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.
