Letts’ comeback highlights wrestling’s season opener at Terrapin Duals

Terrapin wrestling senior Mike Letts jogged calmly off the mat after winning his fourth and final match in the Terrapin Duals on Saturday. His composed demeanor suggested a business-as-usual attitude. The victory, it seemed, did not faze him.

But Saturday was far from ordinary for Letts: It was the first time he had wrestled competitively in more than nine months. Letts suffered a season-ending ACL injury earlier this year, and it was unclear whether he would ever be able to wrestle again.

But when he returned this weekend to the mat in Comcast Center Pavilion, it was clear he hadn't missed a beat. In four matches, Letts recorded two pins and two decisive victories for the Terps during their season-opening weekend.

"I started out a little slow, because it's been almost a year since I've been out here wrestling in front of the crowd," Letts said. "But it's good to be back, and I'm happy with where I'm at."

The Terps finished the day with a 3-1 record against visiting Johns Hopkins, West Virginia, Liberty and McDaniel. The Terps defeated Johns Hopkins and West Virginia, 41-3 and 27-13, respectively, before suffering a 21-18 loss to Liberty. They closed the day with a 40-3 victory over McDaniel.

"Overall, I'm happy," coach Kerry McCoy said. "Our guys have to be ready for the grind, and this is a good way to start. ... It was a great day."

The only blemish on the day was the narrow defeat handed out by Liberty and the injury that came along with it. Up 18-15 before the final match against the Flames, freshman heavyweight Spencer Myers collapsed onto the mat with an apparent rib injury and could not continue, giving the Flames six points by forfeit and allowing them to clinch victory. McCoy said Saturday that the severity of Myers' injury was still undetermined, but Letts was adamant that the Terps would move on from the loss of both player and match.

"You can either put your head down or pick your head up," Letts said. "We have a young team that I think will respond to pressure, and I think you'll see that in the next couple of weeks. I have no doubt about it."

Along with the performance of Letts (174 pounds), 2010 NCAA Tournament qualifiers Josh Asper (165 pounds) and Kyle John (157 pounds) contributed heavily for the Terps, finishing their matches with a combined 7-0 record and two pins.

"They're consistent leaders and performers," McCoy said. "Once we get to that second stretch of our lineup, those are the guys we have to rely on, so we have a good feeling going into those last few weights."

McCoy said if the Terps want to live up to the excellence they strive for, they will have to master one simple concept.

"Belief," McCoy said. "That's where the biggest area is of anybody to be successful; you just have to have faith in what you're doing."

vitale@umdbk.com