The Triangle

Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Sports

Junior 125-pounder Steve Mytych will look to build on his 28-win season from a year ago. Mytych, Bill Haydt and All-American Ryan Hluschak headline a talented roster that was picked to finish fourth in the CAA this season.

As the winter sports season approaches, it's time to hit the mat.

This season, Drexel wrestling will feature a solid mix of seasoned veterans and talented freshmen.

All eyes, however, will be on Ryan Hluschak. The starter for the 157-pound weight class finished eighth in the NCAA Tournament last season and earned himself All-American status. Hluschak is the second Drexel wrestler to receive that distinction. He led the Dragons with 33 wins last season in 43 matches.

"His leadership as well as his ability on the mat speaks volumes for our team," Childs said. "Other than [diving], there was not a national qualifier in any other sport at Drexel University, and we had an All-American."

He will not be the only wrestler looking to earn All-American status this season. Hluschak, Steve Mytych and Billy Haydt all have All-American aspirations for the 2007-08 season.

"My goal for the season is to definitely be an All-American," Mytych said. "Anything less than that would be a disappointment."

Haydt also has high aspirations for this upcoming year.

"I want to wrestle at Nationals this year and make some noise so next year, I can definitely make a run at an All-American, Haydt said."

Head Coach Jack Childs worked hard to put together a solid recruiting class after losing a few of his top wrestlers to graduation. At 184 pounds, Childs hopes to start freshman Justin Wieller who was the state champion at 215 pounds in his senior season. Childs considers Wieller his top recruit and he is on the CAA All-Freshman Team. Scott Hunter is the favorite to start at 174, replacing Nick Kozar. At 149 pounds, the departure of Mark Cartella leaves that position wide open going into the start of matches.

Kyle Frey looks to step in at 197 pounds as Jon Oplinger is being red-shirted to help prepare for his senior season.

"We've got a good group of young freshmen here," Childs said. "They're certainly better athletes, and they are well conditioned as to blend into our program. This Bearcat Open is kind of a test to see how our preseason has been going, but also to get my varsity team ready for the rigorous season we have."

Continued...

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