Season Preview: 197 & 285:

Junior Ronnie Ellsworth is projected to start for the Keydets at 197 lbs.  Elected as a co-captain this season, Ellsworth started a majority of the team’s duals at 197 for each of the past two seasons.  One of the strongest grapplers on the squad, the hope is that increased strength will give Ellsworth the edge he needs to break through, turning narrow losses into solid wins at an important weight class.  If that becomes the case, Ellsworth could be a darkhorse to make a run at a SoCon Championship, though competition will be tough throughout the league. Sophomore Dion Mosley competed in just one event last season, but could see increased action while backing up Ellsworth at 197 lbs. this season.

The story at 285 lbs. for VMI begins and ends with junior Josh Wine.  A two-time defending Southern Conference Champion when not competing for the Keydet football team, Wine enters this season as the league’s Preseason All-Conference pick at heavyweight, while also earning Preseason Top 20 accolades from national media outlets.  After an impressive showing as a freshman at the NCAA Championships, the Fredericksburg, Va. native is coming off a disappointing showing at last year’s event.  That could provide motivation for the dual-sport athlete to take the next step on the wrestling mat.

Coach Trudgeon on 197 & 285 Weight Class