BEREA, Ohio -- The excitement surrounding the 2013-2014 Baldwin Wallace University wrestling program is beginning to build as the season grows closer. Led by third-year Head Coach Jamie Gibbs, the Yellow Jacket program is looking to build off of another strong season of growth and 4-4 record in dual matches and continue to develop into one of the best programs in NCAA Division III.

"Our long-term goal is to be one of the best small college wrestling programs in Division III and to qualify our entire starting lineup to the national tournament," said Gibbs. "It is an unbelievably lofty goal."

"Right now, we are still in the process of building our program and creating a winning attitude every day in practice," continued Gibbs. "The men have been working hard and are excited to get started with the season."

This season, Gibbs has a 28-man roster to start the season, including 11 grapplers from last year's squad.

"We have a very group of returning upperclassmen who gained valuable experience last season," said Gibbs. "This is the base and foundation for the future success of our program. These men know what it takes to be a champion, and they are more than willing to do the work that will make them successful.

"Our first-year wrestlers are still learning a great deal about the college game," continued Gibbs. "We have a really talented group of 17 first-year men, including five who are exceptional talents."

The Yellow Jacket will be led by 125-pounder Jesse Gunter (Akron/Coventry). The sophomore is coming off a season in which he led the BW team in winning percentage with a 29-2 overall record with eight falls. He was ranked as high as fifth nationally in the NWCA Coaches poll and named as a first-team All-OAC selection. In addition, freshman Reggie Lowery (Shaker Heights) would give Gunter a brea, but an injury may sideline Lowery for the season.

At 133 pounds, Gibbs has four grapplers competing for the top spot with sophomore Jake Landers (Liberty Township/Lokota East). He will battle with freshmen Josh Decatur (Akron/Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy), Austin Nelapa (Monroe, Ga./Walnut Grove) and Patt McGinnis (Egg Harbor City, N.J./Cedar Grove). Landers had a 5-16 mark a year ago. Decatur is one of Gibbs' top freshmen.

At 141 pounds, senior Andrew Taylor (Columbus/Worthington Kilbourne) returns for his fourth season as a varsity contributor with a 55-50 record, including a 21-16 mark a year ago.  He will battle with sophomore Aric Cross (Geneva), who was 1-4 and had an early-season injury that sidelined him the rest of the campaign. They will battle with freshmen Seamus Bermingham (Orchard Park, N.Y./Orchard Park) and Zach Taylor (Brunswick) for the top spot. Zach Taylor is another of Gibbs' prize recruits.

At 149 pounds, sophomores Joey Schmidt (Hinckley/Brunswick) and Jaleel Richardson (Copley) return and will battle with freshmen Gage Corns (Circleville/Amanda Clearcreek), Dustin Obergfell (Columbus/St. Charles Academy) and Graham Montague (Independence) for mat time. Schmidt was the starter a year ago and had a fine freshman season as he compiled a 17-15 mark with six pins. Richardson did not wrestle due to injuries. Montague is another of the top recruits.

At 157 pounds, sophomore Garrett Chase (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) returns and will battle with freshman Blake Perry (Jefferson/Jefferson Area) for mat time. Chase led the team in victories a year ago with 32, had an outstanding 32-13 mark and placed at a number of tournaments.

At 165 pounds, sophomore David Shapiro (Beachwood) is back after an good first season. He will battle with Perry and freshman Kenny Faulkner (Beliot/West Branch) for mat time.  Shapiro had a 27-14 mark last season with three pins and five falls. Faulkner is the fourth of five prized freshmen.

At 174 pounds, sophomore Ben LeBrun (Strongsville) returns and will compete with freshman Paul Rallis (Ringers, N.J./Hunterdon Central) for mat time. LeBrun had a 16-19 slate last winter with three pins and improved throughout the season.

At 184 pounds, freshman Andrew Shackelford (Worthington/Thomas Worthington) and transfer Tony Lisek (Albion, Pa./Northwestern) will fight it out for the top spot.  Shackleford is the fifth of five top recruits. Lisek, who began his career at Jamestown (N.Y.) Community College and competed at NCAA Division I South Dakota State University prior to coming to BW, already has 78 career wins at the collegiate level.

At 197 pounds, sophomore Lane Louive (Massillon/Washington) is back and healthy. He will battle with freshman Tyler Keating (Fairview Park/Fairview) and possibly Sam Groff (Waynesburg/Sandy Valley), who is still playing football tight now and his availability for wrestling is still undetermined. Louive had a 17-4 record with four pins and five falls last season before an injury ended his season.

At 285 pounds, sophomore Joe Belford (Berea/St. Edward) is back for his sophomore season and will compete with freshman Joe Hines (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory) for mat time.  Belford had a 22-18 mark with 10 pins a year ago.

Following the BW Open on Nov. 2, the Yellow Jackets travel to Washington, Pennsylvania to compete at the Washington & Jefferson College Tournament on Nov. 9 and then they go to the Ashland Open Tournament on Nov. 16.  You can view the entire 2013-2014 schedule at http://www.bwyellowjackets.com/sports/wrest/2013-14/schedule.

FOR MORE BW SPORTS INFORMATION, please contact Sports Information Director Kevin Ruple by telephone at 440-826-2327 and e-mail at kruple@bw.edu or Assistant SID Jeff Miller by phone at 440-826-2780 and email at jefmille@bw.edu.  Fans can access the latest BW athletics information at www.bwyellowjackets.comand we invite you to join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bwyellowjackets and Twitter athttp://twitter.com/bwathletics.