The Paul VI Panthers have had mixed results thus far in the '02/'03 wrestling season. The Panthers, coached by John Welcher (14th season), currently weigh-in with an overall dual match record of 3-4.

The "Black and Gold" has one of its youngest squads in recent seasons. Though the Panthers started the season 0-4, they have swept their last three consecutive dual matches to near the .500 level.

"We've definitely got a young team this season," said Welcher.

PVI has defeated: McNamara (49-30), Hyde, D.C. (60-12) and St. John's (41-34) all in the past calendar week. Early in the season, PVI lost close matches to O'Connell, St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes, DeMatha and Georgetown Prep.

Leading the Panthers are: (103 pounds) - junior Paul Eiden; (112 pounds) -sophomore Mike Benedict; (119) - junior Mike Dowe; (125) - freshman Kevin Welcher [coaches son]; (130) - junior A.J. Bergmann; (135) - junior Kurt Weimer; (140) - junior Guidon Grundlehner; (145) - junior Devin Fitzpatrick; (152) - both junior Joe Kurtenbach and junior Robert Madelmyar; (160) - senior captain P.J. Worosz; (171) - junior Mike Aldonas; (189) - both junior Peter Brookes and junior Patrick Healy; (215) - senior Mike DeSilva; (275) - junior Jeff Marcey.

Spearheading the Panthers in win-percentage (dual matches/tournaments combined) - Marcey (24-3 record/ 89 percent); Worosz (22-3/ 88 percent); Dowe (16-6/ 73 percent); Aldonas (9-4/ 70 percent); Eiden (12-6/ 67 percent); Grundlehner (10-5/ 67 percent) and Weimer (15-9/ 63 percent).

Worosz is not only the Panthers captain, he is one of a very small number of Northern Virginia Prep wrestlers in history that have ever placed twice at the "Prep Nationals" held in late February at Lehigh University.

In 2001 Worosz placed fifth nationally wrestling at 152 pounds. In 2002 he placed seventh nationally wrestling at 160 pounds.

"All of the kids have been working hard. They have been getting better each and every week," said Welcher.