Mountaineers to host Lock Haven

The West Virginia wrestling team looks to continue their home stretch in a good fashion when they take on Lock Haven tonight.

Lock Haven comes into the bout at 3-7 (0-2 EWL). The Bald Eagles recently fell to No. 21 Edinboro 28-6.

During the match against Edinboro, Lock Haven was able to secure back-to-back wins at 157 and 165 with Aaron Fry and Seth Creasy, but it wasn't enough to ignite the Bald Eagles.

The Bald Eagles lost their first EWL match to Pittsburgh on the road 27-9. They will certainly try to come out on top in an upset bid against the Mountaineers tonight after falling in their first two EWL matches.

After the split of the EWL matches for the Mountaineers last weekend, West Virginia has six wrestlers ranked in the polls.

Redshirt senior Matt Ryan holds WVU's highest individual ranking in multiple polls, coming in at No. 17 by InterMat, No. 18 by Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine, and No. 20 by Wrestling Report and Amateur Wrestling News.

Also coming in ranked for the Mountaineers are Shane Young, Nathan Pennesi, Michael Morales, Lance Bryson, and Brandon Williamson.

"That's all very good," said head coach Craig Turnbull. "It's something we don't put a lot of focus on. It's good for building some interest in the program, and it's recognition for the hard work the guys are putting in. It's not something that should take a lot of their attention."

Turnbull feels that last weekend's victory over Clarion was good for the squad in terms of progression.

"They're much more attentive to the details in their preparation," Turnbull said. "I want to believe it's going to help us. We definitely respect every opponent and get our best wrestling out every time we have an opportunity to wrestle. They have to bring the preparation the best they can with intensity and focus."

Lock Haven will be an opponent on the rebound this Friday night. Turnbull realizes this is never easy to deal with.

"We're going to respect every opponent exactly the same whether it's Penn State, Maryland, Michigan State, whoever," Turnbull said. "I know they're very well coached and I know they come from a very rich wrestling tradition. I'm more concerned with our preparation, our intensity, our effort, and how we are ready to wrestle another match."

Action takes place at the WVU Coliseum at 7:30 p.m.