Jan. 16, 2008

PITTSBURGH - After splitting the dual matches against Oklahoma and Michigan State last weekend, the No. 20-ranked Panther wrestling team looks to up their standing in the EWL to 2-0 when they welcome Lock Haven University to Fitzgerald Field House on Thursday night. Pitt (8-2, 1-0 EWL) has not started a season 2-0 in conference action since the 2004-05 campaign.

Adding two more wins to his record last weekend, senior Keith Gavin (Factoryville, Pa./Lackawanna Trail) is ready to unchain his skills again on Thursday evening. The nation's No. 1-ranked wrestler remains undefeated this season and hopes to continue the streak this week taking on Lock Haven's Tom Kocher who is 9-5 on the season.

The Panthers will also look to No. 11-ranked heavyweight Zach Sheaffer (Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley) for another big win against Lock Haven's Dan Craig after claiming two more victories in Oklahoma and accumulating an astounding 12 of the teams 36 total points against the Sooners and Spartans last weekend. He leads the team in victories with 27.

All-American Drew Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa./Waynesburg) also tallied two more wins with an outstanding 12-1 victory and a hard fought 2-0 decision against No. 12 Zack Bailey of Oklahoma in last weeks dual meets.

The Bald Eagles (6-3, 0-0 EWL) roll into Pittsburgh trying to rebound from two tough losses this past weekend at the Virginia Duals. They are led by Craig and Matt Fittery, both of who have 11 wins on the season.

Action is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.