Navy Wrestling Shows Improvement in Early Season
Navy wrestling gained valuable insights during their opening weekend as they faced No. 21 Pittsburgh and hosted the annual Navy Classic. Coach Cary Kolat assessed the team's progress compared to last season.
Weekend Results and Performance
On Saturday, Navy lost 20-12 to a Pittsburgh team that kept most of its starters and was ranked 21st in the National Wrestling Coaches Association preseason poll. Despite the loss, Kolat was encouraged that Navy was far more competitive than the previous year’s 35-3 defeat to Pitt.
On Sunday, Navy finished third out of 10 teams at the 47th Navy Classic, which featured strong teams including Pittsburgh and Nebraska, the second-ranked team in the preseason poll. Navy is currently among the others receiving votes in the Top 25 rankings.
Coach Cary Kolat’s Perspective
“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, emphasized the importance of a strong season start, something he has consistently stressed since practices began months ago.
Team Composition and Challenges
- The lineup for the season opener included a mix of experience and youth: three juniors, two seniors, three plebes, and two sophomores.
- A significant challenge is filling the 141-pound spot following the departure of All-American Josh Koderhandt, who is 13th in program history with 106 career wins.
Navy wrestling is showing progress and a competitive spirit as the season begins, aiming to build further success throughout the year.
Summary: Navy wrestling demonstrates clear growth from last year, balancing youth and experience while aiming for a strong start under Coach Kolat’s leadership.
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