Ryan Renon 157 - 3 time Wisconsin state place winner, 2nd as a senior.
Sam Delain 125 – Wisconsin state place winner
State qualifiers: Josh Deluca 174, Tyler Laturi 165, Robert Forgette 184, Mike Perl 157
Luther Preview
With four NCAA qualifiers back from last season’s 6th place team, Luther is shooting for a trophy in 2008-2009. Zach Bartlett, Yonny Quist, and Alec Bonander are all returning All-Americans,a nd Nic Barclay was a qualifier last year. Additionally, 20 match winners Jason Pyle and Allyn Plattner were behind NCAA qualifiers in the lineup, but they should be able to find their way into starting positions this year. Kevin Bokoski is another quality wrestler with starter talent that had to sit behind All-Americans at 133 and 141 last season. This depth will help Luther stay on an upward path and try to knock off one of the top teams in the IIAC on their way to yet another top ten finish in the NCAA. A small freshman class joins up this year, though Luther’s depth this year affords the luxury of a small recruiting class. It is not without talent, however, as it is headlined by 3x Alaska placer and 1x champ Quincy Voris. If Luther can keep everyone healthy and in the right weights, they will be tough to beat.
Team: Luther College
Head Coach: Dave Mitchell (UW-La Crosse)
Years at School as head coach: 13 Years
Career Record at school: 156-62-5
Assistant Coaches: Jeff O’Gara, Matt Pyle, Paul Meirick, Jesse Reyerson, Travis Grawin
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 13-6
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Zach Bartlett (133/7th), Travis Grawin (141/4th), Yonny Quist (149/8th), Nic Barclay (184/NQ), Alec Bonander (197/5th), John Miller (285/NQ)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans:Â Bartlett, Quist, Barclay, Bonander
Top returning starters: 125 Lee Meirick, 133 Zach Bartlett 7th NCAA, 149 Yonny Quist 8th NCAA, 149/157 Jason Pyle 20+ wins, 184 Nic Barclay NCAA qualifier, 197 Alec Bonander 5th NCAA, 285 Allyn Plattner 20+ wins
Top incoming wrestlers:Â Quincy Voris AK champ and 3x placer; Adam Rave IA State Qualifier
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
North Central Preview
North Central has had multiple All-Americans in each of the past three years and they finished with three last year. 3x All-American Adam Johnson placed third to round out an outstanding career, and Ben and Gabe Youel each took fourth in their respective weight classes. Both Youels are back this year and are ranked third in the d3wrestle.com preseason rankings. North Central returns nine starters from 2008 including regional 3rd place finishers Greg Schroeder and Vinnie Sapienza. Ben Youel and Gabe Youel will be title threats this year though each has a returning undefeated champion at their respective weight class. The freshman class features a quartet of state placers. These include Nathan Fitzenreider who becomes the third wrestler from his family to compete for North Central. Two time Illinois finalist Ty Taylor comes in to compete for a spot, as will Illinois 6th place finisher Andrew Zobac. They may both compete with Michigan lightweight Sean Tomac. North Central has been in the top 15 each of the past three years, a streak they would like to continue into a fourth year.
Team: North Central College
Head Coach: Kevin Bratland
Years at School as head coach: 2
Career Record at school: 24-10
Assistant Coaches: Karl Bratland, Adam Johnson, Derrick Martin, Jim Brophy
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 15-2
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Adam Johnson (3rd/133), Ben Youel (4th/165), Gabe Youel (4th/184)
Returning All-Americans: Ben Youel, Gabe Youel
Top returning starters: 165 Ben Youel 4th NCAA, 184 Gabe Youel 4th NCAA, 174 Greg Schroeder NCAA alternate, 197 Vinnie Sapienza 3rd Great Lakes
Top incoming wrestlers: Nathan Fitzenreider 3rd IL, Ty Taylor 2x IL 2nd, Andrew Zobac 6th IL, Sean Tomac 6th MI
McDaniel Preview
Davey Blake is one of three Centennial Conference coaches beginning their second year at their schools (Clayton at Stevens and Vogel at Gettysburg). Even with nine starters back, the McDaniel lineup will likely have a good number of freshmen in it by year’s end. The best returning wrestler is 285 Brock Glotfelty. The sophomore just missed the national tournament after a close loss in the Centennial finals, and he has three seasons left. Zach Hetrick, Ferris Bond, and Courtney Nightengale each placed in the conference, and Bond will drop from 197 to 184 for 2008-2009. The freshman class is let by Maryland state champion Skylar Snead and his high school teammate and fellow placewinner Sean McGarry. Three time Alaska qualifier Torrin Lehmann comes a long way to McDaniel, and NAIA national qualifier Brent Lowe moves closer to home after wrestling at Briar Cliff University in Iowa. Coach Blake was a wrestler on McDaniel’s last Centennial championship team, and he is not tasked with coaching their next.
