Henson, Mountaineers Set for 2014-15 Season
October 30, 2014 11:03 AM | General
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| Henson |
Sammie Henson begins his inaugural season at the helm of the Mountaineers on November 2, when West Virginia travels to the Michigan State Open. After producing an All-American in every season of his coaching career, Henson will look to continue his streak in Morgantown. Here is a breakdown of this year’s team by weight class:
125 Pounds
With Zeke Moisey slated to redshirt the season, the Mountaineers boast a trio of talented grapplers at 125 pounds. Junior Jesse Schiffbauer will look to stay ahead of talented freshman Robert Elliott and Joe Wheeling. Senior John Pellegrino also adds depth to this weight.
“We look to have a group of young but accomplished wrestlers at 125,” said Henson. “I think Robert and Joe will really push Jesse.”
133 Pounds
Cory Stainbrook, last season’s starter and NCAA qualifier at 125, will move up to 133 for sophomore season. Stainbrook took third at last season’s Big 12 Championships to earn the automatic bid to nationals and finished with 24 wins as a redshirt freshman, tying for eighth-most in program history.
“Corey has been relentless in his training,” said Henson. “We are looking to cap off his season with All-American status.”
Newcomer Christian Monserrat intends to redshirt his freshman season.
141 Pounds
The Mountaineers boast quite a bit of depth at 141, but the class will be highlighted by 2014 NCAA National Qualifier Michael Morales, who will drop down from 149 pounds for his final campaign. Redshirt sophomore Tony DeAngelo transferred from Missouri this fall and is expected to challenge Morales.
“This weight is loaded with wrestlers,” said Henson. “However, it looks as if Mike is not only the one to beat at WVU but in the Big 12. We except big things from him this season, especially at NCAAs. I think Tony could be a test for Mike as well.”
Redshirt freshman Louis Colonna will also be in the mix, as will Jake S. Smith, who won a pair of tournaments at Appalachian State last season before coming to Morgantown. Redshirt freshmen Christian Stone and Joel Smith will also be in the mix at 141.
149 Pounds
Despite 2014 starter Morales dropping to 141, this group still boasts a number of talented individuals. Redshirt sophomore James Dekrone, who won a NJCAA National title at 141 last season, transferred to West Virginia from Nassau Community College and is expected make an immediate impact.
“James has shown huge improvements in a short amount of time,” said Henson. “We’re looking at him to be our leader early on.”
Mickey Bennett returns for his senior season, while redshirt sophomore William Jenkins and redshirt sophomore Tyler Millward will also put up a fight for the spot. Junior Tre Miller-Scott has also seen action at 149 in the past.
157 Pounds
After going 13-9 with a trio of major decisions in 2014, Brutus Scheffel will look for the starting spot at 157 in his senior year. However, he will have to battle it out with classmate Roman Perryman, who saw limited action as a junior last season.
“Brutus and Roman will battle it out for the right to wear gold and blue,” said Henson. “I think how they perform at Michigan State and the Navy Classic will set the tone for the rest of the season.”
Redshirt freshman Zach Heeter will also look to get in on the action after sitting out the 2013-14 season.
165 Pounds
After taking third place at last season’s Big 12 Championships, Tim Wheeling will transition from 157 pounds to 165 in his junior year. Wheeling boasts 15 career victories entering the season.
“Tim has been tenacious during the preseason,” said Henson. “With his top riding, he will be a force in the conference and the nation as this weight.”
174 Pounds
After seeing limited action as a redshirt freshman and sophomore, Christian Chirico has worked his way into the starting spot for his junior campaign.
“Christian’s knowledge and learning curve is one of the best on our team,” said Henson. “When he transfers this into competition, he will provide the Mountaineers with a lot of great opportunities.”
Andrew Konovalchik will look to learn from Chirico as he makes the transition in his freshman season with the Mountaineers.
184 Pounds
Like his brother Brutus, Bubba Scheffel will battle for a spot in the starting lineup. The younger Scheffel was a national qualifier as a sophomore, setting a program record with 15 falls in 2014. He looks to improve on his 29-9 mark from last year in his first season under Henson’s tutelage.
“Brutus will have the nod at this weight,” said Henson. “Bubba needs to have controlled intensity and attack, and when he does, he will be heard to beat.”
Junior Greg Thurston, who has seen action as both a freshman and sophomore, will add depth to this weight. After redshirting his freshman season, Warren Boord also intends to compete in his first active season.
197 Pounds
The Mountaineers boast four grapplers training at 197 pounds, though true freshman Jake A. Smith has broken away as the leader of the pack in the preseason. A product of George Washington High School in Charleston, Smith comes to Morgantown off an undefeated season.
“Jake has been training with Bubba (Scheffel) on a daily basis and has shown great improvements,” said Henson. “We expect this to continue throughout the year. He is a true competitor.”
Leonardo Trindade will add veteran experience, having recorded 15 wins as a freshman last season. Mark Colabucci went 11-7 last season and adds yet another dimension for the Mountaineers, while Bryson Begley returns from a redshirt season to compete at 197.
Heavyweight
A 2014 national qualifier, A.J. Vizcarrondo is the expected starter at heavyweight and will look to return to the NCAA tournament in his junior season. Vizcarrondo was the Big 12 runner up last season, and went on to earn a victory in Oklahoma City.
“A.J. has unlimited potential, and is one of the most talented wrestlers on our team,” said Henson. “He also has one of the best training partners in former Junior World Team member and All-American Dom Bradley. We can’t wait to see how far he moves up in the rankings this season.”
Fellow junior Chris Nelson has also competed at heavyweight, and will look to continue his progress in 2015.
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