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Pitt's No. 14 ranked wrestling team opened its season on Sunday with a dominant 35-3 win over Bloomsburg.
The Panthers return seven starters so there are new guys stepping up in three weight classes - 125 (left open by Anthony Zanetta), 133 (left open by Shelton Mack) and 285/Heavyweight (left open by P.J. Tasser). Newcomers in all three classes fared well and picked up wins.
At 125 pounds, true freshman Dom Forys picked up an easy technical fall, winning 22-6. Redshirt freshman Nick Zanetta (brother of Anthony) wrestled at 133 pounds picked up a sudden victory (OT) win, 6-4. Heavyweight John Rizzo won his match via pin.
Max Thomusseit won via pin at 184 pounds and other winners for Pitt also included Mikey Racciato (149), Ronnie Garbinsky (157), Eric Nutter (165), Troy Reaghard (174), and Nick Bonaccorsi (197).
A few regulars didn't go for Pitt. True sophomore Edgar Bright (141), Geno Morelli (165), and Tyler Wilps (174) all are expected starters but didn't go. The team's preview mentions some injuries to the team and Pitt even canceled their Blue-Gold scrimmage due to wanting to get some guys healthy. Morelli (out indefinitely) was the only one called out by name in the article, but this tweet from FloWrestling says Wilps' arm is broken. Yikes.
All in all, a lot of strong debuts. The competition will get tougher, but a great start to the season.
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