Pioneer Wrestling all set for 2013-14 season

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team opens the 2013-14 campaign on Saturday at the Knox College Invitational. 

This year's Pioneers are very young with 19 underclassmen, including 11 freshmen. The top returners are sophomores Cole Ferguson, Mason Bohm and Mike Uliana and senior Austin Holland. 

Ferguson earned second team all-WIAC at 125 last February and finished sixth at the NCAA West Regional. His top two finishes last season were at the Will Abele Invitational, placing in second and at the MSOE Invitational, finishing in third. Ferguson posted a 26-13 record with three pins and four major decisions in his rookie season. 

Bohm was runner-up at last year's Knox College Invitational at 141 pounds. He placed sixth at the NCAA West Regional and finished third at the MSOE Invitational. Bohm had a 13-16 record, but ended the season strong by winning three matches at the 2013 WIAC Tournament. 

Uliana recorded pins in eight of his 17 victories at 165 pounds. He finished third at the MSOE Invitational and ended his season with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA West Regional. 

Holland was plagued with injuries last year but when the senior from Dwight, Ill. was healthy he was dominant. He posted a 13-4 record and will looked upon to lead the Pioneers this season.

The Pioneers' first duel meet of the season is Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Augustana at 7:30 p.m. UW-Platteville begins conference action on Thursday, Nov. 21 when the Pioneers square off with UW-Whitewater.