Oct. 27, 2009

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Current and former Pitt wrestlers began their seasons with a trip to the Sunkist International Open on Oct. 23 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Pitt junior Ethan Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa./Waynesburg) finished fourth in the 74 kg weight class, going 5-2 on the day. Headlee's first loss of the day was to three-time NCAA All-American Mike Poeta, while his final loss was suffered to Terry Madden, (0-1, 4-1, 3-2) who took third.

Sophmore Matt Wilps (Pittsburgh, Pa./Chartiers Valley) finished the day 0-2 with his first loss coming to Olympian and two-time NCAA Champion Ben Askren in the opening round.

Former wrestlers Drew Headlee and Keith Gavin both finished fifth in the 60 kg and 84 kg weight classes respectively. Headlee defeated Joey Rivera of the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club, 2-0, 0-6, 3-0, to take the fifth place spot. Gavin, also wrestling for the Lehigh Valley Athletic Club, defeated David Bertolino (2-0, 3-1) to claim fifth.

The Panthers officially open the season Sunday, Nov. 1 with a trip to the Buffalo Open. Pitt welcomes Penn State and Rutgers to its home-opener on Dec. 12 at Fitzgerald Field House, beginning at 5 p.m.