Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Wrestling Welcomes Top-20 Freshman Class to 2023-24 Roster
8/28/2023 10:50:00 AM | Wrestling
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Head coach Dan Wirnsberger and the Bucknell wrestling program welcomed nine newcomers to the roster this fall.
"I'm excited about this group of student-athletes and the impact they will have on our program and campus. They are a talented group that have outstanding high school credentials," said Wirnsberger.
This year's freshmen were named the 19th-ranked recruiting class in the nation by Intermat. Eight served as team captains at their respective high schools, and five were state champions. The freshmen hail from five different states: Maryland (2), Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania (4) and Wisconsin.
"The expectation is for them to have a positive influence on the Bucknell community," Wirnsberger said. "These guys understand the opportunity they have academically and athletically. I look forward to working with these guys and helping them develop on and off the mat."
The Bison placed five on the podium at the 2023 EIWA Championships, including a runner-up finish by Dylan Chappell at 149 lbs. Bucknell finished ninth as a team at the tournament and sent three to the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Joining Chappell in Tulsa, Okla. for the national championships were Dorian Crosby (285) and Kurt Phipps (133). Bucknell went 6-9 (2-4 EIWA) in duals during the challenging regular season schedule that featured several nationally-ranked opponents.
Bucknell lost six seniors to graduation in the spring, including three-time EIWA placewinner and 2021 NCAA qualifier Darren Miller (141).
Below is more detail on Bucknell wrestling's class of 2027.
Owen Bell
125, Sparks Glencoe, Md., Hereford
Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling and served as a three-year team captain for the Hereford High School Bulls … three-time Regional and County Champion … one-time Maryland State Champion … accomplished a positive win record all four years, including an undefeated senior season … gave up no points during championship run in the Maryland State Wrestling Tournament.
Personal: Owen Grant Bell … born Dec. 20, 2004 in Maryland … son of Therese Bosnick and Adam Bell.
Kade Davidheiser
125, Barto, Pa., The Hill School
Before Bucknell: Four-year letterwinner and two-year team captain for The Hill School Blues … three-time National Prep placer … 2021 National Prep Champion … three-time All-Area honoree … helped lead team to a Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association championship title as a senior in 2023 … accumulated a 97-31 record.
Personal: Kade Lee Davidheiser … born March 29, 2004 in Allentown, Pa. … son of Janine and Kurt Davidheiser … has one sibling: Kole.
Aiden Davis
149, Monroe, Mich., Dundee
Before Bucknell: Lettered four years and served as team captain at Dundee High School … three-time Michigan State Champion and one-time state runner-up finisher … three-time League Champion … led Dundee to four state championship titles and numerous spots in the national rankings … posted a 163-9 career record, including a career total of 93 pins.
Personal: Aiden Michael-James Davis … born Sept. 2, 2004 in Garden City, Mich. … son of Nina Joseph and Jacob Davis.
Ethan Lebin
125/133, Greensburg, Pa., Hempfield Area
Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling and served as team captain for the Humpfield Spartans … 2021-22 Pennsylvania State Finalist … 2022-23 fourth-place finisher at states … two-time Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Finalist and one-time WPIAL Champion … two-time Powerade placewinner … helped lead the Spartans to the Pennsylvania state tournament … put together a 121-33 career record.
Personal: Ethan Barrett Lebin … born Dec. 27, 2004 in Greensburg, Pa. … son of Patty and Barry Lebin … has two siblings: Emily and Ava.
Dylan McCullough
165, Clarksville, Md., River Hill
Before Bucknell: Lettered four years in wrestling and three years in football … served as a two-year captain for the wrestling team and one year for the football team for the River Hill High School Hawks … two-time First Team All-County and a First Team All-Metro selection … Maryland 3A/4A State Champion at 170 lbs. … two-time County and Region Champion … two-time Maryland First Team All-Academic honoree … recipient of the Outstanding Wrestler award at the Howard County tournament … named Defensive Player of the Year for Howard County and was a First Team All-Metro selection in football.
Personal: Dylan Patrick McCullough … born April 9, 2005 in Clarksville, Md. … son of Natalie and Will McCullough … has two siblings: Connor and Annabel.
Noah Mulvaney
174, Hartford, Wis., Arrowhead
Before Bucknell: Four-year letterwinner in wrestling for the Arrowhead High School Warhawks … two-time DI State Runner-up … one-time DI State Champion … placed sixth at U20 US Open … fifth-place finisher and one-time Fargo Champion … placed eighth at US Trials … helped lead team to 2022-23 Conference Championship title … four-time Academic All-State honoree.
Personal: Noah Joel Mulvaney … born Aug. 2, 2004 in Madison, Wis. … son of Ann and Joel Mulvaney … has one sibling, Megan.
Hunter Sloan
133/141, Doylestown, Pa., The Hill School
Before Bucknell: Lettered four years in wrestling and one year in track for The Hill School Rams … two-year team captain … two-time National Prep All-American honoree … National High School Coaches Association All-American … two-time All-Area First Team selection … three-time Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletics Association All-American … eclipsed 100 career wins.
Personal: Hunter Ryan Sloan … born Aug. 22, 2004 in Doylestown, Pa. … son of Tracey and Steven Sloan … has three siblings: Justin, Matt and Cole.
Myles Takats
174/184, Perrysburg, Ohio, Perrysburg
Before Bucknell: Four-year letterwinner and three-year team captain for the Perrysburg High School Yellow Jackets … three-time State Qualifier … two-time League Champion … 2023 Ohio DI State Champion at 175 lbs. … 2022 Ohio DI runner-up … helped lead team to four League and Sectional Championship titles as well as two state of Ohio runners-up finishes … 2023 team ranked 15th in the nation … posted a 160-31 career record.
Personal: Myles Jacob Takats … born Oct. 18, 2004 in Perrysburg, Ohio … son of Jodi and David Takats … has three siblings: Josh, Tatum and Ben … father played football at Findlay.
Cade Winsberger
149/157, Watsontown, Pa., Meadowbrook Christian School
Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling and golf for the Meadowbrook Lions … served as team captain … three-time D4 Wrestler of the Week honoree … helped lead team to three Sectional Championship titles and two District Championship titles … recorded second-place, fourth-place and sixth-place finishes at Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championships … three-time Pennsylvania State qualifier … became Meadowbrook's first state placewinner in program history as well as first wrestler to eclipse 100 career wins.
Personal: Cade Daniel Wirnsberger … born Nov. 6, 2004 in Lewisburg, Pa. … son of Dana and Daniel Wirnsberger … has two siblings: Max and Chase … son of current Bucknell wrestling head coach Dan Wirnsberger.
Players Mentioned
