AWP 50 in 50: #45 Eastern Michigan

NEW HEAD COACH DAVE BOLYARD LOOKING TO MAKE SPLASH IN FIRST SEASON

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#45 Eastern Michigan
Head Coach: David Bolyard
Assistant Coaches: Luke Smith, Scott Mattingly
'14 Dual Record: 13-7
'14 NCAA Finish: T-47th

Projected Lineup ('14 D1 Record)
125: Alex Calandrino (7-7)/Shayne Wireman (10-3)
133: #22 Vinnie Pizzuto (18-11)
141: Mike Shaw (4-16)/Kyle Springer (2-4)
149: Nick Barber (11-12)
157: #21 Brandon Zeerip (18-14)
165: #32 Collin Zeerip (16-14)
174: Devan Marry (3-5)/Austin Geerlings (10-8)
184: Mike Curby (4-9)
197: #30 Anthony Abro (13-5)
285: Gage Hutchison (11-6)

Team Outlook
Key Returners: The David Bolyard era will kick off in the '14/'15 season and he'll be lead by two returning NCAA Qualifiers- Vinnie Pizzuto at 133 and Brandon Zeerip at 157.  Pizzuto has show improvement each year at EMU and should compete for a MAC Title this season.  Zeerip, who was granted a medical hardship during his time at Michigan, really came on strong towards the end of last season, posting several notable wins.  He'll look to carry that momentum into his final year.

Key Additions: One big addition to the lineup is Collin Zeerip, Brandon's younger brother.  Like Brandon, Collin transferred over from Michigan upon graduation for his final season.  He beat some quality non-conference guys as a Wolverine, but struggled as an undersized 174 in the Big Ten last season.  He did fall victim to a loaded weight though, as the lowest ranked guy he lost to was #12 Mark Martin of tOSU, so he should benefit from a more relaxed schedule.  Another Eagle who has been waiting in the wings is Anthony Abro at 197.  Abro knocked of AA Conner Hartmann of Duke last season, and the season before as well, but had been behind NCAA Qualifier Nick Whitenburg the past two seasons.

X-Factors: Whoever earns the starting spot at 125 for EMU will be a quality guy in the lineup.  Alex Calandrino spent time as a starter two years ago before redshirting last year.  He's a strong, athletic lightweight who has the potential to be a good spark for the Eagles.  He'll battle Shayne Wireman for the starting nod, however.  Wireman, who spot started last season, notched a couple nice wins- most notably beating Sean Boyle.  Nick Barber at 149 will be another guy who'll likely be much improved.  The sophomore from St. Eds started off hot last season but cooled off after his move from 141 to 149.  Now a full-size 149, he'll look to help strengthen the middleweights with the Zeerip Bros.

Key Dates
TBA

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