Team: McDaniel College
Head Coach: Davey Blake (McDaniel ’03)
Years at School as head coach: 2nd season
Career Record at school: 4-13
Assistant Coaches: Steve Colasuonno, Wes Winters
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 4-13
Top returning starters: 157 Zach Hetrick 4th Centennial, 174 Courtney Nightengale 4th Centennial, 184 Ferris Bond 3rd Centennial, 285 Brock Glotfelty 2nd Centennial
Top incoming wrestlers: 125 Sean Ensign MD qualifier, 125 Zach Morris MD qualifier, 133 Sean McGarry MD placer, 141 Skylar Sneak MD state champ, 149 Brent Lowe NAIA NQ at Briar Cliff, 149 Torrin Lehmann 3x AK qualifier, 197 Joe Camlin 2x MD qualifier
Delaware Valley Preview
Will this be the year that Delaware Valley qualifies 10 to the NCAA tournament? Head Coach Brandon Totten has put together a solid lineup with designs on a national title. Five NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans return for the Aggies, and an impressive group of incoming wrestlers will fill the holes left by graduation on last year’s top 5 team. Sophomore Chris Sheetz had an outstanding first year wrestling into the semifinals before placing sixth. Mike Wilcox, a junior college transfer, stepped right into the lineup at 184 and stormed to the finals where he fell to the undefeated Djoumessi. 2x NCAA qualifier Kyle Bilquist finished 30-3 while taking 5th. All three are title threats, though Sheetz and Wilcox may have returnign champs at their weights. In addition, 133 lb. Brandon Clemmer and 149 lb. Jesse Harrington return for another shot at All-American status. Three important transfers come in to help make th goal of 10 qualifiers a reality. Justin Barowski was a three year starter for Wilkes, but he moves over the Del Val for his last year. D1 transfers Robbie Hickman of Pitt and Jeff Siciliano of Hofstra were both multiple New Jersey placewinners and will slide right into vacant spots. Incoming freshmen include Maryland state champ Zac Stavish, NJ placers Charlie Frankel and Kyle Tufts, and PA placer Zeke Pyle and qualifier Donald Smith. This is a strong team that will likely be the class of the East.
Team: Delaware Valley College
Head Coach: Brandon Totten (Delaware Valley ’96)
Years at School as head coach: 6
Career Record at school: 88-25
Assistant Coaches: Shaun Smith, Mike Berlanda, Andrew Helms, Jamall Johnson
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 14-4
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Chris Sheetz (125/6th), Brandon Clemmer (133/NQ), Dan Hall (141/NQ), Jesse Harrington (149/NQ), Ryan Herwig (157/3rd), Mike Wilcox (184/2nd), Joe West (197/NQ), Kyle Bilquist (285/5th)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans: Sheetz, Clemmer, Harrington, Wilcox, Bilquist
Top returning starters:
125 – Chris Sheetz – So – 34-8 record, All-American (6th place), Midwest Champion, Midwest OW
133 – Brandon Clemmer – Sr – 25-9 record, NCAA Qualifier, Midwest Champion
141 – Eric McCann – So – 19-10 record @133
157 – Jesse Harrington – So – 27-8 record, NCAA Qualifier @149
165 – Greg Miele – Sr – 19-12 record, 3rd Midwest
184 – Mike Wilcox – Sr – 28-3 record, All-American (2nd place), Midwest Champion
285 – Kyle Bilquist – Sr – 30-3 record, All-American (5th place), 2x NCAA Qualifier, 2008 Midwest Champion
Top incoming wrestlers:
125 – Charlie Frankel – Fr – 2x New Jersey state placewinner
149 – Robbie Hickman – Jr – Transfer from Pitt, 3x NJ placewinner
149- Donald Smith – Fr – PA state qualifier
165 – Justin Barowski – Sr – Transfer from Wilkes (three-year starter with 58-17 record)
174/184 – Zac Stavish – Fr – MD state champion, 2x placewinner
197 – Kyle Tufts – Fr – NJ placewinner
197 – Jeff Siciliano – So – Transfer from Hofstra, 2x NJ placewinner
285 – Zeke Pyle – Fr – PA placewinner
USMMA Preview
