BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — The expectations for the LIU wrestling team are high and the Sharks wouldn't want it any other way.
 
"We've got a special group here," said Drew Witham, who wrestles at 149 pounds. "We're itching to roll around with someone else. We're excited to see all of our hard work pay off."
 
The Sharks are a month away from their season-opening dual meet against Army — a match LIU has marked on its calendar since the schedule was released.
 
"We're pumped to head up to West Point and show everyone what we got," said Devin Matthews, who wrestles at 141 pounds. "The culture has changed around here and we're going to prove that."
 
LIU will once again wrestle in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association, one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. It's a challenge the Sharks are embracing.
 
"I'm super-excited to wrestle in the EIWA. It's the second-best conference in college wrestling," Matthews said. "I always want to go up against the best competition. It's a great way to see where you stand and what you need to work on."
 
The Sharks' competitive schedule has them wrestling some of the top teams in the nation. LIU will see most of those teams at the Cliff Kean Open Dec. 2-3 in Las Vegas.
 
Senior Rhise Royster, a 157-pounder, is on a mission to lead LIU this season. The four-year wrestler is rolling into the 2022-23 season with confidence and optimism. 
 
"We're going to make a lot of noise this year and upset a lot of guys," Royster said. "We're look to prove something here. We're looking to have an All-American, an NCAA finalist and we're looking to accomplish a lot of big goals."