Michaels gets first win, first loss in Pitt’s dual with Navy

By jose negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Former Elizabeth Forward wrestling standout and current University of Pittsburgh freshman Ryan Michaels was victorious in his collegiate debut Sunday. 

Michaels, who won two WPIAL championships during his time with the Warriors, earned a 9-5 decision over Navy’s Jacob Allen in a 133-pound extra bout after the Panthers claimed a 22-14 dual meet win over the Midshipmen. 

“It felt good to get that first collegiate win. I know my training is coming together and I can’t wait to get more,” Michaels said. “My experience at Pitt has been incredible. I have gotten so much better just in the couple of months I’ve been here.” 

Michaels admits he usually has some nerves heading into each of his matches. Therefore, his first at the collegiate level wasn’t much different. 

“It was kind of just like any other match,” he said. 

As a senior at EF last year, Michaels went 45-3 and finished his high school career with a 123-11 record, three section championships and two Southwest Region titles. Michaels, a three-time state qualifier who earned two PIAA medals as a high school wrestler, shared Mon Valley Independent-BeeGraphix Wrestler of the Year honors with Frazier’s Thayne Lawrence last season. 

“I think my experiences at EF helped me mentally and helped my conditioning with my coaches always pushing me,” Michaels said. “It really correlated to college.” 

Lawrence, a four-time WPIAL champion and former state champion, is now a freshman at Lehigh, which had its season-opening match Saturday against Hofstra canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test result among a member of Hofstra’s Tier 1 personnel. 

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