A few years of great recruiting paid off in a big way for the Merchant Marine Academy in 2008 as they won their first Centennial team championship and send four to the NCAA Championships. Six Mariners made the conference finals, and Phil Greene, James Beshada, and Eric Vincent came away with championships. Dan Twito was 2nd but took the Centennial’s wild card slot to qualify. All four NCAA qualifiers return and make USMMA heavy favorite to repeat as conference champs for new coach Greg Ilaria. Along with the four qualifiers, 125 lb. Jordan Alfaro barely missed winning the conference, and sophomore 165 Vincent Renaut was the top seed coming in, but he was slowed by a late season knee injury. A trio of state finalists make the trip to King’s Point to start their wrestling careers. Pat Graham is from North Carolina, Josh Miller is from Wyoming, and Travis Wynn is a South Carolina state champ. With four national qualifiers back, King’s Point is hopeful they can have their 2nd All-American in 2009.
Team: United States Merchant Marine Academy
Head Coach: Greg Ilaria
Years at School as head coach: 1st season
Career Record at school: 0-0
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 13-4
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Phil Greene (133/NQ), James Beshada (141/NQ), Dan Twito (149/NQ), Eric Vincent (197/NQ)
Returning Qualifiers: Greene, Beshada, Twito, Vincent
Top returning starters: 125 Jordan Alfaro 2nd Centennial, 133 Phil Greene National Qualifier 1st Centennial, 141 James Beshada National Qualifier 1st Centennial, 149 Dan Twito Nationa Qualifier 2nd Centennial, 157 Scott Lowe 3rd Centennial, 165 Vincent Renaut 3rd Centennial
Top incoming wrestlers: 125 Pat Graham 2nd NC, 165 Josh MIller 2nd WY, 184 Travis Wynn SC Champ
WPI Preview
All ten starters return for 2nd year coach Lance Baden at WPI, providing a strong base for the future. 2x NEWA placewinner Larry Loomis returns at 174, as does 20 match winner Carl Anderson at 125. The two upperclassmen look to lead the team up the standings in the NEWA in the 2008-2009 season. Several dual meet wins over NEWA foes including an upset victory over Springfield give reason for optimism in the future. Prep New England champ and incoming freshman Alex Labeef, along with state champions Richard Wingert (MA) and Alex Pittera (NH) are another.
Team: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Head Coach: Lance Baden (WPI ’99)
Years at School as head coach: 2nd season
Career Record at school: 6-17
Assistant Coaches: Robert Polin, Sean Nelligan, Garrett Trombi, Colin Pacelli
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 6-17
Top returning starters: Larry Loomis (174, 2X All New England), Carl Anderson (125, 20-14)
Top incoming wrestlers: Alex Labeef (Pomfret, CT, New England Prep School Champion), Richard Wingert (Boston, MA, State Champion), Alex Pittera (Salem, NH, State champion), Nick Mercurio (York, ME, 2nd state)
Division III Team Profiles
From InterMat and new this year are College Team Profiles for every team. Using data from the NWCA website, these profiles will
keep track of rosters, schedules, and individual results for every wrestler in Division III. Click the link below to start exploring.
Concordia University Preview
A veteran team with five seniors in the lineup will take the mat for Concordia this season. Led by Great Lakes placewinners Joe Massman (6th) and Adam Schultz (4th), Concordia again has a good schedule in 2008-2009 with the Concordia Open, Desert Duals, and Wheaton Invitational all on their slate. Massman, the team MVP last year, sits sixth on the Concordia wins list with 74, and he should top 100 for his career with another good season in 2008-2009. He has placed in the top six each of the past three years in the region. Schultz was 21-6 at 197 last season and returns for his senior year as well. A pair of Wisconsin qualifiers join in Jeremiah Potter and Jerrod Watkins, and Michigan state placer Erik Lawrence comes in to bolster the upper weights. Massman and Schultz will be eyeing a first trip to the NCAA tournament while the rest of the team works to improve on last year’s 6-4 record.
