Takedown Report

Pecora looks beyond No. 1 ranking as UPJ prepares for season

Pat Pecora heard the news about his Pitt-Johnstown wrestling team earning the top ranking in the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) preseason poll released on Wednesday and shrugged. Entering his 44th season as coach of the Mountain Cats, Pecora appreciates the recognition but knows better than to put too much emphasis on preseason polls or predictions. “It means absolutely nothing to me right now,” said Pecora, whose Mountain Cats have three returning national champion wrestlers among six All-Americans on the roster. “I think it’s good for the program and good for the fans, but for us, it’s business as usual.” Pitt-Johnstown went 16-3 overall last season, won the NCAA Super Region I Tournament and placed sixth in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. As usual, expectations are high at the Sports Center. Pecora prefers to keep a low preseason profile and let his wrestlers do the talking on the mat. “I haven’t read one article. I haven’t seen one ranking,” Pecora said. “I don’t even look at them until the end of the year,” he said. “I know there is a lot of talk about it and I can hear it. I just try to stay focused on what we’re doing every day, what we’re practicing every day, the guys making the grades, studying hard and working hard.” Pitt-Johnstown received 88 points, six more than second-ranked, defending Division II national champion St. Cloud State in Minnesota.  Rest of the story at https://www.tribdem.com/sports/pecora-looks-beyond-no-ranking-as-upj-prepares-for-season/article_1e0e3fe0-fb95-11e9-bdaa-7f81374976c8.html?mc_cid=5bd3846593&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

November 4, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized