Feb. 9, 2011
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After enjoying a week off, the University of Maryland wrestling team is prepared for a busy weekend in which it will play host to conference rival Virginia Friday at 6 p.m. before heading to Washington, D.C. to take on No. 11 American at 1 p.m. Sunday.
"This weekend will be very tough," said head coach Kerry McCoy. "Virginia and American had pretty good seasons so far. We are working hard and getting better every day, so the opportunity to be challenged is something I am looking forward to. It will be a good test to see where we are and what we need to do to keep moving towards our goals."
McCoy and the Terps (11-5, 1-1 ACC) will welcome the Virginia Cavaliers (15-6, 2-1 ACC) Friday at 6 p.m. in a battle for second place in the conference behind No. 22 Virginia Tech.
Ranked for a majority of the season, Virginia has competed against six top-25 teams and has wins against then-No.25 Arizona State and No. 15 Kent State. The Cavs also boast a pair of grapplers whom are currently undefeated in the ACC including No. 4 Chris Henrich and No. 17 Mike Salopek at 174 and 197 pounds, respectively. Between Henrich and Salopek at 184 pounds is Virginia's third top-20 wrestler, No. 18 Jon Fausey who is 2-1 in the conference and 22-6 overall.
The Terrapins will travel just south to the nation's capital Sunday to challenge American at 1 p.m.
With five wrestlers ranked in Intermat's top-20, No. 11 American presents the Terrapins with a number of challenging matchups. With a perfect 20-0 record, Steve Fittery is the top-ranked grappler at his 157-pound weight class. Heavyweight Ryan Flores is currently No. 5 thanks to his five wins against top-20 opponents, including former second-ranked Jarod Trice of Central Michigan and Ryan Tomei of Pittsburgh.
With the weekend action several of Maryland's ranked grapplers, who are 13-12 against ranked opponents, will earn much-desired rematches.
In the first round of the Midlands Championship in December, then-undefeated Josh Asper suffered his first loss to American's Patrick Graham in a close 7-6 decision. Last season, Fittery topped Kyle John 9-0 in Maryland's dual with American.
In their last meetings, the Terps topped American 26-11 on the road before defeating Virginia 25-15 at home on Senior Day.
*Friday's Match to be covered LIVE on TerpsTV Premium*
Fans will be able to watch the Maryland wrestling team live on TerpsTV Premium, which is a subscription service that offers exclusive video and audio content, for its dual meet against Virginia. The service is available for an annual subscription price of $79.75 or a monthly subscription of $9.95 per month. To sign-up today, click here.
Maryland Probable Starters
125- Shane Gentry (12-11) or Pat Strizki (4-4)
133- Lou Ruland (14-9)
141-No. 16 Jon Kohler (17-5)
149- Ben Dorsay (23-13)
157- No. 14 Kyle John (24-7)
165- No. 3 Josh Asper (24-2)
174- No. 19 Mike Letts (22-5)
184- Corey Peltier (16-7)
197- Christian Boley (16-10) or Dallas Brown (6-7)
HWT- Spencer Myers (20-9)
Virginia Probable Starters
125- Matt Snyder (18-7)
133- Joe Spisak (19-11)
141- Gus Sako (17-17)
149- Derek Valenti (17-11)
157- Shawn Harris (14-12)
165- Jedd Moore (3-2)
174- No. 4 Chris Henrich (25-1)
184- No. 18 Jon Fausey (22-6)
197- No. 17 Mike Salopek (9-4) or Stephen Doty (20-9)
HWT- Jack Danilkowicz (19-11)
No. 11 American Probable Starters
125- Nick Arujau (23-5)
133- Kevin Tao (17-11)
141- No. 14 Matt Marriacher (24-7)
149- No. 10 Ganbayar Sanjaa (18-3)
157- No. 1 Steve Fittery (21-0)
165- Patrick Graham (18-13)
174- Tanner Shaffer (10-11)
184- Thomas Barreiro (9-20)
197- No. 18 Daniel Mitchell (22-6)
HWT- No. 5 Ryan Flores (14-5)
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