Gannon Receiving Votes in National Poll; Swope Tabbed Fifth at 149 Pounds
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is receiving votes in the latest NCAA Division II national poll for the second straight week and the third time this season. Individually, Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) is tabbed fifth in the 149-pound rankings.
Swope, who is also ranked top in the region at 149 pounds, holds a 9-3 overall record with a perfect 7-0 mark in duals. All three of his losses this season have come against Division I foes. The redshirt senior finished sixth at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships. The 2011 NCAA national qualifier at 149 has two major decisions, one tehc fall and one pin this season.
St. Cloud State was again the unanimous top pick with 160 points. They have been the top-ranked team in three of the four polls this season. Newberry, who is tops in Super Region One, was also a unanimous pick for second. Upper Iowa and Augustana (S.D.) tied for third with Nebraska-Kearney rounding out the top five.
Central Okalahoma was sixth followed by Grand Canyon, Pitt-Johnstown, Adams State (Colo.) and Mercyhurst to complete the top 10 teams.
Seven of the 13 teams in Super Region One appear in the poll with Newberry, Pitt-Johnstown, Mercyhurst and West Liberty all ranking in the top 20. Other Super Region One teams to receive votes include Gannon, Kutztown and North Carolina-Pembroke.
Gannon Finishes NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Duals with 3-0 Record after Routs of East Stroudsburg and Ohio Valley
1/21/2012 | Wrestling
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team finished off a perfect weekend at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Duals. Gannon defeated East Stroudsburg 44-9 before taking down Ohio Valley 41-6.
Against the Warriors, Gannon jumped out to a 11-0 lead thanks to a tech fall from Matt Turek (Painesville, Ohio / Madison) and a pin from Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville).
Adam Greenman (Port Allegany, Pa. / Port Allegany) earned six team points for Gannon with his second pin of the weekend in the 165-pound division. He took care of Mike Honeywell in just 1:56.
Zack Zelcs (Ridgway, Pa. / Ridgway) also picked up his second pin in as many chances, needing just one minute 19 seconds to take care of Will Esposito. Gannon won three weight classes by forfeit to finish with the 44-9 final score.
The Golden Knights win nine of 10 matches against Ohio Valley to earn their third straight dual meet of the weekend. Gannon added bonus points in six weight classes.
Turek opened action at 125 pounds with a 26-11 tech fall win over Drew Smith. Weinell added four team points at 133 pounds with a 9-1 major decision.
Scott Bulzan (Chardon, Ohio / Chardon) and Sean Floor (Westbrookville, N.Y. / Port Jervis) both added decision while Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) and Jermaine Easter (Erie, Pa. / Cathedral Prep) won by forfeit.
Ohio Valley picked up their only win with a pin at 174 pounds, but Zelcs answered with his third pin of the weekend at 184 pounds. Chris Boyd (Chase City, Va. / Randolph Henry) earned a 6-4 decision at 197 pounds before Chaz Lear (Cape May, N.J. / Lower Cape May Regional) picked up a forfeit win at heavyweight.
Gannon was deducted one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct to account for a 41-6 final score.
For the weekend, Turek, Weinell, Swope and Zelcs all finished 3-0. Zelcs turned in a dominant performance with three pins. Turek had two tech falls and a pin while Adam Weienll recorded two pins and a major decision.
The 3-0 weekend improved the Golden Knights to 7-1 in dual action. Gannon next competes at Mercyhurst on Thursday, January 26. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.
Gannon's Swope Named Outstanding Wrestler After Gannon's Fith-Place Finish at the Mid-Atlantic Duals
1/15/2012 | Wrestling
ASHLAND, Ohio - The Gannon wrestling team finished with a 2-1 record at the Mid-Atlantic Duals hosted by Ashland Sunday afternoon. The Golden Knights picked up wins over East Stroudsburg (26-18) and Seton Hill (32-12) after dropping the opening dual to Indianapolis by a 24-10 score.
The Greyhounds won seven of 10 bouts against the Golden Knights en route to the 24-10 win. Indianapolis built a 9-0 lead before Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) earned four points for Gannon with a 19-6 major decision. Sean Floor's (Westbrookville, N.Y. / Port Jervis) 7-6 decision at 157 pounds brought Gannon within two points with the score at 9-7. However, Gannon managed just one win in the final five bouts in its first dual loss of the season. Bret Terry (Canal Winchester, Ohio / New Albany) earned the other Gannon win with a 3-1 decision at 174 pounds.
The loss sent Gannon to the loser's half of the dual tournament bracket and allowed Gannon to finish no higher than fifth. The Golden Knights rebounded with wins in the final two duals to take fifth place.
Against East Stroudsburg, Gannon jumped out to a 11-0 lead thanks to a tech fall from Matt Turek (Painesville, Ohio / Madison) and a pin from Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville). Swope gave Gannon a 15-6 lead with a major decision at 149 pounds. Terry, Zack Zelcs (Ridgway, Pa. / Ridgway) and Chris Boyd (Chase City, Va. / Randolph Henry) strung together three straight Gannon wins to secure the team win for the Golden Knights.
In the fifth-place match, Seton Hill won two of the first three matches to hold a 6-3 lead. Swope then earned bonus points for the third straight bout with a 20-5 technical fall, giving Gannon a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Swope's win started a streak of six straight wins for Gannon, building a 32-6 lead before forfeiting the heavyweight bout. Floor and Adam Greenman (Port Allegany, Pa. / Port Allegany) both recorded pins in the first period of their bouts to rack up bonus points for the Golden Knights.
Swope was named the tournament's outstanding wrestler after a 3-0 performance that included a technical fall and two major decisions.
The host Eagles were tournament champs with a 3-0 record. Gannon previously defeated Ashland 22-18 last week. West Liberty was second, followed by King and Indianapolis to represent the top four. Gannon was fifth, followed by Seton Hill, East Stroudsburg and Belmont Abbey to finish the tournament standings.
Gannon's Swope Ranked Fifth Nationally at 149 Pounds; Gannon Receiving Votes as a Team
<http://www.gannonsports.com/news/2012/1/13/WREST_0113122918.aspx?elinkdata=358204>Gannon's Swope Ranked Fifth Nationally at 149 Pounds; Gannon Receiving Votes as a Team
1/13/2012 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is back receiving votes in the latest nationally poll thanks in part to a 22-18 upset of previous No. 10 Ashland last weekend. Additionally, Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) is tabbed fifth in the 149-pound rankings.
Swope currently holds a 3-3 overall record with all three losses coming against Division I foes. He most recently defeated Ashland's Marc Hoff 7-5 in overtime. The 2011 NCAA Division II National Qualifier finished sixth at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships last month.
The Golden Knights are one of nine teams to receive votes, but rank outside of the top 20. Gannon has appeared in two of the three polls this season.
St. Could State (Minn.) is the unanimous top pick after winning last weekend's NWCA/Cliff Keen Division II National Duals. The Huskies knocked off previous No. 1 Newberry 23-12 in the finals of the 16-team event. The loss dropped Newberry to the second spot while Upper Iowa, Nebraska-Kearney and Augustana (S.D.) round out the top five.
Central Oklahoma, Grand Canyon (Ariz.), Mercyhurst, Wisconsin-Parkside and Limestone (S.C.) complete the top ten. Limestone made the biggest jump of the week, occupying the 10th spot after being unranked in the previous poll.
Eight of the 13 teams in Super Region one appear in the poll with Newberry, Mercyhurst, Pitt-Johnstown and West Liberty all ranking in the top 20. Other Super Region One teams to receive votes include East Stroudsburg, Gannon, Kutztown and North Caronlina-Pembroke.
Gannon's Lear Named PSAC Wrestler of the Week
Gannon's Lear Named PSAC Wrestler of the Week
1/9/2012 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - Chaz Lear (Cape May, N.J. / Lower Cape May Regional) was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Wrestler of the Week as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon.
With Gannon holding a one-point lead heading into the final bout of the match, Lear's 4-3 upset of Jacob Southwick gave the Golden Knights a 22-18 win over 10th-ranked Ashland last Friday. The win gave head coach Don Henry his 150th career dual win during his 28th season at Gannon. Southwick, who finished fourth at the NCAA Division II Nationals last season, entered the night ranked third in the country and had not lost to a Division II foe this season.
In the latest NCAA Division II regional rankings released earlier today, Lear ranked sixth in the heavyweight division. The redshirt freshman holds a 3-6 overall record this season.
Five Gannon Wrestlers Tabbed in Regional Rankings; Golden Knights Seventh in Team Rankings
1/9/2012 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team moved up two spots in the latest NCAA Division II regional rankings, currently holding the seventh spot. In addition, Golden Knights appear in the regional rankings in five weight classes.
Defending Super Region One champion and current top-ranked team in the country Newberry is tabbed first in the region. Mercyhurst is second followed by West Liberty, Pitt-Johnstown and East Stroudsburg to comprise the top five.
Kutztown is sixth, followed by Gannon, Shippensburg, Seton Hill, UNC-Pembroke, Anderson, American International and Ohio Valley to complete the 13-team region.
Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) retained the top spot in the 149-pound division to represent Gannon's highest ranked grappler. Swope currently holds a 3-3 overall record with all three losses coming against Division I foes. He most recently defeated Ashland's Marc Hoff 7-5 in overtime.
Zack Zelcs (Ridgway, Pa. / Ridgway) jumped into the regional rankings after a third-place finish at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships. Zelcs holds a 7-6 overall record this season, but all six losses have come against Division I opponents.
Matt Turek (Painesville, Ohio / Madison) also moved into the regional rankings for the first time this season, holding the sixth spot in the 125-pound class. Turek is 4-6 this season and finished sixth at the PSAC Championships.
Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville) held on to the sixth spot at 133 pounds. The redshirt freshman went 4-2 at the Buffalo Open, suffering both losses to NCAA Division I opponents. He took fourth at the Mercyhurst Open with a 4-1 record. He holds a 11-7 overall record and has a team-high four pins this season.
Chaz Lear (Cape May, N.J. / Lower Cape May Regional) also moved into the regional rankings for the first time this season after his 4-3 win over Ashland's Jacob Southwick this weekend. His win in the heavyweight bout gave Gannon a 22-18 win over 10th-ranked Ashland on Friday. Southwick, who finished fourth last season at the NCAA Division II Nationals, entered the bout ranked third in the country and hadn't lost to a Division II opponent this season.
Gannon's Mase Named PSAC Wrestling Champion Scholar
12/10/2011 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon's Arlen Mase (Bedminster, N.J. / Bernards) was named the recipient of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champion Scholar award during Saturday's PSAC Wrestling Championships.
A new award for the PSAC this season, the PSAC Champion Scholar Award is modeled after the NCAA's Elite 88 award. The award honors the student-athlete with the top grade point average that is competing at the site of each of the PSAC's 23 team championship finals.
Mase became the second Gannon student-athlete to recieve the award this year, joining Kelly Nickerson who was honored at the PSAC Women's Golf Championships.
Gannon's Mase Named PSAC Wrestling Champion Scholar
Gannon Wrestling Team Wins 39-6 Over Penn State DuBois; Over $1,200 Raised in Honor of Diane Henry
12/7/2011 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team won nine of ten bouts en route to a 39-6 win over Penn State DuBois Wednesday evening at the Hammermill Center. In addition to the results on the mat, the event was also a success as fundraising efforts produced more than $1,200 to be used for a scholarship in the name of head coach Don Henry's wife Diane who passed away earlier this week.
Matt Turek (Painesville, Ohio / Madison) gave the Golden Knights a 6-0 lead after the 125-pound match, earning a technical fall (22-7) at the 4:02 mark of the bout. Turek recorded six takedowns and six back points during the first period.
Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville) recorded his third pin of the season in the 133-pound bout. He pinned Trenton Bowers two minutes and 37 seconds into the match, giving Gannon an 11-0 lead.
Scott Bulzan (Chardon, Ohio / Chardon) earned a 4-2 decision in the 141-pound match before Ethan Swope (Luthersberg, Pa. / DuBois Area) recorded a 12-3 major decision at 149. Swope picked up two takedowns in the first period, a reversal in the second and a takedown with three back points in the third.
Keith Stoerr (Lancaster, N.Y. / Lancaster) and Zack Zelcs (Ridgway, Pa. / Ridgway) also recorded pins during the Gannon win. Stoerr pinned Ryan Terwilliger in 5:51 to end the 174-pound bout while Zelcs recorded the win via pin at the 4:15 mark of the 184-pound match.
Sam Brehm (Wexford, Pa. / Pine-Richland), Adam Greenman (Port Allegany, Pa. / Port Allegany) and Jimmy Martz (Hookstown, Pa. / Southside Beaver) all added three points to Gannon's total with decisions in their respective weight classes.
