Wrestling cracks elite rankings

Doug McGraw is back, Jody Giuricich is dominant and the freshman recruiting class is living up to its billing. So goes the 2002-2003 Penn wrestling season. Two months into the campaign, the Quakers have endured injury and sickness to continue their streak of national prominence. The squad is ranked No. 23 by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. "I'm pleased that the efforts of our guys are being recognized at the national level," Penn coach Roger Reina said. He emphasized, however, that the Red and Blue won't stop at making the top 25 -- they have the ability to continue their ascent into the upper tier of collegiate wrestling. Individually, Penn started the year with just one top-20 wrestler -- Giuricich, the senior captain. Now, based on various polls, the Quakers boast six -- Giuricich, McGraw, sophomore Matt Feast, junior Marcus Schontube and freshmen Matt Herrington and Matt Valenti. McGraw's surfacing at No. 20 in the InterMat Poll is, perhaps, the most impressive achievement of the season. Now a junior, McGraw sat out the entire 2001-2002 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his freshman year. "I guess I thought it would be easier to come back than it is," McGraw said. "You really have to re-learn how to wrestle. I didn't compete for almost two years." The 141-pounder, however, doesn't intend to stand pat. Described by Reina as "a terrific wrestler," McGraw believes All-American status is within his grasp. "I know myself that I'm a lot better than what my ranking is," he said.

Injuries, however, continue to hold back the Quakers. Mason Lenhard, who finished 25-8 last season, continues to be bothered by knee problems. Christian Franco, Shawn Protz and Marcus Schontube are the other walking-wounded, while Paul Valekei and Greg Hallahan are returning from bouts with mononucleosis. Still, if there's one thing Reina can do, it's developing young wrestlers. Having the recruits helps, but Reina passes much of the credit along to his captain. "I think Jody's been a leader for our team both on and off the mat," Reina said. "One of the key components that Jody brings that is a great example for our younger kids is his intensity that he brings to each match and also the intent he has to pin every opponent." Amateur Wrestling News ranks the 149-pounder No. 18 nationally. Coming into the year, he had an aggregate record of 46-25. This season, Giuricich is on a tear with 21 wins and three tournament titles, including last Saturday's victory in the UC Davis Aggie Open. "His confidence is continuing to build as the season's gone along," Reina said. "He's very dangerous on top, but he's also developing on his feet and from bottom. He's becoming more complete in all three positions." Giuricich, however, downplayed his success. He said comparisons to All-Americans of Penn wrestling past are unwarranted. "I don't think I've really turned the corner to the point where I'm as good as Yoshi [Nakamura] and those guys were, but I think I've definitely found a groove that's been working for me," Giuricich said. He attributes his development to footwork. "A lot of my focus this year has been on wrestling on my feet," he said. "It's been my focus for the last couple of years, but this year, things are just starting to click for me." According to Reina, Giuricich isn't the only one "starting to click." He noted several wrestlers who he believes are set to improve dramatically. Although Penn wrestling fans won't truly know how far the Quakers have progressed until the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships and NCAA Championships in March, the potential is there. "If someone can tie in a number of these different areas of improvement at the same time, you can have an almost-meteoric rise," Reina said. "I think we've got probably six or seven guys who are in that position to launch off the rocket pad."

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