Photo by: Marc Hagemeier
Bucknell Wrestling Set for 2018-19 Campaign
10/29/2018 12:25:00 PM | Wrestling
LEWISBURG, Pa. – With a talented cast of returnees and newcomers hungry to make an impact, the Bucknell wrestling team is poised to make the most of its always challenging schedule in 2018-19. Â
"We're ready for the season to get started," said head coach Dan Wirnsberger, who is entering his 14th year at the helm of the program. "We have great leadership. Our five captains have molded our culture throughout the spring, summer and preseason. We love our freshman and the talent they bring to our organization. We want to improve each and every practice and competition."
The Bison's schedule is as grueling as ever, featuring three teams ranked in the final USA Today/NWCA Poll of 2017-18: No. 1 Penn State, No. 8 Lehigh and No. 24 North Carolina.
"We have a challenging schedule, and we set it up that way for a reason," Wirnsberger said. "It's always been our belief that, if we challenge our guys during the season, it prepares them to have their best performances at the end of the season. They won't be surprised by the competition they see at the EIWA Tournament or the NCAA Tournament."
A highlight of Bucknell's schedule is a home dual against Penn State, winners of seven of the past eight NCAA Championships. When the Nittany Lions face the Bison on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in Sojka Pavilion, Bill Graham's dream for the wrestling program will be realized. Graham, a 1962 graduate who was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame this year, always believed a Sojka Pavilion sellout was within the program's reach.
"We're going to have a sold-out crowd in Sojka Pavilion," Wirnsberger said of the Penn State dual, which, along with Feb. 1's UNC dual, is presented by Geisinger, Fairfield Auto Group and Giant. "When Bucknell University re-established the varsity wrestling program with the help of Bill Graham, his dream was to sell out Sojka Pavilion for a wrestling dual. We're very excited to make that dream a reality. Obviously, it's awesome to have the defending national champions coming to our venue, and we're excited for the challenge."
Bucknell's depth was tested a year ago; due to injuries, a total of 22 different Bison started in dual competition, with not one starting all 17 duals. Wirnsberger said that his team's depth is "better than it's ever been" and that its "next-man up mentality" gives him confidence in his entire roster.Â
"We tell our guys they should always prepare like they're the starter," Wirnsberger said. "It doesn't matter if they are or they aren't or what time of the season it is. You never know when your opportunity is going to come, and you want to be as prepared as possible. You need to be able to step in when your moment arises."
The Bison enjoyed one of their most successful stretches in program history from 2014 to 2017, compiling a combined record of 39-14 (23-5 EIWA) and placing third at the 2016 and 2015 EIWA Championships. During the 2017-18 campaign, hampered by injuries to key contributors, they finished with a 3-14 (2-7 EIWA) ledger and placed three wrestlers on the podium at the EIWA Championships. Â
Below is a preview of each individual weight class. After holding their intrasquad dual on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., the Bison open regular-season competition by hosting VMI (11 a.m.), Cleveland State (12:30 p.m.) and Buffalo (2 p.m.) on Sunday, Nov. 11 in Davis Gym.
125
At 125 pounds, the Bison return a pair of sophomores who combined to start 13 duals a year ago. Wirnsberger said that the experience Jakob Campbell and Geo Barzona gained as freshmen will serve them well in 2018-19.
During the 2017-18 campaign, Campbell started Bucknell's first five duals, most notably knocking off Penn State's Devin Schnupp at a sold-out Rec Hall, before losing the season to injury. Barzona then stepped in, starting eight duals and representing the Bison at the 2018 EIWA Championships. There, he won one match, a 7-5 decision over Hofstra's Jacob Martin.
"Right now, Jake is the frontrunner to start, but Geo also worked extremely hard during the offseason to put himself in position to be the guy at 125 pounds," Wirnsberger said. "Jake looks as strong as ever and looks bigger than ever so we have high expectations for him. Geo is very talented and will definitely push Jake for the job."
Behind Campbell and Barzona, senior Mike Macklin and freshmen Brandon Seidman and Keith Cassar will provide depth. Wirnsberger praised Macklin for his "great attitude," noting that he brings "tremendous energy to the room."
