Strong Pitt connection at USA Wrestling Senior Nationals

Pitt volunteer assistant wrestling coach Luke Pletcher, former Panther heavyweight Demetrius Thomas and junior Nino Bonaccorsi competed in the 2020 USA Wrestling Senior Nationals on Sunday in Coralville, Iowa.

Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park) completed in the 97 kilos weight class in Greco, while Thomas and Pletcher (Latrobe/Ohio State) competed in men’s freestyle. Thomas was in 125-kilos class and Pletcher the 46-kilos class.

“I’m excited for all three of those guys had a chance to compete this weekend,” Pitt wrestling head coach Keith Gavin said. “Luke has the goal of making the Olympic team this year, so it’s an important tournament for him. Demetrius also has international goals and is looking forward to competing at this level for the first time after having a lot of success for us in college.”

“Nino is very excited to wrestle out there at 97 kilos. He has an Olympic champion in his weight class and hopes to matchup with him and use this weekend as an opportunity to get better on a big stage. It should be a great experience for him in his development.”

Bonaccorsi earned the No. 13 seed as one of 21 athletes registered in the 97-kilogram division, which is highlighted by the entry of the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the weight class, Kyle Snyder. Bonaccorsi reached the Round of 16 before falling.

Thomas finds himself in the talented 24-man 125-kilogram heavyweight field this weekend in Iowa, while Pletcher is seeded 11th in the 46-man 65-kilogram weight class. Thomas reached the quarterfinals before falling to Tanner Hall and Pletcher fell in the Round of 16.

Former Pitt wrestler Shelton Mack, a three-time NCAA qualifier who competed for the Panthers from 2010-14, is also scheduled to compete as the No. 6 seed in the 57-kilogram division.