Six Penn State DuBois wrestlers qualify for NCWA National Championship
Feb. 26, 2012
The PSU DuBois wrestlers have peaked again at the right time of the season, Coach Matt Park's wrestlers have had a difficult 2nd semester with competing in limited dual meets and only a few tournament because of scheduling adjustments. But they shook off any rust this past weekend at the NCWA Mid-East Conference Tournament held at Valley Forge Military College in King of Prussia, PA.
Leading the way for the PSU Dubois lions was 157lber Shane Alterio, claiming the title with an 11-6 win over Tyler Myers of Penn College. Three other DuBois wrestlers reached the finals but were defeated; 125lbs Nick Bogacki, 141lbs. Garrett Zarecky, 285lbs. Chris Minarchick. Rounding out the NCWA qualifiers were 3rd place winners 174lbs. Stephen Terwilliger and 197lbs Chike Okolo. Holding onto hopes of being selected as a wild card addition to the NCWA Championships is 133lber. Josh Kunig. Josh finished fourth at his weight class; Coach Park will be notified by weeks end if Josh is selected as wild card entry into the tournament.
Penn State Dubois is still searching for its first NCWA All-American wrestler; the program was reinstated two years ago. Last year Kasey Haines was one match away from earning All-American honors. Unfortunately Kasey injured his elbow in last weekend's competition and was forced to injury default.
The top 5 teams in team scoring were; Champions West Chester Univ. 124pts, 2nd PSU DuBois 79pts., 3rd Rutgers University 75pts., 4th Penn College 72.5pts, US Military Academy Prep School 60pts.
The NCWA Championships will be held at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, FL March 8-10, we wish Coach Park and his wrestlers best of luck in this national competition.