The Golden Knights moved to 1-0 with the win in their opening dual. Penn State DuBois fell to 5-2 for the season.
Gannon will next compete at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Championships this weekend at Mercyhurst. Competition will take place all day Saturday, December 10.
Gannon Wrestling Team to Honor the Memory of Diane Henry During Dual Meet with Penn State DuBois
12/6/2011 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - Mourning the passing of head coach Don Henry's wife Diane earlier this week, the Gannon wrestling team plans to honor her memory during the Golden Knights' dual meet with Penn State DuBois Wednesday, December 7. The contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Hammermill Center.
The Gannon wrestling team and members of the Gannon Athletic Department will be selling ribbons and collecting donations during the dual meet with all funds benefitting a scholarship in Diane's name. A moment of silence will also be observed prior to the match. All members of the Gannon community are invited to attend.
Wednesday's home opener is also the first dual meet for the Golden Knights this season. Gannon has seen tournament action this season at the Buffalo Open, the Binghamton Open and the Mercyhurst Open.
Gannon is ranked ninth in the latest NCAA Division II regional rankings. Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) is currently ranked first regionally in the 149-pound division. Swope finished second at last season's NCAA Division II Super Regional One, qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championship for the first time in his career.
Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville) is tabbed sixth in the 133-pound division with a 9-5 overall record. The redshirt freshman went 4-2 at the Buffalo Open, with both losses coming against NCAA Division I opponents. He took fourth place at the Mercyhurst Open with a record of 4-1. His only loss came to eventual champion Kody Young of Mercyhurst.
Penn State DuBois enters Wednesday's contest with a 5-1 record in dual meets. The Nittany Lions posted a 3-1 record at the Electric City Duals, falling only to University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Penn State DuBois also has wins against Penn State Beaver (53-3) and Penn College (45-10) this season.
Gannon Wrestling Team Ranked Ninth Regionally; Four Golden Knights Tabbed Individually
12/5/2011 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team fell two spots in the latest NCAA Division II Super Region One rankings, released Monday afternoon. Individually, a total of four Golden Knights ranked in the top six regionally.
Defending Super Region One champion Newberry is the top-ranked team, followed by Mercyhurst, West Liberty, Pitt-Johnstown and Shippensburg to complete the top five.
Kutztown is sixth ahead of Seton Hill, UNC Pembroke, Gannon and East Stroudsburg for the top ten. American International, Anderson and Ohio Valley complete the teams in the region.
Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) is Gannon's highest ranked individual, sitting first in the 149-pound division. The redshirt senior produced a 23-16 overall record with a 9-2 mark in dual matches last season. He finished second on the team in overall victories, third in dual wins and third in major decisions (3).
Swope finished second at last year's NCAA Division II Super Regional One, going 3-0 before falling to Kutztown's John Paukovits 3-1 in the finals. As a result, Swope qualified for his first-ever NCAA Division II National Championship where he finished with a 1-2 record, one win shy of earning all-america honors. He owns a 63-39 career overall record with an 18-7 career dual mark.
Sam Brehm (Wexford, Pa. / Pine-Richland) moves up one spot to second in the 157-pound division. The redshirt sophomore holds a 5-4 overall record this season. He earned two wins at the Buffalo Open before taking fourth place at the Mercyhurst Open with a 3-2 record.
Chris Boyd (Chase City, Va. / Randolph Henry) is listed fifth at 184. The redshirt junior has competed in just one event this season, finishing with a 2-1 record at the Buffalo Open. Last season he posted a 13-14 overall record with a 7-4 mark in dual meets.
Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville) is tabbed sixth in the 133-pound division with a 9-5 overall record. The redshirt freshman went 4-2 at the Buffalo Open, suffering both losses against NCAA Division I foes. He posted a 2-2 record at the Binghamton Open before taking fourth place at the Mercyhurst Open. He recorded four wins at the tournament and suffered his only loss to eventual champion Kody Young of Mercyhurst.
The Golden Knights will open the 2011-12 dual season on Wednesday, December 7 against Penn State-DuBois. The meet will begin at 7 p.m. at the Hammermill Center.
Gannon University Announces 2012 Athletics Hall of Fame Class
11/22/2011 | Football
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon University will celebrate the latest inductees of its Athletics Hall of Fame Saturday, January 21, 2012 with the induction of nine new members. In addition, the 1961-62 men's basketball team will be inducted as a team.
The new class increases the Gannon Hall of Fame membership to 56 inductees. The Class of 2012 will be formally inducted at the Annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet Saturday, January 21 at Gannon's Yehl Ballroom in the Waldron Center.
Reservations for the Hall of Fame Banquet can be made online at www.gannonalumni.org/ahof2012. Seating will be limited to the first 250 registrations. Cost for the event is $30 and includes admission to the women's and men's basketball games against Clarion on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The women's contest begins at 1 p.m., followed by the men's game at 3 p.m. The Hall of Fame reception kicks off at 5 p.m. with the banquet to follow at 5:45 p.m. Please direct any questions to Cindy Toland in University Advancement at 814-871-7608 or by e-mail at toland001@gannon.edu.
The 2012 inductees include former football standout Art Arkelian; former wrestling great John Oldach; former women's volleyball standout Heather Petras Primrose; former wrestling/football great Todd Proper; former women's basketball standout Kristin Roseberry Kachmar and former women's basketball standout Jacki Windon. Former softball coaching legend and athletic director Mike Corbett will be inducted posthumously. Gary Miller and Pat Ferrara will be inducted as the 2012 Distinguished Service Award recipients. In addition to the nine individual inductees, the Athletics Hall of Fame will induct the 1961-62 men's basketball team. A brief summary of the 2012 inductees' achievements follows in alphabetical order.
Art Arkelian (Football '51) was an integral part of two of the best football teams in school history. The two-year letterwinner played halfback and special teams for the 1949 and 1950 teams, before the program was discontinued until 1989. The Golden Knights posted an 8-0 record during their first season in 1949, representing the only undefeated season in school history. The squad demolished opponents, out-scoring its opposition 184-20. Arkelian was later named to the Associated Press Little All-America team and the All-Pennsylvania third team for his 1949 exploits.
Gannon followed its first season with a 6-2 record in 1950. In all, the Golden Knights produced a 14-2 record during Arkelian's collegiate playing days. He is one of only four players in the history of the program to return a kickoff for a touchdown. Arkelian is also one of only three players in school history to return two punts for a touchdown in the same season, doing so in 1950. His 81-yard kickoff return against Wilmington (Ohio) in 1950 represents the fourth-longest return in school history. His 63-yard punt return against Hillsdale and 60-yard punt return against Adrian (both coming in 1950) rank fifth and sixth in school history for longest punt returns.
John Oldach (Wrestling '90) was a four-year letterwinner (1986-90) at Gannon, being one of the student-athletes who put Gannon wrestling on the map. Two years after Gannon resurrected the wrestling program in 1984, Oldach began a collegiate career which led to 105 career victories. It set the school record for victories at the time, a record that stood for another 10 years.
Oldach won the 190-pound championship at the 1990 East Regional and later became the second wrestler in school history to earn all-america honors when he finished fifth at the 1990 NCAA Division II National Championships. He finished his career with a 105-31 overall record, a .772 overall winning percentage, 27 pins, a 41-5 dual record and .891 dual winning percentage. Oldach still ranks second all-time at Gannon in overall victories, second in dual winning percentage, second in dual victories, third in overall winning percentage and eighth in pins.
Heather Petras Primrose (Women's Volleyball '96) is one of two volleyball student-athletes to have their jersey retired as her number 12 hangs above the court at the Hammermill Center. 2011 Gannon Hall of Fame inductee Kathy Wotus Kuhns ('93), a one-time teammate in 1992, is the other Lady Knight to have her number retired.
Petras Primrose set the standard to which all Gannon setters are compared to. A Lady Knight from 1992-95, Petras Primrose departed as the school's record holder in career assists (3,426) and was tied with Wotus Kuhns for second place in career digs with 1,293. She currently ranks second in career assists and fourth in career digs. Her career kill percentage of .300 stands fifth and with 1,145 career kills, she ranks eighth in that category. Petras Primrose is eighth in career block solos with 117. Among the season charts, her 1,003 assists in 1993 equal the seventh-highest single-season total in school history and her 891 assists in 1992 represent the 10th-highest single-season mark. Her career numbers also include 165 service aces.
Petras Primrose joins Wotus Kuhns as the only Lady Knights to earn American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America status, finding a spot on the second team in 1994. She was a first-team GTE Academic All-American in 1995 and was also an All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first-team selection.
Todd Proper (Wrestling/Football '01, '06M) was a two-sport athlete at Gannon, excelling in both wrestling and football from 1996 to 2001. The former heavyweight became the wrestling program's first-ever three-time All-American, became the first Golden Knight to earn the honor in nine years during the 1998-99 season. He was a three-time NCAA Division II national qualifier and a two-time NCAA Division II East Region champion at heavyweight. Proper finished third at the NCAA Division II National Championships as a senior, fifth as a junior and sixth as a sophomore. His classroom work helped him become a two-time Academic All-American.
Proper is Gannon's all-time leader in overall winning percentage (.856), pins (54) and dual meet winning percentage (.912). The dominating wrestler was Gannon's all-time victory leader for 10 years with 107 until the record was broken during the 2010-11 season. His 41 victories in 1999-00 and his 39 victories in 2000-01 are the two highest single-season totals in school history. He always packed the Hammermill Center stands for dual matches where he posted an amazing 31-3 career record.
The Maplewood High School graduate was also a four-year letterwinner for the Gannon football team. Proper concluded his career seventh all-time at Gannon in career tackles (216) and fourth in career sacks (14.5). He still remains 14th and ninth in those categories, respectively.
Kristin Roseberry Kachmar (Women's Basketball '03) is the only four-time All-American in the history of the Gannon women's basketball program. The standout center was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America first team, the Daktronics All-America third team and the Division II Bulletin All-America honorable-mention team in 2001. She earned Daktronics all-america honorable-mention status in 2000.
Roseberry Kachmar's four-year career (1999-02) numbers include 2,147 points, 18.4 points per game, 824 field goals, a .561 field goal percentage, 117 games played, 916 rebounds, 7.8 rebounds per game, 98 blocked shots and 499 free throws. She is Gannon's all-time leader in free throws made while ranking second in points, second in field goals made, second in field goal percentage, second in games, third in scoring average, third in rebounds, fifth in rebounding average and sixth in blocked shots. Roseberry Kachmar recorded two of the school's top three single-season scoring totals, netting 616 points in 2000-01 and 599 markers in 1999-00.
The Marion, Ohio, native led Gannon to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a victory over defending national champion Northern Kentucky in the first round of the 2001 national tournament. Her career honors included All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) first-team accolades three times (2000, 2001, 2002), GLIAC Freshman of the Year in 1999, GLIAC All-Defensive first-team honors in 2002 and GLIAC All-Tournament team selections in 2000 and 2001.
Jacki Windon (Women's Basketball '01) joined Roseberry on the 2000 and 2001 NCAA Tournament teams. A four-year starter (1998-01), Windon is Gannon's all-time leader in three-point field goals (299) and steals (345). The former guard ranks second all-time at Gannon in assists (647), fifth in free throws made (267), sixth in points (1,524), sixth in scoring average (13.6), seventh in free throw percentage (.767), seventh in three-point field goal percentage (.356), ninth in field goals made (479) and 12th in games played (112). She owns the top two single-season three-point field goal totals in school history and owns the top three single-season steal totals in school history. Her 89 three-pointers in 2000-01 and her 95 steals in 1999-00 are still the best single-season marks in school history.
Windon was a four-time All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) selection, landing a spot on the first team in 2000 and 2001. She was named to the second team in 1998 and 1999. A two-time GLIAC All-Defensive first-team selection (1998 and 2001), Windon also secured a spot on the 2001 GLIAC All-Tournament team.
Mike Corbett (Softball, Director of Athletics '91M) produced a 323-179 career record during 12 seasons at the helm of the Gannon softball team, equaling a .643 winning percentage. The softball coaching legend inherited a program that had a 55-125-1 record in 12 seasons and never reached double digits in victories, before leading the Lady Knights to a school-record 323 wins over the next 12 seasons. After a 13-15 record during his first year, Gannon proceeded to post 11 consecutive winning seasons.