"We have a lot of little guys, which is never a bad thing," Wirnsberger said. "It's going to be a very competitive weight class, and that will make everyone in it more competitive."
133
According to Wirnsberger, David Campbell "does everything right." From his work in the weight room to his sleep habits, the sophomore captain can always be trusted to make the right decision. And that, Wirnsberger said, is a recipe for success.
"David has a lifestyle approach to the sport, not just in the wrestling room and in our strength and conditioning program," Wirnsberger said. "He does everything right. His lifestyle is right. His sleep pattern is right. His nutrition is right. His hydration is right. When you do everything right, success is bound to happen."Â
As a freshman, Campbell got off to a slow start. Immediately pressed into a starting role with Joey Gould battling injury, he lost the first 10 matches of his collegiate career. But he ultimately found his footing and excelled when it mattered most, taking eighth at his first EIWA Championships.
"David turned it on at the end of the year," Wirnsberger said. "He gained so much confidence at the EIWA Tournament because it showed him he can be an impact guy at this level. We're excited to see what he's going to bring to the table as a sophomore."
A pair of freshmen, Noah Levett and Brett Rezendes, will keep Campbell on his toes. Levett, a three-time PIAA Class AAA placewinner at Kiski Area High School, "is big and strong for a 133 pounder and could make a splash right away," according to Wirnsberger. Meanwhile, over 73 percent of Rezendes's school-record 159 wins at Northfield Mount Hermon came by pin; Wirnsberger said that "Brett is a great mat wrestler who excels on top. He's already given guys fits in the room, and he's definitely going to give guys fits in competition because of his skill set."
Senior Frank Satriale will provide depth and experience to a talented, but young, 133-pound weight class.
141
The Bison may have lost Tyler Smith, but Wirnsberger still believes that the 141-pound weight class will be one of his team's strengths.
During Bucknell's challenging 2017-18 campaign, Smith's performance was a bright spot; he became the program's fifth four-time NCAA qualifier and seventh EIWA runner-up. He also put together the 11th undefeated dual season in program history, going 16-0, and became the 10th Bison to reach the 100-win plateau, ultimately finishing his career slotted ninth in school history with 107.
"You can never really replace a guy like Tyler Smith," Wirnsberger said. "He had a tremendous career and got a lot of wins for us. But 141 is, by far, our most competitive and deepest weight this year. We have a great group of young men we'll be able to develop, over the course of the season and over the course of their careers, into All-Americans."
Gould, a 2017 EIWA placewinner at 133 pounds, is healthy after battling injuries throughout his sophomore campaign. In 2017-18, he started the season at 133 pounds before bumping up to 149 pounds, where he posted all seven of his victories. Wirnsberger said that 141 pounds is a more natural weight class for the former freshman phenom, noting that "he looks as strong as ever and could really make a big impact this year."
Sophomore Matthew Kolonia, who posted a 14-13 record with a team-high five pins while wrestling at 141 and 149 pounds a year ago, could also earn the starting job. Wirnsberger praised Kolonia for his work ethic, saying that "he gained a lot of valuable experience as a freshman and worked hard in the offseason to put himself in position to be the guy at 141."
Freshman Carnell Andrews, who Wirnsberger called "a superstar in the making," is also in the mix to start. During his standout career at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, Andrews finished third at the 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals and took fifth at the 2017 FloWrestling Nationals; PA Power Wrestling's No. 65 recruit in Pennsylvania's class of 2018, he qualified for the state tournament all four years and finished as high as fifth.
Senior Ben Bliss, sophomore Ray Cotto and freshmen Frank Houser and Ty Williams will provide even more depth to a stacked 141-pound weight class.
149
Entering the season, it's not yet clear who will emerge as the go-to guy at 149 pounds. With no clear frontrunner, Wirnsberger said that it's possible one or two wrestlers from the deep 141-pound weight class will bump up.
"This is a wide-open weight class," Wirnsberger said. "There are a number of guys who could end up stepping up for us here, including guys who will start the season at 141."
