NAVY WRESTLING

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1 Navy Wrestling Roster Name Yr. Wt. Hometown / High School Joel Ahern Sr. 157 Herkimer, N.Y. / Herkimer Joe Baker Sr. 133 Poway, Calif. / Poway Ben Beitler Jr. 141 Fogelsville, Pa. / Northwestern Lehigh John Bever Jr. 149 Atlanta, Ga. / Wesleyan School Mike Billings Jr. 174 Waterford, Mich. / Waterford Kettering Joey Boone So. 133 Poway, Calif. / Poway Mike Brant Fr. 165 Johnstown, Pa. / Westmont Hilltop Joe Breaux Jr. HWT Bossier City, La. / Parkway Joey Breen So. 141 Pasadena, Md. / McDonogh School Casey Caldwell Sr. 184 Liberty, Ind. / Union County Charles Carafano Jr. 197 Germantown, Md. / Home Schooled Josh Ciocco So. 157 Jacksonville, Fla. / Samuel W. Wolfson Austin Clouse Fr. 125 Annapolis, Md. / Mount St. Joseph John Coutoumas Fr. 149 Waltham, Mass. / Waltham Jason Coyne Sr. 165 Trafford, Pa. / Penn Trafford Bernie Crandley Fr. 149 Ambler, Pa. / Hatboro-Horsham Paul DeLuca Jr. 165 Cheswick, Pa. / Fox Chapel Matt DeMichiel So. 165 Whitesboro, N.Y. / Whitesboro Brian DeYoung Jr. 133 Lake Forest, Ill. / Lake Forest Prescott Garner Fr. 125 West Linn, Ore. / West Linn Matt Gurrister Fr. 141 Dumfries, Va. / Potomac Dustin Haislip Fr. 141 Inwood, W.Va. / Musselman Ethan Harvey So. 125 Edgewater, Md. / South River Adam Huber Sr. 197 Houston, Texas / The Kinkaid School Aaron Kalil Fr. 133 Salem, N.H. / Salem Russ Kropp Jr. 184 Pittsburgh, Pa. / Upper St. Clair Mike Landis So. HWT Hershey, Pa. / Hershey Anthony Laurita Sr. 174 Delta, Colo. / Delta Collin Leadbeter Fr. 141 Owings, Md. / Northern Caleb Levee Sr. 141 Mandeville, La. / Mandeville Phil Lukanich So. 133 LaGrange, Ill. / Lyons Township Phil Mahne Jr. 133 River Ridge, La. / Jesuit John Majka Fr. 141 Chicago, Ill. / St. Rita Pat McCaffrey Fr. 125 Chicago, Ill. / University of Indiana HS Eli Michel So. 133 Columbia City, Ind. / Columbia City Tyler Moyer Sr. HWT Bremerton, Wash. / Broadneck (Md.) Philip Neese Sr. 197 Lexington, S.C. / Lexington Robby Neill So. 157 Brick, N.J. / The Peddie School Adam Newton So. 197 Greenwood, S.C. / Emerald Kyle O Neill Jr. 149 Gaylord, Mich. / Gaylord Matt Orzechowski So. 149 Hughesville, Md. / La Plata Thomas Oswald Fr. 149 St. Cloud, Fla. / St. Cloud Dustin Packard Jr. 157 Meridian, Idaho / Mountain View Matt Pagan Jr. 141 Carteret, N.J. / Bishop George Ahr Brad Pendock Jr. 184 Crofton, Md. / Arundel Greg Prioleau So. 184 Poway, Calif. / Poway Luke Rebertus Fr. 174 Elkton, Md. / Caravel Academy (Del.) Matt Reck So. 197 Stafford, Va. / Colonial Forge Eric Ruby Jr. 165 Willow Grove, Pa. / Upper Moreland Tyler Sackett Fr. 125 Omaha, Neb. / Skutt Catholic Bryce Saddoris So. 149 Spring Creek, Nev. / Spring Creek Adam Shemon Sr. 133 Hastings, Minn. / Hastings Glenn Shober Jr. 157 Reading, Pa. / Schuylkill Valley Scott Steele Sr. HWT Baltimore, Md. / Towson Allan Stein So. 125 Portland, Maine / Deering Cory Vernon Fr. 149 Great Meadows, N.J. / Hackettstown Tommy Walton Jr. 197 Portland, Ore. / Benson Caleb Weintraub Sr. 149 Sherborn, Mass. / Dover-Sherborn Bailey Whitaker Fr. 125 Lookout Mountain, Ga. / The Baylor School (Tenn.) Drew Willis So. 133 St. Inigoes, Md. / St. Mary s Ryken Mids by Weight 125 (7): Clouse, Garner, Harvey, McCaffrey, Sackett, Stein, Whitaker 133 (9): Boone, Baker, DeYoung, Kalil, Lukanich, Mahne, Michel, Shemon, Willis 141 (8): Beitler, Breen, Gurrister, Haislip, Leadbeter, Levee, Majka, Pagan 149 (9): Bever, Coutoumas, Crandley, O Neill, Orzechowski, Oswald, Saddoris, Vernon, Weintraub 157 (6): Ahern, Brant, Ciocco, Neill, Packard, Shober 165 (5): Brant, Coyne, DeLuca, DeMichiel, Ruby 174 (3): Billings, Laurita, Rebertus 184 (4): Caldwell, Kropp, Pendock, Prioleau 197 (6): Carafano, Huber, Neese, Newton, Reck, Walton HWT (4): Breaux, Landis, Moyer, Steele Mids By Class Seniors (11): Ahern, Baker, Caldwell, Coyne, Huber, Laurita, Moyer, Neese, Shemon, Steele, Weintraub Juniors (17): Beitler, Bever, Billings, Breaux, Carafano, DeLuca, DeYoung, Kropp, Levee, Mahne, O Neill, Packard, Pagan, Pendock, Ruby, Shober, Walton Sophomores (16): Boone, Breen, Ciocco, DeMichiel, Harvey, Landis, Lukanich, Michel, Neill, Newton, Orzechowski, Prioleau, Reck, Saddoris, Stein, Willis Freshmen (16): Brant, Clouse, Coutoumas, Crandley, Garner, Gurrister, Haislip, Kalil, Leadbeter, Majka, McCaffrey, Oswald, Rebertus, Sackett, Vernon, Whitaker Mids By State California (3): Baker, Boone, Prioleau Colorado (2): Ahern, Laurita Florida (2): Ciocco, Oswald