Corbett led Gannon to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999. That squad still owns the school's single-season record for victories (49) and winning percentage (.830). A former farmhand for nine seasons in the Detroit Tigers system (1971-79), Corbett resigned after the 2000 campaign to become Gannon's Director of Athletics. He served in that position until passing away in 2002. Corbett also served as an assistant coach for the Gannon volleyball team in 1986 and 1987, helping Gannon Hall of Fame Coach Gerry Burbules Vensel ('92M)guide the program to 66 victories in those two seasons.
Gary Miller ('72) will be a 2012 Distinguished Service Award recipient. Miller has been a longtime supporter of Gannon Athletics and a longtime basketball season ticket holder, supporting the Golden Knights every game in the first row across from the team's bench. Gannon's No. 1 men's basketball fan and a great member of the Gannon Booster Club since 1974, Miller traveled to Springfield, Mass. for the 1987 NCAA Division II Final Four where he hosted a reception for all Gannon basketball fans. He also traveled to the 2009 NCAA Division II Elite Eight in Springfield, Massachusetts and has been responsible for sponsoring several basketball alumni games over the years. He continues to crisscross the state of Pennsylvania every year following Gannon basketball.
Miller has sponsored Gannon's annual Thanksgiving men's basketball tournament, known as the Gary Miller Classic, since 1984. Gannon has won the event 16 times while fans have been entertained by some of the best talent in NCAA Division II. He served as an honoree host for the 2010 Hall of Fame nominees. With his gift to perpetually endow the Gary Miller Classic, he will be inducted into the Universatis Society, the highest recognition for a Gannon donor.
Pat Ferrara is another 2012 Distinguished Service Award recipient. He has been Gannon's longtime kicking coach, serving as a member of the Gannon football coaching staff under three head coaches since 1991. He was part of coaching staffs under Tom Herman, Bill Elias and Jim Kiernan. Ferrara helped tutor former Gannon kickers Brendan McNicholas, Tim Hrivnak, Jarrett Kier and Adam Foust. They are among Gannon's all-time top five in field goals made.
Jeremy Ditzler, who recently graduated in 2011, was the latest to come under Ferrara's guidance. Ditzler is Gannon's all-time leader in career field goals (33) and field goal percentage (63.5). The senior was named to the 2009 Lindy's College Football Preview All-America second team. As a sophomore, he was named to the All-PSAC first team and selected to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-Super One Region third team. He ranks fourth all-time at Gannon in scoring (182).
Ferrara graduated from Ford City High School, before being a four-year player at the Air Corp Technical School where he played running back and quarterback. Ferrara served in the Air Force for seven years, flying B-29s in the South Pacific and later started his coaching career at Hempstead Long Island High School. Among his other coaching stops were Rantoul (Ill.) High School, Officer Training School (OTS) in San Antonio, Texas and the Air Force Academy.
The induction of the 1961-62 men's basketball team is a fitting tribute to a team celebrating its 50th anniversary. Coached by Gannon Hall of Famer George Hesch ('55), the squad became the first basketball team in school history to compete in the NCAA Tournament. The Golden Knights fell to Wittenberg and Youngstown State in the Mideast Regional at Akron, Ohio during their first post-season trip. No Gannon team had won more than 16 games in a season at that time.
Hesch was assisted on the sidelines by Gannon Hall of Famer Howard "Bud" Elwell ('55) and Dick Fox ('58). Four members of the 1961-62 squad have already been inducted into the Gannon Athletics Hall of Fame as individuals in Willie Alford ('65), Jack Byrnes, Joe Gaeta ('62) and Al Lawson ('65). Other key members of the team included Matt Andrews ('65), Tom Carroll ('62), Jim Cipalla ('89), John Holeva ('63), Ben Kuster ('62), Jerry Lott ('60, '90M), John Mauro ('62), Jim McCallion ('65), Al Stankiewicz and Bob Ward ('64). Cliff Kirsch ('62) and Jerry Gorup ('65) served as the team managers.
The team will long be remembered as the start of the modern era of Gannon basketball with fans starting to fill the Hammermill Center. Impressive victories that season included verdicts against nationally-ranked Tennessee A&I, Belmont Abbey, Texas Southern, Pikeville and Steubenville. Gaeta and Lott served as the team captains.
Current members of Gannon's Athletics Hall of Fame can be viewed at http://www.gannonsports.com/hof.aspx?tab=halloffame.
Gannon Wrestling Team Competes at Binghamton Open
Gannon Wrestling Team Competes at Binghamton Open
VESTAL, N.Y. - The Gannon wrestling team continued the 2011-12 season with tournament action at the Binghamton Open Sunday afternoon. A total of five Golden Knights posted at least one win at the event.
Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville) posted a 2-2 record in the 133-pound division. After dropping his opening match, Weinell pinned Dylan Hertzer of Rider in 1:20. He then recorded a 7-1 win against Robert Neal of Binghamton, before ending his day with a 7-4 loss.
Keith Stoerr (Lancaster, N.Y. / Lancaster) also recorded two wins in the 165-pound bracket. He picked up his first win against Seth Robertson of George Mason by a 12-8 score. He then pinned Kenton Perez, also of George Mason, at the 6:26 mark of the match. His day ended with a 13-4 loss to Princeton's Rich Eva.
Jesse Wolfe (Johnsonburg, Pa. / Johnsonburg Area), Sean Floor (Westbrookville, N.Y. / Port Jervis) and Zack Zelcs (Ridgway, Pa. / Ridgway) all recorded one win during the tournament.
Gannon Wrestling Team Opens Season with Tournament Action at Buffalo
BUFFALO, N.Y. - A total of 15 Golden Knights opened the 2011-12 season Sunday afternoon with action at the University of Buffalo Open. Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville) was Gannon's top performer, finishing fourth in the 133-pound division.
Weinell picked up three wins on Sunday, finishing in fourth place out of the 15 grapplers in the 133-pound division. The redshirt freshman won his opening bout against Robert Neal of Binghamton by a 12-3 score. Weinell then earned a 4-3 win over Justin Farmer of Buffalo. A loss then put Weinell into the wrestleback bracket where he defeated Dan Gormley of Buffalo. In a rematch, Farmer defeated Weinell 2-1 in the third-place match.
Zack Zelcs (Ridgway, Pa. / Ridgway) qualified for the fifth-place match at 184 pounds, after earning a win in the wrestleback bracket. After opening the day with a loss, Zelcs picked up a win over Lehigh's John Bolich. Zelcs fell by a 3-1 score to move into the fifth-place match. Results of Zelcs final bout were unavailable.
Scott Bulzan (Chardon, Ohio / Chardon) and Sam Brehm (Wexford, Pa. / Pine-Richland) each earned two wins during the day. Bulzan picked up back-to-back wins in the 141-pound division while Brehm opened the day with a 10-5 win before grabbing another win in the wrestleback bracket.
Chris Boyd (Chase City, Va. / Randolph Henry) earned a pair of wins in the 197-pound bracket including one via pin. Boyd took down Aireol Harper of Niagara Community College in 1:50. Keith Stoerr (Lancaster, N.Y. / Lancaster) and D.J. Martin (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Plum Senior) also placed at the event. Stoerr took eighth at 165 pounds while Martin finished eighth in the 184-pound division.
The Golden Knights' next action will come on November 13 when they travel to the Binghamton Open.
Gannon Wrestling Team Among Others Receiving Votes in Preseason National Rankings
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is among others receiving votes in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association preseason national rankings released Wednesday afternoon. In addition, Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa./DuBois Area) is listed among the nation's best at 149 pounds.
St. Cloud State (Minn.), coming off its best-ever runner-up finish in last year's national tournament, received four of the eight first-place votes and enters the 2011-12 season as the preseason No. 1 team. The Huskies accumulated 153 points.
Newberry (S.C.), which has won four straight Super Region One titles, earned three first-place votes and is second in the poll with 150 points. Upper Iowa (144), Nebraska-Kearney (132) and Grand Canyon (Ariz.) (130) completed the top five. Nebraska-Kearney secured the final first-place vote.
Augustana (S.D.) (124), Central Oklahoma (107), Pitt-Johnstown (94), Wisconsin-Parkside (90) and Ashland (74) rounded out the top 10. Gannon was one of nine programs listed among others receiving votes, but total points for those teams were not published.
Swope, who enters the 2011-12 campaign as the region's top-ranked 149-pound wrestler, is tabbed fifth nationally. The redshirt senior produced a 26-13 overall record and 9-2 mark in dual matches last season. He finished second on the team in overall victories, third in dual wins and third in major decisions (3).
The Luthersburg, Pa., native finished second at last year's NCAA Division II Super Regional One, going 3-0 before falling to Kutztown's John Paukovits 3-1 in the finals. As a result, Swope qualified for his first-ever NCAA Division II National Championships where he finished 1-2. He owns a 63-39 career overall record with an 18-7 career dual slate.
Gannon concluded the 2010-11 campaign with a 16th-place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships, marking the 13th consecutive season that the program finished 26th or higher. The program recorded its fourth consecutive winning season with a 9-2-1 dual record. The Golden Knights are 36-10-1 in dual matches during the last four seasons.
Academically, Gannon was just as good. The Golden Knights recorded the 10th-highest team cumulative grade-point average (3.194) in the country. Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area), A.J. Milanak (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area), Tony Petrella (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) and Swope were all represented on the All-Academic first team. It was the second academic honor for each.
Gannon Releases 2011-12 Wrestling Schedule
8/2/2011 | Wrestling
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon head wrestling coach Don Henry has announced the program's 2011-12 schedule. The slate includes three opens, one invitational, two dual tournaments and nine dual matches.
The 2011-12 campaign kicks off with three consecutive opens at the University of Buffalo (November 6), Binghamton University (November 13) and Mercyhurst College (November 19).
The month of December begins with a trip to the Ohio Northern Invitational on December 3. Gannon then hosts Penn State DuBois in the home opener Wednesday, December 7. Start time is slated for 7 p.m.
The first semester concludes Saturday, December 10 when Gannon participates in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships hosted by Mercyhurst College. The Golden Knights finished fifth overall and first among non-NCAA Division I schools at last year's conference championships.
Henry's squad has a tough road schedule at the beginning of the second semester, wrestling in seven consecutive road events. All five January events take place on the road. Ashland hosts the Mid-Atlantic Duals January 15 and Pitt-Johnstown hosts the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Duals January 20-21.
Gannon and Mercyhurst renew their local rivalry Thursday, January 26 at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Golden Knights have won two straight in the series, posting a 27-15 decision at home last season and a 31-14 verdict at the MAC during the 2008-09 campaign.
The regular season concludes with five dual matches in February. The Golden Knights host Shippensburg on February 3 and Lake Erie on February 8. Senior Night is scheduled for Friday, February 17 against Seton Hill.
Gannon's post-season schedule includes the NCAA Division II Super Regional One hosted by UNC-Pembroke February 24-25 and the NCAA Division II National Championships March 9-10. A host has yet to be determined for the national championships.
Gannon concluded the 2010-11 campaign with a 16th-place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships, marking the 13th consecutive season that the program finished 26th or higher. The program recorded its fourth consecutive winning season with a 9-2-1 dual record. The Golden Knights are 36-10-1 in dual matches during the last four seasons.
Academically, Gannon was just as good. The Golden Knights recorded the 10th-highest team cumulative grade-point average (3.194) in the country. Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area), A.J. Milanak (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area), Tony Petrella (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) and Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa./DuBois Area) were all represented on the All-Academic first team. It was the second academic honor for each.
Gannon's Deimel and McKendree Named to Academic All-District II
Team
Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) has been named to the Capital One Academic All-District II men's at-large second team released Friday afternoon. Both student-athletes earned the honor for the first time.
Deimel recently capped an unbelievable collegiate career that included multiple academic and athletic awards. The senior golfer finished 11th out of 108 participants at the NCAA Division II National Championships May 16-18 in Florence, Ala. It represented his second consecutive top-20 finish after he placed 18th at last year's national championships.
The Pre-Dental major owns a 3.52 cumulative grade-point average. A Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete, Deimel received the Division II Athletics Directors Association (DII ADA) Academic Achievement Award last season.
Deimel qualified for two consecutive NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Regionals as an individual, finishing fourth in 2011 and sixth in 2010. A 2010 NCAA Division II PING All-Atlantic Region selection, Deimel averaged 74.3 strokes through 23 rounds this season. He recorded top-20 finishes in all 10 events, including five top-five finishes. Deimel concluded his collegiate career with a 74.6 average in 71 career rounds.
McKendree continues to add to his plethora of collegiate awards. A PSAC Scholar-Athlete and two-time Academic All-American, the senior wrestler ended his collegiate career with one of the best post-season runs in school history. At the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championships, the 165-pounder defeated three wrestlers with a combined 91 wins to reach the national title match and become an All-American for the second time. He is one of only three wrestlers in school history to reach a national title match.
