Jan. 14, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Pitt wrestling team returned to its dual meet schedule today when they faced No. 21 Michigan State. The Spartans (1-4, 0-0 Big Ten) defeated the Panthers (4-3, 1-0 EWL), 23-13 to pick up their first dual win of the season. Pitt picked up wins at 157, 174, 197 and heavyweight.

At 157 pounds, No. 7 Matt Kocher (State College, Pa./State College) defeated Michigan State's Tony Greathouse, 8-4. Pitt's No. 3 Keith Gavin (Factoryville, Pa./Lackawanna Trail) earned a major decision over Michigan State's John Murphy, 11-2 to move the Panthers to seven points.

Pitt ended on a high note with Eric Cassidy (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) defeating Nick Palmieri, 5-3 in overtime. And at heavyweight, Zach Sheaffer (Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley) defeated Alan O'Donnell, 8-4, giving the Panthers 13 total points.

Next up for the Panthers is a home dual meet against Air Force on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. in the Fitzgerald Field House.

Today's Results:
125: Franklin Gomez (MS) WBF Brad Gentzle (Pitt), 2:44         [6-0, Michigan St.]
133: Nick Simmons (MS) dec. Drew Headlee (Pitt), 6-0           [8-0, Michigan St.]
141: Andy Simmons (MS) maj. dec. Jimmy Conroy (Pitt), 15-3  [13-0, Michigan St.]
149: Jeff Wimberly (MS) dec. Joe Ciampli (Pitt), 7-0               [16-0, Michigan St.]
157: Matt Kocher (Pitt) dec. Tony Greathouse (MS), 8-4         [16-3, Michigan St.]
165: Rock Cozart (MS) dec. Sean Richmond (Pitt), 6-1            [19-3, Michigan St.]
174: Keith Gavin (Pitt) maj. dec. John Murphy (MS), 11-2        [19-7, Michigan St.]
184: Joe Williams (MS) maj. dec. Mike Heist (Pitt), 9-1            [23-7, Michigan St.]
197: Eric Cassidy (Pitt) dec. Nick Palmieri (MS), 5-3 sv           [23-10, Michigan St.]
HWT: Zach Sheaffer (Pitt) dec. Alan O'Donnell (MS), 8-4        [23-13, Michigan St.]