Georgia (2): Bever, Whitaker Idaho (1): Packard Illinois (4): DeYoung, Lukanich, Majka, McCaffrey Indiana (2): Caldwell, Michel Louisiana (3): Breaux, Levee, Mahne Maine (1): Stein Maryland (9): Breen, Carafano, Clouse, Harvey, Leadbeter, Pendock, Rebertus, Steele, Willis Washington (1): Coutoumas Massachusetts (1): Weintraub Michigan (2): Billings, O Neill Minnesota (1): Shemon Nebraska (1): Sackett Nevada (1): Saddoris New Hampshire (1): Kalil New Jersey (3): Neill, Pagan, Vernon New York (2): Ahern, DeMichiel Oregon (2): Garner, Walton Pennsylvania (9): Beitler, Brant, Coyne, Crandley, DeLuca, Kropp, Landis, Ruby, Shober South Carolina (2): Neese, Newton Texas (1): Huber Virginia (1): Reck Washington (1): Moyer West Virginia (2): Gurrister, Haislip Head Coach: Bruce Burnett (9th season, Idaho State 73) Assistant Coach: Brian Antonelli (3rd season, Navy 97) Assistant Coach: Tom Tanis (1st season, Rutgers 02) Officer Representative: Maj. Mark Deets, USMC Faculty Representative: Prof. Daryl G. Boden Captain: Scott Steele 5

2 Season Outlook >> By Weight Class 125 Pounds << Projected Starter: Pat McCaffrey A 2007 graduate of the University of Indiana High School, Pat McCaffrey wrestled in multiple states as a prep, including Colorado Springs where he has spent the last few years. As a freshman, he won the 2004 Illinois State Championship at 103 pounds and led Montini High School to the team title. A year later, he was once against a state champion, this time wrestling for Centerville High School in Centerville, Iowa. In March of 2005, he moved to Colorado Springs to train at the at the Olympic Training Center where he took part in senior events. Twice he was a Junior World bronze medalist, claiming recognition in the summers of 2005 and 06, and in 2004, he won the Junior National Championship. >> Burnett on McCaffrey Pat is a proven winner at every level and that includes being a two-time bronze medalist in international competition. He understands how to compete and what it means to compete. His work ethic is outstanding. I m truly expecting great things from Pat... from the entire weight class, in fact. It s one of the strongest 125-pound groups we ve had since I ve been here. >> Challengers: Prescott Garner, Tyler Sackett, Allan Stein, A 2007 graduate of West Linn High School, Garner was a three-time placewinner at the Oregon State Wrestling Championship and a two-time All-American. Last year, he placed third at the NCWA Nationals. Skutt Catholic High School graduate Sackett was a four-time Nebraska State Individual Champion ( ). Additionally, he led Skutt Catholic to four consecutive Nebraska State Team Championships ( ). Stein turned in an record last season as the Mids starting 125-pounder, including a 3-7 dual mark. He is the lone wrestler in the weight class with collegiate experience. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite McCaffrey Rk. NWCA/InterMat Escobedo - Indiana NA Amateur Wrestling News Escobedo - Indiana NA W.I.N. Magazine Escobedo - Indiana NA 141 Pounds << Projected Starter: Joey Breen Sophomore Joey Breen split his time a year ago between 133 and 141 pounds. By the turn of the calender year, he bulked up to 141. As a rookie, he posted a 5-9 record and represented the Mids at the EIWA Championship. >> Burnett on Breen Joey has experience and hard work on his side. He has put in a lot of time on the mat in the spring and summer and I feel as though he s done the things he s needed to do to make the national tournament in the spring. >> Challengers: Dustin Haislip, Caleb Levee, John Majka, Matt Pagan Musselman High School graduate Haislip was a three-time state champion who amassed a record during his championship run. He was the recipient of the 2007 Robert Dutton Award given to the state s top wrestler, as well as the state recipient of the 2007 Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. Awarded annually since 1996, the award is given to high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service... placed second at the 2008 NCWA National Championships while at NAPS Levee produced a 6-7 record as a junior, turning in a fine performance at the Navy Classic where he placed sixth. He owns a career record. A 2008 graduate of St. Rita High School, Majka was a two-time conference title winner who placed fourth at the Illinois State Championship as a junior and third as a senior. He also finished among the top eight as a freshman and sophomore. Pagan returns for his junior campaign after turning in a 13-9 record a year ago. He, too, will push up a weight class after wrestling last season at 133. Posted fourthplace finishes at both the Eastern Michigan Open and the Navy Classic last season. He owns a career mark. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Breen Rk. NWCA/InterMat J Jaggers - Ohio State NA Amateur Wrestling News J Jaggers - Ohio State NA W.I.N. Magazine J Jaggers - Ohio State NA 133 Pounds << Projected Starter: Joe Baker A three-time NCAA qualifier, Joe Baker returns for his senior campaign after capturing eighth place at the 2008 NCAA Championship and receiving All-America recognition. He has the opportunity to become only the fifth wrestler in program history to make a fourth appearance at the NCAA Championship should he qualify this season. He is coming off a mark that featured a 5-3 dual record. He made an incredible run at the end of the year, winning 11 of his final 14 matches that included title wins at the All-Academy Championship, as well as his first EIWA Championship crown. Along the way, he earned a 10-5 win over Army s Whitt Dunning to lead the Mids to their eighth consecutive win against their arch rivals. He entered the EIWA Championship as the No. 4 seed and upset top-seeded and No. 2-ranked Mike Grey, 5-4, in the semifinals. He then defeated 18th-ranked and third-seeded David Marble in the championship bout, 5-4. He took an eight-match winning streak into the National Championship where he won his first two bouts of the tournament, including a 3-1 decision over No. 6-ranked Lou Ruggirello of Hofstra. Ranked in all preseason polls, he heads into his final year boasting a career record, including a 17-8 dual meet mark. >> Burnett on Baker Joe s dream came true by standing on the podium last year, but he has the potential to finish even higher. There s no question that he wants it even more now that he s tasted it. Last year didn t come very easy for Joe, but he has an understanding of what it takes to succeed. He s the returning EIWA Champion in a tough class and I see him having a great senior year. >> Challengers: Joey Boone, Aaron Kalil After battling to stay at 125 pounds as a freshman, Boone will push up a class and serve as Baker s backup. He turned in a 6-5 record a year ago that featured a second-place finish at the All-Academy Championship. A 2007 graduate of Salem High School, Kalil was a three-time New Hampshire State Champion ( ) who amassed a record during his championship string. Wrestling at NAPS in 2008, he turned in a 32-5 record and was crowned the NCWA National Champion. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Baker Rk. NWCA/InterMat Slayton - Iowa 6th Amateur Wrestling News Slayton - Iowa 8th W.I.N. Magazine Slayton - Iowa 7th 6

3 149 Pounds << Projected Starter: Bryce Saddoris One of the most successful freshman wrestlers in recent memory, Bryce Saddoris turned in a record in his rookie campaign, becoming only the third wrestler in school history to win 30 matches as a freshman. His 35 wins are the second most by a Navy rookie, while setting a Navy record for most single-season wins at 149 pounds. Additionally, he sits tied for 12th on the Mids single-season wins list. In his first season, he placed in six of the eight tournaments in which he competed third at Eastern Michigan Open, third at Navy Classic, third at Reno Tournament of Champions, seventh at Southern Scuffle, first at All-Academy Championship and third at EIWA Championship. He posted a 4-2 record in dual action, including a 7-3 victory over Maryland s Eric Medina in his first collegiate dual. He also pinned (2:21) Army s Thome in the annual Star Match to give the Mids the lead for good and guide Navy to its eighth straight win over the Black Knights. He posted a 5-1 record in his first EIWA Championship appearance, placing third and earning an NCAA Championship berth. Though he dropped both matches in his first NCAA Championship appearance, the opportunity to wrestle at that level will prove to be an invaluable experience. >> Burnett on Saddoris Bryce is a proven winner at his weight class. Look no further than what he was able to accomplish in his first season. The opportunity to compete on a national level will prove to be beneficial for him this season. I think it let him know that he belonged and it also gave him a better understanding of what it takes to earn a spot on that podium. I feel confident that he ll surpass what he did on the mat last year and look for him to get on that podium this spring. >> Challengers: Kyle O Neill, Cory Vernon O Neill returns for his junior campaign after moving up a weight class in the middle of the season a year ago. He owns an 8-11 career record. A four-year standout wrestler at Hackettstown High School, Vernon capped his wrestling career as a New Jersey state placewinner before spending the academic year at the Naval Academy Prep School. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Saddoris Rk. NWCA/InterMat Metcalf - Iowa 18th Amateur Wrestling News Metcalf - Iowa NA W.I.N. Magazine Metcalf - Iowa 20th 157 Pounds << Projected Starter: Joel Ahern Joel Ahern returns for his senior campaign in what he hopes to be a healthy year on the mat. Battling a back injury sustained early in the year, he finished the season with a 12-6 record, including a 4-3 mark in dual action. He opened the year with a second-place finish at the Navy Classic and competed at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, as well as the Reno Tournament of Champions. He captured a 4-0 decision over Columbia s Matt Dunn at the Lone Star Duals to help lead the Mids to their 23rd consecutive win over the Lions. Additionally, he won a pivotal match over Colton Palmer, 5-2, to guide the Mids to a win over NC State in Annapolis. Following the completion of the collegiate season, he attended the ASICS University Nationals where he was the freestyle runner-up at 70 kg (154.5 pounds). He won five matches en route to earning a spot in the title bout. Ahern owns a career record, including a 7-5 edge in dual matches. >> Burnett on Ahern Joel has struggled with injuries over the last few years, but he looks good and had a great spring and summer on the mat. I was especially impressed with his second-place finish (70 kg) at the University Nationals. It s his senior year and he has put the time in. It s time for him to reap the rewards. >> Challengers: Robby Neill, Dustin Packard, Glenn Shober Neill finds himself in perhaps the deepest weight classes this season in what could be a breakthrough season. Though he saw action in just a pair of varsity matches a year ago, the coaching staff sees a bright future ahead for Neill. Packard, who owns a 9-8 career record, saw limited action a year ago, posting a 2-2 mark at the Navy Classic. Entering his junior year, Shober has high hopes for the season ahead. Last year he moved down to 141 pounds where he struggled making weight and fell victim to injury. This season, however, he has pushed up two weight classes and looks to return to the form that had his coaches talking about him during his rookie campaign. A physically gifted wrestler, Shober has the tools to wrestle at a national level. Like several of his teammates, Shober gained a great deal of experience last spring wrestling at the ASICS University Nationals where he turned in a 3-2 record. Shober heads into the year owning a record. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Ahern Rk. NWCA/InterMat Leen - Cornell NA Amateur Wrestling News Leen - Cornell NA W.I.N. Magazine Leen - Cornell NA 7

4 165 Pounds << Projected Starter: Matt DeMichiel Sophomore Matt DeMichiel saw a fair amount of action in his rookie season, posting a 14-9 overall record and 2-3 dual meet mark. He opened the year with wins in seven of his first nine matches and placed second at the Nittany Lion Open. He also competed at the Reno Tournament of Champions (2-2) and the Southern Scuffle (3-2). In dual action, he turned away Columbia s Joe Kushnerick at the Lone Star Duals, 4-1, and won an impressive match against Wisconsin s Dan Clum with a pin at 3:44. If there is a flaw in DeMichiel s performance, it s inconsistency. However with a year of experience behind him, he s expected to rise to the challenge this winter. >> Burnett on DeMichiel Matt is coming into the season with a great deal of confidence and expects to win the starting job. He had a solid spring was one of a handful of guys who gained great experience at the University Nationals. Matt showed flashes of brilliance a year ago, now he needs to learn how to sustain it. >> Challengers: Mike Brant, Jason Coyne, Paul DeLuca A 2008 graduate of Westmont Hilltop High School, Brant was a three-year conference all-star who also garnered All-State (Pa.) kudos his senior year. He led the wrestling team to the 2007 District 6 Championship and in 2008, the program placed fourth at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championship. Coyne heads into his senior season with a career mark. Coming off a broken foot, Coyne turned in a record in his junior year that was capped by a thirdplace finish at the All-Academy Championship. DeLuca has seen minimal action in his first two seasons, however, he could see more time in his junior year. The Cheswick, Pa.., native owns a 2-4 career record. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite DeMichiel Rk. NWCA/InterMat Marable - Missouri NA Amateur Wrestling News Marable - Missouri NA W.I.N. Magazine Marable - Missouri NA 174 Pounds << Projected Starter: Luke Rebertus A 2007 graduate of Caravel Academy in Bear, Del., Luke Rebertus has huge shoes to fill. For the last four years, the Navy coaching staff has relied upon two-time All-American Matt Stolpinski for great things. While Bruce Burnett is not looking to replace Stolpinski per se, he does feel like he has a fine individual in Rebertus to step into the starting role. Rebertus was a three-time state champion ( ) who turned in a combined record. He spent the academic year at the Naval Academy Prep School where he was named the team MVP. >> Burnett on Rebertus Let me start off by saying that you can t replace a Matt Stolpinski. That being said, somebody has to step up and fill that void. Luke has proven himself, even at a young age. His wrestling skills are probably better than what Matt s were coming in, but there is certainly a learning curve. He s strong, consistent, has a solid offense and counter offense. Right now, he s lacking college experience. I m really looking forward to seeing how he progresses. >> Challengers: Mike Billings, Anthony Laurita Billings, a junior, has yet to see any varsity action. Laurita heads into his junior season toting a 2-6 career record. Last fall, he produced a 2-2 record at the Navy Classic and has the ability to see more time this year. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Rebertus Rk. NWCA/InterMat Luke - Michigan NA Amateur Wrestling News Luke - Michigan NA W.I.N. Magazine Luke - Michigan NA 184 Pounds << Projected Starter: Casey Caldwell After seeing action in just 10 varsity matches in his first two seasons, Casey Caldwell experienced a break-out year last winter when he posted a record as the Mids starter. Additionally, he turned in a 5-2 dual meet record. Caldwell placed among the top four in two of the five tournaments in which he took part, including a third-place finish at the All- Academy Championship where he beat Norwich s Alex Whitney, VMI s Curtis Moore and Air Force s Jacob Devlin. He finished fourth at the Navy Classic where he won four in a row, including back-to-back major decisions over Liberty s Joe Colella and Ryan Dieter from McDaniel College. On the dual side of action, his fall (5:34) against American s Andy Semple sparked five straight dual wins. Put up a valiant effort in his first appearance at the EIWA Championship despite being sick. >> Burnett on Caldwell The one thing you can always count on from Casey is consistency. You always know what you are going to get from him. You know he s going to compete hard. It s unfortunate he was sick at last year s conference meet because he could have finished higher. Sometimes things are out of your control. It was still a gutsy performance from him. >> Challengers: Russ Kropp, Brad Pendock, Greg Prioleau Entering his junior season, Kropp has put together a career mark of 8-7. Last season he turned in a 4-4 record, posting 2-2 marks at both the Navy Classic and the Nittany Lion Open. Also a junior, Pendock has seen limited varsity action as he owns a 1-6 record. Prioleau has received high marks for the Navy coaching staff as he saw action in just one varsity match a year ago. Burnett has been pleased with his progress and looks for Prioleau to continue to improve with experience. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Caldwell Rk. NWCA/InterMat Pucillo - Ohio State NA Amateur Wrestling News Herbert - Northwestern NA W.I.N. Magazine Pucillo - Ohio State NA 8