The Vandergrift, Pa., native owns a 3.40 cumulative grade-point average while majoring in Pre-Chiropractic and Biology. McKendree was a perfect 2-0 during the first day of action at the NCAA Division II National Championships. He turned in arguably the best performance of the weekend during the national quarterfinals. Facing the No. 2 wrestler in the country, he recorded a pin in 33 seconds. McKendree posted a 5-2 victory in the semifinals, before falling in sudden-death during the finals.
McKendree also placed second at the regionals hosted by Gannon. Among his numerous awards this season, he was named NCAA Division II Super Region One Wrestler of the Year. McKendree concluded his career as Gannon's all-time leader in victories (111). His 34 wins this season ranked fourth on Gannon's single-season victory chart. He was also a perfect 12-0 in dual meets this season, completing just the seventh undefeated dual season with at least 10 wins in school history.
The 2011 Capital One Academic All-District II men's at-large teams were selected by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The at-large teams consist of all sports except football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, track and field, softball and cross country. The first-team members will now move to the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration. The All-America teams are scheduled to be released Tuesday, June 7.
The District II College Division consists of all NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA colleges and universities in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. To be nominated for the Academic All-America program, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore with a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average and a starter or significant reserve on his team.
Four Gannon Wrestlers Earn Academic All-America First-Team Honors
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team proved to be as successful in the classroom as on the mat during the 2010-11 season. Four Golden Knights were named to the 2010-11 Division II All-Academic First-Team, tied for the most first-team selections of any school in Division II. As a team, the Golden Knights recorded the 10th best GPA in the country with a 3.194.
University of Indianapolis posted the top GPA in the nation with a 3.419. Truman State was second (3.406) followed by Mesa State College (3.362), Northern State (3.340) and Augustana College (3.292) to round out the top-five programs.
Gannon University and Augustana each placed four members on the first team, while the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Upper Iowa and St. Cloud State each placed three members on the first team.
Zack McKendree (Vandergraft, Pa. / Kiski Area), A.J. Milanak (Apollo, Pa. / Kiski Area), Tony Petrella (Reynoldsburg, Ohio / Bishop Hartley) and Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) were all represented on the first-team. It is the second honor for each. Swope earned honorable-mention honors in 2009. Milanak and Petrella were named to the second team in 2010 while McKendree becomes a two-time first-team selection after repeating the honor from last season.
In order for a student-athlete to be nominated for the Division II All-Academic team, he must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. He must also be in at least his second full year at his school, be a varsity member on his team or a key reserve, demonstrate a degree of skill and have a minimum of two letters of recommendation (academic advisor and coach) submitted on his behalf.
McKendree earned his second straight honor with a 3.4 cumulative GPA. The Biology major's 34 wins this season rank fourth on Gannon's single season wins list. He was also a perfect 12-0 in dual meets this season, completing just the seventh undefeated dual season with at least 10 wins in Gannon history. He finished his collegiate career as the all-time wins leader at Gannon with 111 victories. He reached the finals of the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships last weekend, falling 3-1 in sudden-victory overtime to take second place. He repeated the all-america honor that he won as a freshman in 2008, taking seventh at 149 pounds.
Milanak earned first-team honors with a 3.68 cumulative GPA while majoring in Finance. The redshirt senior finished his collegiate career during last weekend's NCAA Division II National Championship. In the 141-pound class, Milanak finished one win shy of repeating his all-america status from last year. Milanak placed sixth during the 2010 championships. He finished the season with a 15-8 record.
Swope earned his second Academic All-America selection with a 3.27 GPA. The Chemistry major qualified for the NCAA National Championships for the first time this season in the 149-pound class. He posted a 25-13 record in 2011, finishing second at the NCAA Super Regional. Swope was one win short of earning all-america honors on the mat, finishing with a 1-2 record at the NCAA National Championships last weekend.
Petrella grabbed a second-straight Academic All-America honor with a 3.15 GPA. While majoring in Mathematics, Petrella finished the season with a 19-5 record this season. He was a perfect 11-0 this season in dual meets and finished fifth at the 2011 NCAA Super Regional.
Gannon University Set to Host 2011 NCAA Division II Super Regional One Wrestling Tournament
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon University is proud to host the 2011 NCAA Division II Super Regional One Wrestling Tournament on Friday, February 25 and Saturday February 26 at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion.
Thirteen teams and nearly 130 wrestlers are scheduled to compete, with the top four wrestlers in each of the 10 weight classes advancing to the NCAA Division II National Championship which takes place at the University of Nebraska Kearney on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12.
The tournament will feature five nationally-ranked teams and 15 individually-ranked wrestlers according to the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 poll. Nationally-ranked teams competing are No. 4 Newberry (S.C.), No. 6 University of Pitt-Johnstown, No. 11 North Carolina-Pembroke, No. 16 Gannon and No. 20 Mercyhurst.
Other teams competing include American International, Anderson University, East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Ohio Valley, Seton Hill, Shippensburg and West Liberty.
Individually, the tournament will feature 15 nationally-ranked wrestlers from seven different schools. UNC-Pembroke boasts a pair of grapplers ranked tops in the country in Russell Weakley (125) and Mike Williams (165).
Kutztown and Newberry each feature three wrestlers in the top eight nationally. For Kutztown, Austin Williams is fifth at 133, John Paukovits is eighth at 149 and Tim Darling is fifth at 174. Newberry's Connor McDonald is sixth at 125 while Sean Byrnes is fourth at 157. Bryant Blanton is the top-ranked grappler in the country at 184 pounds for Newberry.
For Gannon, <http://www.gannonsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1382&elinkdata=255097>Jose Matos (Williamstown, N.J. / St. Augustine College Preparatory School) is fifth at 125 pounds while returning All-American <http://www.gannonsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1369&elinkdata=255097>Tony Petrella (Reynoldsburg, Ohio / Bishop Hartley) is second in the country.
Additionally, Ryan Link (Pitt-Johnstown) is second at 133 pounds, Jordan Shields (Mercyhurst) is sixth at 157 pounds, Seth Phalen (West Liberty) is eighth at 157 pounds, A.J. Brentzel (Pitt-Johnstown) is fifth at 184 pounds and J.D. Ramsey (West Liberty) is sixth in the heavyweight division.
The first session of wrestling will begin Friday, February 25 at 2 p.m. Action will include First Round and Quarterfinal bouts in addition to the first two rounds of Consolation matches.
Saturday, February 26 will feature two separate sessions with the first beginning at 10 a.m. Semifinal matches will take place along with Consolation Quarterfinals and Semifinals. Session 3 begins at 2:30 p.m. and will determine Champion honors, Consolation Finals, Fifth-Place and Sixth-place matches and True Fourth-Place matches.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. No complimentary tickets or passes will be allowed. Tickets must be purchased to each individual session and no all-regional passes are available for the weekend.
Complete brackets for the tournament will be released the evening of Thursday, February 24, following the coaches' meeting. Results throughout the weekend will be posted on the 2011 NCAA Division II Super Regional Wrestling Tournament Center available by <http://www.gannonsports.com/sports/2011/1/18/WREST_0118110402.aspx?id=171&elinkdata=255097>clicking here.
Gannon Wretling Team Looks for Fifth Dual Win Against Ashland
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team will look for its fifth overall and third straight dual win when the No. 18 Ashland Eagles come to the Hammermill Center on Tuesday, January 18 at 7 p.m. Gannon enters the match with a 4-1 record while the Eagles are 7-2.
Live gameday statistics will be available by <http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwcaonline/results/ColScorebook/CompetitionResult.aspx?ID=748128&ID2=31011&ResultID=-1&Mode=Live&elinkdata=238528>clicking here.
Both teams enter Tuesday's match after recently knocking off nationally ranked opponents. Ashland defeated No. 15 West Liberty 26-10 and No. 17 Adams State 24-16 en route to a first place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Dual Championship. At the tournament, Adams State defeated the Golden Knights 22-16.
Gannon's last action came in a 28-6 upset victory over No. 6 Pitt-Johnstown. Last season Gannon defeated the Eagles by a 35-6 score.
The Eagles are led by a pair of wrestlers each ranked eighth nationally. Scott Meyer is tabbed in the 133-pound class while Kyle Kanga is ranked in the 141-pound class.
The Golden Knights also feature a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers in Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) and Tony Petrella (Reynoldsburg, Ohio / Bishop Hartley). Swope is eighth in the 149-pound class while Petrella is second at 174 pounds.
Gannon is led by Zack McKendree's (Vandergrift, Pa. / Kiski Area) and Swope's 18 wins this season. McKendree also boasts a team-high six major decision and five wins by pinfall.
Gannon Wrestling Team Finishes Third at Midwest Classic
ASHLAND, Ohio - The Gannon wrestling team finished 2-1 at the Midwest Classic hosted by Ashland University, earning a third place finish among the eight teams. Gannon defeated Indianapolis 28-10, lost to No. 17 Adams State 22-16 and then defeated West Liberty by a 34-10 score.
Gannon opened action with a 28-10 win over Indianapolis after winning eight of the 10 bouts. Gannon jumped out to a 12-7 lead when Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa. / Kiski Area) earned a major decision (13-4) at 165 to give Gannon a 16-7 edge. The Golden Knights won three of the final four bouts, capped by heavyweight Jimmy Martz's (Hookstown, Pa. / Southside Beaver) pinning of Evan Wooding 2:38 into the match.
Gannon narrowly missed knocking off No. 17 Adams State as the Golden Knights held a 16-13 lead with two matches left. However, Adams State would score nine points in the final two bouts to earn the 22-16 win. Gannon fell behind 13-3 early, losing four of the first five matches. McKendree (165) earned four points for Gannon with his second major decision (12-4) of the day over Darian Roberts. Tony Petrella's (Reynoldsburg, Ohio / Bishop Hartley) 5-4 decision at the 174 cut the lead to 13-10 before Chris Boyd (Chase City, Va. / Randolph Henry) pinned Aaron Heredia in the 184-pound bout, giving the Golden Knights a 16-13 lead.
However, Adams State's Luke McPeek proved why he is the No. 4 ranked wrestler in the country at 197 pounds with a pin of Richie Russell (Painesville, Ohio / Riverside) at the 2:37 mark. Adams State won the final match to earn the 22-16 win.
Gannon rebounded in the final match of the day, earning a 34-10 win over West Liberty. The Golden Knights won the first four matches to hold a 15-0 lead. John Fleming (Bethel Park, Pa. / Lakeview) earned six of those points with a pin of Pete McAtee at 133 pounds two minutes and 54 seconds into the match.
Adams State's Seth Phalen, ranked fourth in the country at 157, earned a major decision to put the score at 15-4. West Liberty's only other win came in the 197-pound bout as Mitch Knapp won by pinfall. Knapp is ranked third in the latest national rankings.
Jose Matos (Williamstown, N.J. / St. Augustine College Preparatory School), McKendree, Petrella and Boyd all finished the day 3-0. McKendree recorded two major decisions, while Petrella had one. Boyd had arguably the best day, with two of his three wins coming by pinfall.
Gannon improves to 3-1 in dual meets this season. Gannon opens the home schedule on Thursday, January 13 with a 7 p.m. match against Pitt-Johnstown.
Gannon University Announces 2011 Athletics Hall of Fame Class
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon University will celebrate the latest inductees of its Athletics Hall of Fame Saturday, January 22, 2011 with the induction of eight new members. In addition, the 1962 men's bowling team will be inducted as a team.
The new class increases the Gannon Hall of Fame membership to 46 inductees. The Class of 2011 will be formally inducted at the Annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet Saturday, January 22 at Gannon's Yehl Ballroom in the Waldron Center.
Reservations for the Hall of Fame Banquet can be made online at www.gannonalumni.org/ahof2011. Seating will be limited to the first 250 registrations. Cost for the event is $30 and includes admission to the women's and men's basketball games against California (Pa.) on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Please direct any questions to Cindy Toland in University Advancement at 814-871-7608 or by e-mail at toland001@gannon.edu.
The 2011 inductees include former men's basketball standout Steve Moyer; former baseball standout Larry Potash, former women's basketball coaching great Judy Saurer; former men's soccer great Gary Smallshaw; former women's volleyball coaching legend Gerry Burbules Vensel; former football standout Darmel Whitfield and former women's volleyball standout Kathy Wotus Kuhns. Joe Gaeta will be inducted as the 2011 Distinguished Service Award recipient. In addition to the eight individual inductees, the Athletics Hall of Fame will induct the entire 1962 men's bowling team. A brief summary of the 2011 inductees' achievements follows in alphabetical order.
