VESTAL, N.Y. – A home opening event normally doesn't attract national attention for a Binghamton athletic program. The Bearcat wrestling team, however, has that opportunity on Sunday as it hosts the Jonathan Kaloust Open.
 
Named after the former Binghamton wrestler who entered the military following graduation but was killed in the line of duty, the all-day event will feature many of the predominant programs on the East Coast. Penn State, Cornell, Maryland, Lehigh, Army, Navy, Rutgers, Princeton, Harvard, Brown and Hofstra are among the standout programs who will be at the Events Center.
 
"It's always a thrill to feature one of our athletic departments showcase events every year in the Jonathon Kaloust Bearcat Open," head coach Matt Dernlan said. "To have the ability to feature many of the best DI wrestlers in the country, under our roof, is a special viewing opportunity for an enthusiastic fan base. It is also a great opportunity for our guys to test their abilities and hone their skills, as we begin our trek to St. Louis and the 2017 NCAA Championships."
 
Ordinarily, teams are only allowed a certain number of wrestlers to compete in a meet. Because the meet is an Open, unattached wresters can compete as well. That means Binghamton's entire roster will be in action.
 
"Every member of the team that is healthy will be competing this weekend at the Kaloust Open," Dernlan said. "Winners from wrestle offs, that were staged two weeks ago be wearing the Binghamton singlet this weekend. Other member of the team, that have red-shirted in previous years, will also be representing Binghamton in our official singlets. The remaining members of the the wrestling squad, that we have decided to red-shirt or are still determining their status for the year, will be wrestling unattached."
 
Although the meet is a big one, Binghamton is not so much focused on specific individual place. Instead they are looking at the bigger picture.
 
"All the hard work and sacrifice every member has put in since last March will be on display this Sunday," Dernlan said. "Without shackling the guys with expectations this weekend, we really are focusing on the guys attitudes, efforts and how much they buy in to our principles that we preach on a daily basis. That being said, if we bring our maximum effort and attitude the week, I believe all of our starters are poised to launch the 2016-17 season in a very positive way."