Seven state champions highlight Mocs newcomers

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling head coach Heath Eslinger welcomes seven state champions to the roster for the 2016-17 season. The Mocs are returning nine starters, but any of these newcomers could work their way into the lineup.

“We are definitely excited about this group coming in,” stated Eslinger. “They are joining a veteran team, but they are definitely talented. Any one of them could work their way into the lineup, but we are more focused on their development across the board; in the classroom, in competition and in the community.”

Junior Dylan Florzani (165) is the lone transfer, coming to UTC from Sacramento City College in Salinas, Calif. He is a 2012 graduate of Salinas (Calif.) High School, but spent the last two seasons in the junior college ranks. He was SCC’s Male Athlete of the Year after winning the state championship at 165 pounds.

Luke Mullin (125), a four-time state champion from Chattanooga’s Notre Dame High School, highlights an impressive list of prep

competitors. Logan Sims (125/133) is a three-time winner from Woodland High School in Cartersville, Ga. Ben Stacey (197) won two state titles at Father

Ryan in Nashville, while Fabian Gutierrez (125) was the Most Outstanding Wrestler and state champ at Adams City High School in Commerce City, Colo.

Brandon Filosi (141) joins the Mocs from Cambridge High School in Milton, Ga., along

with Dylanger Potter (149) from Martin High School in Arlington, Texas.

Not only are all seven of these individual accomplished on the mat, they are also strong in the classroom. Each one brings some form of academic hon-

ors to UTC.

UTC opens the season on Nov. 5 with a home dual against Southeastern in Maclellan Gym. Season tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com. The first 50 sold receive matside seats to the Virginia dual on Dec. 4.