The tumultuous journey of Binghamton University wrestling, from a non-existent season to a competitor in the Colonial Athletic Association, has been one to remember. There were times when there was no season, times when there was a winless season and now times are as good as they ever have been.

For two Bearcats, it will be on the line versus the American Eagles this Thursday. BU seniors Kyle Fried and Mike Patterson will be participating in their final home match. For Fried, the realization is starting to hit.

“I think about it a lot,” said Fried. “My matches as a collegiate wrestler are counting down.”

The senior bio-engineering major is ranked 19th nationally in the 149-pound weight class by Wrestling International Newsmagazine and hosts a 15-1 dual record this season. His efforts all season long have lifted his team to uncharted waters; Binghamton’s 12-11 dual meet record this season is their best in 24 years.

“Our coaches have done a tremendous job,” said Fried. “The amount of energy they’ve put into this program is amazing.

Head coach Pat Popolizio, in his second season at Binghamton, has already done the unexpected. He guided the team last season to an unprecedented 10 dual wins and he helped to send Josh Patterson into the NCAA tournament.

Assistant head coaches Dennis Papadatos and Scott Green have been with Popolizio the last two years and have been an integral part of the Bearcats’ success.

“The coaches are the real reason for [the program’s] success,” Fried said. “Wrestlers come and go, but these coaches are making the program one that can hopefully be a top contender in the years to come.”

Last season, Patterson, the eldest of three BU wrestling brothers, starred as Binghamton’s heavyweight, winning seven matches.

Both wrestlers will be honored before Thursday’s match.

Binghamton traveled to Philadelphia to face off against CAA rival Drexel last Friday and pulled off an impressive 27-9 victory to give them their first win over the Dragons since the jump to Division I.

“It was a great dual match for our program,” Popolizio said. “All of our hard work is starting to come through at the right time.”

Junior 157-pounder Nate Patterson notched a big win for the Bearcats as he knocked off the 10th ranked wrestler in the nation, Ryan Hluschak. Patterson improved to 17-6 in duals and 22-11 overall.

His brother, Josh Patterson, had a 9-1 major decision at 174 pounds. The BU sophomore was named co-CAA wrestler of the week. His dual record is 16-3.

“The win was a milestone for our program,” said Fried. “Drexel’s an established program so it’s great for the program.”

Thursday’s match is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the West Gym.