Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh ranked second preseason poll
9/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Wrestling
Bethlehem, PA- Lehigh's wrestling team is ranked second in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association preseason poll. Last season the Mountain Hawks recorded a dual record of 18-5, finished third in the EIWA and 13th in the NCAA tournament with three All-Americans.
Seven Lehigh wrestlers earned top-six rankings. The 141, 149 and the 157 pound weight classes were the only classes that a Lehigh wrestler did not make an appearance. Freshmen are not eligible for consideration until they have competed on the collegiate level.
Senior tri-captain Chris Vitale (165), junior tri-captain John Trenge (197) and junior Bruce Kelly (133) were all ranked at the top of their weight class. Vitale and Trenge tallied a combined 37-4 dual meet record last season. Kelly did not compete last season due to a knee injury, however finished first in the EIWA tournament the previous year. Sophomore All-American Mario Stuart finished second among the lightweights, behind Mason Lenhard of Penn. Senior tricaptain All-American Rob Rohn also earned a second place ranking behind Tom Tanis of Rutgers in the 184 pound weight class. Senior Shawn Laughlin's 81 career wins earned him a third place ranking at heavyweight and 174 pound sophomore Brad Dillion is ranked sixth.
Head coach Greg Strobel is pleased with where his team is at this point in the season. "Since freshmen are not eligible on the first ranking, and we have several good freshmen that make up our lineup, our ranking at this time of the year is good," said Strobel.
Wrestling action begins November 6th with Wrestle-Offs. The match is set to begin at 7:00 in Grace Hall. The Mountain Hawks will open their season at home in Grace Hall against Pittsburgh Thursday November 15th at 7:00. Wrestling season tickets are now available for purchase. For more information call (610) 7LU-GAME.
