No matter what sport you’re talking about, a 3-9 record doesn’t seem too impressive.

But if you’re talking about Eastern’s wrestling team, that record is particularly deceiving. Just because Eastern doesn’t have a great team record, does not mean that they aren’t a good team.

Eastern currently has seven underclassmen in their lineup and one senior on the team. So, the Panthers are an up-and-coming team. And, almost each of those wrestlers is on the verge of breaking out.

Against Missouri on Sunday, Bob Fangerow (141 lbs.), Shane Dintelman (149 lbs.), Greg Perz (184 lbs.) and Jason Sherko (197 lbs.) all lost by 4 or fewer points, and each had a chance to win the match in the final minute. That has been the story for this group all year. But, if these youngsters hope to fulfill their potential, they will have to win those close matches.

And, they certainly have two talented wrestlers to take example from, senior heavyweight Pete Ziminski and sophomore 174-pounder Kenny Robertson.

Each of those wrestlers finished third in their regional last year and is looking to qualify for nationals this year.

Robertson is No. 20 in the nation at his weight class and has had a wealth of experience wrestling the nation’s best this season. Last season, Ziminski was penciled in as an alternate at nationals but never got the call up.

Robertson and Ziminski both are quiet, lead-by-example guys who leave it all out on the mat. And, that is exactly the type of wrestler you want leading a young club. They’ve done that.

The Panthers have faced off against five nationally ranked teams this season. Can you imagine if some of the other teams around campus tried weathering that sort of schedule? It wouldn’t be pretty.

Eastern head coach Ralph McCausland sets up such a tough schedule on purpose.

He knows that if he gives his wrestlers the best competition during the dual meet season, then they’ll be that much better when it comes time for regionals and nationals.

A schedule so tough may not look good for the team, but it’s giving invaluable experience to the individuals.