Thiel Preview

Freshman Rob Miller surprised some with his run to the NCAA tournament.  At the Regional, he pinned returning senior All-American Vallejo in the true second match to earn a wildcard selection.  The return of former PA state champion Damian Rose and a year of experience for 22 match winner Andrew Riddle have Thiel looking forward to 2008-2009.  Five starters are back, along with Rose, and a class of 22 freshman will fill in behind them and work to get experience in the early season tournaments.  Miller hopes to make a return trip to the NCAA tournament, though All-American Chris Sheetz may stand in his way.  At 141, the top two finishers are gone, leaving Rose as a possible early favorite at the weight, though fellow PAC wrestler Nick Garber returns.  Thiel has won the last nine PAC titles (PAC is Thiel, W&J, and Waynesburg) and is going for #10 this year.

Team: Thiel College
Head Coach: Craig Thurber (Pitt-Johnstown ’95)
Years at School as head coach: Sixth Season
Career Record at school: 42-26
Assistant Coaches: Jeff Linn, Jared Hirtz

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 9-5
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Rob Miller 125 NQ
Returning Qualifier: Miller

Top returning starters: 125 Rob Miller 26-7 National Qualifier, 133 Jeff Langdon 4th Midwest Region, 184 Andrew Riddle 22-10 5th Midwest Region, also PAC champions Alex Brown and Scott Prinsen