Wrestling team working towards Wrestle-Offs

10/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Wrestling

            Bethlehem, PA – The leaves have changed and are falling off the trees, which can only mean that Lehigh’s wrestling team is getting ready to return to action for the 2003-04 season. And as they do, they will mark their return to the newly renamed Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall.  The team wrestled its home meets last year at Stabler Arena while Grace Hall was being renovated.

            Now the team is in intense practices, getting ready for the kick-off of their season next Tuesday. The team members will compete with each other in their annual Wrestle-Offs, in their first live action before the fans.

            With all of the hype about the team coming in, head coach Greg Strobel is anxious to see the team in action. “This will be the first time the fans get to see the team live,” said Strobel. “It serves as a dry run for the wrestlers as they try to make weight and compete in front of people. Personally, I like it because I already know who wins.”

            It will be the first time back in Grace Hall for some of the team members as well. Sophomore Derek Zinck, an All-American last year, has yet to see the changes. “I wanted to surprise myself,” he said. “I’m not superstitious or anything, but I thought it would be cool to see if for the first time when we wrestle.”

            The Wrestle-Offs will be a chance for the team to decide, for the most part, which wrestlers will be taking the mats for the Mountain Hawks this season.  They are important, Zinck said, but not the ultimate goal. “It’s exciting, but we are still focused on our first match with Iowa State (November 14).  That’s the most important date right now.”

            Season ticket holders got their first chance to see new and improved Grace on October 28, as they were invited to get their first peek and pick up their tickets. The Wrestle-Offs are set for Tuesday, Novermber 4, at 7:00, and Lehigh expects a good crowd.  Tickets are still available, and may be purchased through the Lehigh ticket office either by calling 610-7LU-GAME or in person at the ticket office in Taylor Gym.

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