By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director
MONT ALTO, Pa. – The Penn State Mont Alto wrestling program and head coach Chris Leese announced the addition of eight new wrestlers who are expected to make an immediate impact during the 2019-20 season.
"This is our largest recruiting class to date, I certainly have high expectations from this group," remarked Leese. "I am excited to see how these eight talented wrestlers perform this season and can't wait to hit the ground running once we begin practicing in the fall. I am expecting this to be our best season yet."
The new additions to the Mont Alto wrestling team will join a talented crop of returning student-athletes including Mason Blank (Lancaster, Pa. / Lampeter-Strasburg), Bryce Palamar (Smithsburg, Md. / Williamsport), Dominick Hyatt (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area) and Joe Mays (Glen Rock, Pa. / Susquehannock). The program is expected to have close to a full lineup this season as they're coming off 10-10 dual record and they had four wrestlers qualify for the NCWA National Championships including both Mason Blank (Lancaster, Pa. / Lampeter-Strasburg) and Bryce Palamar (Smithsburg, Md. / Williamsport).
MEET THE NEW NITTANY LIONS:
Conner Herron
5-8 | Projected weight: 141/149 pounds
High School Record: 76-30
Fredrick, Md. / Tuscarora High School
Major: Business
Coach Leese's Take: Conner will help give us depth in the middle weight classes and was a great late addition to our recruiting class.
Jack Coulston
5-9 | Projected weight: 141/149 pounds
High School Record: 89-40
Carlisle, Pa. / Boiling Springs High School
Major: Division of Undergraduate Studies
Coach Leese's Take: Jack is a two-time PA state qualifier and I expect him to contribute immediately to our team. He will be pushing our other wrestlers in the room and that will improve the quality of wrestling here at Mont Alto.
John Halbrendt
5-9 | Projected weight: 157 pounds
High School Record: 68-50
Gettysburg, Pa. / Gettysburg Area High School
Major: Division of Undergraduate Studies
Coach Leese's Take: John can make an immediate impact in the room. I expect him to be very competitive this season at both our duals and tournaments that we compete in.
Nick Kostyak
5-10 | Projected weight: 165/174 pounds
High School Record: 100-62
Carlisle, Pa. / Boiling Spring High School
Major: Business
Coach Leese's Take: Nick is another Pennsylvania state qualifier with 100-wins. I am expecting him to have a very successful freshman season. He will make a big impact in the room and I believe he will make a seamless transition into collegiate wrestling.
Isaiah Aviles
5-10 | Projected weight: 184 pounds
High School Record: 17-27
Cheltenham, Pa. / Cheltenham High School
Major: Engineering
Coach Leese's Take: Isaiah is a very hard-working individual who will improve our upper weights. He will be battling two to three other wrestlers for a starting spot.
Ron Schilpp
6-1 | Projected weight: 184 pounds
High School Record: 78-31
Severna Park, Md. / Severna Park Senior High School
Major: Nursing
Coach Leese's Take: Ron is a great addition to our upper weight class and will make our team stronger. He comes from a pretty reputable wrestling program in Maryland and should have an immediate impact.
Colby Mattice
5-9 | Projected weight: 184/197 pounds
High School Record: 44-32
Colonie, N.Y. / Colonie Central High School
Major: Division of Undergraduate Studies
Coach Leese's Take: Colby will help us complete the lineup in the upper weights. He is a competitor that will wrestle where he is needed and that is a great attitude to have.
Eric Wilson
5-7 | Projected weight: 235 pounds
High School Record: 10-24
Carlisle, Pa. / Boiling Spring High School
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Coach Leese's Take: Eric will be wrestling either at 235 or 285, depending on our competition. He has great potential and I'm excited to work with him here in the fall as well as throughout the season helping him reach his goals.
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