Navy Wrestling Shows Progress with Strong Start
Navy wrestling gained valuable insights during its opening weekend, competing against No. 21 Pitt and hosting the annual Navy Classic. Coach Cary Kolat assessed the team’s growth since last season through these challenges.
Competitive Matches Mark Improvement
On Saturday, Navy lost 20-12 to Pittsburgh, a team retaining most of its starters and ranked 21st in the National Wrestling Coaches Association preseason poll. Though disappointed by the loss, Kolat noted the Midshipmen’s much closer performance compared to last year’s 35-3 defeat against the Panthers.
Performance at Navy Classic
The following day, Navy finished third out of 10 teams at the 47th Navy Classic, which included strong competitors like Pitt and Nebraska, ranked second preseason nationally. Navy sits in the “others receiving votes” segment of the Top 25.
Coach Kolat’s View on Preparation
“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 starting strong since preseason began.
Team Composition and Key Changes
- The lineup included three juniors and two seniors, balanced with three plebes and two sophomores, indicating a blend of youth and experience.
- The biggest challenge is replacing All-American Josh Koderhandt at 141 pounds, who holds 106 career wins, ranking 13th in Navy’s program history.
Summary: Navy wrestling has made clear progress this season, showing increased competitiveness and potential for growth with a blend of young talent and experienced wrestlers.