Feb. 14, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - One week after closing its Atlantic Coast Conference regular season with a win over rival NC State, North Carolina returns to wrestling action this weekend again Ohio University and No. 22 Pittsburgh. The Tar Heels (8-5) will face the Bobcats (5-14) at 6 p.m. Friday followed by a trip east to meet the Panthers (11-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Leading the way for UNC is junior Keegan Mueller, who has climbed to No. 11 in this week's InterMat rankings at 165 pounds. He has won 17 straight bouts, including seven of his last eight by pin, technical fall or major decision. The Dallas native is 22-3 and 13-0 in duals.

Despite winning 11 of his last 12 bouts, heavyweight Justin Dobies dropped from the rankings this week. He is 23-6 this season and 12-1 in dual action.

The Tar Heels will also look for strong showings from their freshmen, who posted three victories at NC State. Redshirts Nick Stabile (18-5 at 141) and Thomas Scotton (15-6 at 157) and true freshmen Kyle Kiss (15-12 at 174) and Nick Tenpenny (12-11 at 184) will all be in the lineup this weekend, as could true freshman Jay Adamson at 125.

Kiss will have his hands full Saturday against the nation's top-ranked 174-pounder, Pitt's Keith Gavin, who sports a 23-0 record this season. The 22nd-ranked Panthers also feature No. 7 Matt Kucher (19-4 at 157) and No. 13 Zach Sheaffer (29-9 at heavyweight).

After this weekend's action, UNC closes its home schedule Saturday, Feb. 23 with The Citadel and Campbell.