5 197 Pounds << Projected Starter: Matt Reck OR Projected Starter: Philip Neese >> In his sophomore campaign, Matt Reck is hoping to fill the void left open by the graduation of Matt Parsons. Reck saw action in a pair of tournaments in his rookie campaign where he put together a 5-5 record. He opened the year by placing sixth at the Navy Classic which featured wins in three straight matches. Meanwhile, he turned in a 2-2 record at the Nittany Lion Open. It was there that he shut out Rutgers Lamar Brown, 6-0. To put that into context, Brown went on to finish as the runner-up at the EIWA Championship. >> Burnett on Reck Matt is probably the best athlete among our 197-pound group. It was a tough adjustment for Matt coming out of high school, but I feel like he s on track to have a solid year for us. He gave us a glimpse of what he s capable of doing after beating Rutgers Lamar Brown (finished 2nd at EIWA Championship), 6-0, at the Nittany Lion Open. Vying for the starting job, Philip Neese is the most experienced out of the 197 pounders. He owns a record, seeing most of his time on the mat as a junior (13-9). After an injury sidelined Matt Parsons, he was called upon in the American match where he faced the top-ranked wrestler in the country, Josh Glenn. That was the lone varsity match he competed in due to nagging injuries. >> Burnett on Neese Philip has been on our radar the last few years, he just hasn t surfaced. I think he sees an opportunity and it s up to him to act on it. He s been in the room and has some experience. Unfortunately he s encountered some setbacks with injuries the last year or so. >> Challengers: Charles Carafano, Adam Newton Producing a 3-4 record in his first two years, Carafano heads into his junior campaign looking for an opportunity to contribute. Last season he wrestled in the Navy Classic where he posted a 1-2 record. Newton spent his rookie season getting acclimated to Div. I wrestling and saw action among the JV squad. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Reck/Neese Rk. NWCA/InterMat Varner - Iowa State NA Amateur Wrestling News Varner - Iowa State NA W.I.N. Magazine Varner - Iowa State NA Heavyweight << Projected Starter: Scott Steele Coming off a spectacular collegiate season as well as a memorable summer, Navy team captain Scott Steele is on tap to accomplish great things in the near future. A year ago, he turned in an impressive 20-4 record as the backup to All-American Ed Prendergast. Winning 15 of his first 16 matches, including each of his first 10, he won tournament crowns at the Eastern Michigan Open and the Navy Classic by beating Prendergast in the title bout. He went on to place second at the Southern Scuffle and fourth at the Reno Tournament of Champions. He owns a record over his career, topping 20 wins in each of the last two seasons. In mid-april, he put together a 5-2 record to finish seventh in the 120 kg weight class at the 2008 U.S. Freestyle National Championship qualifying him for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He placed third at the Olympic Trials and was named to the U.S. Freestyle National Team. As a national team member, he was required to report to training camp in July where he served as Olympian Steve Mocco s training partner. Later in the month, he was invited by head coach Kevin Jackson to accompany Team USA to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics as Mocco s sparring partner and the alternate at 120 kg. >> Burnett on Steele Scott is just plain good. He s a physical specimen who has great wrestling skills and tremendous athletic ability. It was no surprise to me that he jumped onto the national scene, it just so happened that we also had Ed Prendergast who also proved himself a great wrestler. There s no doubt in my mind that Scott will pick up right where Ed left off. The experiences he had over the summer will certainly help his confidence. He has terrific insight and the expectation is that he ll be standing on that podium in the spring. >> Challengers: Joe Breaux, Mike Landis, Tyler Moyer After spending his first season at the Academy as a member of the football team, Breaux made the move to wrestling last season where he saw action in four varsity matches. Landis, a sophomore, competed primarily as a member of the JV a year ago. He turned in a combined 4-4 record in action at the Navy Classic and Nittany Lion Open After spending three seasons at 197 pounds, Moyer will push up and serve as a backup to Steele at heavyweight. Moyer owns a career record, winning 10 or more matches in each of his three seasons. Last year he turned in a record with his highest finish a fifth-place showing at the Navy Classic. Preseason Polls Preseason Favorite Steele Rk. NWCA/InterMat Rosholt - Oklahoma St. 5th Amateur Wrestling News Rosholt - Oklahoma St. 4th W.I.N. Magazine Rosholt - Oklahoma St. 6th 9