2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling TABLE OF CONTENTS PITT-JOHNSTOWN PRIMARY MEDIA OUTLETS
WJAC-TV 6 SPORTS TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT Matt Maisel, Patrick Welter Shawn Curtis, Mike Mastovich 49 Old Hickory Lane 47 Locust Street Track the Mountain Cats Johnstown, Pa. 15905 Johnstown, Pa. 15901 (814) 255-7651 (814) 532-5080 Through Social Media Fax: (814) 255-7658 Fax: (814) 539-1409
all season… SOMERSET DAILY AMERICAN ALTOONA MIRROR 334 West Main Street P.O. Box 2008 Somerset, Pa. 15501 Altoona, Pa. 16603 (800) 452-0823 (800) 222-1962 Fax: (814) 445-2935 Fax: (814) 946-7540
WTAJ-TV 10 SPORTS PGH. POST-GAZETTE P.O. Box 10 50 Blvd. Of The Allies Altoona, Pa. 16603 Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222 On the Pitt-Johnstown (800) 762-6053 (412) 263-1621 Fax: (814) 946-4763 Fax: (412) 263-1926 Website at PGH. TRIBUNE-REVIEW INDIANA GAZETTE www.pittjohnstownathletics.com (888) 748-8742 (800) 262-3077 Fax: (412) 320-7964 Fax: (724) 465-8267
BEDFORD GAZETTE THE ADVOCATE 424 W. Penn Street 147 Student Union Bldg. P.O. Box 671 Johnstown, Pa. 15904 (814) 623-1151 (814) 269-7470 (814) 623-5055 On Facebook at facebook.com/pages/Pitt-Johnstown- Athletics ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Design and Layout Chris Caputo, Sports Information Director, Erin Lischerelli, Sports Information Assistant
Cover Design and Layout Ali Single
Contributing Editors And on Twitter at Pat Pecora, Jody Strittmatter, Shane Valko, @MtnCatAthletics Photography Ali Single, Stephanie Blackstone, Tami Knopsnyder, Pitt-Johnstown User Services, The Advocate, The Tribune-Democrat, Harrisburg Patriot News
Printing Cover: Ali Single Interior: Pitt-Johnstown Print Shop
1 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2014-15 Season Preview
The 2013-14 season was another impressive one for Head 133-lb. Weight Class (Cont’d) Coach Pat Pecora, who enters his 39th season, and his (Patton, Pa.), Regional place-winner Dakota Laughman Mountain Cat wrestlers. Pitt-Johnstown boasted a 13-2 overall (York, Pa.), and John Lobeck (Lancaster, Pa.). dual meet record and a 5-2 mark in its first season in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Mountain Cats finished second at the Super Region I 141-lb. Weight Class Tournament and ninth at the National Tournament with four Another familiar face in junior Sam Hanau (Pittsburgh, All-Americans. Pa.) is back at 141 lbs. Hanau claimed the starting spot This year, Coach Pecora must replace three of his four at in this weight class last January after transferring to Pitt- returning All-Americans. Two-time All-American Dave Fogle Johnstown from Division I Central Michigan. Hanau went (125 lbs.) (Summerhill, Pa.) graduated, while three-time All- 16-6 overall and 8-1 in dual meets with six falls. He placed American and National Runner-up Travis McKillop (184 lbs.) third at the Super Region I Tournament to reach the National (Lower Burrell, Pa.) and seventh-place finisher Josh Duplin Tournament. Hanau also finished sixth at the Franklin & (285 lbs.) (Johnstown, Pa.) are expected to red-shirt. Along Marshall Open. Also back at 141 lbs. is fellow junior Craig with the three All-Americans, the Mountain Cats must also Dawson (Penn Hills, Pa.). Dawson, who gives Hanau a replace All-PSAC performer Gary Lantz (165 lbs.) (Delta, Pa.), solid back-up, earned the starting spot for much of the first a two-time National Qualifier who graduated following last semester last season. Sophomore Anthony Mastrangelo season. (Phoenixville, Pa.), will also look to get on the mat this Despite the losses, Pitt-Johnstown, which returns six season while Krenzelak is also capable of wrestling in this starters, is still expected to compete for a PSAC and Regional weight class. title in 2014-15. This year’s squad will be led by 2014 All- American Zac Bennett (Johnstown, Pa.) and National Qualifiers Sam Hanau (141 lbs.) (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and Cole 149-lb. Weight Class Landowski (149 lbs.) (New Kensington, Pa.). In addition, Cole Landowski (New Kensington, Pa.) took full 2013 National Qualifier Evan Link (Cresson, Pa.) will move advantage of an opportunity to wrestle as a true freshman in back to 125 lbs. from 133 lbs. for his junior season. 2013-14. The experience he gained has him prepared to take the next step this year. Landowski, who was slated to red- The following is a tentative weight-by-weight shirt, took over the starting position after injuries opened-up synopsis of the 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat the spot and wrestled his way to the National Tournament. wrestling team. He finished his freshman season at 15-8 overall and 5-3 in dual meets. 10 of his wins came by way of decision. 125-lb. Weight Class Landowski also placed fifth at the Franklin & Marshall 2013 National Qualifier and 2014 PSAC sixth-place Open. Red-shirt freshman Kevin Synan (Allison Park, Pa.), finisher Evan Link returns to the 125-lb. weight class after a PIAA AA State qualifier, will look to push Landowski or wrestling last season’s first semester at 133 lbs. Link, who mat-time. Freshmen in this weight class are 2014 PIAA moved up a weight class as a sophomore to allow Fogle to AAA fifth-place finisher Corey Falleroni (Lower Burrell, wrestle his senior season at 125 lbs., was 6-5 overall and 2-2 in Pa.) and two-time PIAA AA State Qualifier Nick Naglic dual meets in 2013-14. Link will be back at his natural weight (Johnstown, Pa.). class this season. As a red-shirt freshman, Link was 21-10 overall and 11-4 in dual meets on his way to a runner-up finish at the Super Region I Tournament to earn a spot in the National 157-lb. Weight Class Tournament. Red-shirt freshmen Jimmy Harrison (Whitaker, Similar to the situation at 149 lbs., true freshman Heath Pa.) and Nate Russo (Belle Vernon, Pa.) are expected to Coles (North Huntingdon, Pa.) was forced to forego a red back-up Link at 125 lbs. if they don’t wrestle at 133 lbs. -shirt season and wrestled after injuries to starter Sam Molina (Pittsburgh, Pa.) opened the job. Coles, who is 133-lb. Weight Class expected to red-shirt in 2014-15, was 8-8 and 2-2 in dual The starting spot in this weight class will feature a meets a year ago. He wrestled at the Super Region I competition between red-shirt freshmen Harrison and Russo, tournament, but did not place. That opens the door for true and possibly true freshman Malachi Krenzelak (Canonsburg, freshman Steve Edwards (Lower Burrell, Pa.), to battle Pa.), who could also wrestle at 141 lbs. Harrison is a for the starting spot at 157 lbs. Edwards, a graduate of former two-time PIAA Regional Qualifier, and Russo won Burrell High School, was a two-time PIAA AA State Place- PIAA Section titles in both 2011 and 2013, while Krenzelak winner who won the state championship at 152 lbs. in 2014. was a 2014 PIAA AAA Regional Place-winner. Freshmen in Red-shirt freshmen Boe Bonzo (Rochester, Pa.), a 2013 this weight class are: 2014 PIAA AA State Qualifier Joe Davis PIAA AAA State Semifinalist, will compete with Edwards for mat-time after moving from 149 lbs. to this weight class.
2 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2014-15 Season Preview
165-lb. Weight Class 197-lb. Weight Class With graduation of Lantz and the expectation of John Garafola will fill in. Bennett, who transferred to Pitt- Blankenship (New Florence, Pa.) moving up to 174 lbs., the Johnstown after two successful seasons at Division I starting spot at 165 lbs. will be up for grabs. Red-shirt freshman University North Carolina, burst onto the scene last Tyler Reinhnart (Greensburg, Pa.), a 2013 PIAA AAA State January. Bennett posted a 21-5 overall record and a 10-2 Place-winner, looks to be the front-runner going into the season. dual meet record. He also boasted a team-best and record- Reinhart gained a bit of experience as a true freshman setting 16 falls on his way to winning the Super Region I wrestling in open tournaments, but the 2014-15 campaign could title and placing seventh at the National Tournament. put him right into the action on an everyday basis. Along with Bennett’s 16 victories by pin broke Jared Kuleck’s 197-lb. Reinhart, sophomore Justin Stonebraker (McKeesport, Pa.) will single-season record (14 falls) set in 1992-93. In addition, compete after red-shirting in 2012-13 and sitting out last season his 14 pins in 28:09 over Division II opponents led the with an injury. country and his 4.3478 points made him the country’s second most dominating wrestler. Freshmen in this weight class are 2014 PIAA AA State sixth-place finisher Zac Croyle (Kittanning, Pa.) and 2014 Pennsylvania AA District Champion Forest Tuttle (Coudersport, Pa.). 174-lb. Weight Class Blankenship, who wrestled at both 165 and 174 lbs. as a red-shirt freshman last season, looks to become the full-time starter at 174 in 2014-15. Blankenship finished at 7-6 overall and 5-2 in dual meets in his first year of collegiate wrestling. Heavyweight With the mat-time he got a year ago, Blankenship, a former Two-time National Qualifier and 2014 All- PIAA State Place-winner, should prove to be a solid fit for American Josh Duplin (Johnstown, Pa.) will red-shirt this Coach Pecora. A freshman in this weight class is Nick year, opening the door for red-shirt freshman D.J. Sims Penatzer (Bedford, Pa.). (Aliquippa, Pa.). Sims, a former all-conference performer and member of Aliquippa High School’s PIAA AA State Runner-up football team, was a 2012 Pennsylvania State Qualifier and placed sixth at the 2012 Flo Nationals as a wrestler. Duplin wrapped-up his sophomore season at 26- 184-lb. Weight Class 13 overall and 10-5 in dual meets on his way to placing The 184-lb. weight class will have a new look in 2014-15. third at last year’s Super Region I Tournament and seventh Three-time All-American and 2014 National Runner-up Travis at the National Tournament. A freshman in this weight McKillop is expected to red-shirt this year. McKillop, who class is Aaron Gill (Carrolltown, Pa.), who placed fourth at was a dominant wrestler the previous three seasons for Coach the 2014 PIAA AA State Tournament. Pecora, led the Mountain Cats with a 27-5 overall record and a 13-1 mark in dual meets. He also finished second on the team in falls with 13. Those are some big shoes left to be filled by red-shirt freshman Adam Nickelson (Belle Vernon, Pa.), the front-runner to win the starting spot in this weight class. Entering the 2014-15 season, Coach Pecora knows Nickelson, a two-time PIAA AAA State Place-winner with his Mountain Cat squad will be fairly young and eighth and fifth-place finishes, has the talent and should only get inexperienced. However, with a mix of returning National better with each match. Nikos Garafola (Greensburg, Pa.), who Qualifiers and starters and several talented newcomers, Pitt- is slated to move to 197 lbs., also has experience at 184 lbs. if he Johnstown wrestling is still expected to be one of the top is needed. A freshman in this weight class is Brandon Naveiro programs in NCAA Division II. (Wernersville, Pa.).
