Photo by: All Pro Photography/Dale Sparks
2018-19 Preseason Notebook
October 30, 2018 11:12 AM | Wrestling
There's a certain level of excitement around the West Virginia University wrestling team this season, and a lot of it has to do with first-year coach Tim Flynn.
WVU Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons named Flynn the school's ninth wrestling coach in April 2018.
Flynn came to West Virginia from Edinboro, where he spent the past 21 years building the Fighting Scots into a wrestling powerhouse. He compiled a 223-95-5 career record at Edinboro to become the school's all-time winningest coach and a member of its Hall of Fame.
His accomplishments at Edinboro totaled 150 national qualifiers, 38 All-Americans, 64 Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champions and 97 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champions. He led the Fighting Scots to five top-10 finishes at the NCAA Wrestling Championships, 14 top-20 finishes and 18 top-25 finishes.
"The longer you've been around, the more you have seen different types of situations," Flynn said. "You can always go back and think 'How did that play out?' Hopefully, when you are older, you are wiser. We'll see if it that holds true with me, but kids are kids wherever you go. It's the same amount of fun, and the same amount of challenges."
As the Mountaineers get set to begin their 95th season of wrestling on Thursday, those both within the program and outside it are eager for the 2018-19 campaign to commence.
"So many people have asked 'How's the team?' I tell them that I like a lot of the guys, but we have yet to have seen some outside competition," Flynn said. "We need a comparison because we are just wrestling against each other right now, and it is difficult. It's the first match of the year. Of course, we are excited. Whenever you are healthy and you have the ability to go out and compete, you should be excited. You're doing what you love to do."
Fans are looking forward to Flynn's inaugural season, as it is highlighted by 18 dual matches, including six in front of the Mountaineer faithful at the WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers will wrestle nine Big 12 duals, including four at home. West Virginia also will face seven opponents that finished in the top 25 at the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
With 25 newcomers joining 10 letterwinners from last year's squad, including two fifth-year seniors, the team is excited to see what it can do. Redshirt sophomore Matthew Schmitt, a 2018 NCAA Qualifier, is the only Mountaineer to return to the lineup nationally ranked. Schmitt sits at No. 18 by the Open Mat, No. 19 by FloWrestling and No. 20 by FloWrestling. Additionally, several true freshmen could see early action in Gold and Blue singlets.
"They are all hard workers, but that is such a general statement because we have such a large group," Flynn said. "However, I think the freshmen may be able to rub off on some of the upperclassmen. They are enthusiastic and hard working. They are willing to come in. They want to learn, and sometimes that can help older guys, too."
As the season begins on Thursday, take a weight-by weight look at the 2018-19 Mountaineers:
125
Redshirt freshman KJ Fenstermacher notched a 2-0 record at wrestle-offs on Saturday, winning the spot at 125 pounds over redshirt junior Devin Brown and redshirt freshman Joey Thomas.
"All the matches were really close," Flynn said. "No one really beat the door out of the other one. I'm going to see how they all improve in the first couple weeks. Maybe someone can really distance themselves, but right now, KJ is our guy."
The Northampton, Pennsylvania, native transferred to West Virginia from Pitt, taking a redshirt as a true freshman last season. Fenstermacher capped his high school career with an overall record of 160-17 at 120 pounds, earning back-to-back third-place finishes at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class A Wrestling Championships his junior and senior year. He also is a three-time Northeast Regional champion, as well as a three-time District II champion. Additionally, Fenstermacher was crowned a two-time National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) All-American and a two-time FloNational All-American.
133
Schmitt returns to the lineup after earning an automatic bid to the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships for the first time in his career. The Platte City, Missouri, native also placed fourth at last year's Big 12 Championship. He finished the year with 23 wins to rank second on the team, collecting six major decisions, four pins and one techical fall on the year.
"Matt's growing," Flynn said. "Hopefully, we'll get a good start out of him this season. I think he is wrestling well, and I think he can be a leader for us, both on and off the mat. I see great things from him."
