Wrestling: First Official Practice Set
October 11, 2004 02:10 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
October 11, 2004
 |
||
| Jones |
While much of the attention for the 2004-05 season will focus on senior Greg Jones, the West Virginia wrestling program will look to reclaim its spot atop the NCAA wrestling ranks. The Mountaineers are coming off a 16th-place finish at last year's NCAA Championships, but are poised to make a run at a Top 10 team finish come March.
Two-time NCAA champion Jones, along with seven other returning NCAA qualifiers, will provide invaluable leadership and experience to one of the most promising teams head coach Craig Turnbull has seen during his tenure in Morgantown. The Mountaineers have received a No. 10 preseason ranking from Amateur Wrestling News, NWCA/InterMat.com and TheWrestlingMall.com.
WVU also returns 2003 All-American Brandon Lauer who will move up to 141 pounds. This year's combination of accomplished veterans and capable newcomers could be the right formula for another run to the top by the Mountaineers.
The Mountaineers open the season by hosting the 23rd annual WVU Open on Nov. 7.
