There are many reasons why the wrestling team is looking forward to this season with great anticipation, after an 8-8 campaign last year and a preseason ranking of sixth among New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) teams. One of them is 125-pounder Dan Bloom ’10, who last season had a 16-9 overall record and placed fourth in his weight class in the NEWA Championships.

The team returns all three all-New England wrestlers from last season: Bloom, Greg Hurd ’10, and Josh Berkovic ’10. Place winners Jeremy Stuart ’09 and Zach Rolfe ’10 also return, along with eight other lettermen. These veterans, along with nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer, will provide a good amount of depth at almost every weight class.

Bloom has his eye on the New England title at 125 pounds; he was close as a freshman but a brutal concussion last year stopped his quest. He says he has worked very hard this summer and preseason getting stronger in order to accomplish his ambitious goals this season.

“I want to make it to the NCAA National Championships and give myself the chance to be an All-American as well as a Scholar All-American,” Bloom said. “The wrestling season, more than four months long, is a marathon, not a sprint, so right now I’m focusing more on staying healthy and on our tournament on Saturday.”

Bloom is also optimistic about the team’s overall chances.

“I think this will be an exciting year for us because we have nine home matches—so we can get some crowds, hopefully—and very high goals,” he said. “I really think our team can be top three in the NEWA if everyone puts in the work. We have a great freshman class full of talent that will challenge and force the upperclassmen to be better.”

The team opens its season with an invitational tournament at Roger Williams University this Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.