Freshman Caleb Rea also is in the mix at 133. The Weirton, West Virginia, native was a four-time Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) placer, capturing an OVAC title his senior year at 132 pounds. He finished his high school career with a 163-13 overall record, a school record for wins at Weir High, including a 40-6 mark during his senior season.
"I also really liked what Caleb Rea did at wrestle-offs," Flynn said. "I think he can be pretty good for us down the road. He has such a good attitude and work ethic, so we are happy with him."
141
Redshirt senior Joe Wheeling is one of two fifth-year seniors on this year's squad. The Waterford, Pennsylvania, native has proven himself to be a tough competitor in years past, but he was plague with injuries last season and only competed against Utah Valley in West Virginia's season opener. Wheeling looks to get back on track this year, as he previously earned a fifth-place finish at the 2017 Big 12 Wrestling Championship.
"Joe Wheeling looked good on Saturday," Flynn said. "We just have to keep him healthy. When he is healthy, he is a pretty good wrestler. He can do some damage."
149
Flynn will look at redshirt senior Christian Monserrat to step into the 149-pound slot, as he moves up one weight class from last season. A native of Methuen, Massachusetts, Monserrat competed at 141 pounds as a redshirt junior, recording an 18-16 overall mark, with five major decisions, two tech. falls and one pin. Redshirt sophomore Kyler Rea also will look to make a break in the lineup this season. The Neosho, Missouri, native started at 149 last season, earning a 14-14 overall mark, with one major decision.
"Christian looked good on Saturday, and we think highly of Kyler Rea," Flynn said. "Christian wrestled really well at wrestle-offs, he's a talented guy. He can do some damage this year. If he can see what we see in him, he's a national champion."
157
Redshirt junior Zachary Moore boasts the most experience at this weight class, but redshirt sophomore Hunter Jones also has worked hard in the offseason to put himself in the mix at 157. Moore, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, put together a 14-12 overall mark last season. Jones also gained some valuable experience, as he stepped up in Moore's absence down the stretch, competing in four consecutive matches to close out the regular season. Jones, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, finished the year with 11 wins.
Freshman Brock Godzin also showed some good characteristics during Saturday's wrestle-offs. A native of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Godzin finished in fifth place at the 2017 PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships. He also was a three-time sectional champion.
"Zach and Hunter both wrestle hard in practice," Flynn said. "I was pretty happy with both of their performances last week at wrestle-offs. Brock Godzin also had some good matches and showed some potential."
165
Sophomore Nick Kiussis will be held to a higher standard this season, as he enters the year with a wealth of experience starting as a true freshman last year. The Brunswick, Ohio, native compiled a 14-14 overall mark, as well as a 4-4 record in Big 12 action. He finished the year tied for the team lead in pins, with five. Kiussis also helped WVU beat Pitt four times in the last five seasons, with an 8-3 decision over the Panthers' Jake Wentzel, who was ranked as high as No. 16 via FloWrestling.
"Nick looked really good," Flynn said. "Obviously, he is a little bit more mature and a little bit more seasoned than the younger guys. Nick had a good end of summer, beginning of season. He's had a good stretch. He's been focused, and I'm excited for him because I think he is a gifted athlete. If he can stay focused and be mentally tough, he can be pretty good."
174
Flynn will turn to true freshman Josh Ramirez to take over at 174 pounds. The New Orleans, Louisiana, native arrived in Morgantown as a four-time state champion and was a seven-time All-American. He also finished his high school career with a 130-9 overall record at 160 pounds.
"We are really impressed with Josh," Flynn said. "The sky is the limit for him, and I hope he reads this. If he continues to do the things that we are preaching to him, he can be a special wrestler. He is good. He just needs to take it one day at a time."
184
Sophomore Hunter DeLong moves down from 197 pounds, as he looks to make a break in the lineup at 184. The Parkersburg, West Virginia, native wrestled in a pair of dual matches early last season, but closed the year competing at several different tournaments. He compiled a 12-17 overall mark, notching two major decisions, two tech. falls and two wins by fall.
Freshman Jackson Moomau also is in the mix at 184. Moomau, a native of Maysville, West Virginia, won back-to-back state titles his junior and senior year at Petersburg High. He also was named a FloNationals All-American (2018) and an NHSCA All-American (2015).