Steve Moyer (Men's Basketball '99) is Gannon's all-time leader in three-point field goals with 442, hitting 234 more than the next Golden Knight. The former guard (1994-99) broke the NCAA record for career three-pointers, regardless of division, during his senior season in 1998-99. He ranks third all-time at Gannon in free throw percentage (.857), fourth in points (1,684), fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.431), fourth in assists (406), sixth in steals (122) and ninth in games played (112).
A versatile player who saw time as both a point and shooting guard, Moyer owns the top three single-season three-point totals in school history (124 in 1998-99, 117 in 1996-97 and 109 in 1997-98). His .535 three-point field goal percentage during the 1994-95 campaign is the highest single-season mark in school history. Moyer was a three-time All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) selection, including a spot on the first team as a senior.
Larry Potash (Baseball, '70) becomes the second baseball player inducted into Gannon's Athletics Hall of Fame. The former hurler (1967-70) produced a 0.65 earned run average in 1967, a figure that still stands as Gannon's lowest single-season ERA. He had three single-season earned run averages worthy of the top six all-time at Gannon. In addition to his spectacular 1967 campaign, Potash had a 0.93 ERA (5th-best) in 1968 and 1.04 mark (6th-best) in 1969.
Potash pitched Gannon's first-ever no-hitter against Steubenville in 1968. It still stands as one of only two no-hitters in the history of the program. He is the only pitcher in school history to throw three shutouts in a single season, performing the feat in 1967. Potash was drafted by the New York Mets in 1970 and played two seasons in the minor leagues before an injury cut his career short.
Judy Saurer (Women's Basketball) led the Gannon women's basketball program to an 88-47 record during five seasons (1985-90) at the helm. Saurer was Gannon's all-time leader in winning percentage (.652) until last season and was the school's all-time leader in career victories after her five seasons. She was named East Region Coach of the Year in 1987 and Mideast Collegiate Conference (MECC) Coach of the Year in 1988.
Also a member of the Metropolitan Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Saurer led Gannon to winning records during her first four seasons. The Lady Knights posted back-to-back 20-win seasons in 1986-87 and 1987-88. The run included the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1988, where it fell to Army in the first round. Earlier that season, she led Gannon to the MECC Championship with victories over Le Moyne (71-51) and Philadelphia Textile (69-53). Her 1987-88 team held the school records at the time for victories in a season (26), fewest losses in a season (4), highest scoring margin (18.7) and field goals made (933). That team is still the only group in school history to shoot 50 percent as a team.
Gary Smallshaw (Men's Soccer '92) was a three-time All-America (1988-90) defender for the Gannon men's soccer program in the late 1980s. Considered one of the best defenders to ever play for Gannon, Smallshaw landed a spot on the all-region team every season (1987-90) during his collegiate career. In addition, he was named NCAA Division II Defender of the Year as a senior.
Smallshaw anchored a Gannon defense that helped goalkeeper Terry Waldorf set the school record for lowest career goals against average (0.80). The Golden Knights set single-season records for fewest goals allowed (14) in 1988 and 1990 with Smallshaw in the back. The program also advanced to three consecutive NCAA Division II Final Fours (1988-90) during Smallshaw's career.
Gerry Burbules Vensel (Women's Volleyball '92M) is Gannon's all-time winningest volleyball coach, winning 162 more matches than the next coach. Already a member of the Metropolitan Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, she produced a 271-61 record during nine seasons (1986-94) as the head coach. The unbelievable success resulted in an .816 winning percentage.
Gannon qualified for the postseason seven times, advanced to five NCAA Division II Tournaments, won three NCAA Division II East Regionals and made three NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances during her nine-year tenure. The Lady Knights recorded a winning record every season and never had a winning percentage under .634 with Burbules Vensel on the bench. She led the program to at least 40 victories in a season twice.
Darmel Whitfield (Football '05) becomes the first football player inducted into Gannon's Athletics Hall of Fame. The former quarterback (2001-04) is Gannon's all-time leader in passing yards (7,156), pass completions (571), completion percentage (57.2), 300-yard games (7), 200-yard games (16), passing touchdowns (53), rushing touchdowns (34), total offensive plays (1,741), total touchdowns - rushing and passing (88), total offense (10,412) and points (210). He ranks second all-time at Gannon in rushing yards (3,256) and third in all-purpose yards (3,365).
A Harlon Hill finalist as a senior, Whitfield was a four-time all-region selection and three-time All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) honoree. His accolades include being named to the 2003 D2football.com All-America honorable-mention team, being selected 2003 Independent Football League (IFL) Offensive Player of the Year and earning All-IFL first-team honors twice.
Whitfield owns the top three single-season total offense marks and the top eight single-game marks. In addition, he has the top three single-season marks for passing yards and six of the top 10 single-game passing marks. Whitfield played one season for the Gannon men's basketball team in 2004-05, averaging 9.5 points off the bench and leading the team in three-point field goals (62).
Kathy Wotus Kuhns (Women's Volleyball '93) is one of two Gannon volleyball student-athletes to have their jersey number retired. The former outside hitter (1989-92) became Gannon's first American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American in 1991, earning second-team recognition. She then earned AVCA All-America first-team status as a senior one year later.
Wotus Kuhns ranks fourth all-time at Gannon in digs (1,293) after departing as the record holder. Wotus Kuhns is second in kills (1,970) and sixth in kill percentage (.299). A two-time All-American and 1992 Academic All-American, Wotus Kuhns set a national record in 1991 with 47 kills during an NCAA Division II Tournament victory at New Haven. As for season standards, her 614 kills in 1991 rank second all-time at Gannon. She holds two of the top four spots in digs with 433 in 1991 and 431 in 1992. Wotus Kuhns owned the school's single-season record for digs until 2003.
Joe Gaeta (Baseball, Men's Basketball, Booster '62) is the 2011 Distinguished Service Award recipient. A longtime Gannon advocate, Gaeta was one of the founding members of the Gannon Athletics Booster Club and has been an important member for 37 years, serving as a past President and actively participating in the collection of over $400,000 to benefit Gannon sports teams. A graduate of Gannon University in 1962, he is already a member of the LaSalle Academy Hall of Fame and the Metropolitan Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Gaeta worked 31 years in management at GTE/Verizon and has been successfully married for 46 years with three successful adult sons. He was a two-sport student-athlete during his collegiate career at Gannon, being nicknamed "Little General" for being a team leader and playmaker. Gaeta served as a team captain for both the baseball and basketball teams. In baseball, he hit .335 as a senior. In basketball, he scored 172 points and dished out 132 assists as a senior.
The 1962 bowling team captured the only team national championship in school history when it won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national title with a 12-game total of 10,982 pins. The score out-distanced Central Oklahoma by 59 pins.
Coached by Al Kendziora ('62), Gannon was the best out of 460 NAIA teams at the time. The roster included Joe Calamita ('62), Dick Dowling ('63), Norm Gaylord ('64), Tom Kirk ('62), Bob Nieratko and Rich Sambuchino. The Golden Knights were in third place after one round, second place after two rounds and held down the No. 2 spot after three rounds. The squad then scored a record 1,017-pin game at the start of the final round to forge ahead. A 2,788-pin set pushed them ahead of St. Joseph's (Ind.), who led the first three rounds. Kujawinski had a 248 while Calamita bowled a 228 during the opening 1,017-pin game.
Five Gannon Wrestlers Record Multiple Victories at Binghamton Open
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - Nine Gannon wrestlers posted a victory and five recorded multiple wins as the Golden Knights continued their early schedule Sunday afternoon at the Binghamton Open. No team standings were kept at the event which featured mostly NCAA Division I schools and wrestlers.
Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa./DuBois Area) had arguably the best day, winning three of five matches in the 149-pound division. The redshirt junior suffered a loss in the opening round, before rolling off three consecutive victories. The final two came against Division I wrestlers in Princeton's Brandon Rolnick and Lehigh's Kyle Rosser. The run came to an end with a loss to Brown's Giuseppi Lanzi.
Four Golden Knights went 2-2 during Sunday's action. Jose Matos (Williamstown, N.J./St. Augustine College Preparatory School) went 2-2 with two pins at 125. The junior pinned Seton Hill's Andrew Polidore (6:03) and Princeton's Andrew Hirai (6:19). He was eliminated with a tight 3-2 loss to Rider's Tim Trivisonno.
Matt Turek (Madison, Ohio/Madison) also went 2-2 at 125 while wrestling unattached. The true freshman dominated Brockport State's Kevin O'Hagan 17-6 in the opening match and secured a second win in the wrestlebacks with an 18-10 decision against Notre Dame's Brian Dean.
Sean Floor (Westbrookville, N.Y./Port Jervis) joined Matos for the team lead with two pins on the day. The redshirt sophomore dropped a first-round battle, before recording consecutive pins in the wrestlebacks against Lock Haven's Dylan Caprio (4:59) and Columbia's Ryan Doyle (1:21). His day came to an end with a loss to Princeton's Daniel Kolodzik.
Chris Santucci (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) recovered from a first-round loss to go 2-2 in the 133-pound weight class. The redshirt senior nipped Penn's Zach Ellis 9-8 and Drexel's Garth Mahosky 15-10 during the wrestlebacks.
Other Golden Knights to secure victories included Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa./Blairsville) at 125, Mike Krysiak (Erie, Pa./Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy) at 149, Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) at 165 and Terry Sedney (Erie, Pa./McDowell) at 197. All four wrestlers went 1-2 in their respective weight classes.
Gannon returns to action Saturday, November 20 at the National Catholic Invitational hosted by Mercyhurst College.
Gannon Wrestling Team Records Four Fourth-Place Finishes at Buffalo Open
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Gannon wrestling team began its season Sunday at the University of Buffalo Open. Adam Weinell (Blairsville, Pa. / Blairsville ) (125), Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa. / Kiski Area) (165) and Chris Daniels (Erie, Pa. / Harbor Creek) (184) all earned fourth place finishes, representing the top finishes for Gannon.
Weinell won his first-round match (10-2) before losing to eventual champion Taylor Golba of Buffalo. Weinell won three matches in the loser's bracket then fell to Brian Dean of Notre Dame College by a 6-3 score to finish fourth.
McKendree earned a 5-0 victory over a Bloomsburg grappler, before defeating a pair of wrestlers from Notre Dame College. Facing his third straight opponent from Notre Dame College, the freshman fell to eventual second place finisher Kevin Hardy. McKendree needed just 53 seconds to pin Pat Brady of Buffalo, leading to his fourth place finish.
Daniels earned an 11-6 victory before heading to the losers bracket, where he rolled off three straight wins. The senior fell to Ohio State's Pete Capone to finish in third place.
In the 174-pound class, Tony Petrella (Reynoldsburg, Ohio / Bishop Hartley) won a pair of matches in the winners bracket, but finished just outside of the podium.
Both Ethan Swope (Luthersburg, Pa. / DuBois Area) and Sam Brehm (Wexford, Pa. / Pine-Richland) won three matches in the loser's bracket, but fell just short of placing in the tournament.
The meet featured over 200 wrestlers from Division I, II and III schools.
Gannon's next action will come at the Binghamton Open on Sunday, November 14
Gannon Announces 2010-11 Wrestling Schedule
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon head wrestling coach Don Henry announced the program's 2010-11 schedule on Friday. The slate is highlighted by the NCAA Division II East Regional being hosted at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion for the first time in school history.
Gannon will open the regular season with three consecutive tournaments, before traveling to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships scheduled for Saturday, December 4 at Bloomsburg University. The Golden Knights were the top NCAA Division II team at last year's PSAC Championships.
Henry's squad will participate in six tournaments. The events include the University of Buffalo Open (November 7), the Binghamton Open (November 13), the National Catholic Invitational (November 20), the Cleveland State Open (December 11), the Ashland Duals (January 8) and the Ashland Open (January 22).
Gannon will have a nine-match dual schedule, including five at the Hammermill Center. The stretch begins Wednesday, December 8 at PSU DuBois. Four consecutive home matches follow against Pitt-Johnstown (January 13), Ashland (January 18), Mercyhurst (January 27) and Kutztown (January 29).
The Gannon-Mercyhurst dual match will take place at the Hammermill Center in 2010-11 as the War at the Shore is not scheduled to return to the Tullio Arena.
The regular season concludes with four dual matches in the month of February. Three of those contests happen on the road at Shippensburg (February 5), Lake Erie (February 16) and Seton Hill (February 18). Senior Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 12 against West Liberty State. First bell is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Gannon will host the NCAA Division II East Regional for the first time in school history. The regional is scheduled for February 25-26 at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion. Nebraska-Kearney will host the NCAA Division II National Championships March 11-12.
Gannon produced one of the best seasons in school history last year. Six wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships while five earned All-America honors. The results enabled the Golden Knights to finish eighth nationally.
