Best freshman class in wrestling history?

Penn's freshman class of wrestlers entered school with as much potential as any class in the program's storied history. But potential is a dangerous word. While it predicts future accomplishment, it also signifies a starting point -- and an end that may never be reached. The Penn freshman wrestlers had potential -- now they have success. With the regular season over, the rookies' lofty pre-season expectations have been validated. The freshmen "most definitely" lived up to their billing," Penn coach Roger Reina said. "These guys delivered a major impact to the program in their very first year. "They brought a lot of enthusiasm and a commitment to the program." Whether or not this is the best class in the Quakers' long line of wrestling excellence, however, is another question altogether. "That remains to be seen," Reina said. "The most important competitions of the year are coming up ahead of us. "It's really just too early to tell." The bunch that has a chance to build on the Penn record books includes Matt Valenti and Matt Herrington. Valenti was last year's national high school runner-up and a two-time New Jersey State champion. Herrington, to his credit, set the nationwide prep record for career victories with 243 -- in six years of high school competition. Freshman Mike Silengo, who went 44-0 his senior year of high school, was a two-time Colorado state champion. Penn classmate Matt Eveleth won three consecutive Maryland state titles. But, as Reina will be the first to say, that's all in the past. "It's one thing to look at these guys as high school seniors," he said. "It's another to see how they'll do on the college level." Of the Class of '06, Valenti and Herrington captured the most attention. Amateur Wrestling News ranks them No. 15 and No. 12 nationally. Valenti compiled a 27-9 record and Herrington went 17-7. At the upcoming Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships, Valenti is seeded No. 2 at 125 pounds and Herrington No. 3 at 174 pounds. "It's nice to know," Valenti said of the respect he has earned in the conference. "But until everything's panned out, it doesn't mean anything. "Saturday night in Annapolis I'll have a better idea of how successful my season has been." Silengo backed up Valenti on the roster but still compiled a 12-12 record. Reina attached the adjectives "solid" and "consistent" to Silengo's name. "The first couple tournaments, I wrestled well," Silengo said. "But after Christmas I didn't do as well. "I just have to get used to executing my technique all the time, and not be intimidated." Rounding out the group, the 131-pound Eveleth has come alive of late. He surged at the end of the season, taking six of his final seven matches to finish 19-13. In the EIWA championships, he is the No. 3 wrestler in his weight class. With so much early career success, one can only imagine what the future holds. Valenti, however, is quick to point out that the real season -- the post-season -- has not even begun. "I still have my goals for this season," he said. "I want to qualify for nationals and be an All-American -- if not this season, then the next few years." Silengo thought that the prospect of an All-American in the group is a very real possibility. The chances are even more realistic considering freshman Christian Franco -- who suffered an injury at the UC Davis Aggie Open -- will be returning to next year's lineup. But as this group continues to progress, Reina will keep adding talent. The Quakers are recognized nationally for their success on and off the mat. "We're looking for the best student-athletes nationwide," Reina said. The acceptance date for regular decision applicants -- for next year's recruits -- is April 2. "Penn offers the best combination of academics and wrestling in the U.S. "We'll keep looking [at the high schools] to see who's performing, and who's got a chance to perform at the next level."

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