197-lb. Weight Class Garafola is expected to move up two weight classes from 174 lbs. to be the starter at 197 lbs., at least for the first semester, while All-American Zac Bennett (Johnstown, Pa.) sits out. Garafola earned the starting job at 174 lbs. for much of the 2013-14 season, but with the vacancy in this weight class,
3 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Weight-by-Weight Preview
125-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Evan Link (Junior) OTHERS TO WATCH: Jimmy Harrison (Red-Shirt Freshman) and Nate Russo (Red-Shirt Freshman)
133-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Jimmy Harrison (Red-Shirt Freshman), Nate Russo (Red-Shirt Freshman) or Dakota Laughman (Freshman) OTHERS TO WATCH: Joe Davis (Freshman) and John Lobeck (Freshman)
141-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Sam Hanau (Junior) OTHERS TO WATCH: Craig Dawson (Junior), Anthony Mastrangelo (Sophomore), and Malachi Krenzelak (Freshman)
149-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Cole Landowski (Sophomore) OTHERS TO WATCH: Kevin Synan (Red-Shirt Freshman), Corey Falleroni (Freshman), and Nick Naglic (Freshman)
157-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Boe Bonzo (Red-Shirt Freshman) or Steve Edwards (Freshman) OTHERS TO WATCH: Heath Coles (Red-Shirt) and Sam Molina (SO)
165-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Tyler Reinhart (Freshman) OTHERS TO WATCH: Justin Stonebraker (Sophomore)
174-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: John Blankenship (Sophomore) OTHERS TO WATCH: Justin Stonebraker (Sophomore) and Nick Penatzer (Freshman)
184-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Adam Nickelson (Red-Shirt Freshman) OTHERS TO WATCH: Travis McKillop (Red-Shirt), Nikos Garafola (Junior), and Brandon Naveiro (Freshman)
197-LB. WEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: Zac Bennett (Senior) or Nikos Garafola (Junior) OTHERS TO WATCH: Forest Tuttle (Freshman) and Zac Croyle (Freshman)
HEAVYWEIGHT CLASS PROJECTED STARTER: D.J. Sims, Jr. (Red-Shirt Freshman) OTHERS TO WATCH: Josh Duplin (Red-Shirt) and Aaron Gill (Freshman)
4 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Administration
Dr. Jem Spectar was named the fifth president of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in March 2007. President Spectar, an award-winning professor, previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Oregon University. He received a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from the University of La Verne; a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; a Jurist Doctorate in from the University of Maryland Law School, and a Master of Arts in politics and a doctorate in political science from Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, Calif. President Spectar recognizes and enthusiastically celebrates our student scholar-athlete accomplishments that add value to the university and enhance campus and community pride. He has published numerous scholarly articles on international law and has made presentations on issues involving human rights, the global Dr. Jem Spectar commons and international health. With extensive university Pitt-Johnstown President experience, he holds membership in a number of professional organizations.
In July 2008, Pat Pecora was named Pitt-Johnstown Athletic Director. Pecora also continues in his position as the Mountain Cats’ head wrestling coach, a duty he has held since graduating from West Liberty State (W.Va.) College in 1976. Pecora, who became the first NCAA Division II coach to reach the 500- win plateau on Feb. 14, 2012, began his career as the school’s head soccer and wrestling coach and a physical education instructor. His work has created a legacy that has brought national attention to the Pitt-Johnstown athletics program. In his 38 years at Pitt-Johnstown, his teams have captured a pair of NCAA Division II National Championships and 20 NCAA Regional Championships. Pecora has coached 10 individual national champions and a total of 134 All-Americans. Academically, he has tutored 90 NWCA All- Academic Wrestling Team selections. Pecora has been inducted into five Halls of Fame, including the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches and the NCAA Division II Wrestling Halls of Fame. As Athletic Director, Pecora is responsible for overall leadership, student- athlete development, and compliance with University, PSAC, and NCAA rules Pat Pecora and regulations. Pecora received his BA in health and physical education from Athletic Director West Liberty State and has done graduate work in the area of health education at the University of Pittsburgh.
5 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Head Coach Pat Pecora
YEAR RECORD PSAC OVERALL PCT. 1976-1977 4-12 4-12 .250 1977-1978 12-4 16-16 .500 1978-1979 11-6-1 27-22-1 .540 1979-1980 12-4 39-26-1 .591 1980-1981 14-3 53-29-1 .639 1981-1982 11-5 64-34-1 .647 1982-1983 10-3 74-37-1 .661 1983-1984 9-6 83-43-1 .654 1984-1985 15-3 98-46-1 .676 1985-1986 8-5 106-51-1 .671 1986-1987 11-3 117-54-1 .680 1987-1988 11-2 128-56-1 .692 1988-1989 10-3 138-59-1 .697 1989-1990 11-3 149-62-1 .703 1990-1991 7-9 156-71-1 .684 1991-1992 15-5 171-76-1 .690 1992-1993 15-0-1 186-76-2 .705 1993-1994 15-1 201-77-2 .718 1994-1995 18-0 219-77-2 .735 1995-1996 14-0 233-77-2 .747 Head Coach Pat Pecora 1996-1997 15-4-1 248-81-3 .747 1997-1998 19-0 267-81-3 .761 1998-1999 23-2 290-83-3 .771 1999-2000 14-5 304-88-3 .770 2000-2001 13-4 317-92-3 .769 2001-2002 17-5 334-97-3 .770 2002-2003 14-2 348-99-3 .773 2003-2004 17-4 365-103-3 .775 2004-2005 20-5 385-108-3 .776 2005-2006 24-4 409-112-3 .781 2006-2007 21-5-1 430-117-4 .780 2007-2008 17-5 447-122-4 .780 2008-2009 13-4 460-126-4 .780 2009-2010 14-2 474-128-4 .782 2010-2011 14-2-1 488-130-5 .785 2011-2012 12-3 500-133-5 .784 2012-2013 15-2 515-135-5 .786 2013-2014 13-2 5-2 528-137-5 .788
Pat Pecora, who also doubles as Pitt-Johnstown’s Athletic Director since July 2008, took over the Mountain Cat wrestling program in 1976. In 38 years, his teams have captured 20 NCAA Regional Championships, including five straight from 2003 through 2007 and ten in a row from 1992 through 2001. Coach Pecora has been selected as the NCAA Regional “Coach of the Year” 16 times. His Mountain Cat squads have won a pair of NCAA Division II National Championships, and have 31 Top-20 national finishes, 20 Top-10 finishes, and 10 top-five finishes. They have combined to win 48 team tournaments and 528 dual meets. Coach Pecora has tutored 138 All-Americans and 10 individual national champions who have combined for 17 titles, including Shane Valko (133 lbs.), the 2010 National Wrestler of the Year. Academically, his teams led the nation in NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team selections from 1997 through 2000. Since 1990, Coach Pecora has coached over 100 NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team members. In 1996 and 1999, his teams captured the NCAA Division II National Championship, the first and second in school history. In 1995 and 1999, Coach Pecora was named NCAA Division II National “Coach of the Year.” Also in 1999, he received the National Wrestling Coaches Association Coaching Excellence Award, given to the best coach in all divisions. Coach Pecora also coached the National All-Star Team, which showcased the best wrestlers in the nation from all divisions. On Feb. 14, 2012, Coach Pecora became the first in NCAA Division II history and just the sixth in all divisions to earn 500 career dual-meet victories when his Mountain Cats defeated Shippensburg University, 39-3. Coach Pecora’s 528 wins rank fourth all-time and first among active coaches in all levels of collegiate wrestling. His teams have averaged nearly 14 dual meet victories each year. Coach Pecora is the Division II Representative for the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), a duty previously held for 10 years. Coach Pecora, a member of the NWCA Board of Directors, was also the president of that organization for two terms. In 1994, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-East Boro Chapter, and, in 1998, he was inducted into both the Cambria County and the West Liberty State (W.Va.) College Halls of Fame. In March 2001, Coach Pecora was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, and, in 2003, he earned induction into the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition, Coach Pecora earned the 2008 United States Marine Corps Excellence in Leadership Award. Coach Pecora and his wife Tracy have four children: Cristina, Marco, Marina and Nico.
6 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Assistant Coaches
Two-time NCAA Division II National Champion Jody Strittmatter returned to Pitt-Johnstown in 2004-05 as an assistant coach under Coach Pecora. Strittmatter won Division II titles at 118 lbs. in 1998 and 125 lbs. in 1999 before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American. He placed third in 2000 and was the national runner-up in 2001. Following the 1999 National Tournament, Strittmatter was named the tournament’s outstanding wrestler on his way to leading the Mountain Cats to their second National Team Championship in three years. In two seasons wrestling as a Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat, Strittmatter compiled an 87-3 overall record. His .967 winning percentage ranks second behind six-time National Champion Carlton Haselrig on the all-time Mountain Cat List. Along with his All-American honors at Iowa, Strittmatter was a two- time Big Ten Champion and a member of the Hawkeyes’ NCAA National Championship Team in 2000. Strittmatter, a two-time NWCA All-Academic Team selection at Pitt- Johnstown, earned his degree in Biology. Strittmatter, who was inducted into the Pitt-Johnstown Athletics Hall Assistant Coach of Fame in 2011, is also member of the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2010), the Cambria County Sports Hall of Jody Strittmatter Fame (2006), and the Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame (2014).
Shane Valko, the 2010 NCAA Division II National Champion, National tournament Outstanding Wrestler and NWCA National Wrestler of the Year, begins his fifth season as a Mountain Cat wrestling assistant coach. Valko is a former four-time National Qualifier and three-time All- American. Prior to winning the national title as a senior, Valko placed fourth as a sophomore in 2008 and was the National Runner-up in 2009. He won a pair of East Region championships and was named the 2009 East Region Outstanding Wrestler. In 2008-09, Valko set Pitt-Johnstown’s school-record for falls in a season at 133 lbs. with 18. He finished his career with 48 falls and had double-digit pins in each of his four seasons as a Mountain Cat. Valko wrapped-up his Pitt-Johnstown career ranked ninth on the Mountain Cat All-Time Wins List with a 115-30 overall record. Valko came to Pitt-Johnstown after a stellar career at Forest Hills High School where he posted a 164-17 record and was a three-time PIAA AA State Place winner with two fourth-place finishes and a third-place finish in 2005. In 2010, Valko earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Assistant Coach at Pitt-Johnstown. Shane Valko
7 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Individual National Champions
Carlton Haselrig Lee Schickel Heavyweight 126 lbs.
Six-Time National Champion National Champion 1986-1989 Division I and II 1996 Division II 143-2-1 Career Record 108-25 Career Record
Jody Strittmatter 118 lbs. / 125 lbs.
Two-Time National Champion 1998, 1999 Division II 87-3 Two-Year Record
John Strittmatter Troy Barbush 165 lbs. 133 lbs.
National Champion National Champion 1999 Division II 1999 Division II 112-15 Career Record 113-24 Career Record
8 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Individual National Champions
Brandon Newill Shad Benton 157 lbs. 125 lbs.
National Champion National Champion 2002 Division II 2002 Division II 130-26 Career Record 101-9 Career Record
Thad Benton 141 lbs.
Two-Time National Champion 2005, 2006 Division II 112-21 Career Record
Albert Miles Shane Valko 174 lbs. 133 lbs.
