Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
EMU Open
Wrestling Set to Host EMU Open Saturday
11/4/2009 4:15:30 PM | Wrestling
18th annual EMU Open kicks-off 55th season of EMU wrestling
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EAGLES OPEN THE SEASON WITH EMU OPEN: The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team will embark on its 55th season of competition beginning Saturday, Nov. 7, when they host the 18th annual EMU Open. Wrestling will get underway at 9 a.m. The unattached event will feature Division I, II and III wrestlers from all corners of the country.
"This is a big week for EMU Wrestling," said fourth year Head Coach Derek DelPorto. "This is also great opportunity for the community and the local fans of college wrestling to watch some spectacular early season wrestling."
Six Eagles placed in last season's Open, which included a second place showing from J.J. Johnson in the 149 lbs. open division and a third place finish from Chris Eggert in the 174 lbs. freshman-sophomore division.
EXPECTATIONS ABOUND FOR SENIORS: A disappointing 7-11 (1-4 MAC) record in the 2008-09 campaign has left the Eagles hungry for a stronger, more inspired display in 2009-10. For EMU's seven graduating seniors, Justin Brandel, Sean Clair, Cody Hier, Chris Jenkins, Drew Lesko, Josh Lewis, and David Pienaar, the new season marks a final chance at a MAC title and a trip to the NCAA Championship. Saturday's Open will be an opportunity to tune-up for that quest.
"Going into the weekend, I am especially excited for our Seniors," said DelPorto. "This has been a much anticipated season and they need to get started on the right foot."
MEET THE NEWCOMERS: A busy off-season for EMU wrestling program has resulted in 11 additions to the roster for 2009-10: Gregory Egbert (Ypsilanti, Mich.-Ypsilanti) at 125 lbs., Jared Germaine (Saginaw, Mich.-Saginaw Valley) at 125 lbs., Greg Gogonas (Austin, Texas-James Bowie) at 125 lbs., Khodor Hobollah (Dearborn, Mich.-Dearborn) at 174 lbs., Phillip Joseph (Lapper, Mich.-Lapeer East) at 174 lbs., Mike LeHolm (Jackson, Mich.-Jackson Northwest) at 141 lbs., Cody Mutter (Kingsley, Mich.-Kingsley) at 165 lbs., Alex Ortman (Temperance, Mich.-Bedford) at 165 lbs., J.T. Rice (Hilliard, Ohio-Hilliard Davidson) at 157/165 lbs., Seth Schaner (Big Rapids, Mich.-Big Rapids) at 141 lbs., and Nick Whitenburg (Temperance, Mich.-Bedford) at 184 lbs.
The Eagles also welcome in new assistant coach Joe Pflug, who enters his first collegiate coaching position. Pflug is a 2009 graduate of Heidelberg University and was a 2006 NCAA National Champion and third place finisher in 2007.
JOHNSON RANKED IN PRESEASON POLL: Sophomore J.J. Johnson beings the season ranked third at 149 lbs. in the MAC preseason coaches poll. Johnson will look to improve on an already impressive 19-10 record last season, which was good for team best.Johnson is ranked ahead of Tony D'Alie from Central Michigan University and behind University at Buffalo's Desi Green and Kent State University's Matt Cathell, respectively.
CLOSE TO HOME: In addition to Saturday's EMU Open, the wrestling squad will compete seven more times in Ypsilanti this season. The Green and White will host Northwestern University and Michigan State University at Bowen Field House, Nov. 22, and Dec. 3, respectively. After more than a month of road matches, EMU take on Clarion University at the Convocation Center, Jan. 15.
The Eagles then kick-off a four-event homestand beginning Jan. 21, when they take on defending MAC Chpamion Central Michigan University at Bowen to begin conference duals. On Jan. 23, EMU will host the Eastern Duals featuring the University of Indianapolis, Thiel College and Olivet University. Conference bouts against the University at Buffalo and Northern Illinois University follow, Feb. 3, and Feb. 5.
After a Feb. 14 road matchup with Kent State University, EMU will close out the regular season at the Convocation Center against Ohio, Feb. 21.
EAGLES WRESTLING ON THE WEB: Don't forget to stay up-to-date with EMU wrestling all season long online at EMUEagles.com. Watch live-streamed EMU sporting events via Eagle All-Access and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/EMUAthletics.
