University of Chicago Maroons (Midwest Region)
Head Coach: Leo Kocher
Years at School as head coach: 34
Assistant Coaches: Joe Bochenski, Ron Groves, Aaron Gomoll, Troy Carlson, Wes Rosamilia, Ben Adams, Phil Kruzel, Adam Shoger, Khashayar Sarrafi
2011-2012 Dual Meet Record: 8-6
2011-2012 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Sam Pennisi (184)
Returning Qualifier: Sam Pennisi
Top returning starters with accomplishments: Sam Pennisi (184, NQ) – Palmisano (197, d3wrestle.com All-Freshman Team), Willie Long (133, 6th Region), Ryley Hankenson (174, 6th Region), Frankie Acosta (141, 5th Region)
Top incoming wrestlers: Alex Moore (4th Ironman, 2nd OH)
Season outlook:
Leo Kocher enters his 35th season in Chicago and returns a fairly deep team with some returning wrestlers who were knocking on the door of the NCAA tournament last season. Sam Pennisi was their lone qualifier, and he returns at 184. Mario Palmisano made the d3wrestle.com All-Freshman team and placed fifth in a region that had three All-Americans in 2012 at 197. Senior Jim Layton was the 3rd seed at the regional at 165 and will drop to 157 for 2012-2013. Chicago will need the depth their returning regional placewinners provide, as they have been placed in arguably the toughest region and will need a good performance out of their returners and new 125 lb. Ohio state runner up Alex Moore to get near the top of the standings.
Chicago has quietly put together a strong wrestling room that push each other. Outstanding students who are also good wrestlers are beginning to see that Chicago is a ‘must consider’ choice.
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