Tough competition slated for Wrestling over busy weekend

If there were ever any doubts as to why Rob Hitschler was recruited to the Penn wrestling team, they've been answered.

When Wisconsin arrives at the Palestra today to face the Quakers in their first dual meet of the season, the third generation Penn wrestler will be the only freshman in the starting lineup for the Quakers.

"I've been a fan of Penn since I've been a little kid," Hitschler said. "It's going to be a little weird being on the other side."

He will be starting "on the other side" for the Quakers in a match with significant national implications. Penn is ranked as highly as No. 12 by wrestling publications.

The Badgers (3-0) are No. 16.

After the dual meet, the Quakers head to Happy Valley for the Nittany Lion Open. There, they will face top-10 competition against Cornell and the Nittany Lions.

For now, however, the Penn wrestlers' minds are on the Badgers. At 174 pounds, sophomore Matt Herrington has the most highly touted opponent, facing off against Ralph DeNisco.

DeNisco is ranked No. 5 in the nation in his weight-class, and Herrington, No. 13.

"I was kind of surprised to find out that he wrestles like me," Herrington said after watching tape of his opponent.

"One thing he does a little more than anyone else is he's kind of an aggressive wrestler. He drives forward all the time, and he utilizes underhooks a lot, he added."

To counter DeNisco's aggressiveness, Herrington will rely on his Greco-Roman background.

"It's going to come into play," he added. "I think I maybe can catch him in a big move and score some big points for our team."

Herrington is one of six Penn wrestlers ranked in the top-20 nationally. Wisconsin boasts five.

The Red and Blue's less-high-profile wrestlers, however, are just as important.

Penn coach Roger Reina cited Penn sophomore Matt Eveleth's match against No. 12 Ed Gutnik as one that intrigues him.

"Wisconsin is going to put out a very aggressive team and a pretty balanced team," Reina said. "For us, it's an opportunity for guys that we have that aren't in the rankings."

Sunday will also provide a chance for individuals to attract national attention. According to Reina, it was Matt Valenti's individual title at the 125 lbs. in the 2002 Penn State Open that catapulted him into the top-20.

But the Quakers will have plenty of tough assignments at the Nittany Lion Open. Penn's Doug McGraw No. 5 at 141 pounds could meet second-ranked Scott Moore of Virginia.

Moore's twin-brother, Josh, is identically ranked at 133 pounds, and will wrestle for host Penn State. Also at 133 will be Travis Lee, Cornell's defending national champion, who has moved up a weight class after previously competing at 125 pounds.

But if the Quakers can maintain the intensity they showed last year, Reina is confident they will have a successful weekend and season.

"Last year's team really got their arms around the fact that they had a lot to prove," Reina said. "This year, we've got guys that are more proven. As a team and individually, we're starting at a much higher position."

"The challenge for this team is to have the same kind of attitude and the same kind of hunger as last year."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.