Bucknell (1-1) vs. Morgan State (0-0)
When: Sunday, Nov. 10 – 2 p.m.
Where: Hill Field House – Baltimore, Md.
Follow on Twitter: @Bucknell_WRST
Projected Bucknell Lineup:
125: Kade Davidheiser (1-1)
133: #13 Kurt Phipps (1-1)
141: #25 Dylan Chappell (2-0)
149: Braden Bower (1-1)
157: Cade Wirrnsberger (1-1)
165: Creed Thomas (0-0)
174: Myles Takats (2-0)
184: Logan Deacetis (1-1)
197: Dillon Bechtold (2-0)
285: Logan Shephard (0-2)
Rankings Intermat
Bucknell at a Glance:
• Bucknell aims to elevate its season record to 2-1 by securing a victory against Morgan State on Sunday afternoon.
• This competition marks a significant conference matchup as Morgan State has recently become a member of the EIWA, enhancing the stakes of the duel.
• The Bison enjoyed a strong showing in their inaugural dual last Sunday, overpowering Kent State 35-9 but faced a tough challenge against Maryland, losing 26-11.
• Four Bison grapplers made notable appearances in national rankings this past week, showcasing the team’s competitive edge.
• Bucknell recently garnered recognition for having the No. 25 recruiting class in the nation, according to Intermat.
• At the helm of the Bison is veteran head coach Dan Wirnsberger, who enters his 19th season with the program and celebrates his 20th year leading Bucknell’s wrestling team since its revival in 2005.
Bison Ranked
Kurt Phipps (133): 13th Intermat, 21st FloWrestling, 12th The Open Mat
Dylan Chappell (141): 25th Intermat, 21st FloWrestling,
Noah Mulvaney (165): 24th Intermat, 18th The Open Mat
Myles Takats (174): 27th Intermat
A Look Back at the Kent State & Maryland Duals
• Bucknell showcased an impressive performance against Kent State last Sunday, finishing with a commanding 35-9 victory. The Bison built an early 20-0 lead that highlighted their dominance before Kent State managed to secure a win.
• To assert their control, the Bison followed Kent State’s six-point score with a 15-0 run, effectively sealing the dual’s outcome in their favor.
• In contrast, Maryland proved to be a formidable opponent, taking a swift 18-8 lead over Bucknell and maintaining that advantage throughout the contest.
• Three key athletes from Bucknell—Dillon Bechtold (197), Dylan Chappell (141), and Myles Takats (174)—led their team with standout performances, each finishing the day with a perfect 2-0 record.
Scouting Morgan State/Series History
• Morgan State enters the upcoming duel eager to achieve its first dual victory of the season. The Bears will compete against Glenville State prior to facing Bucknell, adding vital experience to their roster.
• This event represents a historic occasion for Morgan State as they embark on their first dual competition as an EIWA member. The Bears have joined the association as the 12th team following the withdrawal of Ivy League schools.
• Having returned to competitive wrestling after a 25-year hiatus, Morgan State is now in its second year of action, led by the talented head coach Kenny Monday. Notably, they are the only historically black college and university (HBCU) competing at the Division II level.
• Bucknell and Morgan State will clash for the second time in history since their initial meeting in 1973. In their first encounter, the Bison claimed a decisive 33-9 victory, and last year, Bucknell triumphed once again with a 41-9 win at Davis Gym.
A Look Ahead
• Bucknell’s wrestling team is set for a challenging journey as they travel to Minnesota for a highly anticipated dual against a national powerhouse on Friday night at 8 p.m.
**Interview with Bucknell Wrestling Coach Dan Wirnsberger Ahead of the Nov. 10 Match Against Morgan State**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Wirnsberger. As you prepare for your matchup against Morgan State on November 10th, how are you and the team feeling about this upcoming dual?
**Coach Wirnsberger:** Thanks for having me! The atmosphere is really positive in the gym right now. We had a strong showing against Kent State and are looking to build on that momentum. Morgan State’s entry into the EIWA adds an exciting layer to the competition, so we are ready for a tough match.
**Interviewer:** Bucknell comes into this dual with a record of 1-1 after last week’s mixed results. What are some key takeaways from those earlier matches that you’ve emphasized heading into this one?
**Coach Wirnsberger:** Absolutely. Our dual against Kent State revealed the strength of our lineup; we executed our game plan effectively and set the tone early. However, against Maryland, we faced some challenges. I’ve emphasized the importance of consistency and executing our strategies, especially against an opponent like Morgan State, who we know will be hungry for a win.
**Interviewer:** Your lineup features some notable individual talent, including Kurt Phipps and Dylan Chappell, who are both ranked nationally. How crucial will they be to your strategy on Sunday?
**Coach Wirnsberger:** They are key components of our team. Kurt and Dylan have shown they can compete at a high level. If we can maximize their performances, it not only boosts our overall dual score but also inspires the rest of the squad. They are leaders both on and off the mat.
**Interviewer:** Looking at Morgan State, they are starting their season fresh and are also looking to make a statement. What are your thoughts on their team and how do you plan to counter their strengths?
**Coach Wirnsberger:** Morgan State has a lot of potential being a new EIWA member. We know they will be aggressive and eager to make a mark. We’ve been studying their past performances to identify opportunities. It’s about controlling the pace and being disciplined in our wrestling while also taking advantage of any openings.
**Interviewer:** what does a win against Morgan State mean for Bucknell as you look to navigate the rest of the season?
**Coach Wirnsberger:** A victory would not only improve our record but also help establish our dominance within the conference. This match is about creating a foundation for the rest of the season and showing that Bucknell Wrestling is a force to be reckoned with in the EIWA.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Wirnsberger. We wish you and the Bison team the best of luck on November 10th against Morgan State!
**Coach Wirnsberger:** Thank you! We appreciate the support.
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