Wrestling Holds High Hopes Heading Into 2007-08 Season

HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 10, 2007) – Since the departure of Andy Lausier (Naperville, Ill.), first-year Head Coach Mike Clayton (Brooklyn, Iowa) has come in to take over the reigns of the Stevens Institute of Technology wrestling team in 2007-08. With the return of co-captain and three-time NCAA qualifier Brandon MacWhinnie (Barton, N.Y.) along with seven other starters from a squad that placed seventh nationally in team grade-point average, Clayton looks to improve on a 4-13 dual meet record from last year.

Sophomore Kyle Brisson (Syracuse, N.Y.) brings back the Ducks’ share of experience at the 125-lb. weight class this season. Last year, he boasted an overall mark of 16-15 with four of those victories coming in Centennial Conference play. Brisson also credited five falls and two major decisions to his name. In 2007-08, he will be competing for time with sophomore Frank Maselli (Rye, N.Y.), who appeared in just 10 contests the previous year.

Junior Mark Bistis (Readington, N.J.) will most likely get the nod from Clayton at the 133-lb. weight class. He will be looking to improve on his 12-16 record from last season where he notched five falls (two technical) and five major decisions.

At the 141-lb. weight class, two freshmen and a junior will battle it out for the starting spot this year. Returning starter Pat Conrad (Enola, Pa.) brings in a 9-8 dual meet mark from 2006-07. Moreover, he tallied three falls and major decisions in 16 appearances last season. In 2007-08, Conrad will fight newcomers Rob Bolomey (Neshanic Station, N.J.) and Geraldo Rodriguez (Paterson, N.J.) for time.

The deepest weight class at Stevens this season will surely produce one of the team’s top national contenders. At 149 lbs, sophomore Leo Dormann (Mickleton, N.J.) will battle against freshmen Rob Coughlin (Berkeley Heights, N.J.) and Chris Jessen (Watchung, N.J.). The previous year, Dormann was second on the team with a 19-5 overall record, but was a win shy of the NCAA Tournament. In addition, he accumulated four falls and five major decisions.

At the 157-lb. weight class, senior co-captain Zak Lenz (Little Silver, N.J.) has been working hard over the summer and fall to make his senior year his best campaign yet. Last season, Lenz earned two victories in 19 opportunities. In 2007-08, he will compete with a very strong red-shirt sophomore in Charles Favia (Brick, N.J.), who missed last season due to injury.

Two freshmen will be looking to start at the 165-lb. spot in James Ray (Ewing, N.J.) and Bobby Bishop (Wayne, N.J.). Ray will be looking to register a winning percentage of at least .500 while Bishop hopes to tally 10 wins or more in his first season. According to Clayton, “They are both solid young wrestlers and could be an exciting weight to watch as the season progresses.”

This year, MacWhinnie makes the move from 165 lbs. to 174 lbs. In the previous season, he compiled an overall record of 33-5 while accumulating a team-high 17 falls (nine technical) and six major decisions. MacWhinnie also met the criteria to make it to the NCAA Championships for the third time in as many years.

“He truly leads by example and brings a no-excuses attitude towards this season,” said Clayton. “He has set his goals on the top prize at NCAA’s.”

Freshman Vince Termini (Mount Laurel, N.J.), sophomore Ernie Guaimano (Hillsborough, N.J.) and senior Sergio Smiriglio (Cornwall, N.Y.) will compete at the 184 lb. weight class to help determine the team’s dual meet success while sophomore Justin Galati (Tabernack, N.J.) could be a force to be reckoned with at 197 lbs. after missing last season with an injury.

Finally, at the 285 lb. weight class, sophomore James Roarty (Hyde Park, Mass.) will step it up to fill the spot at heavyweight this year. In 2006-07, Roarty sported a .346 winning percentage (9-for-17) with one fall and one major decision.

“James worked hard over the summer to build strength and quickness,” Clayton stated. “He will continue to grow physically, technically and mentally as the year moves along.”

“This is a team that is looking to break the .500 plateau,” Clayton said. “We are also excited and looking forward to a lot of firsts for this squad, which includes our first Centennial Conference win, several NCAA qualifiers and hopefully a national champion.”