2005-06 West Liberty State Weight by Weight Preview
125 Pounds
Lucas Huffman (Soph., Powhatan Point, OH) will return at this weight, which is one of the deepest weight classes in the East Region. He is looking to have a breakout season after gaining valuable experience last season as a freshman. Three-time state place winner Stevie Riner (R-Fr., Huntington, WV) is a very hard worker and is coming off a very productive redshirt year to push Huffman. Also looking for time at this weight class will be Ohio state place winner Eric Morrow (Fr., North Georgetown, OH). Pennsylvania state place winner Adam Homan (Fr., PA Furnace, PA) and Ryan Pape (Fr., Carrollton, OH) will redshirt this season.
133 Pounds
Returning National Qualifier Matt Mossor (Soph., Groveport, OH) is coming off a sensational 21-11 freshman campaign that saw him fall just one win shy of All-American status. He has put in a great off season and should be a force nationally. Also adding depth to this weight class is state place winner Ike Ward (Fr., Volga, WV). Brandon Miller (Fr., Chester, WV), Derek Ranson (Soph, Kenna, WV) and Jacob Fisher (Fr., Jefferson Hills, PA) will redshirt this season.
141 Pounds
Carlos Palacios (Jr., Lorton, VA) returns after coming up one match short of a trip to the national tournament. He will look to make his mark at this weight class on a national scene. Pushing Palacios is the very talented and athletic freshman Antonio Nicholson (R-Fr., Solon, OH). Nicholson placed 3rd in the Ohio State tournament and trained hard this summer to make an impact as a freshman. Tyler Hughes (Jr., Cameron, WV) and Chris Myers (R-Fr., St. Albans, WV) will look to get some quality time at this weight class. Jon Grubbs (Fr., Pittsburgh, PA) will redshirt this season.
149 Pounds
Holding down the spot at this weight class will either be National Qualifier, Joe Hagedorn (Jr., Highland Heights, KY) or Richie Clark (Fr., Solon, OH). Adding depth will be Isaac Tingle (Sr., Phillipi, WV). Clarion University transfer Doug Surra (Soph., Kersey, PA) will redshirt this season.
157 Pounds
This is one of the deepest weight classes for the Hilltoppers. It's hard to determine who will be the starter here until the dust settles. One person looking to claim that spot will be JUCO All-American transfer John Ferens (Soph., Connellsville, PA). He will be pushed by Justin Goneau (Soph., New Cumberland, WV) who is coming off a redshirt and a very productive summer in the weight room. Also looking to be a factor at this weight class is Joe Patterson (Jr., Versailles, KY). He has lifted hard in the offseason and will bump up a weight class. John Prokopakis (Soph., Bloomingdale, OH) and Shawn Garland (Soph., Mount Hope, WV) will also look for some time at this weight class.
165 Pounds
The front runner at this weight is returning National Qualifier Chris Gibbs (Soph., Huntington, WV). Chris made his impact on this weight class last season and has worked hard in the off season to push for All-American honors. Adding depth to this weight class is Matt Howrylak (Soph., Winfield, WV). Matt is an unselfish hard worker that will add depth to this weight class.
174 Pounds
The leader at this weight class is also the leader of this Hilltopper team. Returning All-American Tommy Clark (Jr., Solon, OH) has big goals this year after his very successful sophomore campaign. The general business major is also a two-time Academic All-American. Pushing Mr. Clark is WVU transfer Roger Kupfer (Soph., Cameron. WV).
184 Pounds
This weight class is shaping up to be a battle of juniors. Returning starters Andy Stewart (Jr., Sutton, WV) and Chad Snider (Jr., Sistersville, WV) will do battle to stake claim to this weight class. Snider is coming back down to his normal weight class after performing very well at 197 pounds last season, almost earning a bid to the NCAA tournament. Mr. Stewart may have something to say about that though. Adding depth to this weight class is Josh Davis (Fr., Parkersburg, WV), Ben Trujillo (Fr., Columbus, OH), and Tony Shillingburg (Fr., Keyser, WV). Davis, Trujillo, and Shillingburg will likely redshirt this season.
197 Pounds
The owner of this weight class is redshirt junior Chris Taylor (Jr., Moundsville, WV) and he's ready to get back to some action. This two-time Academic All-American is coming off a redshirt year and will be moving up a weight class into a very competitive weight nationally. Taylor will be looking to make his first trip to the NCAA tournament. Zack Sparks (Fr., Barboursville, WV) will redshirt this season.
285 Pounds
Junior Jamie Bolen (Jr., Josephine, WV) will be trying to take charge of this weight class. The two-time Academic All-American looks to make an impact on the region and has the work ethic to make that possible. Pushing Bolen will be freshmen Joey McGee (Fr., Columbus, OH). McGee has to wait until his run with football is over in mid-November before he tries to put his name on this weight class. Charles Dulaney (Fr., Follansbee, WV) will add some depth to this weight class.
