Pitt wrestling lands two commits in Cole Matthews and Luke Kemerer

The Pitt wrestling team got a nice boost this weekend with the addition of two recruiting commits. Two local kids, Cole Matthews and Luke Kemerer, both committed to the Panthers via Twitter.

With the addition of Louis Newell last week, that gave the Panthers three local commits in the span of a week. Both are highly-touted 138-pounders and ranked in FloWrestling's top 20 in their weight class. Matthews in particular is a solid grab for new head coach Keith Gavin. He won the state title at 138 pounds last year and is the No. 49 overall wrestler in the entire nation, according to FloWrestling. They have Matthews as the nation's No. 5 138-pounder and Kemerer at No. 19.

PAPowerWrestling.com also has both well regarded. That site lists Matthews as the No. 6 wrestler in the state for 2018 and has Kemerer down at No. 43.

Where both wind up at the collegiate level isn't known yet. They could drop down to 133 pounds, where Pitt will have a vacancy after the departure of senior Dom Forys, or they could also move up to 141 pounds. Pitt will have some room there, too, as Nick Zanetta, who currently occupies that spot, is also a senior. Either way, the Panthers need some fresh faces at those two weight classes and the addition of Matthews and Kemerer next year will help in that department.

The Panthers also have some other guys in the mix, including Virginia transfer Micky Phillippi. Phillippi is expected to challenge at 133 pounds after Forys leaves so my guess is at least one of these guys, if not both, would be at 141.

Two solid pickups here for the 2018 class and coach Keith Gavin not only because they're solid wrestlers, but because they're local kids and that's a point of emphasis for the program.

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