Video: #8 American University Wrestling Ready for Wrestle-Offs Sunday Afternoon

Full release as well as Coach Moore's video: http://aueagles.com/sports/m-wrestl/2011-12/releases/20111019

The eighth-ranked American University wrestling team will unofficially get its 2011-12 season underway with a intrasquad wrestle-off competition this Sunday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Landon School in Bethesda, Md. There will be 10 matchups on the afternoon as Head Coach Teague Moore begins to determine his starting lineup for the upcoming season. Admission is free for all.

The following are the 10 matchups, which will take place in this order. Moore shares this thoughts about each bout in this preview:

Thomas Williams (Senior, 125) vs. Chris Brienza (RS Freshman, 125)
Williams posted a 14-12 record last season, including three falls, two major decisions and one tech-fall. Brienza participated in open competition throughout the season, recording a 4-8 record on the campaign. "Thomas and Chris were both with the program last season and we look for an exciting match with lots of scramble positions and plenty of points," remarked Moore.

Glenn Donatelli (RS Junior, 133) vs. Corey Borshoff (RS Junior, 125)
Donatelli recorded an 8-12 record a season ago with two falls and one major decision. Borshoff picked up 12 victories in 22 overall matches, which included three falls, one tech-fall and one major decision. "Glenn and Corey will fight for the 133 starting position as both wrestlers look to break into the starting lineup for the first time this season," said Moore.

Matt Mariacher (RS Senior, 141) vs. Udit Thakur (RS Sophomore, 133)
An EIWA Champion, NCAA qualifier, and NWCA Academic All-American a year ago, Mariacher finished the season with a 33-9 record with eight major decisions. Thakur went 5-8 last year with one fall and one major decision. "Matt is currently ranked ninth in the country and his senior year should be filled with a lot of great action," Moore commented. "This match against Udit should be enjoyable for wrestling fans."

Kevin Tao (Junior, 141) vs. Tanner Shaffer (RS Junior, 149)
Tao picked up 18 victories a season ago in 33 overall appearances, including two falls and three major decisions. Shaffer was 10-16 last year, earning three major decisions. "These wrestlers are meeting in the middle from two drastically different 2011 wrestling seasons," said Moore. "Kevin is moving up from 133 while Tanner is coming down from competition at 174 as a fill in. It will be action packed because both of these wrestlers are offense oriented."

Ganbayar Sanjaa (RS Senior 157) vs. Assistant Coach Kyle Borshoff
Sanjaa, a 2011 All-American, posted a 26-8 record last season with two tech-falls and six falls. He was also a NWCA Academic All-American. "Ganbayar is current a top contender at 157 lbs," Moore commented. "Assistant Coach Kyle Borshoff will step in to help fill the bout card and take on Ganbayar, which will without a doubt be a technical chess match."

Mark Cirello (RS Freshman, 157) vs. Sean McCarty (RS Junior, 157)
Cirello was an even 5-5 last year in open competition with two falls and three major decisions. McCarthy was 7-8 last year including two tech-falls and one major decision. "Mark and Sean are looking to secure starting positions and help make complete the solid lineup for us this season," remarked Moore. "These student-athletes have worked hard over the summer to build themselves into 165 lbs wrestlers. This matchup will show the passion and sacrifice both have made to find success and a spot in the starting lineup."

Phillip Barreiro (RS Junior, 174) vs. Undergraduate Student Assistant Coach Steve Fittery
Barreiro won six of his 20 overall matches last year, which included a fall. "All-American Steve Fittery will help battle Phillip as he prepares for another season as the starter at 174 lbs," said Moore. "Phillip and his brother Thomas have made the full commitment to training year round here at American."

Thomas Barreiro (RS Junior, 184) vs. Assistant Coach Pete Friedl
Barreiro was 9-25 a season ago, which included two major decisions. "Thomas takes on Assistant Coach Pete Friedl as he prepares for another season at the 184 starter," said Moore. "Pete was a three-time All-American for Illinois at this weight so Thomas will get a good measurement of his current ability and where he can improve from here."

Ryan Flores (RS Senior, HWT) vs. Blake Herrin (RS Sophomore, HWT)
The national runner-up and an All-American, Flores posted a 26-6 record last season with 10 falls, two tech-falls and three major decisions. He was also the EIWA Champion and a NWCA Academic All-American last season. Herrin finished last season with a 17-5 mark in open competition with four major decisions and one fall. "Ryan comes in as the No. 2 ranked HWT in the country but Blake has learned well from his time in the room with Ryan," stated Moore.  "Both wrestlers are arguably top HWT's in the country. It's great for American fans to know that we have great talent at this weight for the 2012 and the seasons to follow."

Thomas Williams (Senior, 125) vs. David Terao (Freshman, 125)
Williams will compete for a second time on the afternoon against Terao, a freshman from Honolulu, Hawaii. "Thomas will get a second match vs redshirt freshman David Terao," said Moore.  "David was second at the prestigious Junior National Championships in Fargo, N.D. this summer.  As most light weight matches go, this bout should keep the scoreboard changing and wrestling fans smiling!"

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Howard Smith
Assistant Director of Athletics Communications
American University
Office: (202) 885-3032
Cell: (202) 531-0160