Team: Concordia University Wisconsin
Head Coach: Bret Corner (UW-LaCrosse ’86)
Years At School As Head Coach: 18
Career Record At School: 88-96-2
Assistant Coach: Mike Fischer
2007-08 Dual Meet Record:Â 6-4
Top returning wrestlers: 197 Adam Schultz 4th Great Lakes 21-6, 149 Joe Massman 6th Great Lakes 25-9, 125 Dan Crowley 15-12
Top incoming wrestlers: 157 Jeremiah Potter WI State Qualifier, 141 Jerrod Watkins WI State Qualifier, 184 Erik Lawrence MI State Placer
Mount Union Preview
Coach Mark Hawald begins his 2nd season at Mount Union with an eye toward the future. Just one of the three OAC placewinners from last year return in 149 lb. Sean Dreger, but a large group of freshmen will try to fill the gap left by some graduating seniors. The incoming class consists almost entirely of wrestlers from the Northeast corner of Ohio that Mount Union calls home, and there are more than 10 Ohio state placewinners represented, including 2x placers Colin Dennis at 125, Bryan Skoff at 157, and Derrick Hesson at 285. Heidelberg and John Carroll may top the OAC, but if Mount Union can continue to bring in classes full of state placewinners, they may soon be known for more than just football.
Team: Mount Union College
Head Coach: Mark Hawald (John Carroll ’05)
Years at School as head coach: 2nd season
Career Record at school: 3-13
Assistant Coaches: Andrew Wolf, Rich Eslich, Jesse Wells
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 3-13
Top returning starters: 149 Sean Dreger 3rd OAC 15-11
Top incoming wrestlers: State Placewinners: 125 Justin Toth, 125 Colin Dennis, 133 Jeff Liggitt, 133 Josh Malave, 141 Victor Puskas, 141 Jeremy Regula, 149 Jimmy Reisz, 157 Bryan Skoff, 165 Jeremy Hathaway, 174 Andy Jenkins, 184 Chad Teague, 285 Derrick Hesson
Williams Preview
Williams College had four wrestlers in the NEWA finals last year, but only one came away a winner. Of those four, Ethan Cohen (the lone champ) and Dylan Rittenburg gained entry to the NCAA tournament, and both are back for 2008-2009 along with fellow runner-up Corey Paulish. Paulish and Rittenburg are each moving up a weight, however, where they will agains challenge for spots in the 2009 NCAA tournament. The top three from last season are all gone from 141, but Rittenburg will have to contend with the defending champ at 149. Carl Breitenstein returns for his junior year at 157 after a 27 win season a year ago and All-New England 197 Kyle Ayer returns to improve on his 26-5 record in 2007-2008. As for the newcomers, Ryan Malo transfers in from Boston University. He was undefeated his senior year at St. John’s Prep and will wrestle 184 for the Ephs. At 285, a trio of wrestlers come in, including 2x RI champ Ken Murgo and NJ qualifier Colin Curzi. Williams placed third in New England last year and has a strong core ready to go for 2008-2009.