Sophomore Joey Schiele, who wrestled at 157 and 165 pounds a year ago, has cut down to 149 pounds. As a freshman, he posted a 7-14 record with two pins; he also started three duals at 165 pounds. Â Â
"He's making a sacrifice to go down a weight class," Wirnsberger said. "He's trying to find a way into our lineup, and he's put himself into position to do that based on the work he put in during the offseason."
Sophomore Jacob Hubbard is also in the mix to contribute at 149 pounds.
157
From 2013 to 2017, Bucknell could count on Victor Lopez to bring in points at 157 pounds. Every season, he finished with at least 20 wins, topping out at 30 in 2015-16. A two-time NCAA qualifier and four-time EIWA placewinner, Lopez graduated with 108 victories, a total tied for seventh in school history.
Wirnsberger admitted that the Bison have struggled to replace Lopez's production. In 2017-18, Bucknell went 1-16 in dual competition at 157 pounds, which he called "far from the result we wanted." But, with two seniors in Christian Bassolino and Andrew Millsap looking to make their final year in Lewisburg their best yet, and a talented newcomer in Zach Hartman chomping at their heels, Wirnsberger is confident that the 157-pound weight class will markedly improve in 2018-19.
"We're looking for better performance and results from this weight class," Wirnsberger said. "Christian and Andrew have experience, and Zach brings talent and energy. They're going to battle, and there's no doubt in my mind we'll turn this weight class around and get more wins out of it."
Hartman, a three-time PIAA Class AAA placewinner and NHSCA All-American who set Belle Vernon Area High School records in career wins (170) and winning percentage (.872), has the potential to start right away.
"There's no question Zach is a highly touted freshman," Wirnsberger said. "He had a lot of scholastic success and has a great attitude and great approach to the sport. With his talent and confidence, he'll be right in the mix to be the guy at 157 pounds."
165
Senior D.J. Hollingshead has long been a staple in Bucknell's lineup. With a career record of 51-41, including an 11-4 mark in EIWA dual action over the past two seasons, he's been a steady and reliable presence at both 165 and 174 pounds. Now, Wirnsberger is expecting Hollingshead, who is known for his physical and aggressive style, to take the next step.
"D.J. has given us a spark in dual meets over the past three years," Wirnsberger said. "We're looking for him to start beating guys he's not supposed to beat on paper. We're excited to see him compete this year. He has aspirations to place at the EIWA Tournament and find his way to Pittsburgh in March, and we believe he can do that."
Hollingshead represented Bucknell at the past two EIWA Championships, competing at 165 pounds as a junior and 174 pounds as a sophomore. His first postseason victory came by fall over Franklin & Marshall's Jacob Conners last year.
Wirnsberger said that junior Mitch Hartman, who "trained extremely hard over the summer and has pushed D.J. in the practice room," gives Bucknell a "one-two punch at 165 pounds." Sophomore Jack Mulay, who could potentially drop down to 157 pounds, will provide depth.
174
Entering the 2017-18 campaign, there was no clear frontrunner to earn the starting job at 174 pounds. Ultimately, Nick Stephani seized it, beating out five of his teammates in the process; Wirnsberger said that the senior captain will make an even bigger impact in 2018-19.
"He's been a very consistent performer for us," Wirnsberger said of Stephani, who went 12-16 (6-9 duals) in his first season in Bucknell's lineup. "He's a lifestyle guy who leads very well. He's extremely talented, and we're looking for him to take that next step as a senior. I have no doubt Nick has the ability to be an EIWA placewinner and NCAA qualifier; he just needs to put himself in the right position throughout the year and have a couple breakthrough wins." Â
According to Wirnsberger, sophomore Frankie Guida, Jr. and junior Jarek Gozdieski "will make this weight class more competitive in the practice room, which will make it more competitive in competition."
184
With junior captain Drew Phipps moving up a weight class in 2018-19, Wirnsberger admitted that "it isn't clear yet who will be the guy at 184 pounds."