"Hunter is in-between weights," Flynn said. "He does everything right, so we are really happy with him. He is a grinder, and so is Jackson."
197
Redshirt freshman Noah Adams redshirted his first season in Morgantown, gaining valuable experience while wrestling unattached in several tournaments. Adams came to West Virginia ranked No. 2 in the nation at 220 pounds. He was a three-time national champion at both FloNationals and NHSCA Nationals, as well as a three-time West Virginia state champion. The Coal City, West Virginia, native also won a pair of Gold medals at the 2016 Cadet Pan American Games in Peru.
"Noah looked good at wrestle-offs," Flynn said. "I think he is ready for it. He's had a good offseason. I've really liked what I've seen from him since I've been here. I'm impressed with his work."
HWT
Redshirt junior David Smith, junior Brandon Ngati and redshirt freshman Sean Mullican have all proven to be tough competitors at the heavyweight bout. Ngati, a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland, earned the starting role for West Virginia the past two seasons. Most notably, he pinned Iowa State's Jon Scanlon in 4:28 to lead WVU to its first-ever Big 12 win on Feb. 12, 2017, in Morgantown.
However, Smith earned himself a spot in the starting lineup at Saturday's wrestle-offs, going 2-0 on the day. The Charleston, West Virginia, native gained valuable experience wrestling at several different tournaments last season, earning a 17-15 overall mark.
"All those guys are solid," Flynn said. "Dave did a good job winning, but those guys can beat each other on any given day, and maybe that is a good thing for them. That'll help them improve."
Tickets
Fans can purchase tickets by visiting WVUGAME.com, calling 1-800-WVU-GAME or at the Mountaineer Ticket Office, located at the Gold Gate of the WVU Coliseum. All tickets are general admission. When purchasing online, tickets are $5 each and $3 for groups of 10 or more. At the WVU Coliseum ticket window, tickets will be $7 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors and $3 for groups. The discounted online pricing will be available until first serve on game day. Fans are encouraged to order tickets in advance online at WVUGAME.com to avoid lines at the gate. Tickets for WVU students are free with a valid student I.D.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWrestling on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
WVU Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons named Flynn the school's ninth wrestling coach in April 2018.
Flynn came to West Virginia from Edinboro, where he spent the past 21 years building the Fighting Scots into a wrestling powerhouse. He compiled a 223-95-5 career record at Edinboro to become the school's all-time winningest coach and a member of its Hall of Fame.
His accomplishments at Edinboro totaled 150 national qualifiers, 38 All-Americans, 64 Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champions and 97 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champions. He led the Fighting Scots to five top-10 finishes at the NCAA Wrestling Championships, 14 top-20 finishes and 18 top-25 finishes.
"The longer you've been around, the more you have seen different types of situations," Flynn said. "You can always go back and think 'How did that play out?' Hopefully, when you are older, you are wiser. We'll see if it that holds true with me, but kids are kids wherever you go. It's the same amount of fun, and the same amount of challenges."
As the Mountaineers get set to begin their 95th season of wrestling on Thursday, those both within the program and outside it are eager for the 2018-19 campaign to commence.
"So many people have asked 'How's the team?' I tell them that I like a lot of the guys, but we have yet to have seen some outside competition," Flynn said. "We need a comparison because we are just wrestling against each other right now, and it is difficult. It's the first match of the year. Of course, we are excited. Whenever you are healthy and you have the ability to go out and compete, you should be excited. You're doing what you love to do."
Fans are looking forward to Flynn's inaugural season, as it is highlighted by 18 dual matches, including six in front of the Mountaineer faithful at the WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers will wrestle nine Big 12 duals, including four at home. West Virginia also will face seven opponents that finished in the top 25 at the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
With 25 newcomers joining 10 letterwinners from last year's squad, including two fifth-year seniors, the team is excited to see what it can do. Redshirt sophomore Matthew Schmitt, a 2018 NCAA Qualifier, is the only Mountaineer to return to the lineup nationally ranked. Schmitt sits at No. 18 by the Open Mat, No. 19 by FloWrestling and No. 20 by FloWrestling. Additionally, several true freshmen could see early action in Gold and Blue singlets.
