Why Slippery Rock wrestling middleweight Zac Turberville is ‘never satisfied’ as he targets PIAA run
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock junior Zac Turberville has two rules he lives by in wrestling.
"Embrace the grind and never be satisfied," the 160-pounder said prior to a recent practice.
Holding himself to that standard has led to an impressive varsity career. His 83-24 overall record includes a 28-4 effort this season while adapting on the mat.
"At the junior high level, a lot of wrestlers have a good bit of flexibility and can use it through the first couple years of varsity," Slippery Rock coach Denton Zeronas said. "Zac was still pretty flexible last year but has learned to rely more on his growing strength this season."
Turberville won 30 bouts as a sophomore, but he is often winning now in a more dominating fashion. His victories by technical fall or pin have increased from 18 a year ago to 23, with the current season far from over.
"My matches were a lot closer last season, but I'm putting a lot of guys away early (now)," he said. "I'm a very aggressive wrestler. In some matches, it would probably be to my benefit to be more patient, but I'll take a quick shot on just about anybody."
Turberville arrived on the varsity scene following a junior high career that featured two trips to the state tournament. He had 25 wins as a freshman and is on pace to set a career-high in victories this year. His reputation as a difficult out for his opponents was earned early. He's lost by tech fall or pin just six times in 100 varsity matches.
"I don't take pride in losing but like to think I've competed well against high-caliber wrestlers," he said. "I think of the losses I've had this season and know what I need to correct."
It is that eagerness to learn that will have as much say in his future success as any physical ability Turberville brings to the mat.
"He eats, sleeps and breaths wrestling," Zeronas said. "He is very knowledgeable about the sport, watches film and is very good at adapting during the course of a match ... 'This and that didn't work, so what can I try next.'
"Off the mat, he likes to crack jokes and engage people in conversation. He's the kind of kid you want to be around."
In competition, however, he's focused on taking care of business. In the short term, that includes reaching the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships for the first time. He placed fifth in District 10 Class 2A as a freshman and fourth as a sophomore before seeing his season end at the PIAA Northwest Regionals both times.
"I think he's got a competitive shot to get to states," Zeronas said. "It's just a question of hammering out some technique stuff and tightening up his takedowns."
