Notes from Coach Doyle
November 27, 2013

If you aren't following us on Twitter or Facebook, this may be the first time you're hearing the great news. Over the weekend we defeated Ohio Valley University 42-9, for our first win in our program's short history. Those that made it out November 8th saw us lose a tough one point battle to Alma, but the guys hard work is paying off and they experienced their first win together as a team. On Saturday, we also wrestled nationally ranked Mercyhurst, where we suffered a sound beating 42-3. After that match, I was more excited than any other we've had this year. With the work ethic and desire to improve of this group, our match against Mercyhurst was a HUGE learning lesson on what it will take to get to an elite level. We will be much better because of that loss.

We had a great week last week announcing 6 young men that have made commitments to be part of next year's class. We were very fortunate to find 6 young men that come from wonderful families and they will be wonderful additions to the growing family we currently have. Here is a link to our press release on this class. We have put together a highlight video of our historic night on November 8th that I think everyone will enjoy. The last link of interest is to our new custom made headphones that we're opening up to the public. Here is the link and touch base with us if you would like a set.

We've received a number of emails and calls about where we'll be staying in Indianapolis and Florida. In Florida we will be staying at the Lighthouse Inn and Suites. The number there is 1-800-778-7748. We are finalizing information for Indianapolis and it looks like we'll be staying at the Holiday Inn. I'll have contact info next week.

Weekend Summary:

125

Brad Kakos (1-1, 6-8, 5th Mount Union Inv.) Brad wrestled well this weekend going 1-1. He lost to one of the better wrestlers in the country (a common theme when I reference a number of Mercyhurst wrestlers) in a battle where Brad gave the major up in the last 5 seconds. As usual Brad fought hard and continued to press the entire 7 minutes. Brad won a hard fought battle against Ohio Valley University and Brad continues to see his wrestling get better and better.

133

Scott Lopez (0-0, 12-4, 3rd BW Open, 2nd W&J Inv, 5th Mount Union Inv) Scott did not wrestle this weekend due to health concerns. He should be ready to go next Tuesday at Alderson Broaddus.

Damon Outward (1-1, 14-6, 5th BW Open, 5th W&J Inv, 4th Mount Union Inv) Damon wrestle hard in his one loss of the day against a great opponent in Kody Young of Mercyhurst. Damon scored early before giving up a few big moves and digging a 7-2 hole. Damon, like Brad was pushing the pace late and nearly got a 2nd takedown before being put to his back late in the match and being pinned. My biggest frustrations come in our guys getting pinned and as well as Damon wrestled for 6:30, I was VERY frustrated with the final result. Damon took the forfeit against Ohio Valley.

141

Austin Short (0-1, 2-8) Austin wrestled the first match against Mercyhurst and may have wrestled their best wrestler. Austin fought hard and did not give up the fall but lost by technical fall. Austin is a true team player and is always ready to step it up when the team needs him. I believe Austin would have won the match against Ohio Valley but we needed to get Skyler back on the mat for at least one match.

Skyler Terrell (1-0, 7-0, BW Open Champion) It was great see Skyler Terrell back on the mat! Just so everyone knows, Skyler is still on track to match Cael Sanderson's unbeaten collegiate streak. Skyler looked good with a nice takedown early, some great riding and working towards the fall. Having Skyler in the practice room and on the mat is vital to our team's overall success and I speak for everyone when I say it was nice to have him back.

149

John Gershom (0-2, 8-8, 7th Mount Union Inv) John lost two heartbreaking one point matches. There is no doubt that John just keeps getting better and his confidence is growing. I expect that by the start of second semester John Gershom will be winning a lot of these matches he's lost. John showed up today ready to get better, as always.

157

Dominick Nania (1-1, 10-7, 5th BW Open) It's no surprise that two of the most exciting matches of the afternoon were wrestled by Dom. He is a crowd favorite and that's due to his entertaining style of wrestling. Dom wrestled a pretty good match against Mercyhurst and held the lead with a minute to go before surrendering a late lead. He did do a great job coming back and getting a very strong win against his Ohio Valley opponent in some late match heroics. After being down 7-2 in the first, Dom came back to get the win. He wrestled exactly like we've been asking him and it rewarded him!

165

Anthony 'TJ' Smith (0-2, 2-9) In both matches this weekend TJ looked very explosive and continued to show signs of great progression. We just need to get TJ 30-40 matches this year so he can continue to get in situations to help him learn. He is going to achieve big things, he just needs experience at this level.

174

Sawyer Leppla (1-0, 10-5, 5th BW Open, 4th W&J Inv, 4th Mount Union Inv) Sawyer looked very good and make quick work of his opponent from Ohio Valley. We didn't wrestle Sawyer against Mercyhurst. Sawyer continues to look very impressive and every week he is making very big strides. Sawyer is working very hard in some specific areas and it's going to be scary when he's better in these critical areas.

Kale Rayner (0-1, 1-4)
Kale is another individual that we need to get a ton of matches this year in order for him to get comfortable at this level. Kale works his tail off and as he works back into 100% form and health, wins will start to pile up.

184

Ryan Winslow (1-0, 4-2, 4th Mount Union Inv) Ryan continues to work his way back into shape and is close to being fully healthy. For that reason, Ryan only wrestled one match this week. After a big week at Mount Union, Ryan continued his success with a quick 1st period fall. Ryan keeps looking better and we're excited about him getting back to top condition.

Nate Hupp (1-0, 8-8, 4th BW Open, 6th Mount Union Inv) Nate is a junior and he showed some great composure in getting us our only win in the Mercyhurst match. After we lost 7 in a row, it can be hard to go out and try to pick up a win. Nate did a good job building an early lead and fought off a late comeback with a crucial 3rd period takedown to seal the victory. Nate is looking better every week and 184 is becoming a weight class that depth isn't an issue.

197

Maxwell Lacey (1-1, 11-8, 6th W&J Inv, 7th Mount Union Inv) Max went 1-1 on the weekend and pulled off a big 3rd period fall in the Ohio Valley match. Max had to fight off his back for almost a minute in the first period and it paid off as he hit a big throw late in the match to record a fall and send our fans home happy! Max is a very exciting wrestler to watch in the practice room and at times our fans see it in competition. Max will continue to gain confidence and display his talents more and more as the season progresses. Max also leads the team with 7 pins!

285

Corey Siegfried (1-1, 12-6, 3rd W&J Inv, 4th Mount Union Inv) Corey lost his only match wrestled against a very talented wrestler from Mercyhurst. Corey had issues wrestling a much larger opponent and it's something he will continue to see as a smaller heavy. The common statement about experience helping is the clear case for Corey as we go through season. Corey took the forfeit against Ohio Valley.

Logan Bowman (0-0, 11-5, 4th BW Open, 5th Mount Union Inv) We planned for Corey and Logan to split the matches but Ohio Valley did not have a wrestler.

UPCOMING EVENT:
We will travel to Alderson Broaddus on Tuesday, December 3rd for a match against another first year program. If anyone is interested in taking a charter to the match, we're going to reserve a charter bus for $25/person. First 50 to RSVP will have a spot. We will need to know by the end of the day Friday if you're interested. Please email Coach Doyle. We hope to see a lot of Cardinal heads in the crowd!!

This is a special time of year with Thanksgiving upon us. Please enjoy your week and enjoy the time spent with loved ones. The Wheeling Jesuit Wrestling Family would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Coach Doyle


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