"We will need to develop this weight class over the course of the season," Wirnsberger said. "We're looking for a guy to step up and say 'Hey, this is my weight class. I'm going to step up and be an impact guy for the program.'"
Junior Kyle Inlander, who a year ago went 14-13 while wrestling exclusively in tournaments, is one Bison who could seize the job. Wirnsberger praised Inlander for his work ethic, noting that "he's a guy who's been in our program and knows what it will take to earn the job."
Freshman Jacob Ferreira could also emerge as "the guy." Wirnsberger said that Ferreira, a 2018 New York State runner-up, has the talent he needs to be successful; for Ferreira, "it's all about how quickly he can develop and transition to Division I wrestling."
Wirnsberger could also see the hard-working Guida moving up from 174 pounds.
197
Phipps enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2017-18, posting a 22-12 record and placing eighth at his first EIWA Championships. He went 11-5 in duals, including a 7-1 mark against EIWA opponents; most notably, he upset No. 16 C.J. LaFragola of Brown in sudden victory overtime to earn his first career win over a ranked opponent.
Phipps narrowly missed out on the NCAA Championships and went to Cleveland as an alternate. Wirnsberger said that experience has given him even more motivation to compete in Pittsburgh this season.
"Last year, Drew was an alternate for the NCAA Tournament and an EIWA placewinner," Wirnsberger said. "So he knows what it takes to be successful at this level. He's a lifestyle guy who had some big wins last year and should have even more this year. We're looking for him to make the transition to being an elite Division I wrestler, and we're excited to be part of that process with him."
Wirnsberger has no reservations about Phipps making the jump from 184 pounds to 197 pounds. His methodical, calculating style should lend itself well to the heavier weight class.
"Drew understands that making the jump between 184 and 197 requires getting bigger and stronger," Wirnsberger said. "He worked hard in the weight room during the spring, summer and preseason to do just that. We're excited for Drew to make a splash at 197, just as he did at 184."
Junior Joe Scott is also making the jump from 184 pounds to 197 pounds this season. Wirnsberger said that he also worked hard to get bigger and stronger and will provide "great" depth at 197 pounds.
Junior captain Garrett Hoffman burst onto the scene as a freshman, earning an at-large bid to the 2017 NCAA Championships in the 184-pound weight class. He moved up to 197 pounds as a sophomore and most notably edged Penn State's Anthony Cassar by an 11-8 decision at a sold-out Rec Hall. He was ultimately injured in December at the Virginia Duals and missed the remainder of the season; he is still recovering from his injury, and a timeline on his return is unknown at this time.
285
When Bucknell lost both of its heavyweights to injury in 2017-18, Brandon Stokes stepped up. The undersized Stokes, who started the year at 174 pounds, quickly became a fan favorite; plucky and tactical, he started the season's final 12 duals and won one bout at his first EIWA Championships, a 4-0 decision over Harvard's Angus Cowell.
Stokes won't be David staring down Goliath this season. Wirnsberger praised the junior captain for bulking up in the offseason and said that he's poised to become an impact heavyweight.
"Brandon did a tremendous job filling in as undersized heavyweight last year," Wirnsberger said. "There's no question he was undersized. Since then, he's done a tremendous job in building himself up so he can be a bigger, stronger heavyweight. This year, he'll be in a position where he's a lot more competitive from a size and strength standpoint. He'll always give you maximum effort, and he brings the right mentality, attitude and work ethic to our program."
Sophomores Eric Chakonis and Nate Feyrer will push Stokes for the starting job. Chakonis was the starter entering the 2017-18 campaign; the two-time New Jersey state champion started Bucknell's first four duals before being felled by injury.
"We're ready for the season to get started," said head coach Dan Wirnsberger, who is entering his 14th year at the helm of the program. "We have great leadership. Our five captains have molded our culture throughout the spring, summer and preseason. We love our freshman and the talent they bring to our organization. We want to improve each and every practice and competition."
The Bison's schedule is as grueling as ever, featuring three teams ranked in the final USA Today/NWCA Poll of 2017-18: No. 1 Penn State, No. 8 Lehigh and No. 24 North Carolina.
