Nov. 24, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- University of Pittsburgh senior heavyweight wrestler Zach Sheaffer has been tabbed the Eastern Wrestling League's Wrestler of the Week for the period ending Nov. 23 following his performance at the Keystone Classic hosted by the Penn on Sunday, Nov. 22.

Sheaffer, a Carlisle, Pa. native, went on a bonus-point bonanza, tallying four straight falls on his way to the title at 285 pounds. He made quick work in his first round bout with Charlie Wolff (Davidson), earning the fall in 59 seconds. Kenny Bluska (Mercyhurst) was the second casualty on the day, falling in the second period. In the semifinals, Sheaffer pinned Leon Barrow (VMI) to set up a finals date with home favorite Trey McLean (Penn). McLean, however, was no match, falling late in the second period to give Sheaffer fourth win on the day and sixth of the year.

The seventh ranked wrestler in the country according to the latest USA Today/Intermat/NWCA poll and Pitt will take a two-week hiatus before heading west for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, Dec. 5-6. Last year, the Panthers amassed 68.5 points and finished in a tie for eighth place in the prestigious tournament.

Sheaffer will look to improve on his eighth-place finish a year ago when he rattled of five straight victories in the consolation bracket after a first round loss to earn a spot on the podium.