Wrestling looks to reload program for post-Slay era

How does a nationally-ranked college sports program replace an All-American athlete? With another one, of course. While former Penn star Brandon Slay has moved to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center to prepare for the 2000 Games, Penn coach Roger Reina welcomes a recruiting class that features an All-American of its own. Kevin Rucci, who wrestled to a 128-4 record at Eastern High School in Voorhees, N.J., recently earned All-American honors at the Junior National Championships and is a candidate for a spot on the Penn varsity squad at the 125-pound weight class. Sophomore Justin Bravo and senior Randall Braunfield, however, will challenge Rucci for the spot. "Kevin should compete for a starting spot," Reina said. "But we probably won't determine our starting lineup until November." Regarded as one of the nation's top recruits from the class of 1998, Rucci finished as a state runner-up in both his freshman and sophomore years of high school. As a junior, he finally captured the state title. During his senior year, Rucci was ranked first in the state and was undefeated entering the state tournament. Before he had the chance to defend his title, however, he ripped a back muscle and could not compete in the tournament. Despite not being able to wrestle at states, Rucci was back in top form later in the season. Competing in the 109-pound weight class at the Junior National tournament, Rucci roared through his first few matches to find himself in a position to qualify for the national final. Rucci jumped out to an early lead in the deciding match, but his opponent, Bo Maynes, came from behind to grab the win. Rucci battled back through the bracket to finish sixth at the tournament, earning All-American honors by placing in the top eight. "Kevin showed that he can compete with anyone in the country," Reina said. Although Rucci is the top prize among Reina's newest athletes, several other wrestlers are expected to make an impact on the program. Like Rucci, 197-pounder Richard Wilson comes to Penn with a stellar high school record. In addition to winning the Michigan state championship as a senior, Wilson competed on the United States 18-and-under team at the World Championships. "Richard is coming in at a spot where we have a very high need," Reina said, noting that Wilson should challenge senior Andrei Rodzianko for the 197 pound position. While Rucci and Wilson have the ability to impact the wrestling program immediately, Reina believes it may take longer for Craig Melcher's presence to be felt. "Craig was someone we felt was the sleeper of this recruiting class," Reina said. "He has a lot of the right tools." Unlike Rucci and Wilson, Melcher -- who attended West Morris Mendham High School in Chester, N.J. -- did not have many accomplishments in his first three years of high school. In his senior year, however, Melcher stormed through the regular season and carried an unbeaten record heading into States. Like Rucci, though, Melcher never competed in the tournament. He suffered a broken leg before the championships and could not compete. But his performance in the early part of the season earned him a trip to the Junior Nationals, where he went five rounds into the tournament before bowing out. Reina believes that Rucci and Wilson will have the most immediate impact on his squad, while Melcher has the potential to also make a significant contribution in the future. The other members of the class are proven high school stars, but their potential for the next few years is still unclear. The Penn wrestling team is consistently one of the nation's best. Despite losing Slay, the all-time winningest Penn wrestler, there is no reason to believe anything will change.