National Champion National Champion 2008 Division II 2010 Division II 102-33 Career Record 115-30 Career Record
9 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Team National Championships 1996 and 1999 NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONS
1996 National Champions 1999 National Champions
Pitt-Johnstown National Team Champions 1995-96 National Team Champions 1998-99 National Team Champions
NCAA Division I Carlton Haselrig (Heavyweight) 1986-87, 1987-88, 1988-89
NCAA Division II Carlton Haselrig (Heavyweight) 1986-87, 1987-88, 1988-89 Lee Schickel (126 lbs.) 1995-96 Jody Strittmatter (118 lbs., 125 lbs.) 1997-98, 1998-99 John Strittmatter (133 lbs.) 1998-99 Troy Barbush (165 lbs.) 1998-99 Brandon Newill (125 lbs.) 2001-02 Shad Benton (157 lbs.) 2001-02 Thad Benton (141 lbs.) 2004-05, 2005-06 Albert Miles (174 lbs.) 2007-08 Shane Valko (133 lbs.) 2009-10
10 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat All-Americans
Pitt-Johnstown All-Americans (138)
The 1970s The 2000s STEVE RAGLAND (1975) SHAD BENTON (2000, 2001, 2002*) BARRY GRESH (1979) ETHAN BROWNBACK (2000) RYAN BUTERBAUGH (2000) The 1980s ROB ENGLISH (2000) BARRY GRESH (1980) BRAD HUGHES (2000) JOHN REVESZ (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983) BRANDON NEWILL (2000, 2001, 2002*) DAN REVESZ (1980, 1981) HOWARD BELL (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005) SEAN ISGAN (1981) JOE LLOYD (2001) DAVE McGOWAN (1982) RANDY PYLE (2002, 2004) ROB YAHNER (1982, 1984, 1985) THAD BENTON (2003, 2005*, 2006*) CARLTON HASELRIG (1986, 1987*# (Divisions I and II), JOHN BURDA (2003, 2004) 1988*# (Divisions I and II), 1989*# (Divisions I and II) BRUNO IORFIDO (2003) BOB RAY (1987, 1988) JASON NESTOR (2003) RICH SHAFFER (1988, 1989) MARK GLOVA (2004) LARRY ROBEY (1988, 1989) RYAN ICKES (2004, 2005) BILL LUSZIK (1989) MIKE CORCETTI (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) DAVE YAHNER (1989) ELI GARSHNICK (2005, 2007) RYON MAZZOCCO (2005) The 1990s ALBERT MILES (2006, 2008*) LARRY HOHMAN (1990, 1992, 1993) BRANDON REASY (2006, 2007, 2008) DAVE YAHNER (1990, 1992) MIKE FOWLER (2007) AARON WILLIAMS (1990) DERREK BOSSO (2007) ERIC BOWSER (1991, 1992) KYLE KEANE (2008) LEE SCHICKEL (1993, 1995, 1996*) ZACH MAJOCHA (2008) JOHN HOLLMAN (1993) SHANE VALKO (2008, 2009) CRAIG THURBER (1993, 1994, 1995) ADAM WHETSTONE (2009) JARED KULECK (1993, 1994, 1995) JEFF BRICKER (1994, 1995, 1996) The 2010s CHRIS COMO (1994) SHANE VALKO (2010*) KEVIN O'NEIL (1994, 1996, 1997) PATRICK WALSH (2010) TONY ALBERTELLI (1995, 1996, 1997) CHRIS DEMPSEY (2010, 2011) JOHN STRITTMATTER (1996, 1997, 1999*) RYAN LINK (2011) TROY BARBUSH (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999*) JACK BACHMAN (2011) IRWIN BRAMBLEY (1996, 1997, 1998) NATHAN LINK (2012) SCOTT CROYLE (1996) ZACH LUNDGREN (2012) JODY STRITTMATTER (1998*, 1999*) DAVE FOGLE (2012, 2014) ISAAC GREELEY (1998, 1999) TRAVIS MCKILLOP (2012, 2013, 2014) JAISON KLINGENSMITH (1998, 1999) DAVE CAWLEY (2013) TONY CLARK (1999) ZAC BENNETT (2014) ETHAN BROWNBACK (1999) JOSH DUPLIN (2014)
# = NCAA Division I National Championship
* = NCAA Division II National Championship
11 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Athletics Proud
Pitt-Johnstown varsity teams compete at the NCAA Division II level and are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Pitt-Johnstown’s student-athletes’ performances have garnered individual and team honors at the conference, regional and national levels. The 15 varsity sports offer student-athletes an opportunity to compete and represent Pitt-Johnstown while learning valuable lessons that can be applied off the court, field, mat or track.
PITT-JOHNSTOWN ATHLETICS - WE ARE MOUNTAIN CAT PROUD! PITT-JOHNSTOWN NCAA Division II Intercollegiate Sports Men’s Women’s Baseball Basketball Basketball Cross Country Cross Country Soccer Golf Softball Soccer Track (Indoor and Outdoor) Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) Volleyball Wrestling
12 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Wrestling and Athletics Staff
2014-2015 PITT-JOHNSTOWN MOUNTAIN CAT WRESTLING / ATHLETICS STAFF
HEAD COACH…………………………………………………………………………….……………....Pat Pecora CAREER RECORD / YEARS…………………………………………………….….. 528-137-5 (.788) (38 years) ASSISTANT COACHES………………..…………… Jody Strittmatter (10th year) and Shane Valko (5th Year) 2013-14 DUAL MATCH RECORD…………………………………………………………...………………13-2-0 2013-14 PSAC RECORD………………………………………………………………………………5-2 (2nd place) 2014 SUPER REGION I FINISH………………………………………………………….………………..2nd Place 2014 NCAA DIV. II NAT’L TOURNAMENT FINISH……………………………….………………… 9th-Place STARTERS RETURNING / LOST………………………………………………………………………….….... 7/3 LETTERMEN RETURNING / LOST……………………………………………………………………..……10/5 YEARS IN NCAA TOURNAMENT…………………………………………………………………….…. 33 years NO. OF TOP 20 FINISHES……………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 2013-14 NATIONAL QUALIFIERS/ALL-AMERICANS……………………………………………………… 6/4 2013-14 NWCA ALL-ACADEMIC WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS………………………….…………….. 3 FIRST YEAR OF WRESTLING………………………………………………………….………...…… 1973-1974
ATHLETICS DIRECTORY
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS…………………………………………………………..…………...….. Pat Pecora NCAA COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR………………………………………………………….………Katrin Wolfe ATHLETIC DEPT. OFFICE PHONE……………………………………………………………... (814) 269-2000 ATHLETIC DEPT. FAX……………………………………………………………………………. (814) 269-2026 SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR……………………………………………………………. Chris Caputo S.I.D. OFFICE PHONE……………………………………………………………………………... (814) 269-2031 S.I.D. E-MAIL…………………………………………………………………………………...... [email protected] NCAA FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE……………………………………………….……….. Dr. Ray Wrabley ATHLETIC DEPT. SECRETARY………………………………………………………………... Judy Blackburn TRAINERS………………………………………………………..……………………… Scott Mamula, Elissa Till TRAINERS’ OFFICE PHONE…………………………………………………. (814) 269-1935 or (814) 269-2024 EQUIPMENT MANAGER…………………………………………………………………………. Todd Williams POOL HOTLINE……………………………………………………………………………………. (814) 269-2002 ATHLETICS WEB SITE………………………… www.upj.pittjohnstownathletics.com ATHLETICS FACEBOOK ACCOUNT…...facebook.com/pages/Pitt-Johnstown-Athletics ATHLETICS TWITTER ACCOUNT…………………………………………….@MtnCatAthletics
The Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Staff also would like to thank the following: Dr. Richard Ross (Chiropractor) Jamie Hedrick (Aquatics Director) Dr. Ernest Mantini (Dentist) Robert Manculich (Master Instructor)
13 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Roster
NAME CLASS WEIGHT HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS COLLEGE AWARDS Zac Bennett SR 197 lbs. Westmont Hilltop PIAA AA State Champion 2014 All-American (7th) John Blankenship SO 165/174 lbs. United PA AA State Place (6th) 2014 Letterman Boe Bonzo R-FR 157 lbs. Freedom PA AAA State Place (6th) Heath Coles SO 157 lbs. Norwin PA AAA State Place (4th, 4th) 2014 Letterman Zac Croyle FR 197 lbs. Kittanning PIAA AA State Place (6th) Joe Davis FR 133 lbs Cambria Heights PA AA State Qualifier Craig Dawson JR 141 lbs. Penn Hills 2-year Letterman Josh Duplin Red-Shirt 285 lbs. Westmont Hilltop PA AAA State Place (2nd,5th, 5th) 2014 All-American (7th) Steve Edwards FR 157 lbs. Burrell 2-time PA AA State Place (6th, 1st) Corey Falleroni FR 149 lbs. Burrell PA AA State Place (5th) Nikos Garafola JR 197 lbs. Hempfield PA AAA State Qualifier 2-year Letterman Aaron Gill FR 285 lbs. Cambria Heights PA AA State Place (4th) Sam Hanau JR 141 lbs. Lakeshore (MI) 2014 National Qualifier Jimmy Harrison R-FR 125/133 lbs. West Mifflin Area 2-time AAA Regional Qualifier Malachi Krenzelak FR 133/141 lbs. Canon-McMillan PA AAA Regional Place Winner Cole Landowski SO 149 lbs. Kiski Area PA AAA State Qualifier 2014 National Qualifier Dakota Laughman FR 133 lbs. Spring Grove PA AA Regional Place Winner Evan Link JR 125 lbs. Penn Cambria 2-time PA AA State Runner-Up 2013 National Qualifier
John Lobeck FR 133 lbs. Lancaster Catholic Regional Place-Winner
Anthony Mastrangelo SO 133/141 lbs. Pope John Paul II 2-year letterman Travis McKillop Red-Shirt 184 lbs. Burrell PA AA State Champion 3-time All American (7th,3rd,2nd) Sam Molina SO 157 lbs. Fox Chapel PA AAA State Qualifier Nick Naglic FR 149 lbs. Richland 2-time PA AA State Qualifier Brandon Naveiro FR 184 lbs. Conrad Weiser Adam Nickelson R-FR 184 lbs. Belle Vernon PA AAA State Place (8th, 5th) Nick Penatzer FR 174/184 lbs. Northern (MD) Tyler Reinhart R-FR 165 lbs. Greensburg-Salem PA AAA State Place (6th) Nate Russo R-FR 125/133 lbs. Belle Vernon Area PA AAA Regional Qualifier D.J. Sims R-FR 285 lbs. Aliquippa PA AAA State Qualifier Justin Stonebraker SO 165 lbs. Elizabeth-Forward Sectional Runner-up Kevin Synan R-FR 149 lbs. Hampton PA AAA State Qualifier Forest Tuttle FR 197 lbs. Coudersport 2014 District Champion
14 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Seniors Zac Bennett (197 lbs.) Travis McKillop (184 lbs.)
