Army West Point Wrestling Schedule

The Army West Point wrestling team, also known as the Black Knights, has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. The team competes in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) and has produced numerous champions and All-Americans over the years. The wrestling schedule for Army West Point is always highly anticipated, as it features a mix of traditional rivals and up-and-coming opponents, providing an exciting season for both the athletes and the wrestling community.

2023-2024 Season: A Preview

The upcoming 2023-2024 season promises to be an action-packed one for Army West Point wrestling. With a blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the team is gearing up for a strong performance. Here's a glimpse of what the season holds:

Early Season Tournaments: Building Momentum

The Black Knights will kick off their season by participating in several prestigious early-season tournaments. These tournaments serve as a crucial platform for the team to assess their progress, gain valuable competition experience, and build momentum for the regular season.

One of the highlights of the early season is the Army Open, which is hosted by Army West Point itself. This tournament attracts wrestlers from across the country, providing an opportunity for the Black Knights to showcase their skills and test their mettle against a diverse range of opponents.

Additionally, the team will travel to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to compete in the Virginia Beach National Wrestling Championships. This prestigious tournament features some of the top wrestlers in the nation, offering Army West Point a chance to measure their abilities against the best.

Regular Season: A Tough Road Ahead

The regular season for Army West Point wrestling is notoriously challenging, with a mix of tough EIWA rivals and formidable out-of-conference opponents. Here's a glimpse of some of the key matches and rivalries that will shape the team's performance this season:

• Rivalry Renewed: Army West Point vs. Navy - One of the most anticipated matches of the season is the annual Army-Navy dual meet. This rivalry, steeped in tradition and military pride, always draws a large crowd and intense competition. With both teams aiming to assert their dominance, this match promises to be a thriller.
• Clash of the Ivy Leagues: Army West Point vs. Cornell - Army West Point will face off against Cornell University, a perennial powerhouse in the Ivy League. This match-up offers a unique challenge, as Cornell boasts a strong wrestling program and a history of producing top-tier wrestlers. It will be an exciting battle to watch.
• EIWA Dominance: Army West Point vs. EIWA Opponents - The Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) is known for its high level of competition, and Army West Point will face off against some of the toughest teams in the conference. Matches against Penn, Princeton, and Lehigh, among others, will test the Black Knights' mettle and their ability to perform under pressure.

The regular season schedule also includes dual meets against other notable opponents, such as Lock Haven University, Edinboro University, and Ohio State University. These matches provide opportunities for the Black Knights to showcase their skills against some of the best programs in the country.

Post-Season: Chasing Championships

As the regular season draws to a close, the focus shifts to the post-season, where Army West Point aims to make its mark on the national stage. The team will participate in the EIWA Championships, where they will compete against the best wrestlers from the conference for individual and team titles.

If the Black Knights perform well at the EIWA Championships, they may earn a spot at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling. This national tournament attracts the top wrestlers from across the country, and a strong performance here can cement Army West Point's reputation as a wrestling powerhouse.

Key Players and Coaching Staff

The success of Army West Point wrestling relies not only on the team's performance but also on the leadership and guidance provided by the coaching staff and the dedication of its athletes. Here's a closer look at some of the key figures:

Head Coach: Kevin Ward

Coach Kevin Ward, a seasoned wrestling veteran, has been at the helm of the Army West Point wrestling program since 2016. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, Ward has led the team to numerous successes, including multiple EIWA titles and NCAA appearances.

Under Ward's leadership, the Black Knights have consistently produced high-level wrestlers, with several athletes earning All-American honors. His strategic approach and ability to develop talent have been instrumental in shaping the team's success.

Assistant Coaches: A Talented Trio

Supporting Coach Ward are three assistant coaches, each bringing their own expertise and wrestling pedigree to the team.

• Jake O'Brien - O'Brien, a former NCAA All-American, joined the coaching staff in 2020. His knowledge of the sport and experience as a wrestler make him a valuable asset, particularly in mentoring the team's younger athletes.
• Joe Hesch - Hesch, a two-time EIWA champion, has been an assistant coach since 2018. His experience as a successful wrestler and his ability to connect with the athletes make him a key member of the coaching staff.
• Matt Valenti - Valenti, a former NCAA qualifier, joined the coaching team in 2021. With his technical expertise and passion for the sport, he plays a crucial role in developing the team's wrestling skills and strategies.

Key Athletes: The Black Knights' Stars

Army West Point wrestling boasts a talented roster of athletes, each bringing their own unique skills and strengths to the mat. Here are a few standout wrestlers to keep an eye on this season:

• John Murray - A veteran wrestler, Murray has been a consistent performer for the Black Knights. With his experience and technical prowess, he is a key leader on the team and a strong contender for individual titles.
• Nate Resop - Resop, a rising star, has shown great promise in his early career. With his dynamic style and aggressive approach, he is a force to be reckoned with and a potential breakout performer this season.
• David Hamit - Hamit, a versatile wrestler, has made a name for himself in the heavyweight division. His size and strength, combined with his technical skills, make him a formidable opponent and a key contributor to the team's success.

Historical Perspective: A Legacy of Excellence

Army West Point wrestling has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the early 20th century. The program has produced numerous champions and All-Americans, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of wrestling.

One of the most notable achievements in the team's history was the 1959 NCAA Championship, where Army West Point dominated the competition, winning six individual titles and the team championship. This triumph cemented the team's place among the elite in collegiate wrestling.

Since then, the Black Knights have continued to produce outstanding wrestlers, with numerous athletes going on to represent the United States on the international stage, including at the Olympic Games.

Notable Alumni: Wrestling Legends

Army West Point wrestling has been a breeding ground for some of the sport's greatest legends. Here are a few notable alumni who have left an indelible mark on the sport:

• John Smith - A two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time NCAA champion, Smith is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He went on to become a successful coach, leading the Oklahoma State wrestling program to numerous titles.
• Kevin Jackson - Jackson, an Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion, was a dominant force in freestyle wrestling. He also served as an assistant coach for the Army West Point wrestling team, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of wrestlers.
• Cael Sanderson - Sanderson, a four-time NCAA champion and Olympic medalist, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant wrestlers in history. He has gone on to have a successful coaching career, leading the Penn State wrestling program to unprecedented success.

These alumni, and many others, have not only achieved greatness in wrestling but have also served as inspiration for generations of Black Knights, fostering a culture of excellence and a tradition of success.

Future Outlook: Building on a Strong Foundation

As the 2023-2024 season approaches, Army West Point wrestling finds itself in a strong position. With a talented coaching staff, a dedicated group of athletes, and a rich tradition of success, the team is poised for a successful campaign.

The early-season tournaments will provide an opportunity for the Black Knights to gain valuable experience and fine-tune their skills. The regular season, with its mix of challenging opponents, will test the team's mettle and prepare them for the post-season championships.

Looking ahead, the future of Army West Point wrestling appears bright. The team's commitment to excellence, combined with its rich history and tradition, positions it well to continue producing champions and All-Americans, maintaining its status as a premier wrestling program.