Virginia Set For Tri-Dual With No. 24 Northwestern And SIUE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia wrestling team (2-1) returns to action on Wednesday (Dec. 29) when the Cavaliers take part in a tri-dual at Northwestern. Virginia will open the day against SIU Edwardsville (0-4) at 11 a.m. ET before closing the day against No. 24 Northwestern (0-0) at 3 p.m. ET.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION
There are no plans for a streaming broadcast or live stats at this time. Fans can get updates by following the program’s official Twitter account (@UVAWrestling).
A LOOK AT THE HOOS THIS SEASON
Virginia returns to action for the first time as a unit since sending a contingent to the Mat Town Open at the end of November (Nov. 28). Virginia is 2-1 in duals this season with victories on the road at American and Maryland with the lone loss coming in a tight battle with Campbell at home.
In open tournaments, the Cavaliers have had multiple champions at several open tournaments, including the Southeast Open and the Mat Town Open.
CAVALIERS IN THE RANKINGS
As a team, the Cavaliers are receiving votes in the coaches poll. Individually, Virginia has four wrestlers ranked in the latest InterMat rankings. Brian Courtney (14th – 133), Justin McCoy (16th – 165), Jay Aiello (16th – 197) and Quinn Miller (27th – 285) all represent the Hoos in the individual rankings.
AIELLO EXPECTED TO SEE FIRST ACTION OF 2021-22 SEASON
Jay Aiello is expected to see his first action of the 2021-22 season in the tri-dual on Wednesday. Aiello missed the early part of the season after competing at the U23 World Championships where he claimed the bronze medal at 97kg. Since returning, he has been working his way back down to 197 pounds to compete collegiately.
VIRGINIA PROBABLES
125: Patrick McCormick (2-4)
133: No. 14 Brian Courtney (3-0)
141: Dylan Cedeno (2-0)
149: Jarod Verkleeren (5-2)
157: Denton Spencer (2-1)
165: No. 16 Justin McCoy (7-0)
174: Justin Phillips (8-3) OR Krystian Kinsey (1-3)
184: Michael Battista (5-1)
197: No. 16 Jay Aiello (0-0)
285: No. 27 Quinn Miller (4-2)
A LOOK AT THE WILDCATS
Northwestern will be making its first appearance in dual competition on Wednesday. The Wildcats have sent wrestlers to the Michigan State Open and the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational – a tournament that saw Northwestern finish fourth overall with Ryan Deakin claiming the title at 157 pounds. The Wildcats also had four other wrestlers place, including a runner-up finish at 133 pounds from Chris Cannon. Northwestern currently has eight wrestlers ranked in the latest individual rankings.
NORTHWESTERN PROBABLES
125: No. 18 Mike DeAugustino OR Matt Vinci
133: No. 9 Chris Cannon
141: Frankie Tal Shahar OR Justin Benjamin
149: No. 4 Yahya Thomas
157: Trevor Chumbley
164: No. 33 David Ferrante
174: No. 20 Troy Fisher
184: Jon Halvorsen
197: No. 30 Andrew Davison
285: No. 14 Lucas Davison
A LOOK AT SIUE
The Cougars of SIUE enter the week with an 0-4 mark in dual competition after dropping the season-opener by criteria to Bellarmine, a pair of duals to Big 10 opponents Indiana and No. 23 Illinois, and a contest with Chattanooga.
SIUE PROBABLES
125: Austin Macias (0-0)
133: N/A
141: Saul Ervin (8-3)
149: Caleb Tyus (0-0)
157: Max Kristoff (3-10)
165: N/A
174: Kevin Gschwendtner (6-5)
184: Sergio Villalobos (3-4)
197: Ryan Yarnell (6-3) OR Austin Andres (4-4)
285: Aric Bohn (3-5) OR Colton McKiernan (7-3)