Head Coach Pat Pecora's Mountain Cat wrestling team garnered the #3 ranking in the 2008-09 Preseason East Regional Poll when the rankings were released on Tuesday. All-American Kyle Keane (165 lbs.) (Bradford, Pa.) and National Qualifier Patrick Walsh (197 lbs.) (Leesport, Pa.) were the top-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes.
Team Rankings
1. Newberry (SC) College
2. Mercyhurst College
3. PITT JOHNSTOWN
4. Kutztown University
5. West Liberty State (WV) College
6. Limestone (SC) College
7. Carson Newman (TN) College
8. Shippensburg University
9. Gannon University
10. Belmont Abbey (NC) College
11. Anderson (SC) University
12. St. Andrews Presbyterian (NC) College
13. University of North Carolina-Pembroke (UNCP)
14. Seton Hill University
14. American International (MA) College
Keane wrapped up his sophomore season with a 38-6 overall record and a 19-2 mark in dual meets on his way to an East Regional Tournament championship and a fourth place finish at the National Tournament. Walsh ended his sophomore season with a 37-14 overall record and an 18-4 record in dual meets. Walsh was the East Regional runner-up at 197 lbs. and advanced to the National Tournament.
In addition to Keane and Walsh, 2008 All-American Shane Valko (Windber, Pa.), who is dropping from 141 lbs. to 133 lbs. is ranked second at 133 lbs., while sophomore and 2007 National Qualifier Chris Dempsey (Sewickley, Pa.) is ranked third at heavyweight after red-shirting last year. Senior Mazen Kholi (Allentown, Pa.) is ranked fourth at 157 lbs. and Adam Whetstone (Claysburg, Pa.) is sixth at 141 lbs.
