Oct. 17, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst wrestling senior Don Cummings and sophomore Andy Lamancusa were voted as the top-ranked wrestler in their weight classes in the NCAA Division II East Region Presason Poll by a committee of four region coaches. The poll, which was released on Wednesday afternoon, placed the Lakers fourth out of 13 teams.

Also landing a spot in the individual top six was junior Payne Lint, who was ranked third at 125 pounds. Senior Hudson Harrsion was tabbed fourth in the 165-pound weight class after being a national qualifier in 2006-07 at 174.

Junior Bryan Wolff earned a sixth-place ranking at 184 pounds, and junior Trevor Gallo was listed at No. 3 in the 197-pound class. Junior Kenny Bluska was pegged No. 4 at 285 pounds.

Ahead of Mercyhurst in the poll was perennial favorite and defending region champion Pittsburgh-Johnstown at No. 1, Newberry ranked third, and Limestone was slotted in third. The Lakers were picked one spot ahead of Gannon.

In 2006-07, the Lakers finished second at the East Region Championships with Cummings, Lamancusa and Lint all capturing individual titles. Lamancusa went on to place sixth at nationals, and was one of three Lakers to earn All-America honors.

Lamancusa and Cummings finished with 22 and 21 wins respectively last year, ranking third and fourth on the team.

Mercyhurst's other two All-Americans, J.J. Zanetta (141) and Zack Schafer (165) both graduated at season's end, but with the preseason poll as an indicator, the Lakers seem poised for another region title run.

This season, the Lakers will be under the direction of new head coach Mike Wehler, who comes to Mercyhurst after three seasons at West Liberty State. He replaces Tony Cipollone, who left the coaching ranks after being promoted to associate athletic director at Mercyhurst.

Mercyhurst opens the 2007-08 campaign against Edinboro in the Avalon Duals on Saturday, Nov. 3. The Lakers will also square off against Division I Army and Maryland that afternoon.