Senior Senior Johnstown, Pa. Lower Burrell, Pa. Westmont Hilltop High School Burrell High School 2013-14 Overall Record: 21-5 2013-14 Overall Record: 27-5 2013-14 Dual Record: 10-2 2013-14 Dual Record: 13-1 Overall Career Record: 21-5 Overall Career Record: 82-14
Freshman Season (2010-11) Senior Season (2014-15) Bennett wrestled at North Carolina and was the Atlantic Will take a red-shirt Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament Champion at 197 lbs. Freshman Season (2011-12) on his way to qualifying for the Division I National Travis McKillop wrestled as a true freshman and placed Tournament. third at the Regional Tournament and seventh-place finish at the national Tournament. He was 22-7 overall and 6-4 in dual meets. His six falls tied for the team lead. McKillop won the title at the Washington & Jefferson Collegiate Open Sophomore Season (2011-12) and was the runner-up at the Wilkes Open. Bennett wrestled at North Carolina and was the Atlantic Sophomore Season (2012-2013) Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament Runner-up at 197 lbs. McKillop, who jumped from 174 to 184 lbs., won a Super Region I title and advanced to the National Semifinals, before becoming an All-American for the second straight year with a third-place finish. His 33-2 overall record, 16-1 Junior Season (2013-14) dual meet record, and 11 falls all led the team. McKillop Bennett transferred to Pitt-Johnstown after wrestling two won titles at the Washington & Jefferson Collegiate Open years at NCAA Division I University of North Carolina. and the Wilkes Open. He also garnered First-Team NWCA After sitting out the first semester, Bennett took over the All-Academic Wrestling Team honors. starting spot at 197 lbs. on his way to winning a Super Junior Season (2013-2014) Region I title and becoming an All-American with a seventh- McKillop continued to dominate as a junior by becoming place finish at the National Tournament. Bennett, who was Pitt-Johnstown’s first PSAC Champion. McKillop, a PSAC 21-5 overall and 10-2 in dual meets, placed third at the All-Conference choice, won the Super Region I title, finished Franklin & Marshall Open. His team-best 16 victories by pin as the National Runner-up at 184 lbs., and garnered First- broke Jared Kuleck’s 197-lb. single-season record (14 falls) Team NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team honors for the set in 1992-93. Bennett’s 14 pins in 28:09 led the country second straight year. His 13 dual meet wins tied for the team and his 4.3478 points made him the country’s second most lead, while his 27 total victories and 13 falls were both dominating wrestler. second on the team and tied Dan Revesz’s single-season mark at 184 lbs. set in 1979-80. Finished 10th in Division II Most Dominant Wrestler ranking with 3.7826 points. McKillop also placed third at the Franklin & Marshall Open. High School High School Three-time PIAA AA State Place-winner at Westmont Four-year letterman...52-2 record as a senior...163-31 Hilltop High School….AA State Runner-up in 2006...PA AA overall with 98 falls...four-time PIAA AA State Qualifier… State Champion in 2007…PA AA State-Place 5th in 2009. three-time PIAA AA State Place winner, including state champion in 2011...placed fifth in both 2009 and 2010...2010 Powerade Tournament Champion… placed third at 2010 Ironman Tournament...competed in 2011 Dapper Dan Personal Wrestling Classic...two-time Southwest Region Champion… Born June 30, 1990...majoring in Communication...son two-time WPIAL Champ...2011 Army Strong Wrestler of the of Nick and Jana Bennett of Johnstown, Pa. Year and Cliff Keen Wrestling USA All-American...finished third in national high school rankings… led team to 2008 AA State Championship and three WPIAL titles. Personal Born July 3, 1992...majoring in Biology...son of Lisa and Scott McKillop of Lower Burrell, Pa.
15 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Lettermen John Blankenship (174 lbs.) Heath Coles (157 lbs.)
Sophomore Sophomore New Florence, Pa. North Huntingdon, Pa. United High School Norwin High School 2013-14 Overall Record: 7-6 2013-14 Overall Record: 8-8 2013-14 Dual Record: 5-2 2013-14 Dual Record: 2-2 Overall Career Record: 7-6 Overall Career Record: 8-8
Freshman Season (2012-13) Sophomore Season (2014-15) Took a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
Freshman Season (2013-14) Heath Coles took over the starting spot at 157 lbs. as a true freshman after an injury ended Sam Molina’s season. Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2013-14) Coles was 8-8 overall and 2-2 in dual meets. Four victories John Blankenship made his collegiate debut after red- came by was of decision, two by fall, and one each by shirting as a freshman. He finished with a 7-6 overall record technical fall and default. Coles also wrestled at the Super and a 5-2 mark in dual meets at 165 lbs. Blankenship Region I Tournament, but did not place. recorded four wins by decision, two by fall, and one by major decision. He was also tabbed Honorable Mention NWCA All-Academic Wrestling.
High School Four-Year letterman...career record of 129-30...senior season record of 36-5...two-time PIAA AAA State Place- High School winner (4th, 4th)...two-time WPIAL Champion. Three-year letterman...finished with 35-2 senior season record and 94-18 career record...2012 PIAA AA State Place- winner (6th)...two-time District 5 Champion...2012 All- Indiana Gazette Team.
Personal Born June 13, 1995...major is undecided...one year- letterman in soccer at Norwin High School...son of Charles Personal and Amy Coles of North Huntingdon, Pa. Born May 5, 1994...plans to major in Engineering Technology...four-year letterman in track & field and three- year letterman in football in high school...son of Mike and Gloria Blankenship of New Florence, Pa.
16 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Lettermen Craig Dawson (141 lbs.) Josh Duplin (285 lbs.)
Junior Junior Penn Hills, Pa. Johnstown, Pa. Penn Hills High School Westmont Hilltop High School 2013-14 Overall Record: 1-9 2013-14 Overall Record: 26-13 2013-14 Dual Record: 1-5 2013-14 Dual Record: 10-5 Overall Career Record: 3-13 Overall Career Record: 49-23
Freshman Season (2011-12) Junior Season (2014-15) Took a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
Freshman Season (2012-13) Josh Duplin earned the starting job at 285 lbs. and Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2012-13) advanced to the National Tournament as a true freshman. Craig Dawson posted a 2-4 record wrestling in open Duplin finished with a 23-10 overall record and an 11-6 mark tournaments as a red-shirt freshman. Both of his victories in dual meets on his way to placing fourth at the Super came by fall. Region I Tournament. His 23 victories ranked fourth on the team, while his 15 wins by decision tied him for second. Duplin also won the championship at the Washington & Jefferson Collegiate Open and placed fifth at the Wilkes Open. Sophomore Season (2013-14) Dawson moved up to 141 lbs. from 133 lbs. and was 1-9 overall and 1-5 wrestling in dual meets. Sophomore Season (2013-14)
High School Four-year letterman...career record of 77-34 with over High School 30 falls...30-15 record as a senior...finished sixth at Four-year letterman...senior season record of 37-2… Allegheny County Wrestling Tournament. career record of 141-29 with 80 falls...3-time PIAA AAA State Place winner (5th, 5th, 2nd).
Personal Born June 10, 1993...majoring in Mechanical Personal Engineering Technology...son of Jeff and Kim Dawson of Born Nov. 10, 1993...majoring in Geography...2011-12 Penn Hills, Pa. Westmont Hilltop High School Athlete of the Year...three- year letterman in both football and track...son of Jamie Duplin of Johnstown, Pa.
17 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Lettermen Nikos Garafola (197 lbs.) Sam Hanau (141 lbs.)
Junior Junior Greensburg, Pa. Pittsburgh, Pa. Hempfield High School Lakeshore (MI) High School 2013-14 Overall Record: 7-14 2013-14 Overall Record: 16-6 2013-14 Dual Record: 4-5 2013-14 Dual Record: 8-1 Overall Career Record: 29-22 Overall Career Record: 16-6
Freshman Season (2011-12) Freshman Season (2011-12) Took a red-shirt Sam Hanau took a red-shirt at Central Michigan Runner-up at Washington & Jefferson Collegiate Open University. He placed fifth at both the Cleveland State Open Placed fourth at Wilkes Open and the Edinboro Open, and sixth at the Eastern Michigan Open in the Freshman/Sophomore Division
Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2012-13) Nikos Garafola took over the starting duties at 197 lbs. Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2012-13) early in the dual meet season and posted a 22-8 overall Sam Hanau wrestled at 141 lbs. at Central Michigan and record and a 9-3 record in dual meets. Garafola wrestled at finished with a 20-7 overall record. Hanau beat Penn State’s the Super Region I Tournament but suffered a close loss in Zack Beitz to place third at the National Collegiate Open. He the true-fourth-place match and did not advance to Nationals. also won the title at the Eastern Michigan Open in the He was also the runner-up at the Washington & Jefferson Freshman/Sophomore Division after defeating Notre Dame’s Collegiate Open and placed third at the Wilkes Open. Maurice Miller.
Sophomore Season (2013-2014) Sophomore Season (2013-14) Garafola dropped to 174 lbs. and won the starting job on Hanau transferred to Pitt-Johnstown and joined the his way to finishing with a 7-14 overall record and 4-5 in Mountain Cats’ starting line-up in January at 141 lbs. and dual meets. Five of his seven victories came by way of finished with a 16-6 overall record and an 8-1 record in dual decision. Garafola also wrestled at the Super Region I meets. Hanau placed third at the Super Region I Tournament Tournament, but did not place. to qualify for the National Tournament. Of his 16 wins, six came by fall. Hanau also placed sixth at the Franklin & Marshall Open.
High School Three-year letterman...39-6 senior season record and 79- 16 career record...two-time PIAA AAA State Qualifier...two- time section champion...two-time fourth-place finisher at High School Powerade Tournament. Hanau, who wrestled in both Missouri and Michigan in high school, finished his career with a 147-12 overall record...placed three-time in the Top-four in State tournaments...two-time Super Region I Champion in Personal Missouri...2009 Missouri Greco Roman State Champion and Born March 5, 1992...majoring in Business and minoring 2009 and 2010 Missouri Freestyle runner-up. in Biology…three-year letterman in football...son of Tony and Kristin Garafola of Greensburg, Pa.
Personal Born May 30, 1993...majoring in Finance...Son of John and Cathleen Hanau.
18 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Lettermen Cole Landowski (149 lbs.) Evan Link (125 lbs.)
Sophomore Junior New Kensington, Pa. Cresson, Pa. Kiski Area High School Penn Cambria High School 2013-14 Overall Record: 15-8 2013-14 Overall Record: 6-5 2013-14 Dual Record: 5-3 2013-14 Dual Record: 2-2 Overall Career Record: 15-8 Overall Career Record: 27-15
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2011-12) Cole Landowski took over the starting duties at 149 lbs. Took a red-shirt midway through his freshman season and was 15-8 overall Placed third at Washington & Jefferson Collegiate Open and and 5-3 in dual meets on his way to qualifying for the third at Wilkes Open National Tournament by placing third at the Super Region I Tournament. Of his 15 victories, 10 were by decision. Landowski also placed fifth at the Franklin & Marshall Open. Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2012-13) Evan Link joined the Mountain Cat starting line-up at 125 lbs. and advanced to the National Tournament in his first season after finishing as the runner-up at the Super Region I High School Tournament. Link was 21-10 overall record and 11-4 in dual Four-year letterman...senior season record of 34-5… meets. His nine victories by major decision led the team. career record of 114-33...holds school record for takedowns Link also placed fifth at the Washington & Jefferson in a season with 114...2012 PIAA AAA State Qualifier...Flo Collegiate Open and sixth at the Wilkes Open. National Runner-up.
Sophomore Season (2013-2014) Link was the starter at 133 lbs. throughout the first Personal semester, before sitting out the second semester. He was 6-5 Born July 14, 1994...plans to major in Biology...Second- overall and 2-2 in dual meets. Linked also placed sixth at the Team All-Academic selection in high school...member of PSAC Championships at 133 lbs. National Honor Society, Student Council, and Key Club in high school...son of Rob and Georgiann Landowski of New Kensington, Pa. High School Four-year letterman...45-2 senior season record with 30 pins and a 138-20 career record...three-time PIAA State Place winner, including two-time PA State Runner-up...also placed seventh...two-time National High School Runner-up and National High School fifth-place finish...three-time District 6 Champion and 2011 Southwest Regional Champion.
Personal Born Aug. 15, 1992...majoring in Business...two-year letterman in golf at Penn Cambria High School...Son of Steve Link and Joyce Billetdeaux of Cresson, Pa.
19 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat Lettermen Sam Molina (157 lbs.)
Red-Shirt Freshman Pittsburgh, Pa. Fox Chapel High School 2013-14 Overall Record: 12-8 2013-14 Dual Record: 5-3 Overall Career Record: 12-8
Freshman Season (2012-13) Took a red-shirt
Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2013-14) Sam Molina won the starting job at 157 lbs. and posted a 12-8 overall record and a 5-3 mark in dual meets before an injury ended his season. Ten of his 12 victories were by decision. Molina also wrestled at the PSAC Tournament, but did not place.
High School Four-year letterman...senior season record of 29-8… career record of 106-34...2012 PIAA AAA State Qualifier.
Personal Born Feb. 10, 1994...plans to major in Biology...one- year letterman in football...earned Cumulative Academic Honor Award and Scholastic Art Award for outstanding effort in drawing and painting in high school...son of Jose’ and Brook Molina of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Head Coach Pat Pecora Coach Pecora’s 528 career dual meet victories rank fourth all-time and first among active coaches in all lev- els of collegiate wrestling.
