It's been a long wait, but Donnie Jones will finally get a chance to follow in the footsteps of his brothers and wrestle in the NCAA Division I tournament.

Jones, a graduate of Greensburg Salem High School, is in his third year at West Virginia University but injuries kept him from competing his first two seasons.

"I redshirted my first year because of a meniscus [knee] tear," Jones said. "I returned last season with hopes of starting, but a shoulder injury and eventual surgery sidelined me for the season."

Being sidelined for so long was torture for Jones, who was a four-year starter at Greensburg Salem.

"It was really tough to sit and watch my teammates work out every day and know there was no chance I could join them," Jones said. "One season was bad enough. Two seasons made it even tougher."

Jones returned to the mat in November as the Mountaineers' 165-pounder.

"Donnie struggled at the start of the season," said West Virginia coach Craig Turnbull, referring to the fact that Jones lost seven of his first 10 bouts. "There was a point where things started spiraling for him, but Donnie has improved significantly with more experience."

Jones has a 10-9 record this season, which includes two bouts at the Eastern Wrestling League tournament, which took place March 8 at the University of Pittsburgh. Jones won in the semifinals, then dropped an 8-5 decision in the title match to Edinboro's Jarrod King, a Connellsville graduate.

"Greg [Jones] had the best advice for me," said Jones, referring to his brother, who is an assistant coach at West Virginia. "He just told me to forget about [the past injuries] and just go out and have a good time. I'm not seeded, so there's no pressure on me."

Jones is one of three WPIAL alumni entered in the 32-man bracket at 165 pounds. The others are King and the University of Pittsburgh's Ethan Headlee, a Waynesburg graduate.

"Donnie has the talent and desire to become an All-American and eventually win a national title," Turnbull said. "Being unseeded, however, makes his task even tougher."

Jones will face Daniel Atondo of Cal State Bakersfield, another unseeded wrestler, in the first round. The winner will most likely face No. 4 seed Mack Lewnes of Cornell.

"I'm pretty pumped to finally wrestle in the national tournament," Jones said. "I've been to nationals several times to watch my brothers. This will be my first appearance as a participant."

Jones works out every day with teammate Kurt Brenner, a 184-pound junior from Freedom Area High School who will be making a third consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament.

"I work out with Donnie quite a bit," Brenner said. "It's a shame to see what's happened to him the last two years. I'm glad to see that he's finally getting his chance to shine. I wouldn't be surprised to see him become an All-American."

Jones is hoping to receive another year of eligibility from the NCAA after missing two seasons with injuries.

"I don't think it will be a big problem getting him another year of eligibility," Greg Jones said.

Jones was a three-time WPIAL Class AAA champion and two-time PIAA champ at Greensburg Salem. He had a 154-7 record in high school.

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NOTE: Penn-Trafford graduate Charles Pienaar has earned his third consecutive NCAA Division I tournament berth. Pienaar, a senior at Eastern Michigan University who has a 23-9 record, is one of 33 entries at 184 pounds.

"Charlie knows what he has to do, since he's been here before," Eastern Michigan coach Derek DelPorto said. "His work ethic and relentless attitude will pay dividends this week in St. Louis."

Pienaar qualified for the NCAA tournament by placing second at the Mid-American Conference March 8. His opponent in the first round is No. 7 seed Phillip Keddy of Iowa.