Bucknell Wrestling Hosts LIU, VMI in Season Opener

A SEASON PREVIEW IS INCLUDED BELOW THE TOURNAMENT NOTES

Bucknell (0-0, 0-0 EIWA) vs. LIU (0-0, 0-0 EIWA) and VMI (0-0, SoCon)
When: Sunday, January 3 – 2 p.m.
Where: Gerhard Fieldhouse – Lewisburg, Pa.
Format: Round-Robin Tournament
Live Results: FloArena
Follow on Twitter: @Bucknell_WRST

NOTICE: Spectators will not be permitted at this event. Live video look-ins will be available on Instagram, with mat one being provided on bucknell_wrst and mat two being provided on bucknellbison.

Bucknell at a Glance
• Bucknell went 10-6 (9-3 EIWA) in 2019-20 dual action. The Bison reached the double digits in dual victories for the first time since 2016-17; their total of EIWA victories also matched their 2016-17 figure.
• Bucknell took seventh at the 2020 EIWA Championships, bolstered by placing six on the podium. Zach Hartman (165) and Drew Phipps (197) finished as EIWA runners-up.
• Hartman, who became Bucknell's first freshman to finish as an EIWA runner-up in 2019, became the second Bison to twice finish second at the EIWA Championships.
• Hartman and Phipps qualified for the 2020 NCAA Championships, which were not held due to the COVID-19 public health threat. Phipps, who is now a volunteer assistant coach with the program, graduated as a two-time NCAA qualifier and three-time EIWA placewinner.
• Bucknell returns one NCAA qualifier in Hartman. The Bison also bring back four EIWA placewinners: Hartman, David Campbell, Jaden Fisher and Joey Gould.
• Bucknell lost four of their six 2020 EIWA placewinners to graduation: Phipps, Mitch Hartman, Kyle Inlander and Brandon Stokes.
• Campbell, Hartman and Matthew Kolonia are serving as captains in 2020-21. Campbell and Hartman are each in his second season as a captain.
• The Bison's group of nine newcomers includes three state champions, seven state placewinners and eight team captains. The freshmen hail from four different states: Pennsylvania (6), Michigan, Missouri and New Jersey.
• Head coach Dan Wirnsberger is in his 16th season at the helm of the Bucknell wrestling program. He has scored 130 career victories, good for second in school history; he was also tabbed as the 2015 EIWA Coach of the Year after the Bison placed third at the EIWA Championships and qualified four wrestlers for the NCAA Championships.
• Wirnsberger and Bob Ferraro, who led Bucknell to a 169-175-6 record from 1974 to 1997, are the program's only head coaches to reach the 100-win plateau.

Bison in 2020-21 Preseason Polls
Zach Hartman (165): 10th FloWrestling, 11th Intermat, 12th The Open Mat
Darren Miller (133): 29th The Open Mat
Matthew Kolonia (149): 30th The Open Mat
Frankie Guida, Jr. (174): 32nd The Open Mat

LIU at a Glance
• The Sharks went 2-21 (0-9 EIWA) in 2019-20 dual action. They went on to place 15th at their first EIWA Championships.
• LIU is the EIWA's newest member. The program was formed when Division I LIU Brooklyn and Division II LIU Post merged ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. The wrestling team, which competes on LIU Post's campus, was elevated to the Division I level with the merger.
• In 2018-19, their final season at the Division II level, the then Pioneers went 7-11. They sent one wrestler to the NCAA Division II wrestling championships: Joe Calderone, a graduate student who became the program's second three-time All-American.
• In their first-ever meeting a year ago, the Bison cruised to a 39-7 victory at the Sharks' Pratt Recreation Center. Bucknell used two pins, a technical fall and a major decision to down LIU in a dual that lasted only an hour and 15 minutes.

