Nov. 6, 2012
Video of Wilps' Pin
PITTSBURGH - The 2012-13 Pitt Wrestling season began in impressive fashion as returning All-American senior Matt Wilps pinned Penn State's Quentin Wright at the 47th NWCA All-Star Classic on Saturday evening.
The two returning All-Americans were locked in a back-and-forth contest as they entered the final period tied at 6-6. Wilps chose down to begin the third and quickly scored a reversal and two near fall points. Wright did not give up and scored a takedown to cut the lead to 10-8. With time expiring Wright took a shot at an inside trip to try to tie the score but Wilps was able to push him over and pin him at the 6:50 mark, sending the sellout crowd at American's Bender Arena into a frenzy.
"That match was a great way to start the year for Matt," said assistant coach Matt Kocher. "It's exciting, but at the same time we realize it's November and not March and that we've got a ways to go."
The list of Panthers who have competed in the All-Star Classic features some of the best wrestlers in Pitt history. Included in that list are the Panthers' past two National Champions Keith Gavin and Pat Santoro, who both won in the All-Star Classic during their National Championship seasons.
Wilps and the rest of the No. 18 Panther squad return to action on Sunday, Nov. 11, when they open their dual season at No. 13 Michigan.
Pitt Wrestlers at the NWCA All-Star Classic
1987
142 pounds: Nick Neville (Oklahoma) dec. Pat Santoro, 9-8
1988
142 pounds: Pat Santoro dec. Sean O'Day (Edinboro), 16-10
1989
142 pounds: Mike Cole (Clarion) dec. Pat Santoro, 11-4
1994
190 pounds: Emilio Collins (Michigan State) dec. Jeff Kloiber, 5-0
1996
142 pounds: Mike Zedick (Iowa) dec. J.J. Fasnacht, 3-2
2008
174 pounds: Keith Gavin dec. Matt Stolpinski (Navy), 8-4
2012
197 pounds: Matt Wilps pins Quentin Wright (Penn State), 6:50
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