COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland wrestling head coach Kerry McCoy announced today that redshirt senior Billy Rappo, redshirt sophomore Alfred Bannister and sophomore Youssif Hemida were selected as team captains for the 2016-17 season. The trio was voted as team captains by their teammates in addition to input from the coaching staff.

“I'm really excited about these guys, they all bring different levels of experience to the table for our program,” said McCoy. “Most importantly, they connect well with our group. We'll expand that leadership group into other members of our team who will be advocates to our program. But these three will really represent the changes and shift in focus that we need for our team. They're going to lead us as we gain momentum and we get better as a program.”   

Rappo returns this season as one of squad's most experienced collegiate wrestlers, a year removed from racking up a career-best 17 wins. The Holland, Pa. native is one of two fifth-year seniors on the roster, and his 17 wins a season ago tied for the second most on the team. Rappo sports a career record of 45-30 with a 10-9 mark in duals and 20 total bonus point victories.

This is Bannister's second year as a captain after being elected for the first time in his career a season ago. “Baby J” as he is affectionately known to fans and teammates will embark on his second season of dual match action after a decorated debut redshirt season. The La Plata, Md. native boasts 47 wins as a Terp in just two seasons, with 10 wins last year as the team's primary starter at 141 pounds.

Sophomore heavyweight Youssif Hemida will serve as a team captain after making his Terrapin debut as a true freshman in 2015-16. The 2015 New York State Champion held his own against some of nation's elite heavyweights, securing his first career B1G dual and tournament victories while racking up 12 total wins.

The Maryland wrestling squad will kick off its 2016-17 campaign on Sunday, October 30 with the annual red vs. black wrestle-offs. 

-Terps-