VMI at a Glance
• VMI went 6-13 (3-4 SoCon) in 2019-20 dual action. The Keydets took sixth at the 2020 SoCon Championships, with Neal Richards (174) repeating as the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler.
• Richards won his second SoCon title and qualified for his third NCAA Championships, which were not held due to the COVID-19 public health threat. He was lost to graduation following that season.
• Jim Gibson, who spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Bucknell, is in his third season as VMI's head coach.
• The Bison and Keydets met for the first time during the 2013-14 campaign and were supposed to again square off in 2014-15; that late February dual was cancelled due to inclement weather (significant snow in Lexington, Va.).
• The Bison dropped the Keydets, 36-9, on Feb. 15, 2014. Bucknell's Senior Day rout was fueled by eight individual victories, including back-to-back pins by Tyler Lyster (197) and Joe Stolfi (285) to close the dual.
• The Bison also dispatched VMI, 36-3, on Nov. 11, 2018 in Davis Gym. Zach Hartman (157) and D.J. Hollingshead (165) scored back-to-back pins for Bucknell, accounting for two of its four bonus-point victories.

A Look Ahead
• The Bison next travel to Hempstead, N.Y. to take on Hofstra and Navy on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m.

Season Preview

The Bucknell wrestling team is ready to make the most of its 2020-21 campaign. The Bison, who trained through the holiday season to prepare for their eight-event schedule, are excited to return to the mat beginning with a round-robin tournament at Gerhard Fieldhouse this Sunday.

"Our student-athletes are excited for the opportunities ahead," said head coach Dan Wirnsberger, who is in his 16th year at the helm of the program. "They are ready to compete. We have a good mix of young talent and experience. If we can stay healthy and hungry, we will be prepared to navigate the abbreviated season that lies ahead."

Wirnsberger said that the energy in the Bucknell weight room is unparalleled. Practices began during the fall semester and set the groundwork for a successful abbreviated season.

"While the COVID-19 public health threat continues to present obstacles to navigate, our student-athletes and staff have poured time, effort and energy into our preparation," Wirnsberger said. "Throughout the preparation process, we have grown closer as a Bucknell wrestling family. I'm excited to watch our student-athletes go to battle for each other this season."

Below is a weight class by weight class breakdown of the 2020-21 Bison.

125
Returnees: Brandon Seidman

Entering the season, the Bison only have one wrestler listed at 125 pounds. Junior Brandon Seidman started 10 of Bucknell's 16 duals at that weight class a year ago; he went 5-5, including 4-3 against EIWA opponents.

"This is a weight class where we don't have a lot of depth," Wirnsberger said. "However, we're very confident in Brandon's ability to perform at the highest level. He has developed into a strong wrestler during his time in our program."

133
Returnees: Jakob Campbell, Darren Miller, Brett Rezendes

As a freshman, Darren Miller was one of only three Bison to start every dual. The 2019 PIAA Class 3A State champion at 126 pounds, he adjusted well to the collegiate level; he posted a 19-15 overall record, going an impressive 9-3 in EIWA duals.

Miller, who represented Bucknell at the 2020 EIWA Championships, will be challenged for his starting role by senior Jakob Campbell. Campbell, a former 125 pounder who missed his junior season due to injury, enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign; most notably, he went unbeaten in his first seven dual bouts and knocked off the eighth seed in overtime at the EIWA Championships.

"This weight class is filled with talent and experience," Wirnsberger said. "I'm excited to see Darren and Jakob battle for the starting job."

141
Returnees: David Campbell, Jacob Hubbard, Chris Lanciano, Noah Levett
Newcomers: Kurt Phipps

Headlined by senior captain David Campbell and talented newcomer Kurt Phipps, 141 pounds is one of the Bison's deepest weight classes.

A year ago, Campbell made the jump to 141 pounds from 133 pounds. Known for his work ethic and grittiness, he placed eighth in the 133-pound weight class at the 2018 EIWA Championships. Wirnsberger is confident that he will make the most of his abbreviated senior season.

Phipps, the younger brother of current volunteer assistant coach Drew Phipps, appears poised to have a strong freshman campaign. As a senior at Norwin High School, he won the PIAA Class 3A state champion at 126 pounds. The four-time WPIAL champion became the first Knight wrestler to win a state title; he wrapped up his high school career with a 153-10 record and 61 pins.

"David brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this weight class," Wirnsberger said. "He will be challenged on a daily basis by Kurt, who will look to make an immediate impact in our lineup."

