Pitt Breakdown: 125, 133, 141

Nov. 1, 2016

PITTSBURGH - With the first dual of the season just days away, PittsburghPanthers.com along with head coach Jason Peters previews all 10 weight classes and what fans can expect for the 2016-17 season. The first preview will take a look at the lower weights, 125, 133 and 141.

The Panthers' season gets underway Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Mountaineer Duals in Morgantown, W.Va., where Pitt will take on Ohio University and Campbell.

Pitt has four solid wrestlers returning to these three weight classes, two of which were 2016 NCAA qualifiers, while three were consistent starters a year ago.

125

Expected starter: Sophomore LJ Bentley

As a true freshman, Bentley finished with an overall record of 19-12, the second-most wins on the team. Bentley punched his ticket to Madison Square Garden a year ago after earning an automatic bid with a fourth place finish at the ACC Championship. The true freshman won nine matches by way of major decision and pinned four opponents, his fastest was 56 seconds. Bentley enters his sophomore campaign with more experience, knowledge and maturity and will provide a solid start for the first weight class.

Peters on 125:

"We're hoping LJ competes for an ACC title. He's a returning starter and national qualifier that saw the consolation round of 16 last year, so we're looking for him to make a bigger step and a bigger contribution. Hopefully he's ready to do that."

133

Expected starter: Junior Dom Forys

Forys only lost five matches last year and won 17 straight, finishing a team-best 28-5. The returning starter, NCAA qualifier and All-ACC selection, enters his junior season with two solid years of growth under his belt. Forys got a taste of what it's like to win in the postseason, but finished the season with a bad taste in his mouth. He fell in the championship match of the ACC Championship and was one win short of reaching All-America status. Forys will continue to be a top contender this year as he can be found around the top 15 in every ranking this preseason. Competing in one of the toughest conferences in college wrestling, Forys went a perfect 5-0 in ACC duals, the only Panther to do so. The Pittsburgh native won seven matches by a major decision, five by technical fall and pinned seven opponents. While Forys looks to improve individually, he is also looked at as a leader on the team.

Peters on 133:

"Dom is an ACC championship contender and All-American caliber kid. He really needs to focus on being a national champion and not just an All-American. I think that's something he's been working through mentally and starting to put that into his brain and think that way instead of just trying to get on the podium. We want him at the top of it. His weight class is tough and a deep one, but I think the expectation for Dom stays the same. We want another step up."

141

Expected starters: Sophomore Robert Lee or Redshirt junior Nick Zanetta

Lee, a returning starter, moves down a weight class after wrestling 27 matches at 149 last year. The Kaukauna, Wis., native finished the season 11-16 overall and looks for more success at his more natural weight class. Zanetta, a veteran on the squad, saw action at open tournaments, duals and also earned a trip to the ACC Championship. He finished the season 15-12 overall and started the season with nine straight wins. Both Lee and Zanetta provide a solid option at 141 this season.

Peters on 141:

"Nick and Rob both saw a lot of time last year starting and at ACC's. Rob is at a new weight, a more natural and better weight for him. We're looking forward to Rob getting out and competing and seeing how he can produce at 141. Rob and Nick should be a good match from a competition standpoint. We need more points out of that weight class, there's no doubt about it. We just need some consistency and someone that can go out, compete and give us a chance to win."

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Players Mentioned

LJ Bentley

Dom Forys

Robert Lee

Nick Zanetta

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