PITTSBURGH—Members of the Pitt wrestling team received their Eastern Wrestling League championship rings Saturday at the Pitt football game against Rutgers at Heinz Field. The ceremony took place after the first quarter and featured a highlight video of the team’s success last season.

The Panthers finished the 2009-10 season with an unblemished 6-0 record in the EWL en route to a 17-1-1 overall dual meet record.

“It was special because we had a lot of the families in the stands to see the ceremony,” Pitt head coach Rande Stottlemyer said. “The rings are a symbol of the hard work and dedication the team put forth. I’m very proud of all our guys.”

After the first quarter concluded, the team walked out onto the field in front of the student section and was greeted by Chancellor Mark Nordenberg and Athletic Director Steve Pedersen. A highlight video tribute was shown on the jumbotron, capturing the final dual meet of the season, in which the Panthers clinched the EWL title with a 21-13 victory over Edinboro on Feb. 19.

“Everyone was really excited to be honored at the game,” added Pitt assistant coach Matt Kocher. “The video presentation was a great way to re-live that historical night for Pitt wrestling.”

The Panthers will look to continue their success on the mat when they open up the dual meet season against Lehigh on Nov. 12 at Fitzgerald Field House.