Team: Williams College
Head Coaches: Dan DiCenzo (Williams ’01) and Raf Vega (Edinboro ’99)
Years at School: 5
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 11-10
2007-2008 National Qualifiers: Ethan Cohen (NQ/125), Dylan Rittenburg (NQ/141)
Returning Qualifiers: Cohen and Rittenburg
Top returning wrestlers: 125 Ethan Cohen 1st NEWA NCAA Qualifier, 141 Corey Paulish 2nd NEWA (133), 149 Dylan Rittenburg 2nd NEWA NCAA Qualifier (141), 157 Carl Breitenstein 5th NEWA, 197 Kyle Ayer 4th NEWA
Top incoming wrestlers: 184 Ryan Malo (Boston University Transfer), 174 Nathaniel Kastan TN placer, 285 Ken Murgo 2x RI champ, 285 Colin Curzi NJ state qualifier
Gettysburg Preview
After finishing the 2007-2008 season with just 10 on the roster Gettysburg is looking better this year with 18 on the team. The loss of 2x National Qualifier and 115 match winner Matt Shank will be tough, but 165 lb. Pat Doherty will drop to 149 to fill the gap. Back for his final year at 157 is Gettysburg’s first All-American since 1998, Andrew Goldstein. He will return to full action in the 2nd semester seeking a third Centennial title. Sophomore 285 Bobby Christopher will also challenge for the Centennial championship. For the first time a few years, the Bullets will have a 125 lb. wrestler as a trio of freshman will compete there. National Prep placewinner Matt Danielson will challenge to fill the spot left by a graduated senior, but he’ll have plenty of competition to get in the lineup. Wheaton transfer Luke Mitchell will battle for 174 as last year’s starter, DJ Neri, drops to 165 to battle with NJ qualifier Anthony Iorio. Ben Cutrell has settled in at 197 and should fill that weight all season long after half a season there in 2008.
Team: Gettysburg College
Head Coach: Andy Vogel (Messiah ’03)
Years at School as head coach: 2nd season
Career Record at school: 2-14
Assistant Coaches: Gino Frank, Wes Brenner, Greg McBrayer
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 2-14
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Matt Shank (NQ/149), Andrew Goldstein (157/8th)
Returning All-American: Goldstein
Top Returning Starters: 157 Andrew Goldstein 1st Centennial 8th NCAA, 165 Pat Doherty 21-12, 285 Bobby Christopher 24-20 4th Centennial
Top Incoming wrestlers: 133 Michael Slabinski 3x VA prep placewinner, 141 Matt Danielson 5th National Prep, 149 Mike Carrozza PA prep placewinner, 165 Anthony Iorio NJ State Qualifier, 174 Luke Mitchell transfer from Wheaton 7-7 in ’07-’08
Southern Maine Preview
Joe Pistone begins his sixth season at Southern Maine as the team continues its second decade of competition. Two wrestlers with NCAA experience return in 2008 qualifier Michael Morin and 2007 qualifier Stephen Valastro. Both are still seeking their first NCAA wins, and all four matches they have wrestled at the NCAA tournament have come against seeded wrestlers. Valastro comes into 2008-2009 looking for redemption after last year’s disappointing DNP at the NEWA Championships in which he was the top seed. Morin won the NEWA and returns to defend his title, and four other NEWA placewinners will be looking to improve on last year’s finish and earn a trip to Cedar Rapids. A strong incoming class will help Southern Maine as it works to move into the national rankings for the first time. The top of the list is occupied by 2005 high school graduate and National Prep champion Ben Kinerson. Kinerson has been out of competition for a few years, but he has the talent to do very well in the NEWA and beyond. He will begin competition in the 2nd semester. A number of other state champions and placewinners from New England states fill out the class, including 3x NH state champ Billy Cole.
Team: University of Southern Maine
Head Coach: Joseph Pistone (American International ’98)
Years at School as head coach: 6th season
Career Record at school: 37-44
Assistant Coaches: Julio Santiago, Joseph Narvaez, Shane Stephenson, Brian Leighton
2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 11-7-1
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Michael Morin (165/NQ)
Returning Qualifiers and All-Americans (any year): Stephen Valastro (133/NQ ’07), Morin
Top returning starters: 133 Stephen Valastro 2007 NEWA Champion, National Qualifier; 165 Michael Morin NEWA Champion, National Qualifier; Doug Christensen 6th NEWA; Nick Spencer 6th NEWA; 157 Mark Moyer 2nd NEWA, 2x placer
Top incoming wrestlers: Ben Kinerson Prep National Champion, Billy Cole 3x NH State Champion, Corbin Decker 3x NH State Placewinner, Keith Corley NY State Qualifier, Matthew Doolittle NY State Qualifier, Cinjin Goewey Maine State Champion & New England Placewinner, Curt Hill NH State Place Winner, Nick Marchant ME State Placewinner, Ryan Stanton 2x NH State Placewinner, Tony Labbe ME State Place winner, Jim LaMarca ME State Champion 2x Placewinner, Paul Rivard ME State Runner up