20 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Returning Wrestlers Anthony Mastrangelo (141 lbs.) Justin Stonebraker (165 lbs.)
Sophomore Sophomore Phoenixville, Pa. McKeesport, Pa. Pope John Paul II High School Elizabeth Forward High School
Freshman Season (2012-13) Freshman Season (2012-13) Took a red-shirt Took a red-shirt
Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2013-14) Red-Shirt Freshman Season (2013-14) Did not wrestle due to injury Anthony Mastrangelo wrestled in open tournament for in his first season of collegiate wrestling. High School Four-year letterman...senior season record of 31-7… placed second at sectional tournament and second at High School Allegheny County Tournament in 2012. Two-year letterman
Personal Born Feb. 5, 1994...plans to major in Nursing...son of Personal Michelle Stonebraker of McKeesport, Pa. Born Aug. 9, 1994...plans to major in Business...son of Jeff and Rosemary Mastrangelo of Phoenixville, Pa.
***TWO NCAA Division II National Team Championships (1996 and 1999)
***10 Top-5 NCAA Division II National Finishes
***20 Top-10 NCAA Division II National Finishes
***20 NCAA Division II Regional Championships
21 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Red-Shirt Freshmen Boe Bonzo (149/157 lbs.) Jimmy Harrison (125/133 lbs.)
Red-Shirt Freshman Red-Shirt Freshman Rochester, Pa. Whitaker, Pa. Freedom High School West Mifflin Area High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Took a red-shirt Took a red-shirt
High School High School Four-year letterman...career record of 124-29...senior Four-year letterman...senior season record of 32-3… season record of 29-6...advanced to the 2013 PIAA AAA career record of 107-33...two-time PA AAA Regional State Semifinals before placing sixth...four-time Regional Qualifier...two-time fourth-place finisher at WPAIL Qualifier...named school’s Most Outstanding Wrestler as a Tournament...two-time Section runner-up. senior.
Personal Personal Born Sept. 22, 1995...major is undecided...two-year Born Jan. 15, 1995...plans to major in Mechanical letterman in soccer and one-year letterman in track and field Engineering Technology...son of Myron and Lori Bonzo of at West Mifflin Area High School...son of Jim and Nanette Rochester, Pa. Harrison of Whitaker, Pa.
Adam Nickelson (184 lbs.) Tyler Reinhart (165 lbs.)
Red-Shirt Freshman Red-Shirt Freshman Belle Vernon, Pa. Greensburg, Pa. Belle Vernon High School Greensburg-Salem High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Took a red-shirt Took a red-shirt
High School High School Four-year letterman...senior season record of 41-3… Four-year letterman...senior season record of 39-8… career record of 132-30...two-time PIAA AAA State place- career record of 115-28...2013 PIAA AAA State Place winner (8th in 2012 and 5th in 2013). (6th)...three-time WPIAL place-winner...Section and WCCC Champion...earned Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award.
Personal Born Dec. 4, 1994...majoring in Business Finance… member of the National Honor Society and Gifted Program Personal at Belle Vernon High School...Senior Class President...son of Born June 23, 1994...major is undecided...son of Michael Scott and Gayle Nickelson of Belle Vernon, Pa. and Jessica Reinhart of Greensburg, Pa.
22 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Red-Shirt Freshmen Nate Russo (125/133 lbs.) D.J. Sims (285 lbs.)
Red-Shirt Freshman Red-Shirt Freshman Belle Vernon, Pa. Aliquippa, Pa. Belle Vernon Area High School Aliquippa High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Took a red-shirt Took a red-shirt
High School High School Two-year letterman…senior season record of 23-4… Four-year letterman...senior season record of 34-6… career record of 66-11…2012 PIAA AAA State Qualifier… career record of 131-30...four-time WPIAL AAA placed third at WPIAL Tournament in 2012...placed sixth at Qualifier…2011 and 2013 AAA Section Champion, two- Flo Nationals in 2012 time Westmoreland County Coaches Association Champion…2011 NHCSA All-American. Personal Born Feb. 9, 1995...majoring in General Management and Marketing…two-year letterman in both baseball and Personal football at Aliquippa High School...First-Team MAC All- Born June 30, 1995...major is undecided...son of Shawn Conference in football… member of Aliquippa’s 2012 PIAA and Jamie Russo of Belle Vernon, Pa. AA State Runner-up Team and 2011 and 2012 WPAIL Championship Team...son of Damon Sims, Sr. and Arna George.
Kevin Synan (149 lbs.)
Red-Shirt Freshman Allison Park, Pa. Hampton High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Took a red-shirt
High School Four-year letterman...senior season record of 38-9… career record of 125-35...2013 PIAA AAA State Qualifier… two-time WPIAL place-winner (3rd and 4th)...two-time Sectional Champion...Allegheny County Champion.
Personal Born April 19, 1995...plans to major in Economics…son of Dan and Crisey Synan of Allison Park, Pa. Zac Bennett (197 lbs.) 2014 NCAA Division II All-American (7th-Place)
23 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Freshmen Zac Croyle (197 lbs.) Joe Davis (133 lbs.)
Freshman Freshman Kittanning, Pa. Patton, Pa. Kittanning High School Cambria Heights High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Will take a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
High School Four-year letterman...career record of 96-31...2014 High School PIAA AAA State Place-winner (6th)...2014 Regional runner- Four-years letterman...28-7 senior season record...105- up...3-time Section champion...2-time WPIAL place-winner 35 career record2014 PIAA AA State Qualifier. (3rd and 4th).
Personal Personal Born April 10, 1995...major is undecided...three-year Born Feb. 3, 1996...plans to major in Physical Therapy- letterman in football...son of Heath and Mary Croyle of Biology...son of Joseph Davis and Alicia Angus. Kittanning, Pa.
Steve Edwards (157 lbs.) Corey Falleroni (149 lbs.)
Freshman Freshman Lower Burrell, Pa. Lower Burrell, Pa. Burrell High School Burrell High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Will take a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
High School High School Four-year letterman...senior season record of 46-4… Four-year letterman...senior season record of 41- career record of 142-37...three-time PIAA State Qualifier… 15...career record of 80-34...2014 PIAA AA State Place- 2014 PIAA State Champion at 152 lbs....also placed sixth at winner (5th)...2014 section and regional runner-up...placed PA State Tournament in 2013...three-time sectional third at 2014 District 7 tournament...two-time Westmoreland champion, 2014 WPIAL champion, and three-time regional County place-winner (3rd and 5th)...placed third at King of place-winner, including champion in 2014… recipient of the Mountain Tournament and eighth at Powerade United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award. Tournament.
Personal Personal Born May 31, 1996...major is undecided...one-year Born April 19, 1996...plans to major in Physical letterman in track and field...earned the Burrell High School Therapy...son of Jeff and Lori Falleroni of Lower Burrell, Excellence in Art Award...son of Andy and Lisa Edwards of Pa. Lower Burrell, Pa.
24 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Freshmen Aaron Gill (285 lbs.) Malachi Krenzelak (141 lbs.)
Freshman Freshman Carrolltown, Pa. Canonsburg, Pa. Cambria Heights High School Canon-McMillan High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Will take a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
High School High School Three-year letterman...senior season record of 35-5… Four-year letterman….senior season record of 38-6… career record of 76-24...2014 PIAA AA State Place fourth… career record of 84-46...placed fourth at 2014 WPIAL 2014 District 6 Champion and Laurel Highlands Athletic Championships and fifth at the Powerade Tournament. Conference (LHAC) All-Conference selection…2014 AAU All-American...2014 PIAA All-Academic Wrestling Team choice. Personal Born May 16, 1996...plans to major in Buisness...son of Personal Brian Krenzelak and Danielle Ault. Born May 2, 1996...plans to major in Computer Science...two-year letterman in football...2014 LHAC All- conference selection in football...son of Mike and Lynn Gill of Carrolltown, Pa.
Dakota Laughman (133 lbs.) John Lobeck (133 lbs.)
Freshman Freshman York, Pa. Lancaster, Pa. Spring Grove High School Lancaster Catholic High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Will take a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
High School High School Four-year letterman...senior season record of 32-8… Four-year letterman...senior season record of 31- career record of 109-42...placed fifth at 2014 District 3 AAA 12...career record of 117-50 with 52 falls...3-time district Place-winner and fifth at 2014 South Central Regional place-winner...2012 regional place-winner (6th). Tournament.
Personal Personal Born Dec. 26, 1995...plans on majoring in Mechanical Born Dec. 26, 1995...plans to major in Business...one- Engineering Technology...three-year letterman in cross year letterman in track and field...son of Mark and Jane country...son of Oscar and Jennifer Laughman of York, Pa. Lobeck of Lancaster, Pa.
25 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Freshmen Nick Naglic (149 lbs.) Brandon Naveiro (184 lbs.)
Freshman Freshman Johnstown, Pa. Wernersville, Pa. Richland High School Conrad Weiser High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Will take a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
High School High School Four-year letterman...career record of 80-19...3-time Four-year letterman...senior season record of 31-9… Section place-winner (2nd, 3rd, 4th)...2-time first-Team All- career record of 114-42...two-time PIAA AA State Qualifier. Division...2-time BCIAA County Runner-up...Second-Team All-Division.
Personal Personal Born June 8, 1995...major is undecided...son of Mike Born Oct. 16, 1995...plans to major in Business...3-year and Tonya Naglic of Johnstown, Pa. letterman in both football and lacrosse...son of Kastine Shaefer of Wernersville, Pa.
Nick Penatzer (174 lbs.) Forest Tuttle (197 lbs.)
Freshman Freshman Bedford, Pa. Coudersport, Pa. Northern (MD) High School Coudersport, High School
Freshman Season (2013-14) Freshman Season (2013-14) Will take a red-shirt Will take a red-shirt
High School High School Four-year letterman...three-time District IX place- winner, including 2014 District Champion...four-time AML Northern Division All-State Wrestling Team selection. Personal Born March 13, 1994...plans to major in Biology...son of Leonard and Tanya Becraft. Personal Born Dec. 18, 1995...Plans to major in biology...three- year letterman in football and one-year letterman in track and field…eight-time Coudersport High School Lineman of the Week and three-time Defensive Player of the Week...son of David and Kathleen Tuttle of Coudersport, Pa.
26 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Action Shots
Evan Link (125 lbs.) Cole Landowski (149 lbs.) Sam Hanau (141 lbs.)
Distinctive Elements of the Pitt-Johnstown Experience Pitt-quality education, world class standards of academic excellence appreciated by employers and recognized by top graduate schools alike. A Princeton Review “Best in the Northeast” College! Highly talented faculty of dedicated teachers and productive scholars facilitate student success in an up-close-and-personal learning environment. Highly sought after undergraduate degree programs with intense real world focus including engineering technology, nursing, justice administration and criminology, computer science, pre-medical professions, education, business and management information systems... Real world focused learning experiences including mentored projects, guided internships, capstones, and undergraduate research projects that link theory to practical applications. A unique collegiate experience through its signature RealWorld Action Program, which actively supports Career and Professional Development as well as Campus, Civic, and Global Engagement. Intensive career and job placement initiatives facilitate progress from admission to graduation, with focused guidance intended to help students succeed in a competitive workplace in their career of choice. Caring and dedicated staff enhance a supportive living-learning environment, offering personalized assistance to facilitate success from admission to graduation. A picturesque residential campus environment with many state-of-the-art facilities that support excellence in learning and contribute to student success. Nationally recognized for high levels of student engagement as illustrated in national surveys (National Survey of Student Engagement & Noel-Levitz): Recognized in President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll three years in a row! NCAA Division II school boasting a nationally ranked wrestling program, a Hall of Fame Coach, and 10 competitive sports in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Nationally recognized for supporting veteran student transition and success: A “Military Friendly School.” More than 19,500 alumni, constituting a vital network facilitating the success of our students and graduates, making meaningful contributions to our world.
