Looking Ahead for 2013-14 Greater Allegheny Wrestling

McKeesport, Pa. - The Penn State Greater Allegheny 2013-14 wrestling program begins the season looking for an improved year of competition.

Greater Allegheny is a little low on numbers when approaching the mat, contributing to short weight classes. Head coach Clay Karadus talks about how their backs are up against the wall in a sense when dealing with these short numbers. "There is nothing we can do when we don't have athletes who come out for the team who we need to fill weight classes," said Karadus. "We will perform well individually, just tough to win matches when we cannot fill the classes."

The team welcomes back return junior Matt Lago (Jeannette, Pa./Penn-Trafford) and sophomore Erik Rayman (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) to the squad after both wrestlers were National Qualifiers last season. "My expectations are for Matt and Erik to repeat last year and advance to the All-American status."

The wrestling squad also brings back returners junior Tyler McElahney (State College, Pa./State College High) and senior Steve Scott (Pittsburgh, Pa./Perry Traditional Academy) to show out solid efforts again, steamrolling from last season. 

GA greets four newcomers to the roster. "Freshman Mike Anderson (Herminie, Pa./Yough) and freshman Marcus Slivinski (Plainville, Ct./Plainville) withhold pretty good wrestling backgrounds to bring to the forefront, boosting Greater Allegheny's turnouts," said Karadus. Freshman Matt Yarbough (Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Allderdice) and freshman Colin Dalrymple (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) join the team to better the outcome throughout the season.

"The expectation of the season is to bring out solid efforts from each competitor," said coach Karadus.