Panthers' Starting Lineup Set After Wrestle-Offs

11/3/2003

The annual team scrimmage was held Nov. 1 at Fitzgerald Field House.

PITTSBURGH — For the few lineup spots that were open, the competition was heated but when the 2003-04 season begins, the Panthers' wrestling team will be young, much as it was a year ago. Pittsburgh finished in a tie for 19th at the NCAA Championships, its highest finish in several years.

WRESTLE-OFF RESULTS:

125 lbs. — There was no competition. Drew Headlee, a freshman, will be the Panthers' 125-pounder.

133 lbs. — There was no competition. Redshirt sophomore Adam Curry will be the starter.

141 lbs. — Last year's NCAA qualifier, Ronald Tarquinio, was able to defeat Norm Lohman twice to earn the starting spot again.

149 lbs. — There was no competition. Matt Kocher, a freshman, will be the Panthers' 149-pounder.

157 lbs. — Justin Nestor, another of Pittsburgh's NCAA qualifiers from a year ago, topped Tim Allen to earn the starting spot.

165 lbs. — A two-time NCAA qualifier, Zachariah Doll will be the starter for the Panthers but will be brought along slowly after his shoulder and knee surgeries over the past two years. He beat out Keith Gavin and Donald Rush for the starting spot.

174 lbs. — Last season's 165-pounder, Francis Iorfido, will move up a weight class and start at 174 pounds after topping freshman Michael Heist.

184 lbs. — For the second consecutive year, Mike Croyle will be the Panthers' starter at 184 pounds. He beat out Joe Ammendola, Eric Cassidy and Jacob Panasevich for the starting lineup spot.

197 lbs. — There was no competition. Senior Josh Birt will be the Panthers' starter for the second consecutive year.

285 lbs. — There was no competition. Senior Travis Shirley will be the starter in the heavyweight class for the Panthers.