COLLEGE PARK, Md. –Part three of the Maryland wrestling season preview breaks down the 184, 197 and 285 pound weight classes.
184 Pounds
Projected Starter: Mark Colabucci
The Skinny: A transfer from West Virginia, Colabucci is a readymade replacement for the departed Tony Gardner, who was a constant in the Terps' lineup over the past couple seasons. Colabucci experienced dual action for the Mountaineers and had a solid season in open competition last year for Maryland.
Freshman Jaron Smith will serve as Colabucci's main competition for a starting role. A two-time Maryland state champion at Oakland Mills, Smith employs an unorthodox style that gives opponents fits.
McCoy's Take: “Mark has put himself in the position to be the guy and have some success. He's ingrained in the system here and we're excited. We're also excited to have Jaron. It's great to keep the local talent here and he has a funky style. He's put himself in the position to have a good career here.”
197 Pounds
Projected Starter: Garrett Wesneski
The Skinny: A former Pennsylvania state placer, Wesneski dominated open competition en route to a 27-win season last year, good enough for second place on the team. He is the best bet to replace Rob Fitzgerald, who gave the Terps a solid season at this weight last season.
The surprise at 197 pounds is Sean Twigg, who wrestled as a stout heavyweight last season. After cutting 40 pounds, the former Maryland state champ will provide Wesneski with an experienced competitor to battle for the starting role.
McCoy's Take: “Garrett had a great spring and great summer. His offseason training has gone well and he has a chance to be the guy. Sean Twigg was a good size heavyweight but he decided to make the cut down. He'll be in the hunt. He makes it interesting in the room.”
285 Pounds
Projected Starter: Dawson Peck
The Skinny: An NCAA qualifier two seasons ago at Chattanooga, Peck won 14 times in open competition and placed at Midlands while sitting out his mandated transfer season. He's the incumbent for departed All-American Spencer Myers.
Decorated true freshman Youssif Hemida is Peck's main competition. A New York state champion his final year in high school, Hemida burst onto the national scene in 2015 and finished as the runner up at both the Super 32 and Flo Nationals.
McCoy's Take: “Dawson lost a couple of matches to top guys last season but he knows he's capable of beating the best. He's been working hard in the summer just making sure he's ready to go. He's assumed a leadership role through the spring and summer as well. Yousiff is a great kid and a hard workers and he's going to be battling.”
-Terps-