"We have a challenging schedule, and we set it up that way for a reason," Wirnsberger said. "It's always been our belief that, if we challenge our guys during the season, it prepares them to have their best performances at the end of the season. They won't be surprised by the competition they see at the EIWA Tournament or the NCAA Tournament."
A highlight of Bucknell's schedule is a home dual against Penn State, winners of seven of the past eight NCAA Championships. When the Nittany Lions face the Bison on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in Sojka Pavilion, Bill Graham's dream for the wrestling program will be realized. Graham, a 1962 graduate who was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame this year, always believed a Sojka Pavilion sellout was within the program's reach.
"We're going to have a sold-out crowd in Sojka Pavilion," Wirnsberger said of the Penn State dual, which, along with Feb. 1's UNC dual, is presented by Geisinger, Fairfield Auto Group and Giant. "When Bucknell University re-established the varsity wrestling program with the help of Bill Graham, his dream was to sell out Sojka Pavilion for a wrestling dual. We're very excited to make that dream a reality. Obviously, it's awesome to have the defending national champions coming to our venue, and we're excited for the challenge."
Bucknell's depth was tested a year ago; due to injuries, a total of 22 different Bison started in dual competition, with not one starting all 17 duals. Wirnsberger said that his team's depth is "better than it's ever been" and that its "next-man up mentality" gives him confidence in his entire roster.Â
"We tell our guys they should always prepare like they're the starter," Wirnsberger said. "It doesn't matter if they are or they aren't or what time of the season it is. You never know when your opportunity is going to come, and you want to be as prepared as possible. You need to be able to step in when your moment arises."
The Bison enjoyed one of their most successful stretches in program history from 2014 to 2017, compiling a combined record of 39-14 (23-5 EIWA) and placing third at the 2016 and 2015 EIWA Championships. During the 2017-18 campaign, hampered by injuries to key contributors, they finished with a 3-14 (2-7 EIWA) ledger and placed three wrestlers on the podium at the EIWA Championships. Â
Below is a preview of each individual weight class. After holding their intrasquad dual on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., the Bison open regular-season competition by hosting VMI (11 a.m.), Cleveland State (12:30 p.m.) and Buffalo (2 p.m.) on Sunday, Nov. 11 in Davis Gym.
125
At 125 pounds, the Bison return a pair of sophomores who combined to start 13 duals a year ago. Wirnsberger said that the experience Jakob Campbell and Geo Barzona gained as freshmen will serve them well in 2018-19.
During the 2017-18 campaign, Campbell started Bucknell's first five duals, most notably knocking off Penn State's Devin Schnupp at a sold-out Rec Hall, before losing the season to injury. Barzona then stepped in, starting eight duals and representing the Bison at the 2018 EIWA Championships. There, he won one match, a 7-5 decision over Hofstra's Jacob Martin.
"Right now, Jake is the frontrunner to start, but Geo also worked extremely hard during the offseason to put himself in position to be the guy at 125 pounds," Wirnsberger said. "Jake looks as strong as ever and looks bigger than ever so we have high expectations for him. Geo is very talented and will definitely push Jake for the job."
Behind Campbell and Barzona, senior Mike Macklin and freshmen Brandon Seidman and Keith Cassar will provide depth. Wirnsberger praised Macklin for his "great attitude," noting that he brings "tremendous energy to the room."
"We have a lot of little guys, which is never a bad thing," Wirnsberger said. "It's going to be a very competitive weight class, and that will make everyone in it more competitive."
133
According to Wirnsberger, David Campbell "does everything right." From his work in the weight room to his sleep habits, the sophomore captain can always be trusted to make the right decision. And that, Wirnsberger said, is a recipe for success.
"David has a lifestyle approach to the sport, not just in the wrestling room and in our strength and conditioning program," Wirnsberger said. "He does everything right. His lifestyle is right. His sleep pattern is right. His nutrition is right. His hydration is right. When you do everything right, success is bound to happen."Â
As a freshman, Campbell got off to a slow start. Immediately pressed into a starting role with Joey Gould battling injury, he lost the first 10 matches of his collegiate career. But he ultimately found his footing and excelled when it mattered most, taking eighth at his first EIWA Championships.
