LHU Wrestling Gathers National Experience

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Members of the Lock Haven University wrestling team traversed the country this summer, gaining experience in tournaments in New York, Illinois, Nevada and Colorado with support from the Mat-Town USA Wrestling Club.

Bald Eagle grapplers competed in the University Nationals in Chicago, the Regional Qualifier in Brockport, N.Y., the Senior Nationals in Las Vegas and at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“It was a phenomenal experience,” said LHU head coach Rocky Bonomo. “Competing against the best in the country and attending the camps to learn from the Olympic and World coaching staffs. All of the big names in our sport were there. We hope to continue this awesome opportunity.”

These opportunities are one of the main reasons why the Mat-Town USA Wrestling Club was founded. All-told, 15 Bald Eagles were able to compete at regionals and 11 attended the US Olympic Training Center.

“Today’s wrestler is looking for the opportunities to train and compete year round,” said club director and former LHU head coach Neil Turner. “The Mat-Town club is happy to provide that chance for these young men.”

The young 2004-05 squad (without a senior in the starting lineup) showed signs of improvement as the year went on, taking two of their last three dual meets, including an exciting 21-19 finish over then-No. 22 West Virginia University. The Bald Eagles also earned runner-up status at the Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Championships, earning two EWL titles, six national qualifiers and Bonomo taking EWL Coach of the Year.