"They are all hard workers, but that is such a general statement because we have such a large group," Flynn said. "However, I think the freshmen may be able to rub off on some of the upperclassmen. They are enthusiastic and hard working. They are willing to come in. They want to learn, and sometimes that can help older guys, too."
As the season begins on Thursday, take a weight-by weight look at the 2018-19 Mountaineers:
125
Redshirt freshman KJ Fenstermacher notched a 2-0 record at wrestle-offs on Saturday, winning the spot at 125 pounds over redshirt junior Devin Brown and redshirt freshman Joey Thomas.
"All the matches were really close," Flynn said. "No one really beat the door out of the other one. I'm going to see how they all improve in the first couple weeks. Maybe someone can really distance themselves, but right now, KJ is our guy."
The Northampton, Pennsylvania, native transferred to West Virginia from Pitt, taking a redshirt as a true freshman last season. Fenstermacher capped his high school career with an overall record of 160-17 at 120 pounds, earning back-to-back third-place finishes at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class A Wrestling Championships his junior and senior year. He also is a three-time Northeast Regional champion, as well as a three-time District II champion. Additionally, Fenstermacher was crowned a two-time National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) All-American and a two-time FloNational All-American.
133
Schmitt returns to the lineup after earning an automatic bid to the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships for the first time in his career. The Platte City, Missouri, native also placed fourth at last year's Big 12 Championship. He finished the year with 23 wins to rank second on the team, collecting six major decisions, four pins and one techical fall on the year.
"Matt's growing," Flynn said. "Hopefully, we'll get a good start out of him this season. I think he is wrestling well, and I think he can be a leader for us, both on and off the mat. I see great things from him."
Freshman Caleb Rea also is in the mix at 133. The Weirton, West Virginia, native was a four-time Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) placer, capturing an OVAC title his senior year at 132 pounds. He finished his high school career with a 163-13 overall record, a school record for wins at Weir High, including a 40-6 mark during his senior season.
"I also really liked what Caleb Rea did at wrestle-offs," Flynn said. "I think he can be pretty good for us down the road. He has such a good attitude and work ethic, so we are happy with him."
141
Redshirt senior Joe Wheeling is one of two fifth-year seniors on this year's squad. The Waterford, Pennsylvania, native has proven himself to be a tough competitor in years past, but he was plague with injuries last season and only competed against Utah Valley in West Virginia's season opener. Wheeling looks to get back on track this year, as he previously earned a fifth-place finish at the 2017 Big 12 Wrestling Championship.
"Joe Wheeling looked good on Saturday," Flynn said. "We just have to keep him healthy. When he is healthy, he is a pretty good wrestler. He can do some damage."
149
Flynn will look at redshirt senior Christian Monserrat to step into the 149-pound slot, as he moves up one weight class from last season. A native of Methuen, Massachusetts, Monserrat competed at 141 pounds as a redshirt junior, recording an 18-16 overall mark, with five major decisions, two tech. falls and one pin. Redshirt sophomore Kyler Rea also will look to make a break in the lineup this season. The Neosho, Missouri, native started at 149 last season, earning a 14-14 overall mark, with one major decision.
"Christian looked good on Saturday, and we think highly of Kyler Rea," Flynn said. "Christian wrestled really well at wrestle-offs, he's a talented guy. He can do some damage this year. If he can see what we see in him, he's a national champion."
157
Redshirt junior Zachary Moore boasts the most experience at this weight class, but redshirt sophomore Hunter Jones also has worked hard in the offseason to put himself in the mix at 157. Moore, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, put together a 14-12 overall mark last season. Jones also gained some valuable experience, as he stepped up in Moore's absence down the stretch, competing in four consecutive matches to close out the regular season. Jones, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, finished the year with 11 wins.
Freshman Brock Godzin also showed some good characteristics during Saturday's wrestle-offs. A native of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Godzin finished in fifth place at the 2017 PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships. He also was a three-time sectional champion.