"David turned it on at the end of the year," Wirnsberger said. "He gained so much confidence at the EIWA Tournament because it showed him he can be an impact guy at this level. We're excited to see what he's going to bring to the table as a sophomore."
A pair of freshmen, Noah Levett and Brett Rezendes, will keep Campbell on his toes. Levett, a three-time PIAA Class AAA placewinner at Kiski Area High School, "is big and strong for a 133 pounder and could make a splash right away," according to Wirnsberger. Meanwhile, over 73 percent of Rezendes's school-record 159 wins at Northfield Mount Hermon came by pin; Wirnsberger said that "Brett is a great mat wrestler who excels on top. He's already given guys fits in the room, and he's definitely going to give guys fits in competition because of his skill set."
Senior Frank Satriale will provide depth and experience to a talented, but young, 133-pound weight class.
141
The Bison may have lost Tyler Smith, but Wirnsberger still believes that the 141-pound weight class will be one of his team's strengths.
During Bucknell's challenging 2017-18 campaign, Smith's performance was a bright spot; he became the program's fifth four-time NCAA qualifier and seventh EIWA runner-up. He also put together the 11th undefeated dual season in program history, going 16-0, and became the 10th Bison to reach the 100-win plateau, ultimately finishing his career slotted ninth in school history with 107.
"You can never really replace a guy like Tyler Smith," Wirnsberger said. "He had a tremendous career and got a lot of wins for us. But 141 is, by far, our most competitive and deepest weight this year. We have a great group of young men we'll be able to develop, over the course of the season and over the course of their careers, into All-Americans."
Gould, a 2017 EIWA placewinner at 133 pounds, is healthy after battling injuries throughout his sophomore campaign. In 2017-18, he started the season at 133 pounds before bumping up to 149 pounds, where he posted all seven of his victories. Wirnsberger said that 141 pounds is a more natural weight class for the former freshman phenom, noting that "he looks as strong as ever and could really make a big impact this year."
Sophomore Matthew Kolonia, who posted a 14-13 record with a team-high five pins while wrestling at 141 and 149 pounds a year ago, could also earn the starting job. Wirnsberger praised Kolonia for his work ethic, saying that "he gained a lot of valuable experience as a freshman and worked hard in the offseason to put himself in position to be the guy at 141."
Freshman Carnell Andrews, who Wirnsberger called "a superstar in the making," is also in the mix to start. During his standout career at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, Andrews finished third at the 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals and took fifth at the 2017 FloWrestling Nationals; PA Power Wrestling's No. 65 recruit in Pennsylvania's class of 2018, he qualified for the state tournament all four years and finished as high as fifth.
Senior Ben Bliss, sophomore Ray Cotto and freshmen Frank Houser and Ty Williams will provide even more depth to a stacked 141-pound weight class.
149
Entering the season, it's not yet clear who will emerge as the go-to guy at 149 pounds. With no clear frontrunner, Wirnsberger said that it's possible one or two wrestlers from the deep 141-pound weight class will bump up.
"This is a wide-open weight class," Wirnsberger said. "There are a number of guys who could end up stepping up for us here, including guys who will start the season at 141."
Sophomore Joey Schiele, who wrestled at 157 and 165 pounds a year ago, has cut down to 149 pounds. As a freshman, he posted a 7-14 record with two pins; he also started three duals at 165 pounds. Â Â
"He's making a sacrifice to go down a weight class," Wirnsberger said. "He's trying to find a way into our lineup, and he's put himself into position to do that based on the work he put in during the offseason."
Sophomore Jacob Hubbard is also in the mix to contribute at 149 pounds.
157
From 2013 to 2017, Bucknell could count on Victor Lopez to bring in points at 157 pounds. Every season, he finished with at least 20 wins, topping out at 30 in 2015-16. A two-time NCAA qualifier and four-time EIWA placewinner, Lopez graduated with 108 victories, a total tied for seventh in school history.