The regular season was highlighted by Corey Bowers' 133-pound title at the PSAC Championships, earning the school's first-ever PSAC wrestling title.
Gannon opened the post-season with a second-place finish at the NCAA Division II East Regional, marking the highest regional finish in school history. As a result, Henry was named East Region Coach of the Year.
Record-Breaking 2009-2010 Gannon Wrestling Season Among Best in Program History
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team had high hopes entering the 2009-2010 season. Those hopes were justified, as the Golden Knights featured five All-Americans, finished tied for eighth at the NCAA Division II National Championships and placed second at East Regionals. Don Henry was named regional coach of the year as GU went 9-3 in dual competition this season.
Gannon sent a school-record six wrestlers to nationals at Nebraska-Omaha March 12-13. Five grapplers earned All-America honors, also a program record. #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) finished fourth in the 174-pound division. 141-pounder #A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) and 133-pounder #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) each placed sixth. Bowers made it to the championship semifinals. #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) placed seventh in the heavyweight bracket and #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) took eighth in the 149-pound division. #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) also qualified for the meet.
As a team, GU tied for eighth place at the event. The finish is the second-best in program history, as the Knights took seventh at 2001 nationals.
At regionals, Gannon placed second, the highest finish in school history. Bowers and McGrath each finished second to lead GU. Henry was honored as East Region coach of the year for the second time in his 26-year career. Eight wrestlers were regional placewinners, another Gannon record.
The Knights went 9-3 in dual competition this season. They defeated #3 Nebraska-Kearney, #3 Upper Iowa, #14 Mercyhurst, and #20 West Liberty State. Gannon won its last seven dual meets of the campaign. GU set a new program mark with its fourth-place finish at National Duals in January.
Bowers finished the season 31-8 with 11 pinfalls. McGrath went 26-6 with 10 pins and a 10-1 dual record and #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) won 29 matches, including a 9-1 mark in dual action. McElhaney posted a team-high 12 pins.
The team will lose five seniors-Bowers, McElhaney, McGrath, #Adam Green# (Atlantic, Pa./Conneaut Lake) and #Ted Hoag# (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park). Those four have combined for seven appearances at nationals in their careers. Gannon will have to replace that experience, but with Petrella, Milanak, Terry, McKendree, and others leading the way, the future looks bright for Golden Knight wrestling.
Five Gannon Wrestlers Take All-America Awards at Nationals Saturday
OMAHA, Neb. - The Gannon wrestling team had five wrestlers earn All-America honors at the NCAA Division II National Championships Saturday in Omaha, Nebraska.
Championship bouts began at 10:30 p.m. All Gannon athletes have finished competition. Team standings and results are available at http://www.ncaa.com/sports/m-wrestl/champpage/m-wrestl-div2-index.html. Final standings will be available on gannonsports.com Sunday.
#Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) posted the top finish on the team, taking fourth in the 174-pound bracket. He won a 10-6 decision and then pinned Shippensburg's Chris Barrick to advance to the third-place bout. He lost a 7-2 decision to Mitch Norton of Upper Iowa.
#Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) lost 6-3 in the championship semis to Cody Garcia of Nebraska-Omaha. Bowers then fell to Newberry's Sheridan Moran in the consolation bracket, forcing Bowers to the fifth-place match. The 133-pounder lost a 9-7 decision there, falling to Laramie Shaffer of Grand Canyon.
#A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) took sixth in the 141-pound division, taking a 2-1 decision from Josh Hensley of Adams State and then losing his next two bouts. Milanak lost a 5-4 decision to Central Missouri's Cory Bloodgood in the fifth-place contest.
#Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) finished seventh, pinning Pitt-Johnstown's Chris Dempsey at the 2:37 mark of their heavyweight match.
149-pounder #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) lost both of his contests Saturday, falling via pin in the consolation quarterfinals and then losing 9-3 in the seventh-place match.
#8 Gannon Wrestling Finishes Second at Regionals; Don Henry Named Regional Coach of the Year
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The eighth-ranked Gannon wrestling team finished second in the 15-team field at the NCAA Division II East Region Championship at the University of Pitt-Johnstown. Head Coach Don Henry was chosen as East Region Coach of the Year. Six Golden Knights qualified for nationals in Omaha, Nebraska next month.
GU will send #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake), #A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area), #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area), #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany), #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley), and #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) to the NCAA Division II National Championships.
McGrath took runner-up honors in the heavyweight bracket, falling to UPJ's Chris Dempsey in a 4-3 decision. McGrath won an 8-3 decision over Pembroke's Erik Stancil to advance to the finals. This marks his third trip to nationals.
133-pounder Bowers beat Sheridan Moran of Newberry, the two seed, to qualify for the finals. He then lost a 6-3 decision to top seed Shane Valko of UPJ.
Petrella finished third in the 174-pound division, taking a 4-3 decision from Newberry's Curtis Chenoweth. Petrella took an 11-8 decision and then won a 4-2 sudden victory to qualify for the third-place match.
McElhaney posted an 8-3 decision victory over UPJ's Ryan McIntyre to place third. The 149-pounder, had lost to Latra Collick of Newberry in the semis. McElhaney, who qualified for nationals last season, answered with a pin of fourth-seeded Brandon Bradley of Pembroke to move on to the third-place bout.
141-pounder Milanak fell 4-3 to Dallas Evans of Seton Hill in the third-place contest, advancing to nationals. Milanak upset first seed Adam Whetstone of UPJ 5-3 in their consolation quarterfinal. Milanak then took a 3-2 sudden victory over Kutztown's John Paukovits to advance to the third-place contest.
165-pounder Terry lost to second-seeded Kyle Keane in the third-place bout, advancing to nationals with a top-four finish. Terry lost to top seed Josh Shields of Mercyhurst before bouncing back with a 3-2 decision victory in the consolation semis.
157-pounder #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) and #John Fleming# (Bethel Park/Lakeview), a 125-pounder, just missed out on a trip to Omaha, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.
Newberry won the regional team title, recording 120 points. Gannon scored 103.5 to take second. Host UPJ finished third with 99 total points.
Henry coached the Knights to a 9-3 dual record this season, including wins over nationally-ranked programs Nebraska-Kearney and West Liberty State.
The six Knights advance to the NCAA Division II National Tournament at Nebraska-Omaha March 12-13. Last season, McElhaney, McGrath and Jacob Tazzi qualified for nationals. All three recorded top-six finishes and earned All-America honors at NCAAs.
#8 Gannon Wrestling Heads to Regionals at UPJ This Weekend
ERIE, Pa. - The eighth-ranked Gannon wrestling team will compete at the NCAA Division II East Region Championship February 26-27 at the University of Pitt-Johnstown. Results from the event will be available throughout the weekend at http://www.upj.pitt.edu/2512.
Fifteen schools will participate in the regional, including six nationally-ranked programs. Along with GU, teams at the meet this weekend are #2 Newberry (S.C.) College, #6 Pitt-Johnstown, #11 University of North Carolina-Pembroke, #17 West Liberty (WV) University and #19 Kutztown University, American International (MA) College, Anderson (S.C.) University, Belmont Abbey (N.C.) College, East Stroudsburg University, Limestone (S.C.) College, Mercyhurst College, Seton Hill University, Shippensburg University and St. Andrews Presbyterian (N.C.) College.
Each school will bring a lineup of 10 wrestlers and they will be seeded at a coaches' meeting February 25. A double elimination tournament will follow, with the top four grapplers from each weight class advancing to the NCAA Division II National Tournament at Nebraska-Omaha March 12-13.
The Golden Knights went 9-3 in dual matches this season, winning their last seven contests. Gannon went 4-2 against schools in the East Region. Head coach Don Henry brings four nationally-ranked individuals to regionals this weekend.
133-pounder #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) led the team with 26 wins this season. He also tied for the team lead with 10 pinfalls. The senior, who advanced to nationals in 2008, is listed fifth in the individual national rankings.
#Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep), a heavyweight, went 20-3 overall and 10-1 in dual action. He also qualified for nationals each of the past two seasons, including a fourth-place finish in 2008. The senior is fifth in the individual national rankings.
157-pound junior #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) posted a 25-8 record this season, including nine pins. He advanced to nationals two seasons ago and is eighth in the individual rankings.
#Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) was a national qualifier in 2009. He is tabbed sixth in the national rankings. This season, the 149-pound senior went 18-15, matching Bowers' 10 pins.
#A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) only wrestled in duals this season, compiling a 9-2 mark. He placed fifth at East Regionals last year, just missing a bid to nationals.
#John Fleming# (Bethel Park/Lakeview) went 14-9 in his first season with GU. The 125-pounder won seven dual matches. #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) will wrestle at 165 pounds this weekend, having gone 18-15 in the regular season. #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) went 7-5 in dual competition and will be the 174-pound representative for the Knights. 184-pounder #Chris Daniels# (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek) posted a 5-9 record this season and #Chris Boyd# (Chase City, Va./Randolph Henry) went 4-11 as a 197-pounder.
Last season, McElhaney won the regional championship, while McGrath and Jacob Tazzi qualified for nationals. All three recorded top-six finishes and earned All-America honors at NCAAs. As a team, the Knights took fourth place in the 15-team field at regionals.
#8 Gannon Wrestling Hammers Seton Hill on Senior Night at the Mill Friday
ERIE, Pa. - The eighth-ranked Gannon wrestling team beat Seton Hill 42-6 Friday night at the Hammermill Center. #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area), #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area), and #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine's Prep) each won via pinfall in the Golden Knights' victory.
Seton Hill's Ken Trumbetta and Dallas Evans sandwiched wins around a forfeit loss early. Each wrestler picked up decisions as the Griffins forfeited the 133-pound bout.
The home team controlled from that point. McElhaney, a senior, gave GU a 12-6 edge with a pin of Kurt McCamley in their 149-pound contest. The pinfall came at the 2:40 mark of the first period. 157-pound senior #Ted Hoag# (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) then took a 9-0 major decision to put Gannon ahead 16-6.
McKendree followed with a pin at the 2:15 mark of his match against Randall Wagner. 174-pounder #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) recorded a 15-6 major decision over Lewis Spadaro to go ahead 26-6 in the match.
#Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) won via injury forfeit and then #Chris Daniels# (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek) posted an 18-5 major decision win in his 197-pound match. McGrath, the heavyweight senior, ended the night with a quick pin at the 2:10 mark of the first round.
Gannon finished the regular season 9-3, while Seton Hill ended at 8-16 in duals.
McGrath Saves #8 Gannon Wrestling's Win at #17 West Liberty
WEST LIBERTY, W. Va. - The eighth-ranked Gannon wrestling team won at #17 West Liberty State 25-16 Tuesday night. Heavyweight #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine's Prep) pinned his opponent to clinch the win in the event's final match.
With his team ahead 19-16, McGrath needed a win to secure the Knights' victory. He came through, pinning J.D. Ramsey at the 3:30 mark of their match.
The Golden Knights had a stellar start, winning the first three contests of the night. #John Fleming# (Bethel Park, Pa./Lakeview) won via forfeit in the 125-pound slot. 133-pounder #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) and 141-pounder #A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) each recorded decision victories to put GU ahead 12-0 early.
The Hilltoppers responded with consecutive wins before #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) won a 13-4 major decision in the 165-pound match. The teams split the next two bouts, with #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) winning 5-2 in the 184-pound contest to give the Knights a 19-10 edge. 197-pounder Mitch Knapp pinned #Chris Boyd# (Chase City, Va./Randolph Henry) to keep West Liberty alive.
#8 Gannon Wrestling Defeats Shippensburg 29-12 Friday Night
ERIE, Pa. - The eighth-ranked Gannon wrestling team beat Shippensburg 29-12 Friday at the Hammermill Center. #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) recorded a pinfall in his 133-pound victory.
#John Fleming# (Bethel Park, Pa./Lakeview) started the night with a 19-2 technical fall over Justin Morris. Bowers followed with a pin at the 3:53 mark over Simon Rice to put the Golden Knights ahead 11-0.
#A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) won a 9-7 decision over Tom Wiechelt in their 141-pound match and then #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) picked up a forfeit win to give GU a 20-0 edge.
#Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) took a 7-1 decision in the 165-pound match and #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) won 3-1 in the 184-pound bout to clinch the dual victory for Gannon.
#Jimmy Martz# (Hookstown, Pa./Southside Beaver) closed the action with an 11-5 decision win in the heavyweight contest.
The Knights are 7-3 this season and Ship fell to 6-6 in dual competition. GU goes to West Liberty State Tuesday, February 16, for its next meet.
