LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Senior Matt Fittery (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) of the Lock Haven University wrestling team is set to take part in the 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

Fittery, who is making his second straight appearance at National Championships is The Haven’s lone NCAA qualifier. Fittery will compete at the 149-pound weight class and kicks off action in St. Louis tomorrow (Thursday, March 19) morning.

The NCAA Championships:

The NCAA D-I Championships kick off tomorrow in St. Louis, Mo., at the Scottrade Center. Action runs from tomorrow (Thursday, March 19) morning until Saturday night’s finals.

How he got here:

Fittery qualified for the NCAA Championship by way of his 149-pound title at the Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Championships. Fittery cruised to the title in Thomas Fieldhouse by going 3-0.

EWL Championship matches:

vs. Antonio Nicholson, Cleveland State – W (8-3)

vs. David Jauregui, West Virginia – W (5-3)

vs. George Hickman, Bloomsburg – W (4-2)

Fittery’s stats:

- 2008-09 season record: 29-7, six major decisions, four tech falls and five pins

- Career record: 75-38, 23 major decisions, seven tech falls and 11 pins

- Fittery’s 29 wins are a team-high, as he has LHU’s best individual record this year with a .806 winning-percentage

Fittery’s in a special club:

Senior Matt Fittery could certainly be a top a very elite class if the 149-pounder is able to pick up one more major decision in his already remarkable Bald Eagle career. He currently owns 23 career major decision, which puts him in a seven-way tie for the school record with an illustrious cast of grapplers. Seth Martin (2002-07), Mike Maney (2000-04), JaMarr Billman (1998-2002), Brian Leitzel (1993-97) and current Bald Eagle assistant coach Mike Rogers (1993-97) all recorded 23 major decisions in their crimson and white careers. Fittery is 71-38 (.651) lifetime the mats for The Haven.

Television coverage:

Date & Time (EST) - - Event - - Networks

Fri., March 20, at 11 a.m. - - Quarterfinals (Live) - - ESPNU HD/ESPN360.com

Fri., March 20, at 7 p.m. - - Semifinals (Live) - - ESPNU HD/ESPN2 HD/ESPN360.com

Sat., March 21, at 10:30 a.m. - - Championship Medal Round (Live) ESPNU HD/ESPN360.com

Sat., March 21, at 6:30 p.m. - - Finals (Live) ESPN HD/ESPN360.com

Official website & results:

To view the official 2009 NCAA D-II Wrestling Championships website and find official/updated results visit the following link