Wirnsberger admitted that the Bison have struggled to replace Lopez's production. In 2017-18, Bucknell went 1-16 in dual competition at 157 pounds, which he called "far from the result we wanted." But, with two seniors in Christian Bassolino and Andrew Millsap looking to make their final year in Lewisburg their best yet, and a talented newcomer in Zach Hartman chomping at their heels, Wirnsberger is confident that the 157-pound weight class will markedly improve in 2018-19.
"We're looking for better performance and results from this weight class," Wirnsberger said. "Christian and Andrew have experience, and Zach brings talent and energy. They're going to battle, and there's no doubt in my mind we'll turn this weight class around and get more wins out of it."
Hartman, a three-time PIAA Class AAA placewinner and NHSCA All-American who set Belle Vernon Area High School records in career wins (170) and winning percentage (.872), has the potential to start right away.
"There's no question Zach is a highly touted freshman," Wirnsberger said. "He had a lot of scholastic success and has a great attitude and great approach to the sport. With his talent and confidence, he'll be right in the mix to be the guy at 157 pounds."
165
Senior D.J. Hollingshead has long been a staple in Bucknell's lineup. With a career record of 51-41, including an 11-4 mark in EIWA dual action over the past two seasons, he's been a steady and reliable presence at both 165 and 174 pounds. Now, Wirnsberger is expecting Hollingshead, who is known for his physical and aggressive style, to take the next step.
"D.J. has given us a spark in dual meets over the past three years," Wirnsberger said. "We're looking for him to start beating guys he's not supposed to beat on paper. We're excited to see him compete this year. He has aspirations to place at the EIWA Tournament and find his way to Pittsburgh in March, and we believe he can do that."
Hollingshead represented Bucknell at the past two EIWA Championships, competing at 165 pounds as a junior and 174 pounds as a sophomore. His first postseason victory came by fall over Franklin & Marshall's Jacob Conners last year.
Wirnsberger said that junior Mitch Hartman, who "trained extremely hard over the summer and has pushed D.J. in the practice room," gives Bucknell a "one-two punch at 165 pounds." Sophomore Jack Mulay, who could potentially drop down to 157 pounds, will provide depth.
174
Entering the 2017-18 campaign, there was no clear frontrunner to earn the starting job at 174 pounds. Ultimately, Nick Stephani seized it, beating out five of his teammates in the process; Wirnsberger said that the senior captain will make an even bigger impact in 2018-19.
"He's been a very consistent performer for us," Wirnsberger said of Stephani, who went 12-16 (6-9 duals) in his first season in Bucknell's lineup. "He's a lifestyle guy who leads very well. He's extremely talented, and we're looking for him to take that next step as a senior. I have no doubt Nick has the ability to be an EIWA placewinner and NCAA qualifier; he just needs to put himself in the right position throughout the year and have a couple breakthrough wins." Â
According to Wirnsberger, sophomore Frankie Guida, Jr. and junior Jarek Gozdieski "will make this weight class more competitive in the practice room, which will make it more competitive in competition."
184
With junior captain Drew Phipps moving up a weight class in 2018-19, Wirnsberger admitted that "it isn't clear yet who will be the guy at 184 pounds."
"We will need to develop this weight class over the course of the season," Wirnsberger said. "We're looking for a guy to step up and say 'Hey, this is my weight class. I'm going to step up and be an impact guy for the program.'"
Junior Kyle Inlander, who a year ago went 14-13 while wrestling exclusively in tournaments, is one Bison who could seize the job. Wirnsberger praised Inlander for his work ethic, noting that "he's a guy who's been in our program and knows what it will take to earn the job."
Freshman Jacob Ferreira could also emerge as "the guy." Wirnsberger said that Ferreira, a 2018 New York State runner-up, has the talent he needs to be successful; for Ferreira, "it's all about how quickly he can develop and transition to Division I wrestling."
Wirnsberger could also see the hard-working Guida moving up from 174 pounds.