#8 Gannon Wrestling Wins at Ashland 35-6
ASHLAND, Ohio - The eighth-ranked Gannon wrestling team defeated Ashland (Ohio) University 35-6 Saturday afternoon. #John Fleming# (Bethel Park, Pa./Lakeview) and #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) each won by pin for GU at Kates Gymnasium.
Fleming pinned Brandon Davis in the 125-pound match to open the action. The fall came at the 1:55 mark to put the Golden Knights up 6-0 early. #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) won a 9-5 decision in the 133-pound contest and then 141-pounder #A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) took a 5-4 decision for a 12-0 Gannon edge.
McElhaney followed with a pin of T.J. Rigel in their 149-pound bout. McElhaney won at the 2:46 mark. After an AU pinfall, Gannon answered with five consecutive wins to end the day. #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area), #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley), and #Chris Boyd# (Chase City, Va./Randolph Henry) each won via decision, while #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) and #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine's Prep) took major decisions for the Knights.
#5 Gannon Wrestling Stings Waynesburg 39-3 Wednesday Night
ERIE, Pa. - The fifth-ranked Gannon wrestling team beat Waynesburg 39-3 Wednesday night at the Hammermill Center. #A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area), #Tony Petrella# (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley), and #Chris Daniels# (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek) each recorded pinfalls for the Golden Knights.
#John Fleming# (Bethel Park, Pa./Lakeview) started the night with a 2-0 decision win in the 125-pound contest. #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) took a forfeit as Waynesburg did not have a 133-pound entry. Milanak then pinned Abdul Yusuff at the 1:54 mark of their 141-pound bout to put GU ahead 15-0. #Ted Hoag# (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park), #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area), and #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) strung together three straight wins to clinch the dual for the Knights.
Petrella pinned Robert Schultz in their 184-pound match and Daniels took a pinfall victory over Matt Zimmerman in the 197-pound bout. Heavyweight #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine's Prep) finished the event with a 12-7 decision win.
GU is now 5-3 in dual action, while Waynesburg dropped to 6-9. Gannon travels to Ashland (Ohio) University for a tri-meet Saturday, February 6. The Knights face East Stroudsburg at 10 a.m. and then take on Ashland at noon.
#5 Golden Knight Wrestling Hosts Waynesburg in 2010 Hammermill Opener Wednesday Night
ERIE, Pa. - The fifth-ranked Gannon wrestling team will host Waynesburg College Wednesday, February 3, at the Hammermill Center. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
The Golden Knights are ranked fifth in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 poll. The ranking is the highest in program history. GU (4-3) stands fourth in the East regional rankings.
#Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) is fifth in the individual rankings for the heavyweight division. #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) ranks fifth in the 133-pound class and #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) is seventh as a 157-pounder. McKendree has eight pins and McGrath is 16-2. Bowers is 21-3 overall this season.
Waynesburg, a Division III program, is 6-8 in dual action. The Yellow Jackets lost to West Liberty State 21-16 January 30. Gannon won at Waynesburg 33-12 last season.
#5 Gannon Wrestling Heads to Duquesne for Friday Night Dual
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team travels to Division I Duquesne Friday. The match is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start at the Palumbo Center.
GU is ranked fifth in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 poll. The ranking is the highest in program history. The Golden Knights are coming off a 27-6 loss at then-fifth-ranked Pitt-Johnstown last weekend. Gannon is 2-3 in dual competition this season. They placed fourth at the 2010 Cliff Keen/National Duals January 9-10.
Duquesne is 2-2, having won at Millersville 25-9 January 15. The Dukes are led by 141-pounder Jayk Cobbs. The senior finished third at the 2009 NCAA East Regionals.
#Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) is tabbed fifth in the individual rankings for the heavyweight division. #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) is fifth in the 133-pound class and #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) is seventh as a 157-pounder. McGrath is 14-2 this season, while Bowers has won 20 matches. McKendree has recorded seven pinfalls.
Gannon Wrestling Team Obtains Highest National Ranking in School History
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team jumped 11 spots and is ranked fifth in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 released Wednesday afternoon. It represents the highest national ranking in school history. Individually, three Golden Knights are listed in the national rankings.
Defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha is the unanimous No. 1 team for the fourth consecutive poll. The Mavericks received 160 points. Newberry (S.C.) (152), Pitt-Johnstown (142), Minnesota State (135) and Gannon (125) completed the top five.
Upper Iowa (123), Wisconsin-Parkside (114), St. Cloud State (Minn.) (94) Nebraska-Kearney (92) and Augustana (S.D.) (87) rounded out the top 10.
Gannon (2-3) vaulted into the top five after defeating then-No. 3 Nebraska-Kearney (18-16) and No. 6 Upper Iowa (21-18) January 9 at the National Duals. The Golden Knights have since dropped decisions to No. 2 Newberry and No. 3 Pitt-Johnstown.
Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) remained fifth nationally in the heavyweight division for the fourth consecutive rankings. The senior, who is tabbed No. 1 in the East region, is 14-2 overall with four pins. He has won four of five dual matches. McGrath captured championships at the National Catholic Invitational and the Ashland Open. He ranks eighth all-time at Gannon in career pins (25) and 14th in career victories (76).
Corey Bowers (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) jumped into the national rankings for the first time this season, being tabbed fifth at 133. The senior has produced a 20-3 overall record and 3-2 dual mark. He has recorded eight pins. Bowers has won individual titles at the National Catholic Invitational and the East Stroudsburg Open, as well as winning the 133-pound title at the 2009 PSAC Championships. He defeated NCAA Division I Jay Ivanco of Clarion 4-3 in the finals. The Pasadena, Md., native owns 53 career victories and ranks 11th all-time at Gannon in pins (19).
Zach McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) improved one spot to seventh in the 157-pound division. The junior, who is ranked second in the East region, is 19-8 overall and 3-0 in dual matches. He also has seven pins. McKendree is a two-time national qualifier and has finished in the top three during back-to-back NCAA Division II East Regionals in 2007 and 2008. He has 68 career victories and ranks 12th all-time at Gannon with 18 career pins.
Gannon returns to action Friday, January 22 at NCAA Division I Duquesne. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Gannon Wrestling Places Fourth at National Duals Sunday
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Gannon wrestling team dropped two matches Sunday at the 2010 NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals, taking fourth place in the 16-team field. The Golden Knights lost 25-16 to second-ranked Newberry College in the semifinals and 36-10 to Minnesota-Mankato in the third place match. The University of Northern Iowa hosted the event.
In the semifinal loss to Newberry, #A.J. Milanak# (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) and #Bret Terry# (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) each won by decision. #Frank McGrath# (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) won an 11-0 major decision in the heavyweight bout and #Kevin McElhaney# (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) recorded a pin in the 149-pound contest. McElhaney's pin of Mike Rogers gave the Knights a 9-6 lead at the time.
Against Minnesota-Mankato, GU lost three of the first four matches to fall behind early. #Corey Bowers# (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) won an 18-7 major decision in the 133-pound contest and then #Zack McKendree# (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) beat Justin Turek 6-2. #Chris Boyd# (Chase City, Va./Randolph Henry) was the other Knight to win, as he won a 10-4 decision over John Makabe in the 197-pound match.
Gannon beat #3 Nebraska-Kearney and Upper Iowa Saturday to advance to the semifinals. Nebraska-Omaha defeated Newberry 25-6 in the finals of the two-day event.
GU travels to Pitt-Johnstown Saturday, January 16, for its next match. The dual is set for a 7 p.m. start.
2010 Gannon Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored at Halftime of Saturday's Men's Basketball Game
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon fans will get their first look at the 2010 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees Saturday, January 9 during halftime of the Gannon-Bloomsburg men's basketball game.
>Five individuals and the 1986-87 men's basketball team will be honored at halftime and later inducted into the Hall of Fame Saturday night during a banquet at the Yehl Ballroom of the Waldron Center. The new class increases the Gannon Hall of Fame membership to 37 inductees.
The 2010 inductees include former women's basketball standout Mary Kay Lynch Poppe; former men's soccer coaching great Rob Russo; former men's soccer standout Gerry Vandemerwe; former men's soccer standout and current Gannon head men's soccer coach Rob van Rheenen; and former men's basketball standout Harold "Butch" Warner. In addition to the five individual inductees, the Athletic Hall of Fame will induct the entire 1986-87 men's basketball team. A brief summary of the 2010 inductees' achievements follows in alphabetical order.
Mary Kay Lynch Poppe (Women's Basketball '85) is Gannon's all-time women's basketball rebounding leader and ranks fourth all-time in scoring. A 6'0" forward, Lynch scored 1,743 career points and grabbed 1,194 career rebounds. She shattered every rebounding mark and pulled down 122 more rebounds than any other Lady Knight to wear the Maroon and Gold. Her career rebounding average of 12.1 ranks first. She holds two of the top four single-season rebounding marks, including a school-record 354 in 1983-84. In addition, the Oil City, Pa., native holds four of the top eight season totals.
Lynch paced Gannon in scoring as a junior and senior, with 581 points as a senior ranking seventh on the single-season charts. She ranks third in career free throws made (329), free throws attempted (528), field goals attempted (1,434) and blocked shots (137). She is fourth in career scoring average (17.6 ppg.) and field goals made (707).
Rob Russo (Men's Soccer Coach) is Gannon's all-time men's soccer leader in coaching victories (133) and winning percentage (.772). He guided the Golden Knights to an amazing 133-35-12 record in eight seasons (1982-90). Six of the program's seven NCAA Division II Tournament appearances came under the guidance of Russo. He led Gannon to double-digit victories every season. In fact, the Golden Knights never lost more than six matches during his last seven years and lost more than three contests only twice during that time span.
Russo was named 1985 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) NCAA Division II Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Knights to a school-record 20 victories. He led the program to arguably its best season ever in 1989, when the Golden Knights advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Gannon finished second in the 1985 and 1986 national polls, as well as third in 1989 and sixth in 1988.
Gerry Vandemerwe (Men's Soccer '88) is Gannon all-time men's soccer leader in career points (186) and career goals (76). A four-year letterwinner, Vandemerwe also ranks fourth all-time at Gannon in career assists (34). As a result, he was a three-time All-America first-team selection.
Vandemerwe's 27 goals in 1985 represent the best single-season total in school history. Overall, he produced two of the top five single-season goal totals in school history. Vandemerwe also owns three of the top 10 single-season point totals in school history, including a second-best 61 points in 1985.
Gannon was 61-16-5 and qualified for the NCAA Division II Tournament three times during Vandemerwe's collegiate career.
Rob van Rheenen (Men's Soccer Player and Coach) has brought success to the Gannon men's soccer program as both a player and coach. A four-year letterwinner as a player, he is Gannon's all-time leader in career assists (50). He ranked third all-time at Gannon in career points (166) and fourth in career goals (58). The two-time All-American led Gannon to a 53-9 record and two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances during the final three years collegiate career.
van Rheenen's successful playing days have translated into a successful coaching career. He entered the 2009 campaign 31st among active coaches in career victories (141) and 44th in career winning percentage (.530). The Zeist, Holland native ended the 2009 season with a 147-134-16 career coaching record in 17 years, including a 132-94-12 mark in 13 seasons at Gannon.
Harold "Butch" Warner (Men's Basketball '85) is the only Gannon men's basketball player to top 2,000 career points, completing his illustrious career with 2,090 points, an average of 18.2 ppg. The 6'3" guard from Atlantic City, New Jersey was Gannon's leading scorer in 1983-84 and 1984-85, averaging a school-record 24.0 points as a senior, with a school-record 743 points. In addition, he also paced the Knights in assists his final three years, and ranks fifth in career assists with 378.
A four-year letterwinner, Warner scored 30-or-more points 12 times. He helped lead the Knights to NCAA Tournament appearances in 1983-84 and 1984-85.
The 1986-87 men's basketball team is the only basketball team in school history to play in the NCAA Division II National Championship game. The Golden Knights finished 28-6 overall, setting the school record for victories in a season at the time. Led by head coach Tom Chapman, the squad won the NCAA Division II East Regional en route to the national title game. It played in front of jammed-packed crowds at the Hammermill Center throughout the year and hosted the NCAA East Regional and NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals at the 'Mill.
The 1986-87 men's basketball team was coached by Tom Chapman. The coaching staff included assistants John Ruby and Chuck Schramm ('87M). The roster included John Bowen ('89), Mark Chase ('87), Stacey Hitt ('87), James Jamison, Yoav Kadman, Mike MacDougall, Bruce Martin, John Matthews ('89), David Morris ('02), James Rocco ('89), Mike Runski ('89), Roland Shannonhouse and Mitchell Smith.
