Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford wrestling team will be back in action for its third season of NCAA competition this winter after missing the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Panthers enter the season in a new conference and under new leadership. In the summer of the Panthers joined the Eastern Collegiate Wrestling League in order to compete for a conference championship, as well as have the opportunity to be recognized by a conference for their work on the mat and in the classroom. The Panthers joined the league with fellow AMCC schools Penn State-Behrend and Alfred State and were set to begin competition in 2020 before the season was canceled. In the spring of 2021, assistant coach Blake Heim took the reins of the young program, replacing inaugural coach Colin Johnston.

"We are really looking forward to get back on the mat and compete," said Heim when asked about his season outlook. "The guys have been working hard and have made a ton of progress in the short time we have been able to practice."

The Panthers return 5 wrestlers from the 2019-20 campaign and have added many more, allowing the team to fill out the majority of weight classes in the 2021-22 season which will limit forfeits in the Panthers' dual matches. The Panthers will be led by seniors Eli Hernandez and Nate Powley.  In their last competitive season, Hernandez finished with an 18-11 record and was able to win his weight class at the Jamestown Open. Powley posted the 3rd most victories for the Panthers in 2019-20, winning 15 matches.

"We have several guys working their way down to their ideal weight class, but are really looking forward to having the opportunity to compete again," added Heim. "These first few tournaments will be a good test to gauge where we are at individually and as a program."

The Panthers will have 5 early season events before breaking for the holidays and returning in January to finish the season. They will compete at the ECWC Championships the weekend of January 15th and NCAA Regionals in March. They have 3 home events, with all of them being held in February.

 The Panthers begin their season on Saturday, November 6th, when they travel to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to wrestle in the Kings College Invitational.