"Zach and Hunter both wrestle hard in practice," Flynn said. "I was pretty happy with both of their performances last week at wrestle-offs. Brock Godzin also had some good matches and showed some potential."
165
Sophomore Nick Kiussis will be held to a higher standard this season, as he enters the year with a wealth of experience starting as a true freshman last year. The Brunswick, Ohio, native compiled a 14-14 overall mark, as well as a 4-4 record in Big 12 action. He finished the year tied for the team lead in pins, with five. Kiussis also helped WVU beat Pitt four times in the last five seasons, with an 8-3 decision over the Panthers' Jake Wentzel, who was ranked as high as No. 16 via FloWrestling.
"Nick looked really good," Flynn said. "Obviously, he is a little bit more mature and a little bit more seasoned than the younger guys. Nick had a good end of summer, beginning of season. He's had a good stretch. He's been focused, and I'm excited for him because I think he is a gifted athlete. If he can stay focused and be mentally tough, he can be pretty good."
174
Flynn will turn to true freshman Josh Ramirez to take over at 174 pounds. The New Orleans, Louisiana, native arrived in Morgantown as a four-time state champion and was a seven-time All-American. He also finished his high school career with a 130-9 overall record at 160 pounds.
"We are really impressed with Josh," Flynn said. "The sky is the limit for him, and I hope he reads this. If he continues to do the things that we are preaching to him, he can be a special wrestler. He is good. He just needs to take it one day at a time."
184
Sophomore Hunter DeLong moves down from 197 pounds, as he looks to make a break in the lineup at 184. The Parkersburg, West Virginia, native wrestled in a pair of dual matches early last season, but closed the year competing at several different tournaments. He compiled a 12-17 overall mark, notching two major decisions, two tech. falls and two wins by fall.
Freshman Jackson Moomau also is in the mix at 184. Moomau, a native of Maysville, West Virginia, won back-to-back state titles his junior and senior year at Petersburg High. He also was named a FloNationals All-American (2018) and an NHSCA All-American (2015).
"Hunter is in-between weights," Flynn said. "He does everything right, so we are really happy with him. He is a grinder, and so is Jackson."
197
Redshirt freshman Noah Adams redshirted his first season in Morgantown, gaining valuable experience while wrestling unattached in several tournaments. Adams came to West Virginia ranked No. 2 in the nation at 220 pounds. He was a three-time national champion at both FloNationals and NHSCA Nationals, as well as a three-time West Virginia state champion. The Coal City, West Virginia, native also won a pair of Gold medals at the 2016 Cadet Pan American Games in Peru.
"Noah looked good at wrestle-offs," Flynn said. "I think he is ready for it. He's had a good offseason. I've really liked what I've seen from him since I've been here. I'm impressed with his work."
HWT
Redshirt junior David Smith, junior Brandon Ngati and redshirt freshman Sean Mullican have all proven to be tough competitors at the heavyweight bout. Ngati, a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland, earned the starting role for West Virginia the past two seasons. Most notably, he pinned Iowa State's Jon Scanlon in 4:28 to lead WVU to its first-ever Big 12 win on Feb. 12, 2017, in Morgantown.
However, Smith earned himself a spot in the starting lineup at Saturday's wrestle-offs, going 2-0 on the day. The Charleston, West Virginia, native gained valuable experience wrestling at several different tournaments last season, earning a 17-15 overall mark.
"All those guys are solid," Flynn said. "Dave did a good job winning, but those guys can beat each other on any given day, and maybe that is a good thing for them. That'll help them improve."
Tickets
Fans can purchase tickets by visiting WVUGAME.com, calling 1-800-WVU-GAME or at the Mountaineer Ticket Office, located at the Gold Gate of the WVU Coliseum. All tickets are general admission. When purchasing online, tickets are $5 each and $3 for groups of 10 or more. At the WVU Coliseum ticket window, tickets will be $7 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors and $3 for groups. The discounted online pricing will be available until first serve on game day. Fans are encouraged to order tickets in advance online at WVUGAME.com to avoid lines at the gate. Tickets for WVU students are free with a valid student I.D.
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWrestling on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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