No. 14 Panthers Host Lock Haven to Open Dual Season

Nov. 14, 2013

PITTSBURGH - The No. 14 ranked University of Pittsburgh wrestling team begins its 2013-14 duel campaign and inaugural season as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference when is welcomes former Eastern Wrestling League foe Lock Haven to the Fitzgerald Field on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

Pitt returns several letterwinners who have combined for 441 wins during their collegiate careers, including seven NCAA qualifiers on its 2013-14 squad.

The Panthers feature five wrestlers ranked in the most recent Amateur Wrestling News poll, led by three ranked in the top 10: junior 184-pounder Max Thomusseit (No. 6), senior 125-pounder Anthony Zanetta (No. 8) and junior 174-pounder Tyler Wilps (No. 9).

Several Panthers have already enjoyed noteworthy individual success this season. Max Thomusseit and 285-pounder P.J. Tasser each won titles at the Clarion Open in early November, while six other Panthers earned spots on the podium at the season-opening event that featured wrestlers from numerous local schools.

Lock Haven (2-0) should present the Panthers with a formidable early season challenge. The Bald Eagles have started the new campaign strongly, picking up two impressive victories against Shippensburg (42-3) and Bucknell (19-13). Lock Haven, which has received votes in the latest NWCA Coaches Poll, boasts two ranked projected starters: 184-pounder Fred Garcia (16^th) and 141-pounder Dan Ness (18^th).

Pitt owns a 28-21-1 all-time series lead against Lock Haven, including a 33-6 victory last season that saw returning Panthers Shelton Mack, Tyler Wilps, Nick Bonaccorsi and Max Thomusseit pick up decisive individual wins.

For the latest on Pitt Wrestling follow the Panthers on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to the Pitt Wrestling YouTube channel.

Probable Starters

No. 14 Pitt

125 - No. 8 Anthony Zanetta

133 - No. 19 Shelton Mack or Derrick Nelson

141 - Edgar Bright or Jake Keller

149 - Mikey Racciato

157 - Eric Nutter or Cole Sheptock

165 - Geno Morelli

174 - No. 9 Tyler Wilps

184 - No. 6 Max Thomusseit or Aaron Rothwell

197 - No. 17 Nick Bonaccorsi