Wrestling Team Gears Up For November Opening

With three NCAA Conference Championships since 2008, this year's wrestling season looks promising for the Terrapins.

Since 2009, the team has been ranked in the NCAA's top 20 teams, and has had six All-American wrestlers, including junior agriculture major Josh Asper.

"It's a lot of hard work; but, the older guys who are no longer here helped instill the right mindset. We train and work hard during every practice," said Asper, a Maryland native.

Sophomore wrestler Christian Boley agrees with his teammate Asper, and explains that it's also important to believe in their talent.

"It's not just hard work. You have to believe in what you're doing in order to succeed," said Boley.

With practices everyday and lifting three times a week, the student-athletes get a dynamic workout, but it takes much more to make the team successful.

Head assistant coach Todd Beckerman said they were able to take their time to build a good program and the right team with athletes from all over the country.

Since head wrestling coach Kerry McCoy started in May 2008, the program has seen many changes, such as the incorporation of video cameras and TVs in the wrestling facilities, allowing the wrestlers to examine the effectiveness of their techniques during practices.

Despite their exceptional record and innovative training, there are many University students still unaware of the high-ranking team.

"I've heard we have a good wrestling team. I've just not yet taken the time to check them out," said junior elementary education major Aidan Boyd.

Boyd, like many other students, knows little about team, and instead follows more publicized sports, such as the basketball and football.

However, McCoy is happy with the team's hard work and achievements, and hopes they will continue their success through the upcoming season, which officially starts in November.