Season Preview: Mindset of Constant Improvement to Guide Lehigh in 2023-24
11/2/2023 5:00:00 PM | Men's Wrestling
The Lehigh wrestling team enters the 2023-24 season with a mindset of constant improvement. Win or lose, the Mountain Hawks are focused on getting better every day.
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The Mountain Hawks are young, but also relatively experienced. Lehigh lost just one starter to graduation in All-American Josh Humphreys. A large roster includes seven wrestlers that have previously qualified for the NCAA Championships, 11 that have represented Lehigh at the EIWA Tournament and 18 that have appeared in at least one dual meet in their Lehigh careers. A strong returning core will be pushed by a talented group of first-year wrestlers.
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With Lehigh wrestling, the goals are always high, and 16th-year head coach Pat Santoro believes that those goals are attainable with a commitment to the mindset to keep getting better.
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"We always talk about moving to better," Santoro said. "Just get a little better each day. If you lose a match, doesn't matter, get better. Win a match, doesn't matter, get better. That mindset of constant improvement has become our motto this season. That mindset wins championships. Skill helps, but that mindset is what can put you over the top."
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Last year, Lehigh had five wrestlers compete at the NCAA Championships. The three returning qualifiers from last year's team: juniors Malyke Hines and Michael Beard, and sophomore Nathan Taylor, will serve as team captains for the 2023-24 season.
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"They're all very different types of leaders," Santoro said. "They're all well-respected on the team. Each of them brings their own energy. They're all very approachable. They all lead by example. Some of them are more vocal than others but there's a good balance.
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"(Malyke and Michael are) Round of 12 guys last year that are really hungry this year," Santoro continued. "They want to be national champions. We have a number of guys that are focused on winning national titles, which we haven't had in a few years, but there are multiple guys on the team that are looking for national championships. That's the ultimate goal. You never walk on the mat to lose a match. Having those guys as leaders and captains on our team brings a lot of credibility."
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Among the new faces, Lehigh welcomed 10 true first-years into the program, plus one transfer, while another 10 maintain first-year eligibility after deferring eligibility last season.
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"They have really high goals and are going to make things exciting this year," Santoro said. "They're going to push people. We have some really good wrestlers at a number of weight classes that are going to push each other. They're going to have to figure it out."
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The Mountain Hawks will once again face a challenging schedule. Three of the top 10 finishers in last year's NCAA championships and five of the top 20 will appear on the dual meet slate. Lehigh enters the season ranked 19th in the preseason NWCA Top 25 and the Mountain Hawks will face six currently-ranked opponents in duals, including five of the top 16. Santoro has scheduled three first semester tournaments as well, including the return of the Sheridan Invitational on Dec. 22. The tournaments will play a significant role in helping both determine the lineup and getting to the necessary match threshold
to earn an RPI ranking as part of the NCAA Championships qualification process.
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"Every week is really important," Santoro said. "You have to treat every match like it's your last, because it could be. You have to get better each week, and every week is a different opportunity. An opportunity to get better. An opportunity to learn. If you're not prepared each week, you're selling yourself short. If you focus on getting better.
Â
"We have a really strong first-year class and the class that deferred last year," Santoro continued. "A lot of those guys are excited for the opportunity to compete. We're excited to go to the Princeton Open. That's where we'll test the waters. Open competition is the best indicator so we're excited about getting into that this weekend."
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Lehigh will open the 2023-24 season Sunday when the Mountain Hawks send a large contingent to the Princeton Open. On Nov. 12, Lehigh will compete at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic in Bethlehem at nearby Freedom High School. The dual meet season begins Nov. 19 when Lehigh hosts No. 16 Pittsburgh at Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall.
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Here's a weight by weight look at what to expect from the Mountain Hawks in 2023-24:
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125 – Fourth-year Sheldon Seymour returns after deferring eligibility last season. He placed at the Midlands Championships and shared Lehigh's Deferred Eligibility Wrestler of the Year Award. Three first-years from New Jersey are also in the mix here. Luke Stanich is a state champion who could challenge here or at 133. Logan Wadle also won a state title last March with Ethan Smith also at this weight.
