Navy Wrestling Evaluates Progress After Opening Weekend
Navy wrestling gained valuable insights about its performance during the opening weekend, which included a match against No. 21 Pitt and participation in the annual Navy Classic.
Dual Meet Against Pittsburgh
Coach Cary Kolat assessed the team’s development compared to last season after the Midshipmen lost 20-12 to Pittsburgh. The Panthers, ranked 21st in the National Wrestling Coaches Association preseason poll, returned most of their starters. Although the loss was disappointing, Kolat noted the team was significantly more competitive than last year’s 35-3 defeat to the same opponent.
Performance at the Navy Classic
The team placed third out of 10 at the 47th annual Navy Classic, which featured strong competitors such as Pitt and Nebraska, ranked second nationally in the preseason poll. Navy currently holds a position just outside 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, in his sixth season as head coach, has emphasized the importance of a strong start since preseason practice began.
Team Composition and Key Challenges
- The lineup for the opener included a mix of experience and youth: three juniors, two seniors, three plebes, and two sophomores.
- The team faces a major gap to fill at 141 pounds, where they lost All-American Josh Koderhandt, who ranks 13th in program history with 106 career wins.
Author's summary: Navy wrestling showed notable improvement over last season, with a stronger competitive presence and a balanced team ready to build momentum under Coach Kolat’s guidance.