Going into tonight's match, Ryan Heimbach knew he had big shoes to fill. With 134-pounder Cary Kolat suspended earlier this week for an incident on campus, Heimbach entered the lineup looking to take advantage of this opportunity.

"It was a privilege," Heimbach said. "I really didn't think I'd have that many opportunities to wrestle this year."

But with this chance, Heimbach made sure not to hold anything back as he convincingly defeated Bloomsburg's Don Rosas 11-1. Throughout the match, Heimbach controlled Rosas by piling up 4:12 worth of riding time and holding him to just one escape point.

"I thought he went out and took control right away," Coach John Fritz said. "He just was very aggressive and did a great job."

With the impressive victory, Heimbach also received the opportunity to wrestle for the first time in Rec Hall in nearly two years.

"I really wasn't nervous, just excited to be able to come out in from of the home crowd," Heimbach said. "I've wanted this opportunity for a long time and I was just happy to get it."

Contributing to Heimbach's success as a backup is the chance to workout and practice with a group of talented lighter weight teammates.

"I wrestle with all the lower weights and your going to get better wrestling with competition like that," Heimbach said.

As a freshman, Heimbach entered the Lions' wrestling program as a walk-on from Palmerton, Pa., hoping to make a competitive squad.

"When I came in I was behind All-American Jeff Prescott and I thought there'd be an opening after he graduated," Heimbach said.

Unfortunately for Heimbach, Kolat decided on Penn State and took the 134-pound spot this year. But as a member of the No. 1 team in the nation Heimbach knows it's a privilege to be part of a Division I wrestling program.

And although not starting, Heimbach's ability to step in signifies a team loaded with talent.

"To be able to have the second guy step in and take their place is really good," 190-pounder Kerry McCoy said.