This Saturday night, the Penn State wrestling team will begin the serious part of its season when Navy invades Rec Hall for the opening Nittany Lion dual meet of 2003-2004. After three weeks of tournaments, the Lions' lineup has begun to take shape, but questions still remain.
What follows is a rough sketch of each weight class.
125 pounds
After repeated near misses in early season tournament action, Matt Smith and Adam Smith, who are not related, have still not wrestled-off to determine the starter. The incumbent is Adam Smith, who qualified for the NCAA tournament last season. Matt Smith, who redshirted last season, is a somewhat unknown quantity at this point, but based on his high school career and performance in open tournaments last year, he has talent and potential to be a star at the college level.
"I expect to be the starter," Matt Smith said. "My goal is to be a national champion, that's what's expected on this team."
Matt Smith also said the wrestle-off between him and Adam should come in the next few weeks. There is a possibility that one of them could move up to 133 pounds for the Navy meet.
133 pounds
The undisputed starter here is senior Josh Moore. Many of the hopes and goals of the Lions as a team will rest on his shoulders. One of the steadiest and most reliable performers in recent Penn State history, Moore is coming off a 40-9 season and a third-place national finish. Currently, Amateur Wrestling News has Moore ranked second in the country at 133 pounds behind only Travis Lee of Cornell.
"Josh had a tremendous summer," head coach Troy Sunderland said. "He is ready for a run at a national championship."
As is the case with either Adam or Matt Smith, Moore might move up a weight for Saturday night's match.
141 pounds
Before the season began, it looked like depth would be no problem for Penn State at this weight. However, early season injuries have taken a toll and the Lions are stretched somewhat thin at the moment. With two-time NCAA qualifier Marat Tomaev out for the season with a torn knee ligament, sophomore DeWitt Driscoll will take over.
When he's healthy that is.
Driscoll is recovering from surgery on his right arm and is expected to be back for the Midlands championships at the end of this month. When he finally does return, Driscoll will bring an aggressive, up-tempo style to the mat, along with a lot of ambition.
"I have high goals for myself," Driscoll said. "I want to be a national finalist. I want to be an All-American first, but the ultimate goal is the national finals. I'm feeling good and I think I can do it."
149 pounds
If the Lions hope to make a run at Big Ten and NCAA team championships, they will need production from Matt Storniolo, the definite starter at this weight. Storniolo, who redshirted last season, has the potential to be one of the best young wrestlers on the collegiate scene. After starring in open tournaments last season, Storniolo started this season with a bang, winning the East Stroudsburg Open, beating All-American Mike Maney in the process. Despite being kept out of action for the past two weeks due to a shoulder injury, Storniolo is ready to go this weekend, when he hopes to jumpstart an outstanding season.
