CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel wrestling head coach Rob Hjerling announced Thursday two new captains for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

Graduate senior Michael McAleavey and junior Cole Burke will serve as co-captains. Burke will take on the responsibility as the team captain within the Corps of Cadets.

McAleavey will be returning to the squad this fall coming off a successful 2019-20 season that included 22 victories and a third-place finish at the Southern Conference Championships.

"What it means to be a captain of a great group of guys to me is excitement," said McAleavey. "It's exciting to embrace the grind day in and day out, pushing your teammates to their limits along with yourself. It also means being a leader on and off the mat, while pushing through the ups and downs of a full season. I'm very honored and thankful to be in the position I am in. I've learned from a lot of great captains throughout my career at The Citadel and it's my turn to guide us toward success."

Burke, a native of Suwanee, Georgia will be heading into his third season with the Bulldogs. During the 2019-20 season, he wrestled in five different tournaments for The Citadel that included a tight 2-1 decision win over Virginia's David Veltri.

"To me, a captain is someone who motivates and helps their teammates improve on their skills on and off the mat," said Burke. "I am honored to be given this platform to help this team be successful."

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