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133 – Lehigh has two extremely talented options at this weight class. Connor McGonagle was ranked in the top six for most of last season, but was injured at the EIWA Championships and was unable to compete at NCAAs despite earning an at-large bid. Ryan Crookham shared Lehigh's Deferred Eligibility Wrestler of the Year Award last year and placed at the prestigious Midlands Championships. Both McGonagle and Crookham are expected to contend for All-America honors. First-year Luke Stanich and second-year Mikekal McClarin could also figure in here.
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141 – Three-time NCAA qualifier Malyke Hines saved his best for the national tournament last year, posting two solid wins on Friday to reach the All-America round of 12. Hines will look to take the next step and earn a spot on the podium in his junior eligibility season. Sophomore Carter Bailey moves up two weight classes after serving as last year's starter and EIWA representative at 125. Deferred first-years Kelvin Griffin and Kimo Leia could figure in here or at 149.
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149 – Incumbent Max Brignola is moving up to 157 opening the door for competition here. Challengers include deferred first-years Kelvin Griffin and Owen Reinsel, true first-years Richie Grungo, a New Jersey state champion, and Matt Repos, a four-time PIAA place winner, plus fourth-years Drew Munch and Steven Storm.
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157 – Lehigh loses two-time All-American and three-time EIWA Champion Josh Humphreys. Junior Max Brignola and fifth-year Luca Frinzi are challenging him with Brignola coming up from 149 and Frinzi cutting down from 165. Senior Nathan Haubert is back in the mix after missing the last two seasons. Fourth-year Tyler Sung, third-year Zac Martin and first-year Griffin Gonzalez will provide depth at this weight class.
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165 – One of Lehigh's most competitive weights has seven wrestlers in the mix. Fifth-year Jake Logan is dropping down after representing the Mountain Hawks at 174 the last three years. The group has been bolstered by the addition of sophomore Hunter Mays, who transferred from Rider. Fourth-year Connor Herceg represented the Mountain Hawks at last year's EIWA Tournament. Also in the fold are sophomore Patrick Edmondson, deferred first-year Owen Quinn and true first-years Zeke Dubler and Liam Gil-Swiger.
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 174 – Jake Logan's move down to 165 has created openings here. The veterans battling here are sophomore Thayne Lawrence and junior Sean Kilrain. True first-years Jared Schoppe and Justin Onello will also be part of the competition here along with deferred first-years Remy Brancato and Keegan Gagnon.
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184 – Tate Samuelson captured an EIWA title in his lone year in the Brown and White. Competition for this spot features deferred first-year Caden Rogers and sophomore JT Davis. Rogers was a highly regarded recruit who missed all of last season due to injury. Davis represented Lehigh at the EIWA Championships in 2022 at 197 and deferred his eligibility last year. Sophomore Jack Wilt, like Davis could fit in here or at 197.
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197 – Michael Beard's first season at Lehigh resulted in 22-5 mark, with Beard ranked in the top five nationally for most of the season. He will be contending for his first EIWA title and his second All-America medal in his junior campaign. Providing depth behind Beard will be JT Davis, Jack Wilt, fourth-year Caden Wright, sophomore Todd Degroat and deferred first-year Dontae Hoose.
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285 – Nathan Taylor improved as last season progressed, highlighted by an EIWA runner-up finish as Taylor qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time. Taylor will be the leader of a group that also includes fourth-year wrestlers Karam Chakif and TJ Moore.
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The 2023-24 Lehigh Wrestling season is presented by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
Â
Like Lehigh Wrestling on Facebook and follow on X/Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates throughout the season.
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The Mountain Hawks are young, but also relatively experienced. Lehigh lost just one starter to graduation in All-American Josh Humphreys. A large roster includes seven wrestlers that have previously qualified for the NCAA Championships, 11 that have represented Lehigh at the EIWA Tournament and 18 that have appeared in at least one dual meet in their Lehigh careers. A strong returning core will be pushed by a talented group of first-year wrestlers.
Â
With Lehigh wrestling, the goals are always high, and 16th-year head coach Pat Santoro believes that those goals are attainable with a commitment to the mindset to keep getting better.