Gannon Wrestling Team Moves to 16th in Latest National Rankings
Three Golden Knights Listed Individually
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team moved up one spot and is ranked 16th in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 released Wednesday afternoon. Individually, three Golden Knights are listed in the national rankings.
Defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha is the unanimous No. 1 team for the second consecutive poll. The Mavericks received 160 points. Newberry (S.C.) (152), Nebraska-Kearney (134), Pitt-Johnstown (133) and Central Oklahoma (121) completed the top five.
Augustana (S.D.) (117), Western State (Colo.) (112), Wisconsin-Parkside (104), St. Cloud State (Minn.) (97) and Adams State (Colo.) (89) rounded out the top 10. Gannon is tabbed 16th with 40 points.
Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) remained fifth nationally in the heavyweight division for the second consecutive rankings. The senior, who is tabbed No. 1 in the East region, has opened the season with a 10-1 record and three pins. He captured championships at the National Catholic Invitational and the Ashland Open.
McGrath finished third at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships, dropping his only decision of the year by one point to an NCAA Division I wrestler in the semifinals.
Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) and Zach McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) are ranked nationally for the first time. McElhaney is tabbed eighth at 149 while McKendree is listed eighth at 157. Both wrestlers are ranked second in the NCAA Division II East region.
McElhaney is 12-11 overall with seven pins. The senior finished fifth at the PSAC Championships, suffering his only two losses to NCAA Division I wrestlers.
McKendree is 16-8 overall with six pins. The junior defeated NCAA Division I wrestler Matthew Laird of Edinboro twice at the PSAC Championships. He is a two-time national qualifier and has finished in the top three during back-to-back NCAA Division II East Regionals in 2007 and 2008.
Gannon returns to action January 2-3 at the Midwest Classic hosted by the University of Indianapolis.
Gannon Wrestling Team Remains Fourth in Latest Regional Rankings
Five Golden Knights Still Among Region's Top Wrestlers
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is ranked fourth for the second consecutive week in the latest NCAA Division II East regional rankings released Monday afternoon. In addition, five Golden Knights remained among the region's best.
Newberry is the top-ranked team in the East region for the second consecutive week. Pitt-Johnstown, West Liberty State, Gannon and Mercyhurst completed the top five.
UNC-Pembroke, Kutztown, Limestone, East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg rounded out the top 10.
Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) is the region's top-ranked heavyweight for the second straight week. The senior has opened the season with a 10-1 record and three pins. He captured championships at the National Catholic Invitational and the Ashland Open. McGrath finished third at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships, dropping his only decision of the year by one point to an NCAA Division I wrestler in the semifinals.
Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) and Zach McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) are tabbed second at 149 and 157, respectively. McElhaney is 12-11 overall with seven pins. The senior finished fifth at the PSAC Championships, suffering his only two losses to NCAA Division I wrestlers.
McKendree is 16-8 overall with six pins. The junior defeated NCAA Division I wrestler Matthew Laird of Edinboro twice at the PSAC Championships. He is a two-time national qualifier and has finished in the top three during back-to-back NCAA Division II East Regionals in 2007 and 2008.
Corey Bowers (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) is tabbed third at 133. The senior could arguably be Gannon's hottest wrestler, winning 17 of 18 matches with eight pins. He has won individual titles at the National Catholic Invitational and the East Stroudsburg Open, as well as winning the 133-pound title at the 2009 PSAC Championships. Bowers defeated NCAA Division I Jay Ivanco of Clarion 4-3 in the finals.
John Fleming (Bethel Park, Pa./Lakeview) remained fourth in the 125-pound division. The junior transfer is 8-5 this season with a National Catholic Invitational title on his resume. He was a national qualifier at the University of Indianapolis before coming to Gannon.
Gannon returns to action January 2-3 at the Midwest Classic hosted by the University of Indianapolis.
Gannon-Mercyhurst Wrestling Match Rescheduled for Saturday, January 30
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon-Mercyhurst wrestling match which was postponed December 11 due to inclement weather has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 30 at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The match is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
The rivalry match will be part of a tri-meet with Newberry. The South Carolina club will face Gannon at 11 a.m. and Mercyhurst at 1 p.m. The Golden Knights and Lakers will conclude the day against each other at 3 p.m.
Gannon's Bowers Named PSAC Wrestler of the Week
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon's Corey Bowers (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) has been named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Wrestler of the Week. It marks Gannon's first Wrestler of the Week honor since it joined the conference last season.
Bowers was Gannon's top wrestler at last weekend's East Stroudsburg Open. The senior won the 133-pound title with a 5-0 record, beating opponents from three Division I schools (Rutgers, North Carolina and Drexel). He recorded pins against Cullen Insenberg of Rutgers and Ky Corley of North Carolina and major decisions over Zach Haynes of Delaware Valley and Mike Doria of Nassau.
The Pasadena, Md., native collected his third fall of the tournament and his seventh of the season at the 4:51 mark of the championship match against Drexel's Frank Cimato. It marked Bowers' second individual title of the season. He won the 133-pound championship at the National Catholic Invitational November 7. Bowers is 14-1 this season.
Gannon returns to action Saturday, December 5 at the 2009 PSAC Championships hosted by Edinboro University. The Golden Knights then conclude the 2009 portion of their schedule Friday, December 11 against rival Mercyhurst at the War at the Shore held at the Erie Civic Center. The match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Gannon's McGrath Wins Heavyweight Gold at Ashland Open Saturday
ASHLAND, Ohio - Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) won the heavyweight tournament at the Ashland University Open as the Gannon wrestling team competed with over 200 grapplers Saturday. Three other Golden Knights placed in the top five of their invidual weight classes.
McGrath won all four of his matches on his way to the heavyweight crown. It was his second consecutive tournament victory, as the senior won at the National Catholic Invitational November 7.
Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) placed third in the 157-pound division, going 4-1 in the tournament. Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) recorded three pins, taking fourth place in the 149-pound class. He went 4-2 on the day. Bret Terry (Canal Winchester, Ohio/New Albany) went 4-2 in the 184-pound tournament, finishing fifth.
GU heads to the East Stroudsburg Open Saturday, November 21, for its next event. Complete results from the Ashland Open will be available this week on gannonsports.com.
Gannon Wrestling Team Ranked 17th in Preseason National Rankings
McGrath and McElhaney Listed Among Individual Rankings
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is ranked 17th in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Preseason Top 20 released Wednesday afternoon. In addition, Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) and Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) are ranked fourth nationally in their respective weight classes.
Defending NCAA Division II champion Nebraska-Omaha is the unanimous pick to retain its title in 2010. The Mavericks received 160 points. Minnesota State (148), Newberry (S.C.) (138), Nebraska-Kearney (132) and Adams State (Colo.) (123) completed the top five.
Central Oklahoma (121), Western State (Colo.) (103), St. Cloud State (Minn.) (95), Upper Iowa (95) and Pitt-Johnstown (90) rounded out the top 10. Gannon is tabbed 17th with 41 points.
McGrath is the nation's fourth-ranked heavyweight in the preseason rankings. The senior, who was earlier tabbed No. 1 in the East region, placed fifth at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships with a 4-2 record. He finished 33-8 overall and 10-0 in dual competition with a team-high 15 pins last season.
McGrath is a two-time national qualifier, placing fourth at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships. He owns a 63-23 overall record and 18-3 dual mark during his collegiate career. Twenty-one of those victories ended via a pin, the ninth-highest mark in school history.
McElhaney is listed fourth nationally at 149. Ranked second in the NCAA Division II Preseason East regional rankings, McElhaney finished sixth at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships after winning the East Regional 149-pound title. The senior posted an 18-11 overall record and 5-2 dual mark with three pins last season. He has a 57-37 overall record with 23 pins during his collegiate career. His career pin total ranks seventh all-time at Gannon.
Gannon opens the season Sunday, November 1 at the University of Buffalo Open. The Golden Knights then host the National Catholic Invitational Saturday, November 7 at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion.
Gannon Wrestling Ranked Fourth in Preseason Regional Rankings
Six Golden Knights Listed Among Individual Rankings
ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is ranked fourth in the NCAA Division II Preseason East regional rankings released this week. In addition, six Golden Knights are listed among the region's best.
Newberry and Pitt-Johnstown tied for first in the preseason rankings with 72 points. West Liberty State (58), Gannon (52) and Mercyhurst (41) completed the top five.
UNC-Pembroke (40), Kutztown (39), Limestone (37), Shippensburg (20) and Anderson (17) rounded out the top 10.
Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) is the region's top-ranked heavyweight in the preseason rankings. The senior placed fifth at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships with a 4-2 record. He finished 33-8 overall and 10-0 in dual competition with a team-high 15 pins last season.
McGrath is a two-time national qualifier, placing fourth at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships. He owns a 63-23 overall record and 18-3 dual mark during his collegiate career. Twenty-one of those victories ended via a pin, the ninth-highest mark in school history.
Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) and Zack McKendree (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area) are tabbed second at 149 and 157, respectively. McElhaney finished sixth at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships after winning the East Regional 149-pound title. The senior posted an 18-11 overall record and 5-2 dual mark with three pins last season. He has a 57-37 overall record with 23 pins during his collegiate career. His career pin total ranks seventh all-time at Gannon.
McKendree redshirted last season after earning All-America honors with a seventh-place finish at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships. The junior is a two-time national qualifier and has finished in the top three during back-to-back NCAA Division II East Regionals in 2007 and 2008. He owns a 51-25 overall record and 11-6 dual mark with 11 pins during his collegiate career.
Corey Bowers (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) is ranked third in the 133-pound ratings. The senior redshirted last season after advancing to the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships by winning a true fourth-place match at the East Regionals, where he won four of six bouts. Bowers has a 33-14 overall record and 7-1 dual mark with 11 pins during his stay at Gannon.
John Fleming (Bethel Park, Pa./Lakeview) is tabbed fourth in the 125-pound division. The junior transfer had a 148-12 record at Lakeview High School, where he was a two-time state placewinner and two-time regional champion. He was a national qualifier at the University of Indianapolis before his transfer.
Bret Terry (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany) completed Gannon's group of regionally-ranked wrestlers, being ranked sixth at 174. The junior was 13-17 overall and 5-4 in dual matches during his first season at Gannon in 2008-09.
Gannon opens the season Sunday, November 1 at the University of Buffalo Open. The Golden Knights then host the National Catholic Invitational Saturday, November 7 at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion
2nd Annual Gannon Wrestling Golf Tournament
When: Saturday, August 15, 2009
Where: Gospel Hill Golf and Country Club, 4415 Steimer Road, Erie, PA 16510 / Phone (814) 899-5700
Format: Golf Scramble; Shot gun start at 1 p.m.
Cost: $65/person or $260 team until July 18th, 2009; $75/person or $300/team after July 18th, 2009 - Buffet Dinner Included
Limit: 30 teams and on a first come, first serve basis
For more information or a registration form, please go to Gannon's Web site www.gannonsports.com or directly at
http://www.gannonsports.com/documents/2009/7/13/2nd%20Annual%20Gannon%20Wrestling%20Golf%20Tournament%20(5).doc?path=wrestling
Gannon Wrestling Team Finishes 15th at NCAA Division II National
ChampionshipsHOUSTON, Texas - The Gannon wrestling team had a fifth-place individual finish and two sixth-place individual finishes en route to a 15th-place team finish Saturday evening at the NCAA Division II National Championships in Houston, Texas.
Nebraska-Omaha won the team title with 146.5 points, out-scoring the next team by 66 points. Newberry (80.5), Minnesota State Mankato (71.5), Nebraska-Kearney (65), and Adams State (62) completed the top five. Gannon placed 15th with 32.5 points.
Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) posted Gannon's best finish, placing fifth in the heavyweight division. The junior opened the day with a 5-2 victory over Findlay's Travis Clark in the wrestlebacks, before losing 3-0 to Minnesota State Mankato's Brady Wilson. He then captured fifth place by pinning San Francisco State's Steve Franklin in two minutes and 55 seconds.
Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) and Jacob Tazzi (Chesterfield, Mich./Anchor Bay) both recorded sixth-place finishes. McElhaney placed sixth at 149. The junior dropped Saturday's opener 11-0 to Minnesota State Mankato's Tommy Abbott. He was then lost consecutive matches in the wrestlebacks to Nebraska-Omaha's Esai Dominguez (14-8) and Central Oklahoma's Luke Elmore (pin, 4:49).
Tazzi also dropped three matches Saturday in the 184-pound division after going 2-0 during the first day. The senior fell in consecutive matches to Adams State's Kyle Sand (6-1), Newberry's Bryant Blanton (4-3), and Findlay's Hiram Smith (9-8).