Pitt Breakdown: 149, 157, 165

Nov. 2, 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 second preview will take a look at the middle weights, 149, 157 and 165.

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.

The middle weights will look a bit different than they did a year ago. Last season saw Robert Lee at 149 - who moved down to 141 this year, recent graduate Ronnie Garbinsky at 157 and Cody Wiercioch at 165.

Below is a breakdown of each weight class with more information on the expected wrestlers.

149

Expected starter: Senior Mikey Racciato

Racciato started 11 duals last season for the Panthers at 141 and will move back up to a more natural and comfortable weight at 149 this year. The true senior won an ACC title in 2015 at 149 and was a NCAA qualifier in 2014 and 2015 at that same weight. His first two years at Pitt featured back-to-back seasons with 22 wins apiece, while finishing with a winning regular in duals and against conference opponents. During the offseason, Racciato took the time to prepare mentally and physically for his last season as a Panther.

Peters on 149:

"I think it's a better weight for Mikey. We experimented him going to 141 last year and it was unsuccessful. Back at 149, I think he can carry a good pace, his strength is good, he should be able to score some points and be able to compete for an ACC title and All-America status. That's the goal. I think he's focused and in good shape."

157

Expected starter: Freshman Jake Wentzel or redshirt freshman Taleb Rahmani

A Pittsburgh native, Wentzel will step into the empty 157 weight class after losing Garbinsky to graduation. Wentzel enters his first year at Pitt with an impressive resume after a decorated career at nearby South Park High School. A three-time regional and WPIAL champion, Wentzel set South Park's win record with 156 total wins and losing just 15 matches over four years. Rahmani will serve as another back up for 157 after wrestling in open tournaments during his true freshman season.

Peters on 157:

"Jake will be the front-runner and Taleb will keep pushing him and chasing him throughout the year. Jake has done a good job separating himself right off the bat. He's been wanting to get into a Pitt singlet for a long time, so we're going to give him the chance to start for us as a true freshman."

165

Expected starter: Sophomore TeShan Campbell or sophomore Donovan McAfee or freshman Austin Bell

Campbell was a starter at 174 a year ago, where he finished 18-12 overall and was highlighted by a trip to the ACC Championship and received an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships. Campbell, now at a more natural weight, improved during the offseason by training smarter and grew from his experiences from last season. Bell and Rahmani may also see time at 165 this season, while Campbell will be the go-to starter. Bell, a product out of Belle Vernon, Pa., amassed an impressive 160-24 record during his high school career and pinned 17 opponents. He comes to Pitt with quality experience with multiple trips to WPIALs and PIAAS under his belt and was successful each time.

Peters on 165:

"TeShan will start and we'll use Donnie as a solid backup guy for us. I think TeShan can be an All-American at 165. He's training with a better focus and understands the expectations. He realizes that the season is long, so he grew a lot from last year. I think he can be pretty special and definitely contribute."

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Players Mentioned

TeShan Campbell

Ronnie Garbinsky

Robert Lee

Donovan McAfee

Mikey Racciato

Taleb Rahmani

Cody Wiercioch

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