Â
"We always talk about moving to better," Santoro said. "Just get a little better each day. If you lose a match, doesn't matter, get better. Win a match, doesn't matter, get better. That mindset of constant improvement has become our motto this season. That mindset wins championships. Skill helps, but that mindset is what can put you over the top."
Â
Last year, Lehigh had five wrestlers compete at the NCAA Championships. The three returning qualifiers from last year's team: juniors Malyke Hines and Michael Beard, and sophomore Nathan Taylor, will serve as team captains for the 2023-24 season.
Â
"They're all very different types of leaders," Santoro said. "They're all well-respected on the team. Each of them brings their own energy. They're all very approachable. They all lead by example. Some of them are more vocal than others but there's a good balance.
Â
"(Malyke and Michael are) Round of 12 guys last year that are really hungry this year," Santoro continued. "They want to be national champions. We have a number of guys that are focused on winning national titles, which we haven't had in a few years, but there are multiple guys on the team that are looking for national championships. That's the ultimate goal. You never walk on the mat to lose a match. Having those guys as leaders and captains on our team brings a lot of credibility."
Â
Among the new faces, Lehigh welcomed 10 true first-years into the program, plus one transfer, while another 10 maintain first-year eligibility after deferring eligibility last season.
Â
"They have really high goals and are going to make things exciting this year," Santoro said. "They're going to push people. We have some really good wrestlers at a number of weight classes that are going to push each other. They're going to have to figure it out."
Â
The Mountain Hawks will once again face a challenging schedule. Three of the top 10 finishers in last year's NCAA championships and five of the top 20 will appear on the dual meet slate. Lehigh enters the season ranked 19th in the preseason NWCA Top 25 and the Mountain Hawks will face six currently-ranked opponents in duals, including five of the top 16. Santoro has scheduled three first semester tournaments as well, including the return of the Sheridan Invitational on Dec. 22. The tournaments will play a significant role in helping both determine the lineup and getting to the necessary match threshold
to earn an RPI ranking as part of the NCAA Championships qualification process.
Â
"Every week is really important," Santoro said. "You have to treat every match like it's your last, because it could be. You have to get better each week, and every week is a different opportunity. An opportunity to get better. An opportunity to learn. If you're not prepared each week, you're selling yourself short. If you focus on getting better.
Â
"We have a really strong first-year class and the class that deferred last year," Santoro continued. "A lot of those guys are excited for the opportunity to compete. We're excited to go to the Princeton Open. That's where we'll test the waters. Open competition is the best indicator so we're excited about getting into that this weekend."
Â
Lehigh will open the 2023-24 season Sunday when the Mountain Hawks send a large contingent to the Princeton Open. On Nov. 12, Lehigh will compete at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic in Bethlehem at nearby Freedom High School. The dual meet season begins Nov. 19 when Lehigh hosts No. 16 Pittsburgh at Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall.
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Here's a weight by weight look at what to expect from the Mountain Hawks in 2023-24:
Â
125 – Fourth-year Sheldon Seymour returns after deferring eligibility last season. He placed at the Midlands Championships and shared Lehigh's Deferred Eligibility Wrestler of the Year Award. Three first-years from New Jersey are also in the mix here. Luke Stanich is a state champion who could challenge here or at 133. Logan Wadle also won a state title last March with Ethan Smith also at this weight.
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133 – Lehigh has two extremely talented options at this weight class. Connor McGonagle was ranked in the top six for most of last season, but was injured at the EIWA Championships and was unable to compete at NCAAs despite earning an at-large bid. Ryan Crookham shared Lehigh's Deferred Eligibility Wrestler of the Year Award last year and placed at the prestigious Midlands Championships. Both McGonagle and Crookham are expected to contend for All-America honors. First-year Luke Stanich and second-year Mikekal McClarin could also figure in here.
Â
141 – Three-time NCAA qualifier Malyke Hines saved his best for the national tournament last year, posting two solid wins on Friday to reach the All-America round of 12. Hines will look to take the next step and earn a spot on the podium in his junior eligibility season. Sophomore Carter Bailey moves up two weight classes after serving as last year's starter and EIWA representative at 125. Deferred first-years Kelvin Griffin and Kimo Leia could figure in here or at 149.
