The West Virginia wrestling team will travel to Binghamton University Sunday to participate in the Binghamton Sprawl and Brawl.
This will be the Mountaineers’ first dual meet of the season.
West Virginia head coach Craig Turnbull feels this will be a good test for his team’s first dual meet.
"After a successful weekend at the (Washington and Jefferson Open) it will be interesting to see what kind of intensity we come out with," he said. "The team is excited for the dual meet season to start."
The veteran head coach feels the Mountaineers must come out with a high level of intensity this weekend to be successful against tough competition.
WVU will begin its day against Wyoming at 11:30 a.m. before squaring off against Illinois at 1:15 p.m.
"We have to come out ready to battle," Turnbull said. "We expect two very good matches from two very well coached teams."
Freshman Anthony Curcio will be filling in at the 125 lbs. weight class for his freshman counterpart Shane Young who, due to strained nerves in his neck, will be sitting out of the Sprawl and Brawl after a successful weekend.
Turnbull says he is excited to see how Curcio will perform.
Also making a debut in the dual meet for the Mountaineers is Trey Ayala, a 141 lbs. sophomore.
Ayala will replace senior Brandon Rader who will be inactive until next semester.
"I feel good about this team and how we have been preparing," he said. "We will be given two good challenges this weekend, and I am interested to see how we respond."
While the wrestlers on the dual meet roster will be in New York, the rest of the team will travel to Annapolis, Md., where they will compete in the Navy Classic.
The extra meet will provide valuable time on the mat to those who need it, according to Turnbull.
"In wrestling, you cannot substitute in the middle of a match like in other sports," Turnbull said. "This will give some of our guys a chance to gain some experience. It is a good way to keep everyone involved."
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