27 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling This is the Sports Center
The Sports Center, which has been the home of Pitt-Johnstown Athletics since the 1977-78 season, offers the Mountain Cats and Lady Cats a home court advantage that is second to none. A seating capacity of 2,400 provides an electrifying atmosphere that includes a pep band, cheerleading squad, and nearly 800 Mountain Cat Maniacs. The fan support is well appreciated, as the Mountain Cat wrestlers have posted an incredible 96-6 home record over the last 16 seasons. The building also serves as a recreation and exercise area for Pitt-Johnstown students. It provides a swimming pool, dance studio, cardio fitness center, a weight room and a location for physical education classes. In addition, the Pitt- Johnstown athletics offices are located in the Sports Center. Pitt-Johnstown's wrestling team now has access to a training facility fitting a nationally ranked, championship squad. As part of the Sports Center expansion, which included the addition of the Wellness Center, the wrestling room was being expanded to double the square footage in the facility. Construction of the 40,000-square-foot Wellness Center, at a cost of $9.7 million, was completed in December 2010. In addition to a climbing wall, the facility includes an elevated three-lane running track; cardiovascular and strength- training areas, dance space, and two multipurpose courts for basketball and volleyball.
28 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Academic Achievements
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS IN THE CLASSROOM
FROM 1997 THROUGH 2001, PITT-JOHNSTOWN WRESTLERS LED THE NATION IN NWCA ALL-ACADEMIC WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS. SINCE THE NWCA ALL-ACADEMIC WRESTLING TEAM WAS ESTABLISHED, THE MOUNTAIN CATS HAVE HAD 98 WRESTLERS MAKE THE TEAM.
1997: Four NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Members 1998: Five NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Members 1999: Nine NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Members 2000: Six NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Members 2001: Eight NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Members
1987 - Scott Genard 1988 - Sheldon Burkett 1989 - John Mastillo, Mike Swank, Dave Yahner 1990 - Lance Phaturos, Dave Yahner 1992 - Dave Yahner 1993 - Eric Brown 1994 - Tony Albertelli, Tony Salopek 1995 - Tony Albertelli 1996 - Tony Albertelli, Troy Barbush 1997 - Tony Albertelli, Troy Barbush, Jaison Klingensmith, John Strittmatter 1998 - Troy Barbush, Tyke Conover, Isaac Greeley, Jaison Klingensmith, Jody Strittmatter 1999 - Troy Barbush, Ethan Brownback, Ryan Buterbaugh, Tyke Conover, Jim Custred, Isaac Greeley, Jaison Klingensmith, Jody Strittmatter, John Strittmatter 2000 - Ethan Brownback, Ryan Buterbaugh, Jim Custred, Ben Kuntz, Aaron Rendos, Dustin Ziegler 2001 - Ryan Buterbaugh, Jim Custred, David Fordoski, Bruno Iorfido, Ben Kuntz, Aaron Rendos, Vince Torsell, Dustin Ziegler 2002 - Ryan Ickes, Bruno Iorfido, Ben Kuntz, Matt Roncolato, Bill Suvak, Dustin Ziegler 2003 - Ryan Ickes, Bruno Iorfido, Russ Keefe, Ben Kuntz, Ryon Mazzocco, Matt Roncolato 2004 - Mike Fowler, Eli Garshnick, Ryan Ickes, Ryon Mazzocco, Matt Roncolato 2005 - Tom Brambley, Mike Fowler, Eli Garshnick, Ryan Ickes, Ryon Mazzocco, Brandon Reasy, Matt Roncolato, Rob Sakmar 2006 - Tom Brambley, Mike Fowler, Eli Garshnick, Ryon Mazzocco, Brandon Reasy, Joe Strittmatter, Rob Sakmar 2007 - Mike Fowler, Eli Garshnick, Brandon Reasy, Joe Strittmatter, Patrick Walsh 2008 - Brandon Reasy, Rob Sakmar 2009 - Adam Whetstone, Jon Moore, Matt Moore 2010 - Kyle Keane, Patrick Walsh, Adam Whetstone, Zach Lundgren, Myers Miller, Dan Simon 2011 - Zach Lundgren, Josh Krupa, Myers Miller, Keith Ryan 2012 - Zach Lundgren, Justin Harold, Josh Krupa, Myers Miller, Keith Ryan 2013 - Dave Cawley, Travis McKillop, Keith Ryan, Glenn Winslow 2014 - Dave Cawley, Travis McKillop, John Blankenship
29 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2013-14 NWCA All-Academic Team Members
DAVE CAWLEY TRAVIS MCKILLOP 141 LBS. 184 LBS. 2013-14 First-Team 2013-14 First-Team NWCA Academic All-Wrestling Team NWCA All-Academic Team
JOHN BLANKENSHIP 165 LBS. 2013-14 Honorable Mention NWCA All-Academic Team
30 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Team and Individual Records TEAM RECORDS MOST WINS IN A SEASON: 24 2005-2006 UNDEFEATED SEASONS: 4 1992-93 (15-0-1), 1994-95 (18-0-0), 1995-96 (14-0-0), 1997-98 (19-0-0) LONGEST UNBEATEN STREAK: 47 Dec. 2, 1993, to Nov. 20, 1996 (Defeated Morgan State (MD), 23-13, on Dec. 2, 1993 — Lost to Duquesne, 21-18, on Nov. 20, 1996) TOP FIVE NATIONAL FINISHES: 10 1988-89 (5th), 1994-95 (4th), 1995-96 (1st), 1996-97 (5th), 1997-98 (3rd), 1998-99 (1st), 1999-00 (5th), 2003-04 (5th) 2004-05 (4th), 2007-08 (4th)
MOST WINS IN A REGULAR SEASON BY WEIGHT CLASS 125 lbs. Jody Strittmatter 37 1997-1998, 1998-1999 133 lbs. John Strittmatter 35 1998-1999 141 lbs. Isaac Greeley 34 1997-1998 149 lbs. Tony Albertelli 34 1995-1996 157 lbs. Shad Benton 38 2001-2002 165 lbs. Troy Barbush 34 1997-1998 174 lbs. Albert Miles 31 2007-2008 184 lbs. Mike Corcetti 29 2006-2007, 2007-2008 197 lbs. Patrick Walsh 32 2007-2008 HEAVYWEIGHT Carlton Haselrig 36 1986-1987
MOST WINS IN A SEASON BY WEIGHT CLASS 125 lbs. Jody Strittmatter 44 1997-1998 133 lbs. John Strittmatter 41 1998-1999 141 lbs. Isaac Greeley 42 1997-1998 149 lbs. Tony Albertelli 42 1994-1995 157 lbs. Shad Benton 46 2001-2002 165 lbs. Troy Barbush 39 1997-1998 174 lbs. Albert Miles 39 2007-2008 184 lbs. Craig Thurber 38 1994-1995 197 lbs. Patrick Walsh 36 2007-2008 HEAVYWEIGHT Carlton Haselrig 47 1986-1987
MOST PINS IN A SEASON BY WEIGHT CLASS 125 lbs. Jody Strittmatter 24 1997-1998 133 lbs. Shane Valko 18 2008-2009 141 lbs. Thad Benton 17 2005-2006 149 lbs. Chris Como 10 1993-1994 Nathan Link 10 2010-2011 157 lbs. Shad Benton 14 2002-2003 165 lbs. Barry Gresh 17 1978-1979 174 lbs. John Revesz 19 1982-1983 184 lbs. Dan Revesz 13 1979-1980 Travis McKillop 13 2013-2014 197 lbs. Zac Bennett 16 2013-2014 HEAVYWEIGHT Carlton Haselrig 19 1986-1987
31 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat All-Time Wins List
MOUNTAIN CAT WRESTLING ALL-TIME WIN LIST
NAME RECORD WIN% 1. Carlton Haselrig 143-2-1 .979 MOUNTAIN CAT WRESTLING 2. Tony Albertelli 138-29-0 .826 ALL-TIME WIN PERCENTAGE
3. Ethan Brownback* 131-26-0 .834 NAME RECORD WIN% 4. Mike Corcetti 131-45-0 .744 1. Carlton Haselrig 143-2-1 .979 5. Brandon Newill*** 130-26-0 .833 6. Craig Thurber 120-20-0 .857 2. Jody Strittmatter 87-3-0 .967 7. Rob Yahner 120-24-1 .828 3. Shad Benton 101-9-0 .918 8. John Revesz 119-31-2 .783 4. John Strittmatter 112-15-0 .882 9. Shane Valko 115-30-0 .793 5. Craig Thurber 120-20-0 .857 10. Brandon Reasy 114-40-0 .740 6. Thad Benton 112-21-0 .842 11. Dave Yahner 113-23-1 .831 7. Kevin O’Neil 92-18-0 .836 12. Troy Barbush 113-24-0 .825 8. Ethan Brownback* 131-26-0 .834 13. John Strittmatter 112-15-0 .882 9. Brandon Newill*** 130-26-0 .833 14. Thad Benton 112-21-0 .842 10. Dave Yahner 113-23-1 .831 15. Lee Schickel 108-25-0 .812 16. Irwin Brambley 107-43-0 .713 11. Rob Yahner 120-24-1 .828 17. John Hollman** 107-48-0 .690 12. Tony Albertelli 138-29-0 .826 18. Isaac Greeley 106-23-0 .822 13. Troy Barbush 113-24-0 .825 19. Patrick Walsh 104-44-0 .702 14. Isaac Greeley 106-23-0 .822 20. Dan Revesz 102-27-0 .791 15. Lee Schickel 108-25-0 .812 21. Albert Miles 102-33-0 .756 16. Shane Valko 115-30-0 .793 22. Chris Dempsey 102-50-0 .671 17. Dan Revesz 102-27-0 .791 23. Shad Benton 101-9-0 .918 18. John Revesz 119-31-2 .783 24. Kyle Keane 99-32-0 .755 19. Tony Clark 98-29-0 .772 25. Tony Clark 98-29-0 .772 26. Jared Kuleck 98-29-2 .759 20. Jared Kuleck 98-29-2 .759 27. Kevin O’Neil 92-18-0 .836 21. Albert Miles 102-33-0 .756 28. Sean Isgan 92-30-0 .754 22. Kyle Keane 99-32-0 .755 29. Jeff Bricker 92-33-0 .736 23. Sean Isgan 92-30-0 .754 30. Mike Fowler 92-38-0 .708 24. Mike Corcetti 131-45-0 .744 31. Jason Nestor 92-41-0 .692 25. Brandon Reasy 114-40-0 .740 32. Zach Majocha 88-40-0 .688 33. Jody Strittmatter 87-3-0 .967 * = Includes 78-9 record at Delaware Valley College *** = Includes 30-6 record at Capital University (OH) 34. Dave Fogle 86-39-0 .688
* = Includes 78-9 record at Delaware Valley College ** = Includes 78-42 record at California Univ. (PA) *** = Includes 30-6 record at Capital University (OH)
32 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling All-Time Coaching Records
Coaching Records for 40 Varsity Seasons of Pitt-Johnstown Wrestling
YEAR COACH RECORD OVERALL RECORD 1973-1974 Bruce Haselrig (JV Team) 8-0-0 1974-1975 Bruce Haselrig 9-6-1 9-6-1 1975-1976 Curt Davis 3-11-0 12-17-1 1976-1977 Pat Pecora 4-12-0 16-29-1 1977-1978 Pat Pecora 12-4-0 28-33-1 1978-1979 Pat Pecora 11-6-1 39-39-2 1979-1980 Pat Pecora 12-4-0 51-43-2 1980-1981 Pat Pecora 14-3-0 65-46-2 1981-1982 Pat Pecora 11-5-0 76-51-2 1982-1983 Pat Pecora 10-3-0 86-54-2 1983-1984 Pat Pecora 9-6-0 95-60-2 1984-1985 Pat Pecora 15-3-0 110-63-2 1985-1986 Pat Pecora 8-5-0 118-68-2 1986-1987 Pat Pecora 11-3-0 129-71-2 1987-1988 Pat Pecora 11-2-0 140-73-2 1988-1989 Pat Pecora 10-3-0 150-76-2 1989-1990 Pat Pecora 11-3-0 161-79-2 1990-1991 Pat Pecora 7-9-0 168-88-2 1991-1992 Pat Pecora 15-5-0 183-93-2 1992-1993 Pat Pecora 15-0-1 198-93-3 1993-1994 Pat Pecora 15-1-0 213-94-3 1994-1995 Pat Pecora 18-0-0 231-94-3 1995-1996 Pat Pecora 14-0-0 245-94-3 1996-1997 Pat Pecora 15-4-1 260-98-4 1997-1998 Pat Pecora 19-0-0 79-98-4 1998-1999 Pat Pecora 23-2-0 302-100-4 1999-2000 Pat Pecora 14-5-0 316-105-4 2000-2001 Pat Pecora 13-4-0 329-109-4 2001-2002 Pat Pecora 17-5-0 346-114-4 2002-2003 Pat Pecora 14-2-0 360-116-4 2003-2004 Pat Pecora 17-4-0 377-120-4 2004-2005 Pat Pecora 20-5-0 397-125-4 2005-2006 Pat Pecora 24-4-0 * 421-129-4 2006-2007 Pat Pecora 21-5-1 442-134-5 2007-2008 Pat Pecora 17-5-0 459-139-5 2008-2009 Pat Pecora 13-4-0 472-143-5 2009-2010 Pat Pecora 14-2-0 486-145-5 2010-2011 Pat Pecora 14-2-1 500-147-6 2011-2012 Pat Pecora 12-3-0 512-150-6 2012-2013 Pat Pecora 15-2-0 527-152-6 2013-2014 Pat Pecora 13-2-0 (5-2 PSAC) 540-154-6
40 VARSITY SEASONS…………………………………………………………….540-154-6 (.776)
* = School Record For Wins In A Season
COACHES’ TOTALS Bruce Haselrig 9-6-1 (.563) (1 Year) Curt Davis 3-11-0 (.214) (1 Year) Pat Pecora 528-137-5 (.788) (38 Years)
33 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 1973-1982
1973 - 1974 program's inception in 1973. Plus, Barry The storied history of Pitt-Johnstown Gresh became the school's first two-time All- Mountain Cat Wrestling began in 1973 when American. Bruce Haselrig headed up a junior varsity team. That season, Haselrig's JV team finished with a perfect 8-0 record to set the
stage for the years to come.
