Alumni Update - Matt Wilps (Pitt)

Pitt senior Matt Wilps began his 2012-13 season by pinning Penn State's Quentin Wright in a matchup of returning All-Americans in the championship match of the 197-pound class at the 47th National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic at American University's Bender Arena in Washington, D.C.

Wilps, a Chartiers Valley High School graduate, and Wright were locked in a back-and-forth contest as they entered the final period tied at 6-6.

Wilps chose down to begin the third and quickly scored a reversal and two near fall points. Wright did not give up and scored a takedown to cut the lead to 10-8.

With time expiring Wright took a shot at an inside trip to try to tie the score but Wilps was able to push him over and pin him at the 6:50 mark.

"That match was a great way to start the year for Matt," Pitt assistant coach Matt Kocher said. "It's exciting, but at the same time we realize it's November and not March and that we've got a ways to go."

(photo courtesy of the University of Pittsburgh)