Wrestling: Pitt captures first Eastern Wrestling League title in school history

After 34 years without an Eastern Wrestling League title, the Panthers can add that elusive EWL… After 34 years without an Eastern Wrestling League title, the Panthers can add that elusive EWL crown to their record.

The Panthers entered their final dual meet of the season needing a win to successfully pull in the regular season team title, the Panthers’ first since joining the EWL in 1976.

The Panthers had to defeat six-time defending EWL champs and No. 21-ranked Edinboro. Just one season ago, Edinboro dismantled the Panthers 31-8 to end Pitt’s bid for an EWL title.

“It was exciting for us as a team to come out here [Friday] and take away the title from Edinboro. They’re a team with a lot of pride that is never an easy win,” Panthers assistant coach Jason Peters said. “It was great being able to take the team title on the same night as senior night. Any time when you can get a lot of fan support, it’s great to come up with a big win.”

The Panthers pulled away early with freshman Anthony Zanetta picking up the 3-1 decision. Zanetta, ranked No. 19 in the country in the 125-pound division, came from behind to win the match in the final period with a single leg takedown after working more than 30 seconds to secure the takedown.

Pitt increased its lead to 15-0 with wins in the next four bouts. Senior Jimmy Conroy, in the 133-pound weight class, scored a 4-2 decision using two single-leg takedowns, nearly sticking his opponent on his back in both. Sophomore in the 141-pound division Tyler Nauman took a 7-2 decision with a two-point near fall in the closing seconds. Nauman is 18-0 in dual meets on the season.

Redshirt senior Eric Albright followed with a 4-3 decision on a third period takedown and a strong defensive show to avoid a takedown in the closing seconds.

The Panthers streak of winning bouts continued at the 157-pound weight class where redshirt freshman Donnie Tasser secured a 7-6 decision after scoring a takedown in the second period on an ankle pick, and taking a go-ahead point after a stalling call against his opponent.

The Panthers wrapped up the win with sophomore Matt Wilps and junior Ryan Tomei both taking victories.

At 197 pounds, Wilps won on a 4-2 decision after scoring a late reversal to take the lead. Going into the heavyweight match, Pitt was up 18-13, still in danger of a comeback from Edinboro.

Tomei, coming into the match as the No. 7 wrestler in his weight class, scored a dominating 7-3 win, forcing the action throughout the match and scoring two third period takedowns. As the match ended, Tomei raised both hands in celebration of the Panthers EWL title.

In the middleweights, the Panthers struggled, dropping the 165-, 174-, and 184-pound bouts.

Junior Adam Counterman had the tall order of matching up against defending 165-pound NCAA champion Jarrod King, who beat the Pitt junior 12-2.

At 174 pounds, David Sullivan was defeated after being pinned in the third period. At 184 pounds, Zac Thomusseit fell 3-2 after a late go-ahead escape by opponent Pat Bradshaw. Thomusseit worked until the closing seconds, but was unable to score a takedown.

“It was overall a team victory, winning down low with guys like Zanetta and Jimmy [Conroy] helps out the guys up top,” said Peters. “Our guys definitely bought into it, they’re willing to fight for the wins. There’s been a lot of work into being in better shape, the guys committed to the program and to out-conditioning the competition.”

Before the match began, five Pitt seniors were recognized before their final home match. Along with Conroy, Albright and Sullivan, A.J. Hunte and Mark Powell were honored for their contributions to the program.

The Panthers finish the dual meet portion of the season 17-1-1, with a perfect 6-0 record against their EWL opponents.

Currently ranked No. 18, Pitt looks to take its momentum into the postseason, where the team will compete in the EWL tournament followed by the NCAA Championships.

Ed. Note: Donnie Tasser is a Pitt News staff member.