Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford wrestling team returns to action in 2022-23 for its 4th competition season. The Panthers will wrestle under the direction of second-year head coach Blake Heim.

"We are really excited for this season to start," said Heim. "We have a much larger roster this season, so not only will we be able to fill most of the weight classes in duals, but our practices will be much better as our guys will wrestle with multiple teammates, letting them wrestle multiple different styles every day."

The Panthers got off to a slow start last season but were able to pick it up after the break, winning three dual meets while wrestling more competitively in many others. In the win over Thaddeus Stevens, the Panthers set a program record for team points in a dual match, winning the contest 40-12. The Panthers received strong performances out of Victor Elias, Nate Powley, and Eli Hernandez, but were led by Tyler Newton. Newton, who was named a Scholar All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, joined the team in January and posted a 17-6 record over the final two months of the season. 

Looking forward to 2022-23, the Panthers will return some valuable experience and mix it with new blood to provide a strong team dynamic. "We have an experienced group of guys coming back, and some talented new wrestlers that will provide different backgrounds in the sport and help diversify our disciplines," said Heim.

The Panthers will begin their season at the Adrian Invitational on Saturday, November 2nd. They will wrestle away from home for the first half of the year but will open 2023 by hosting the new AMCC quad match. With the addition of Hiram to the AMCC as an associate member, the conference now contains four teams that will contend for a conference crown. The first home match of the season will take place on Saturday, January 7th.