2013-14
Returning Talent
WVU returns a three-time NCAA Championships qualifier in senior Nathan Pennesi. Pennesi spent time last season competing in the 141 pound weight class. He qualified for the NCAA Championships and tallied his first win at the championships against Army’s Connor Hanafee, 5-3. Joining Pennesi from last season are sophomore Bubba Scheffel and Brutus Scheffel. Bubba is one of two returners that wrestled to a winning record a year ago, recording a 12-7 mark in the 174 pound weight class. Brutus competed at 149 pound and finished the season 10-12 overall. After taking a year away from the program, senior Mac Mancuso returns to the program at the 184 pound weight class. In 2011-12, he compiled an 18-9 record, including finishing first at the Washington & Jefferson Tournament.
WRESTLING
Newcomers
Coach Craig Turnbull signed seven recruits to the 2013-14 class. Heading up the class for the Mountaineers is freshmen Leonardo Trindade, who comes to Morgantown after wrestling to two Massachusetts state titles and 134 career wins in high school, including a 99-1 record over his final two seasons, and Ryder Newman. Newman won two Nevada state titles and finished his high school career with 172 wins.
In the Polls
Senior Nathan Pennesi has been ranked in several preseason polls, including: Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine, Intermat, D1CollegeWrestling.net, Amateur Wrestling News and Wrestling News. Pennesi has been tabbed as high as No. 13 by Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine. Mike Morales was ranked No. 23 by D1CollegeWrestling.net. Morales redshirted last season, but finished the 2011-12 season 18-4 overall and qualified for the NCAA Championships. He won the Eastern Wrestling League title and was ranked as high as No. 26 during the season.
HEAD COACH CRAIG TURNBULL
The Mountaineers Return Six Starters This Year
SEASON OUTLOOK 52
2013-14 |