Wirnsberger also highlighted sophomore Chris Lanciano as a wrestler to watch at 141 pounds.

149
Returnees: Joey Gould, Frank Houser, Matthew Kolonia, Chris Lanciano, Ty Williams
Newcomers: Logan Sanom, Thomas Spirk

At 149 pounds, senior captain Matthew Kolonia and senior Joey Gould will vie for the starting job.

To date, Kolonia has represented the Bison at two EIWA Championships. He started all but two duals over the past two seasons, notably going 10-5 in dual bouts as a junior. Known for his work ethic and competitiveness, he made the jump from 149 pounds from 141 pounds in the middle of his sophomore year.

Gould, who sat out the 2019-20 season due to injury, is a former EIWA placewinner. During his time at Bucknell, he has wrestled at 133, 141 and 149 pounds; all seven of his 2017-18 victories came at 149 pounds, including two by fall and one in the second tiebreaker period.

"We're looking for one of them to emerge as 'the guy,'" Wirnsberger said. "They both bring plenty of experience to this weight class."

Wirnsberger also noted that freshmen Logan Sanom and Thomas Spirk are in the mix to make an impact at 149 pounds.

157
Returnees: Jaden Fisher, Jack Mulay
Newcomers: Nick Delp

At 157 pounds, a senior and a newcomer are currently vying for the starting job.

Jack Mulay, who has wrestled exclusively at tournaments during his time as a Bison, is looking to close out his career as a starter. Nick Delp, a three-time PIAA Class 3A state qualifier out of Kiski Area High School, could follow in fellow Cavalier Miller's footsteps by emerging as an impact freshman.

"Each has the ability to be a bright spot in our lineup," Wirnsberger said. "They push each other in the wrestling room every day."

Sophomore Jaden Fisher is currently out with an injury, and a timetable on his return is unknown. Fisher enjoyed a strong freshman campaign, most notably finishing eighth in the 157-pound weight class at the EIWA Championships. He was also one of three Bison to start every dual, compiling a strong 9-3 mark against EIWA opponents.

165
Returnees: Zach Hartman, Jack Mulay, Joey Schiele
Newcomers: Miles Bassett, Kieran Calvetti, Matt Kidwell

Sometimes, it's hard to believe that Zach Hartman is only a junior. In just two seasons of competition, he has cemented his status as one of the finest wrestlers to wear the orange and blue.

"Zach is continuing his pursuit of an NCAA title," Wirnsberger said. "He has improved his wrestling in every position and is bigger and stronger than he was a year ago. His leadership will be a key component to our team's success this season."

Hartman, a team captain, enters the 2020-21 campaign as a two-time NCAA qualifier and EIWA runner-up. He earned the 16th seed at the 2020 NCAA Championships, which were not held due to the COVID-19 public health threat; on the strength of his regular-season performance, and ranking entering the NCAA Championships, he was tabbed as an Honorable Mention All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Hartman, who became Bucknell's first freshman to finish as an EIWA runner-up in 2019, is only the second Bison to twice finish second at the EIWA Championships; heavyweight Joe Stolfi previously accomplished the feat in 2015 and 2016.

An aggressive, dynamic wrestler with an unorthodox style, Hartman can score from any position and is always looking to pin his opponent. In addition to his nine victories over nationally ranked opponents, he boasts 17 pins, 10 major decisions and three technical falls; his career record currently stands at 55-17 (27-5 dual).

Hartman has also twice reached the podium at the prestigious Ken Kraft Midlands Championships, taking third at 157 pounds in 2018 and sixth at 165 pounds in 2019. A fixture in the national polls, he has previously been ranked as high as eighth.

174
Returnees: Vincent Andreano, Sam Barnes, Michael Giallorenzi, Frankie Guida, Jr.

At 174 pounds, the Bison have two solid options in senior Frankie Guida, Jr. and sophomore Vincent Andreano. They are looking to replace Mitch Hartman, who capped his career by placing sixth at the 2020 EIWA Championships as the eighth seed.

Guida, Jr. has cracked the Bucknell lineup multiple times throughout his career, most notably competing at the 2019 EIWA Championships in the 174-pound weight class. That season, he also finished third among Bison with 16 victories.

