PSUD wrestlers compete at Clarion Knightpoint Open

photo: Soph. Garrett Hildebrand

PSU DuBois wrestling open season at Clarion University Open

Nov. 3, 2013

Penn State DuBois Wrestling hit the mats at Clarion University's Knightpoint Open on Sunday against several of the top NCAA Div. I teams and claimed some success against the big boys.  The tournament was significantly tougher this year with wrestlers from Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland, Lehigh, Rutgers, Kent State, Pittsburgh, Lock Haven, Bloomsburg & host Clarion; throw in Div. II powers UPJ and Notre Dame College and it created quite a battle.

PSU DuBois had 1 wrestler place in the top 6 of his weight class, 157lb. sophomore Jake Himes (Ridgway HS) won his first 3 match advancing to the semi-finals before losing by Fall to tournament champion Taylor Walsh from Indiana University. Jake was 3-2 on the day with decisions of 9-0, 15-0, and Medical Forfeit.  Several other PSU DuBois wrestlers competed well; Paul Hetrick (125), Michal Bonner (141), and Ty Haines (149) won 2 matches before being eliminated from competition. Other wrestlers picking up wins were Landon Clayton, Brett Himes, and Garrett Hildebrand.  "I was pleases how we competed against much higher competition, it gives us a reference point on what we need to work on and confidence that we can step on the mat with some of the nation's best and hold our own" stated Head Wrestling Coach Matt Park.

PSU DuBois will host their annual Blue/White wrestle offs on Wednesday evening at 7pm, prior to the matches there will be a free wrestling clinic conducted by Penn State Wrestling great Quentin Wright from 4 -6pm.  Quentin was a 4-time NCAA All-American and two time NCAA champion for the Nittany Lions.  The first home dual meet will take place on Nov. 12^th at 7pm against PSUAC rival Penn College.