1974 - 1975 Mountain Cat wrestling was on the map. Pat Pecora Now, it was time to take the next step. That's Named Head Coach in 1976 what Coach Haselrig and the Pitt-Johnstown Athletic Department did. This season his belt, Coach Pecora was ready to turn the Sean Isgan marked the first intercollegiate varsity Mountain Cat wrestling program around. Became Pitt-Johnstown’s First wrestling season for the young program. The Pecora completed his first full year of Mountain Cats wrestled as members of the recruiting and it showed. The Mountain Cats NCAA Finalist in 1981
NAIA and completed their inaugural varsity finished the season with a 12-4 record to start season with a 9-6-1 dual-meet record. In the a streak of 12 consecutive winning seasons. 1980 - 1981 process, history was made as Steve Ragland For the second straight season, the became the school's first All-American. 1978 - 1979 Mountain Cats claimed the title at the Delaware State University Tournament and The Mountain Cat wrestling program finished with a 14-3 dual-meet record. The was on the rise. The team made an impressive sixth place showing at the East team also captured the championship at the West Liberty State College Tournament. In Regional Tournament and finished with an 11 -6-1 overall dual-meet record. This marked the post season, Coach Pecora's squad the second-straight winning season under continued to impress with a ninth-place Coach Pecora. The 1978-79 season also finish at the NAIA Championships. In produced Barry Gresh, Coach Pecora's first addition, Sean Isgan became the first All-American and the school's first NCAA Mountain Cat to reach the national finals in any sport. Three Mountain Cats earned All- All-American. Back-to-back winning seasons and Pitt-Johnstown's second All- American honors (John Revesz, Dan Revesz and Sean Isgan). American proved the Mountain Cats were becoming a formidable opponent in college Bruce Haselrig wrestling. First Coach in Mountain Cat History
1975 - 1976
Following a year of JV wrestling and a year of varsity wrestling, Curt Davis took over a young, vulnerable program. Despite a 1981-1982 9-6-1 record the previous season, the program was depleted of highly talented wrestlers. Davis and the Mountain Cats struggled to a 3-11 record. This marked the Pitt-Johnstown’s First Regional first losing season for the program. Championship Team Barry Gresh 1976 - 1977 First NCAA All-American 1981 - 1982 Following a tough season, the Pitt- Under Coach Pecora Coach Pecora and the Mountain Cats Johnstown Athletic Department made a provided the growing number of fans with coaching change and opted for a 22-year-old 1979 - 1980 another first. This time it was the school's former wrestler, who just graduated from The Mountain Cats captured the first East Regional Tournament Title. On the West Liberty State College--Pat Pecora. Delaware State University Tournament on way to the championship, Pitt-Johnstown However, even Coach Pecora could not their way to a 12-4 season. This year also compiled an 11-5 dual-meet record with perform miracles right away. His first season included a trip to the NAIA National regular season tournament championships at marked the second consecutive losing season Tournament, where the team placed 20th. Delaware State University and West Liberty for the Pitt-Johnstown wrestling program. Not only did the Mountain Cats place in the State College. At the NAIA National Pecora's Mountain Cats finished with a 4-12 Championships, the Mountain Cats placed nation's Top-20 for the first time in school th record. history, but three wrestlers also earned All- 19 with three more All-Americans, American honors (Barry Gresh, John Revesz including John Revesz, Pitt-Johnstown's first 1977 - 1978 and Dan Revesz). These three All-Americans three-time All-American (Dave McGowan With a year of college coaching under were more than the team produced since the and Rob Yahner).
34 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 1982-1990
1982 - 1983 1984 - 1985 (Cont’d) 1987 - 1988 This season's 10-3 record marked the Chester University Tournament and fourth at The wrestling program continued to sixth-straight winning season for the Pitt- the West Liberty State College Tournament. gain a reputation as a national power. Johnstown wrestling program. The Rob Yahner was an All-American on a team Haselrig claimed his second NCAA Division Mountain Cats once again won the that placed third at the East Regional I and II individual titles. The team finished Delaware State University Tournament. th Tournament and 20 at the NCAA with an 11-2 dual-meet record, its second The team also placed fourth at the East Championships. Yahner ended his career as a consecutive East Regional Tournament Title Regional Tournament and 19th at the three-time All-American and the only and an eighth place showing at the NCAA NCAA National Championships. John Mountain Cat to be a four-time Regional National Tournament. The Mountain Cats Revesz, this season's only All-American, Champion. also won the Thiel College Tournament and became the first wrestler in Pitt-Johnstown placed second at the West Liberty State history to accomplish the feat four times. 1985 - 1986 College Tournament. Sheldon Burkett This year marked the beginning of a new became the second Mountain Cat to be era in Mountain Cat wrestling--"The Carlton selected to the NWCA All-Academic Haselrig Era." Haselrig, one of the most Wrestling Team. Four more wrestlers earned dominant heavyweights in history, earned All All-American honors (Carlton Haselrig, Bob -American honors as a freshman and led the Ray, Rich Shaffer and Larry Robey). team to a championship at the Indiana
University (PA) Tournament. The Mountain 1988 - 1989 Cats also took fourth place at West Chester For the third straight year, Carlton University, fifth place at Delaware State Haselrig claimed individual national titles at University and sixth at West Liberty State the Division I and Division II levels, College. The Mountain Cats, who finished prompting the NCAA to pass the "Haselrig John Revesz with an 8-5 overall record, placed third at the Rule," which prevents a wrestler from Pitt-Johnstown's First East Regional Tournament and 25th at the winning individual national championships Four-Time All-American NCAA Championships. in more than one NCAA Division. Haselrig finished as the all-time "winningest" wrestler 1983 - 1984 1986 - 1987 in Pitt-Johnstown history with a career record The Mountain Cat wrestling program In his second year of wrestling at Pitt- of 143-2-1 (.979). In the process, he broke continued to grow. A 9-6 overall record Johnstown, Haselrig won the NCAA Division Dan Gable's record of 123 consecutive marked another winning season for Coach II, as well as the NCAA Division I National matches without a loss. The Mountain Cats Pecora and the team. Until this year, the Championships. The team also claimed its finished with a 10-3 record, won the Mountain Cats produced six consecutive 10 second East Regional Tournament Title under Southwest Regional Tournament and -or-more-win seasons. The team finished Coach Pecora and finished 11th at the NCAA finished fifth at the NCAA Championships. fifth at the East Regional Tournament and National Championships, the highest place The team also won the Thiel College 20th at the NCAA National Championships. ever for a Mountain Cat wrestling team to this Tournament and placed second at the West Rob Yahner earned All-American honors point. Pitt-Johnstown won the West Chester Liberty State College Tournament. The for the second time. University, Delaware State University and program produced four All-Americans Thiel College Tournaments and placed fourth (Carlton Haselrig, Larry Robey, Bill Luszik at the West Liberty State College and Dave Yahner) and three NWCA All- Tournament. Along with Haselrig, two other Academic Wrestling Team members (Dave Mountain Cats earned All-American honors Yahner, Mike Swank and John Mastillo). (Bob Ray and Rich Shaffer). Scott Genard was named to the first NWCA All-Academic 1989 - 1990
Wrestling Team. The "Carlton Haselrig Era" came to an end, but Mountain Cat wrestling was known nationally. Even without the dominance of Haselrig, Coach Pecora and his Mountain
Cats amassed an 11-3 overall dual-meet Rob Yahner record and earned another Southwest Three-Time All-American And Regional Tournament Title. The young Mountain Cats were champions of the West Four-Time Regional Champion Liberty State College Tournament, placed second at the Thiel College Tournament and 1984 - 1985 placed in the Top-25 (22nd place) at the Coach Pecora and the Mountain Cats NCAA National Championships. Larry rebounded from last season's 9-6 record Hohman, Dave Yahner and Aaron Williams with a school record 15 wins and only three Carlton Haselrig were this year's All-Americans, while Yahner losses. Pitt-Johnstown also won the Three-Time NCAA Division I And and Lance Phaturos were named Academic Delaware State University Tournament for Three-Time NCAA Division II All-Americans. the fifth time, placed third at the West National Champion
35 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 1990-1996
1990 - 1991
For only the second time since taking over the Pitt-Johnstown wrestling program in 1976, Coach Pecora and his Mountain Cats suffered through a losing season. The Mountain Cats, who were rebuilding and decimated by injuries to many key wrestlers, finished the season with a 7-9 overall dual- meet mark. The Mountain Cats earned a second-place finish at the Thiel College Tournament and a fifth-place finish at the East Regional Tournament. For the second year in a row, the Mountain Cats earned a 22nd-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Eric Bowser was a national Tony Albertelli runner-up and an All-American. Four-Time NWCA All-Academic Dave Yahner Wrestling Team Selection / Pitt-Johnstown's First Second on Pitt-Johnstown Win List 1991 - 1992 GTE Academic All-American with 138 Following a losing season in 1990-91, the Mountain Cats had something to prove. Coach Pecora's team posted a 15-5 overall 1993 - 1994 1995 - 1996 dual-meet record and earned the Coach Pecora's Mountain Cats continued their dominance in NCAA Division II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS championship at the Thiel College The hopes and dreams of Coach Pecora Tournament and a runner-up spot at the West wrestling by posting another near-perfect season. The team finished with a 15-1 dual- and the hundreds of Mountain Cat wrestlers Liberty State College Tournament. The who have passed through the program since Mountain Cats also won the East Regional meet record. The Mountain Cats won the Thiel College Tournament and the East 1973 all came true in 1996. Rarely do you Tournament Championship, a feat that they climb to the top of the mountain, but Coach would accomplish for the rest of the Regional Tournament Title for the third consecutive year. At the NCAA National Pecora and the Pitt-Johnstown wrestling team millennium. The team also placed seventh at reached that peak. The Mountain Cats were the NCAA National Championships, the Championships, Pitt-Johnstown placed seventh and added five more All-Americans NCAA Division II National Champions. The second-highest finish in school history to this team completed its second consecutive point. Three Mountain Cats earned All- to the growing list (Craig Thurber, Jared Kuleck, Jeff Bricker, Chris Como and Kevin undefeated dual-meet season (14-0) and American honors (Larry Hohman, Dave maintained the momentum through the Yahner and Eric Bowser), while Yahner O'Neil). Two more Mountain Cats earned spots on the NWCA All-Academic Wrestling postseason. The Mountain Cats earned titles became Pitt-Johnstown's first three-time at the Thiel College and West Liberty State NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Team (Tony Albertelli and Tony Salopek). College tournaments prior to dominating selection. another East Regional Tournament. Pitt- Johnstown then traveled to Northern Colorado University for the NCAA Division 1992 - 1993 1994 - 1995 The Mountain Cats flirted with II National Championships. Lee Schickel For the first time in Pitt-Johnstown perfection the past two seasons, but 1994-95 followed in Carlton Haselrig’s footsteps and history, a team led by Coach Pecora went turned out to be a perfect season. The team became the second Mountain Cat in history undefeated. The only blemish on a 15-0-1 posted an 18-0 dual-meet record on its way to to win an individual national championship. season was a tie against California University the East Regional Tournament Championship The rest of the Mountain Cats followed the (PA). After winning championships at the and a fourth-place national finish, the highest lead of Schickel and held off four-time Thiel College and West Liberty State College in school history. The Mountain Cats added consecutive National Champion and No. 1- tournaments, the Mountain Cats went on to another Thiel College Tournament title and a ranked Central Oklahoma University to win post-season action. Coach Pecora's team third-place finish at the West Liberty State the first team National Championship in the claimed its seventh East Regional College Tournament. For the third-straight history of Pitt-Johnstown athletics. The Tournament Championship and earned a year, Pitt-Johnstown had five wrestlers who Mountain Cats were the best in NCAA ninth-place finish at the NCAA earned All-American honors (Lee Schickel, Division II Wrestling. Schickel led the list of Championships. Another school record fell Craig Thurber, Jared Kuleck, Jeff Bricker and eight Mountain Cats who earned All- that year. The Mountain Cats produced five Tony Albertelli). Albertelli, on his way to American honors (Jeff Bricker, Kevin O'Neil, All-Americans (Larry Hohman, Lee becoming one of Pitt-Johnstown’s all-time Tony Albertelli, Troy Barbush, Irwin Schickel, John Hollman, Craig Thurber and greats, also was named to the NWCA All- Brambley, John Strittmatter and Scott Jared Kuleck), one more than the previous Academic Wrestling Team for the second Croyle). That season also produced two school record. time in his career. To cap off the season, more NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team members (Tony Albertelli and Troy Coach Pecora was awarded with the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Award. Barbush).
