Bobby Patnesky, the new Waynesburg Men’s Wrestling head coach, has very important expectations from all the wrestlers in and out of the classroom.

“I want the wrestlers to strive for a 3.0 GPA as a whole and work together as a team,” Patnesky said.

Patnesky knows that the team has what it takes to get over a 3.0 GPA.

“I want the wrestlers to do the little things right and give it their best efforts on both the academics and wrestling,” said Patnesky.

Sophomore wrestler Ryland Parker, who appeared in two matches for Waynesburg last year in the Region 4 Championships, had one year with former head coach, Aaron McKinney.

“It’s going to take time to get used to [Patnesky],” Parker said. “I committed here because of Coach McKinney; he made us feel like family and always encouraged us. I do believe that coach Patnesky will do the same and turn us into some amazing wrestlers, given his Division I experience.”

Patnesky wants nothing but the best for the team.

“I want the wrestlers to perform to the best of their ability, to grow as humans in life and on the wrestling mat and to be respectful all the time,” said Patnesky.

Parker thinks that Patnesky will make some big changes.

“I am looking forward to us coming together as a whole to make some beneficial changes,” Parker said. “This includes just showing up and giving our best efforts for coach Patnesky.” 

Preseason practices started on Sept. 15.

“I just want to take this time to go over the basics before the season starts,” said Patnesky.

Parker is looking forward to the season, talking about some of his goals for the year.

“I am looking to be a PAC champion, but that isn’t my only goal. I believe I can be a NCAA qualifier,” Parker said. “I have put in the time and effort this offseason and I plan to keep putting in the hard work when the season comes around,” 

The Waynesburg Men’s Wrestling season starts on Friday, Nov. 7 in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse against Penn State Altoona.