Andreano mostly competed in tournaments as a freshman, though he went 2-0 in his limited dual action. One of those dual victories was his first collegiate pin.

"We are looking for either Vincent or Frank to emerge as 'the guy' at this weight class," Wirnsberger said. "Both have the ability to perform at a high level."

Wirnsberger also noted that sophomore Sam Barnes will battle for mat time.

184
Returnees: Nick Florschutz
Newcomers: Austin Walley

The Bison are also looking to replace a 2020 EIWA placewinner at 184 pounds. Wirnsberger is confident that freshman Austin Walley will impress in his first collegiate season.

"Austin will man this weight class," Wirnsberger said. "He is very talented and continues to improve on a daily basis. I expect he will make an immediate impact in our lineup."

Walley won the 2020 PIAA Class 2A state champion at 182 pounds; notably, he is the first Ellwood City Area High School wrestler to win state, regional and WPIAL titles.

197
Returnees: Nate Feyrer, Mason McCready, Luke Niemeyer

While Wirnsberger acknowledged that Drew Phipps will be tough to replace, he likes the depth that he currently has at 197 pounds. Phipps, who is now a volunteer assistant coach at Bucknell, graduated as a two-time NCAA qualifier and three-time EIWA placewinner; as a senior, he became the Bison's ninth EIWA runner-up and went a sterling 31-7 (14-2 dual).

Senior Nate Feyrer will battle sophomores Mason McCready and Luke Niemeyer for this season's starting job. Feyrer has spent his collegiate career at heavyweight, making him a strong 197 pounder. McCready and Niemeyer each showed considerable growth while wrestling exclusively in tournaments a year ago.

"We have three solid options at this weight class," Wirnsberger said. "Any one of them could be 'the guy,' and I'm excited to watch them battle for mat time."

285
Returnees: Eric Chakonis, Nate Feyrer, Luke Niemeyer
Newcomers: Dorian Crosby

Wirnsberger is confident that heavyweight will be one of Bucknell's strengths this season.

That's because the Bison brought in Dorian Crosby, a highly decorated wrestler out of Cathedral Preparatory School. The 2020 PIAA Class 3A state champion at 220 pounds, he went a career 134-17 with 68 pins; as a senior, he posted an impressive 47-1 record.

"Dorian will make his collegiate debut as a bookend in our lineup," Wirnsberger said. "We have high expectations for him and are excited for him to begin this chapter of his wrestling career."

Returning NCAA Qualifiers
Zach Hartman: 2020 at 165, 2019 at 157

Returning EIWA Placewinners
David Campbell: 2018 (8th at 133)
Jaden Fisher: 2020 (8th at 157)
Joey Gould: 2017 (8th at 133)
Zach Hartman: 2020 (2nd at 165), 2019 (2nd at 157)

NCAA Qualifiers Lost to Graduation
Drew Phipps: 2020 & 2019 at 197

EIWA Placewinners Lost to Graduation
Mitch Hartman: 2020 (6th at 174)
Kyle Inlander: 2020 (8th at 184)
Drew Phipps: 2020 (2nd at 197), 2019 (6th at 197), 2018 (8th at 184)
Brandon Stokes: 2020 (8th at 285)

Bucknell Wrestling Hosts LIU, VMI in Season Opener

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Players Mentioned

Vincent Andreano

Sam Barnes

Miles Bassett

Kieran Calvetti

David Campbell

Jakob Campbell

Eric Chakonis

Dorian Crosby

Nick Delp

Nate Feyrer

Jaden Fisher

Nick Florschutz

Michael Giallorenzi

Joey Gould

Frankie Guida, Jr.

Mitch Hartman

Zach Hartman

D.J. Hollingshead

Frank Houser

Jacob Hubbard

Kyle Inlander

Matt Kidwell

Matthew Kolonia

Chris Lanciano

Noah Levett

Mason McCready

Darren Miller

Jack Mulay

Luke Niemeyer

Drew Phipps

Kurt Phipps

Brett Rezendes

Logan Sanom

Joey Schiele

Brandon Seidman

Thomas Spirk

Brandon Stokes

Austin Walley

Ty Williams

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