Â
149 – Incumbent Max Brignola is moving up to 157 opening the door for competition here. Challengers include deferred first-years Kelvin Griffin and Owen Reinsel, true first-years Richie Grungo, a New Jersey state champion, and Matt Repos, a four-time PIAA place winner, plus fourth-years Drew Munch and Steven Storm.
Â
157 – Lehigh loses two-time All-American and three-time EIWA Champion Josh Humphreys. Junior Max Brignola and fifth-year Luca Frinzi are challenging him with Brignola coming up from 149 and Frinzi cutting down from 165. Senior Nathan Haubert is back in the mix after missing the last two seasons. Fourth-year Tyler Sung, third-year Zac Martin and first-year Griffin Gonzalez will provide depth at this weight class.
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165 – One of Lehigh's most competitive weights has seven wrestlers in the mix. Fifth-year Jake Logan is dropping down after representing the Mountain Hawks at 174 the last three years. The group has been bolstered by the addition of sophomore Hunter Mays, who transferred from Rider. Fourth-year Connor Herceg represented the Mountain Hawks at last year's EIWA Tournament. Also in the fold are sophomore Patrick Edmondson, deferred first-year Owen Quinn and true first-years Zeke Dubler and Liam Gil-Swiger.
Â
 174 – Jake Logan's move down to 165 has created openings here. The veterans battling here are sophomore Thayne Lawrence and junior Sean Kilrain. True first-years Jared Schoppe and Justin Onello will also be part of the competition here along with deferred first-years Remy Brancato and Keegan Gagnon.
Â
184 – Tate Samuelson captured an EIWA title in his lone year in the Brown and White. Competition for this spot features deferred first-year Caden Rogers and sophomore JT Davis. Rogers was a highly regarded recruit who missed all of last season due to injury. Davis represented Lehigh at the EIWA Championships in 2022 at 197 and deferred his eligibility last year. Sophomore Jack Wilt, like Davis could fit in here or at 197.
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197 – Michael Beard's first season at Lehigh resulted in 22-5 mark, with Beard ranked in the top five nationally for most of the season. He will be contending for his first EIWA title and his second All-America medal in his junior campaign. Providing depth behind Beard will be JT Davis, Jack Wilt, fourth-year Caden Wright, sophomore Todd Degroat and deferred first-year Dontae Hoose.
Â
285 – Nathan Taylor improved as last season progressed, highlighted by an EIWA runner-up finish as Taylor qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time. Taylor will be the leader of a group that also includes fourth-year wrestlers Karam Chakif and TJ Moore.
Â
The 2023-24 Lehigh Wrestling season is presented by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
Â
Like Lehigh Wrestling on Facebook and follow on X/Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates throughout the season.
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Players Mentioned
133/141
/ Men's Wrestling
197
/ Men's Wrestling
174/184
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
285
/ Men's Wrestling
133
/ Men's Wrestling
184/197
/ Men's Wrestling
165
/ Men's Wrestling
157/165
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
174
/ Men's Wrestling
165
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
141/149
/ Men's Wrestling
149/157
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
165
/ Men's Wrestling
141
/ Men's Wrestling
197
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
174/184
/ Men's Wrestling
174
/ Men's Wrestling
141/149
/ Men's Wrestling
165
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
165
/ Men's Wrestling
125/133
/ Men's Wrestling
133
/ Men's Wrestling
285
/ Men's Wrestling
149
/ Men's Wrestling
174
/ Men's Wrestling
165
/ Men's Wrestling
149
/ Men's Wrestling
149
/ Men's Wrestling
184
/ Men's Wrestling
184
/ Men's Wrestling
174/184
/ Men's Wrestling
125
/ Men's Wrestling
125
/ Men's Wrestling
125/133
/ Men's Wrestling
149
/ Men's Wrestling
157
/ Men's Wrestling
285
/ Men's Wrestling
125
/ Men's Wrestling
184
/ Men's Wrestling
197
/ Men's WrestlingLehigh Sports Central: Wrestling
Wednesday, March 12
Lehigh Sports Central: Wrestling
Thursday, February 20
Lehigh Sports Central: Wrestling
Wednesday, December 04
Season Preview: Wrestling
Wednesday, October 30