197
Phipps enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2017-18, posting a 22-12 record and placing eighth at his first EIWA Championships. He went 11-5 in duals, including a 7-1 mark against EIWA opponents; most notably, he upset No. 16 C.J. LaFragola of Brown in sudden victory overtime to earn his first career win over a ranked opponent.
Phipps narrowly missed out on the NCAA Championships and went to Cleveland as an alternate. Wirnsberger said that experience has given him even more motivation to compete in Pittsburgh this season.
"Last year, Drew was an alternate for the NCAA Tournament and an EIWA placewinner," Wirnsberger said. "So he knows what it takes to be successful at this level. He's a lifestyle guy who had some big wins last year and should have even more this year. We're looking for him to make the transition to being an elite Division I wrestler, and we're excited to be part of that process with him."
Wirnsberger has no reservations about Phipps making the jump from 184 pounds to 197 pounds. His methodical, calculating style should lend itself well to the heavier weight class.
"Drew understands that making the jump between 184 and 197 requires getting bigger and stronger," Wirnsberger said. "He worked hard in the weight room during the spring, summer and preseason to do just that. We're excited for Drew to make a splash at 197, just as he did at 184."
Junior Joe Scott is also making the jump from 184 pounds to 197 pounds this season. Wirnsberger said that he also worked hard to get bigger and stronger and will provide "great" depth at 197 pounds.
Junior captain Garrett Hoffman burst onto the scene as a freshman, earning an at-large bid to the 2017 NCAA Championships in the 184-pound weight class. He moved up to 197 pounds as a sophomore and most notably edged Penn State's Anthony Cassar by an 11-8 decision at a sold-out Rec Hall. He was ultimately injured in December at the Virginia Duals and missed the remainder of the season; he is still recovering from his injury, and a timeline on his return is unknown at this time.
285
When Bucknell lost both of its heavyweights to injury in 2017-18, Brandon Stokes stepped up. The undersized Stokes, who started the year at 174 pounds, quickly became a fan favorite; plucky and tactical, he started the season's final 12 duals and won one bout at his first EIWA Championships, a 4-0 decision over Harvard's Angus Cowell.
Stokes won't be David staring down Goliath this season. Wirnsberger praised the junior captain for bulking up in the offseason and said that he's poised to become an impact heavyweight.
"Brandon did a tremendous job filling in as undersized heavyweight last year," Wirnsberger said. "There's no question he was undersized. Since then, he's done a tremendous job in building himself up so he can be a bigger, stronger heavyweight. This year, he'll be in a position where he's a lot more competitive from a size and strength standpoint. He'll always give you maximum effort, and he brings the right mentality, attitude and work ethic to our program."
Sophomores Eric Chakonis and Nate Feyrer will push Stokes for the starting job. Chakonis was the starter entering the 2017-18 campaign; the two-time New Jersey state champion started Bucknell's first four duals before being felled by injury.
Players Mentioned
141/149
/ Wrestling
125/133
/ Wrestling
157
/ Wrestling
141
/ Wrestling
133
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
285
/ Wrestling
184
/ Wrestling
285
/ Wrestling
141
/ Wrestling
174
/ Wrestling
174
/ Wrestling
165
/ Wrestling
157
/ Wrestling
197
/ Wrestling
165
/ Wrestling
141/157
/ Wrestling
149
/ Wrestling
184
/ Wrestling
141/149
/ Wrestling
133/141
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
157
/ Wrestling
165
/ Wrestling
197
/ Wrestling
133/141
/ Wrestling
133
/ Wrestling
149/157
/ Wrestling
125
/ Wrestling
141
/ Wrestling
174
/ Wrestling
285
/ Wrestling
149
/ WrestlingGeorgetown-Bucknell Women's Soccer Highlights 9-11-2025
Friday, September 12
In The Herd: Bucknell Invitational Preview And Mirra Manolov And Abby Platt Features
Thursday, September 11
Evelyn Bliss World's Send Off
Thursday, September 11
In The Herd: Georgetown Game Preview And Katie Connell Feature
Thursday, September 11