Derry's Micky Phillippi, Pitt wrestling have big plans

Micky Phillippi has set some high goals for this upcoming and shortened wrestling team.

The Derry graduate and Pitt senior wants to win an ACC title and an NCAA title.

He, along with numerous other wrestlers, was denied a chance in 2020 after the national tournament was canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

But Phillippi didn’t sulk about it. He continued to train hard and prepare for the 2021 season, which began Jan. 3 with the Panthers rallying to defeat Navy, 22-14.

Phillippi won his match 8-3 against Jacob Allen at 133 pounds.

“It was a good start,” Phillippi said. “Navy is always a tough opponent. They were able to expose some of our weaknesses. But we’re ready to move forward. We were able to pull together as a team.”

Now No. 14 Pitt will host No. 17 Lehigh at 5 p.m. Saturday at Fitzgerald Field House.

No fans will be able to attend the match. It will be video streamed.

Pitt coach Keith Gavin said the team has worked hard despite the covid-19 protocols it must follow.

“We’re just grateful we have the opportunity to compete,” Gavin said. “We were really concerned when the Ivy League and PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) teams shut down. I feel good about our team.

“It’s going to be a tall task to dethrone North Carolina State. It has everyone back. But I feel we have a better tournament team than dual-meet team. We have some wrestlers who can rack up points.”

Because of the shortened season, Gavin feels it’s important for Colton Camacho (Franklin Regional), Cole Matthews (141 pounds) and Luke Kemerer (Hempfield) see good competition and work on their mistakes. Camacho competed at 125 and Kemerer at 149.

“Colton needs more competition, Cole needs to work on his offense and Luke has to overcome some minor mistakes he makes.”

Facing Lehigh will give his team a chance to work out those things.

Phillippi and Nico Bonaccorsi (197 pounds) are two of the wrestlers Gavin expects big things from, along with ACC Athlete of the Week winner Jake Wentzel (165 pounds) to pave the way.

Pitt trailed 14-3 but won the final five matches against Navy. Wentzel started things with a win. Bonaccorsi and heavyweight Jake Slinger (Upper St. Clair) finished it off with technical-fall wins.

“I like our chances this season,” Phillippi said. “We have a good mixture of young and old wrestlers. Navy was a good test for us. Coach has set up multiple things to make us better.

“Everyone in the room is pushing each other. We got off to a slow start against Navy. We must improve that.”