Pitt Wrestling Signs Five Future Panthers from Class of 2021

PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh wrestling head coach Keith Gavin announced the addition of five future Panthers to his team's roster this week after a group of talented student-athletes signed a National Letter of Intent confirming their commitment to the Pitt wrestling program.

Pennsylvania natives Luca Augustine, Ethan Finch, Brock McMillen and Gary Steen and Ohio native Cole Hivnor each submitted NLIs to the University of Pittsburgh this week as Class of 2021 student-athletes.

"We're really excited about this recruiting class in particular," Coach Gavin said. "They each have earned impressive accolades already in their careers. These guys love wrestling and are committed to being the best they can; they fit the type of person we want to bring into our program. We're also happy to add talent that is balanced across several weight classes that will impact our lineup for years to come."

Here are details about each of Pitt's Class of 21 signees from this week:

Luca Augustine NLI

Luca Augustine | 165/174 | Waynesburg, Pa. | Waynesburg Central

Owns 101 high school victories entering his senior season
2020 PIAA semifinalist at 160 pounds; finished sixth in the state
Helped Waynesburg Central take third at the 2020 PIAA Championships in AAA
Had an 18-match winning streak as a junior that featured nine pins
Three-time section champion for the Raiders
Ranked No. 6 prospect in his weight class by FloWrestling

Coach Gavin on Augustine: "We've known about Luca for a few years and have closely followed his development. First, we love his work ethic. He's really come on the last two years, which hasn't been surprising to us because we've always liked his potential. He's beaten some good wrestlers and we're excited about his future, for sure."

Ethan Finch NLI

Ethan Finch | 197/285 | Sheffield, Pa. | Sheffield

Owns 81 high school victories entering his senior season
2020 PIAA place winner at 182 pounds; finished sixth in the state
2020 Super 32 Tournament fourth-place finisher at 195 pounds
Owns 37 career pins with 21 falls tallied during his junior year
Won the district title in 2019 for the Wolverines
Ranked No. 11 prospect in his weight class by FloWrestling

Coach Gavin on Finch: "Ethan is a big, athletic wrestler with a raw skill set that we like. He recently wrestled in the Super 32 Tournament, one of the toughest events in the country, and finished fourth there while earning some impressive wins. We're happy that he decided to become a Panther."

Cole Hivnor NLI

Cole Hivnor | 184 | Wickliffe, Ohio | Mentor Lake Catholic

Two-time place winner in the state of Ohio
2019 OHSAA fourth-place finisher at 170 pounds as a sophomore
2019 NHSCA fourth-place finisher at 170 pounds at nationals
2018 OHSAA fifth-place finisher at 170 pounds as a freshman
Led Cougars to the Ohio Catholic Invitational Tournament (CIT) title in 2020
Won the 2020 CIT individual championship at 182 pounds

Coach Gavin on Hivnor: "Cole is an Ohio guy from not too far away. Unfortunately, he didn't get a chance to compete at a state tournament last year. But he has accumulated some impressive victories, and we're excited to watch him compete for a state title this year in Ohio. He's a promising addition."

Brock McMillen NLI

Brock McMillen | 141/149 | Coalport, Pa. | Glendale

Owns 120 high school victories entering his senior season
Two-time Pennsylvania Class AA state champion
2020 PIAA champion at 132 pounds; 36-3 overall record
2019 PIAA champion at 126 pounds; 43-1 overall record
2018 FloNationals champion at 113 pounds
2018 PIAA runner-up at 113 pounds; 41-4 overall record
Owns 51 career falls without ever being pinned
Two-time district and region champion for the Vikings

Coach Gavin on McMillen: "Brock is someone who is looking to win a third state title in Pennsylvania. Any time you can add a wrestler with that type of pedigree, it's exciting. He's a winner and the type of person you want in your program. He's a real student of the sport."

Gary Steen NLI

Gary Steen | 125 | Hermitage, Pa. | Reynolds

Owns 135 high school victories entering his senior season
Two-time Pennsylvania Class AA state champion
2020 PIAA champion at 113 pounds; 48-1 overall record
2019 PIAA third-place finisher at 106 pounds; 42-2 overall record
2019 IronMan champion at 113 pounds
2018 PIAA champion at 106 pounds; 45-4 overall record
Two-time Powerade Tournament champion (2018 and 2019)
Owns 51 career falls with 96 bonus-point victories
Three-time section, district and region champion for the Raiders
Ranked No. XX prospect in his weight class by FloWrestling
High school teammate and cousin of current Pitt wrestler Cole Matthews

Coach Gavin on Steen: "Gary is actually Cole Matthews' cousin, so that's a cool connection to add. Gary has been really good for a long time. He is no stranger to winning, either. He's a two-time Pennsylvania state champion and has won the Ironman and Powerade tournaments. He's a great fit for us at 125 pounds and could be a key piece to our lineup for the next few years."

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Pitt Wrestling Signs Five Future Panthers from Class of 2021

Players Mentioned

Cole Matthews

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