Navy Wrestling's Early Season Progress
Navy wrestling gained valuable insights during its opening weekend, competing against No. 21 Pittsburgh and hosting the annual Navy Classic. Coach Cary Kolat assessed the team’s growth compared to last season.
Season Opener Against Pittsburgh
On Saturday, Navy fell 20-12 to Pittsburgh, which returned most of its starters and held the 21st spot in the National Wrestling Coaches Association preseason rankings. Although disappointed by the loss, Kolat was encouraged by Navy's more competitive performance compared to last year’s 35-3 defeat against the Panthers.
Navy Classic Performance
On Sunday, Navy placed third out of 10 teams at the 47th annual Navy Classic, facing strong competition including Pitt and national powerhouse Nebraska, ranked second in the preseason poll. Navy currently is in the “others receiving votes” category of the Top 25.
Coach Kolat’s Perspective
“It comes down to who is ready to perform when the season starts. We eased in last year and it was a wake-up call. We started to perform better as the season went on,”
Kolat, now in his sixth season, has emphasized the importance of a strong start since preseason practices began months ago.
Team Composition and Challenges
- The lineup for the season opener included three juniors, two seniors, three plebes, and two sophomores, blending youth with experience.
- A significant loss is at 141 pounds, where Navy must replace All-American Josh Koderhandt, who ranks 13th in program history with 106 career wins.
Author's summary: Navy wrestling shows clear improvement this season, competing stronger than last year and aiming to build momentum under Coach Kolat’s leadership despite key player losses.
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