36 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 1996-2000
1997 - 1998 1998 - 1999 (cont'd.) Without a doubt, the Mountain Cat No. 2-ranked Nebraska-Omaha. Seven wrestling program was a force in NCAA Mountain Cats won individual titles at the Division II. The Mountain Cats finished in East Regional Tournament in the Sports the nation's Top-10 the past six seasons, and Center, and nine wrestlers advanced to the this season would be no different. Coach National Tournament in Omaha, NE. The Pecora's team set a school record for wins and National Championship came down to one added the fourth undefeated season in history. match--Pitt-Johnstown’s Troy Barbush The Mountain Cats were 19-0 with a title at against Nebraska-Omaha's Chris Blair. the Ohio Cup and another East Regional Barbush defeated Blair 8-4, giving Coach Championship. Led by freshman Jody Pecora and the Mountain Cats a 110-105-5 Strittmatter, the Mountain Cats traveled to the team score victory and the school's second National Tournament and placed third for national title. Three Mountain Cats won 1996 National Championship Team their seventh consecutive Top-10 national individual national championships (Jody finish. Jody Strittmatter became the third Pitt Strittmatter, John Strittmatter and Troy -Johnstown wrestler to win an individual Barbush), and Ethan Brownback finished as a 1996 - 1997 national championship. The Mountain Cats national runner-up. Three other wrestlers Following last season's NCAA Division boasted five All-Americans (Troy Barbush, earned All-American honors (Tony Clark, II National Championship, the Mountain Cats Irwin Brambley, Jody Strittmatter, Isaac Isaac Greeley and Jaison Klingensmith). The were defending the crown. Every team Greeley and Jaison Klingensmith) and five Mountain Cats also led the nation in NWCA wanted its shot at the National Champions. NWCA All-Academic Team members All-Academic Wrestling Team members for The Mountain Cats responded to the challenge (Barbush, Tyke Conover, Greeley, the third-straight season with nine (Jody with a 15-4 overall dual-meet record and a Klingensmith and Strittmatter). Strittmatter, John Strittmatter, Greeley, championship at the Shippensburg University Barbush, Brownback, Klingensmith, Tyke Tournament. Once again, Pitt-Johnstown Conover, Ryan Buterbaugh and Jim Custred). earned the East Regional Tournament Title. At the Division II National Tournament, the Mountain Cats made a run at defending the title, but came up short and settled for a respectable fifth-place finish. Tony Albertelli, who completed his outstanding career at Pitt- Johnstown with a 138-29 record (second all- time in wins behind Carlton Haselrig's 143-2- 1 record), became the school's first four-time
NWCA All-Academic Team selection. Other All-Academic Team selections included Troy Barbush, Jaison Klingensmith and John Jody Strittmatter 1999 National Championship Team Strittmatter. Albertelli was also a three-time Two-Time National Champion All-American. Other All-Americans included 1999 - 2000 Kevin O'Neil, John Strittmatter, Troy Barbush Defending the national championship is and national runner-up Irwin Brambley. 1998 - 1999 never easy, but the Mountain Cats, with eight NATIONAL CHAMPIONS new starters in the lineup, proved they were Going into the season, Coach Pecora still a dominating force in NCAA Division II knew he had something special with his team. wrestling by winning their ninth straight East In fact, it seemed as if the rest of the Regional title and placing fifth at the wrestling world agreed when the Mountain National Tournament at South Dakota State Cats earned the preseason No. 1 ranking in University. On Jan. 15, Coach Pecora the nation, a spot they never would give up. surpassed the 300-career win milestone with Five All-Americans, including 1998 National a 46-6 victory over Gardner-Webb Champion Jody Strittmatter, returned. Pitt- University at the East Regional Duals at Johnstown breezed through the regular season Shippensburg University. In the end, the by posting wins over seven Division I foes, Mountain Cats finished with a 14-5 dual- including Ohio State University and Clarion meet record, which included wins over University, on its way to a school-record 23 Division I Clarion, Binghamton and Slippery wins and two losses. Jody Strittmatter Rock. Six wrestlers earned All-American Troy Barbush became the first Mountain Cat to win the title honors (Brandon Newill, Rob English, Ethan at the Midlands Open at Northwestern Brownback, Ryan Buterbaugh, Brad Hughes First Four-Time All-American and University. The team earned the NCAA and Shad Benton), and six more were named Four-Time NWCA All-Academic Division II Dual Championship by posting a to the NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Wrestling Team Selection 4-0 record, including a 21-16 win over (Brownback, Buterbaugh, Dustin Ziegler, Jim Custred, Aaron Rendos and Ben Kuntz).
37 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 2000-2004
2000 - 2001 2001 – 2002 (cont’d) 2003 – 2004 Despite a few injuries and bumps in the Brent Beckstein placed third and Kuntz Camaraderie exists within any team that road, Coach Pecora and the Mountain Cats finished fourth to advance to the national has a successful season. To say that the 2003 put together another successful season that tournament. Six wrestlers were named to the -04 Mountain Cat wrestlers came together to wrapped up with the team’s 10th consecutive NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team: have an outstanding season is an East Regional Championship and a 10th-place Kuntz (First Team), Matt Roncolato and understatement, considering what they had to showing at the National Tournament. The Dustin Ziegler (Second Team), Bruno overcome before the preseason began. This Mountain Cats posted a 13-4 dual-meet Iorfido, Ryan Ickes and Bill Suvak team became known as “Brothers to the record and placed fourth at the Oklahoma (Honorable Mention). In addition, Benton’s Bone,” after senior All-American Bruno Gold Classic and second at the Millersville 46-2 overall record broke his own school Iorfido (157 lbs.) was killed in a car crash University Invitational. Four Pitt-Johnstown single-season weight class records for wins near his hometown of Ridgway, Pa., and wrestlers earned All-American honors in a regular season (38) and wins in a season senior Matt Benton (184 lbs.) died (Brandon Newill, Joe Lloyd, Shad Benton (46). He also broke his and Tyke Conover’s unexpectedly at his home over the summer. and Howard Bell), while eight other wrestlers record of 12 falls in a season with 14 pins in Bonding together in the wake of losing a pair were named to the NWCA All-Academic 2001-02. of close friends, the Mountain Cats took the Wrestling Team (Ryan Buterbaugh, Jim mat with heavy hearts and honored their Custred, Ben Kuntz, David Fordoski, Bruno fallen teammates by posting a 17-4 dual-meet Iorfido, Aaron Rendos, Vince Torsell and record, winning the program’s 17th Regional Dustin Ziegler). At the same time, the Championship and placing fifth at the NCAA Mountain Cats were battling for a Top-10 Division II National Tournament. In the national finish, Coach Pecora was inducted process, five Pitt-Johnstown wrestlers earned into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches All-American honors, including senior John Hall of Fame. Burda, who was national runner-up at 174 lbs. Burda also was named Pennsylvania Wrestling News Wrestler of the Year. Other 2001-2002 Brandon Newill The Mountain Cats earned another top- All-Americans included Howard Bell, Mark 10 finish behind the efforts of senior national 2002 National Champion (125 lbs.) Glova, Ryan Ickes and Randy Pyle. Five champions Brandon Newill (125 lbs.) and 130-26 Career Record wrestlers also were named to the NWCA All- Shad Benton (157 lbs.). After placing second Academic Wrestling Team (Ickes, Mike to Ashland University at the East Regional 2002 - 2003 Fowler, Eli Garshnick, Ryon Mazzocco and Tournament, Pitt-Johnstown earned a sixth- Despite having to replace two national Matt Roncolato). place finish at the National Tournament at champions from the previous season, the the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Along Mountain Cats didn’t slow down. With a with Newill and Benton, Randy Pyle became mix of youth and experience, Pitt-Johnstown an All-American, placing eighth. The team earned its 16th Regional Championship and posted a 17-5 dual-meet record and placed its 20th Top-20 finish with an 11th-place fifth at the Oklahoma Gold Classic. Benton finish at the national tournament at West won the title at the Gold Classic. Benton, Liberty State (WV) College, Coach Pecora’s Newill, John Burda, Matt Benton and Ben alma mater. Eight Mountain Cats advanced Kuntz all won championships at the Slippery to the national tournament, where five earned Rock Open. Benton and Newill also placed All-American honors (Thad Benton, Howard fifth and seventh, respectively, at the Bell, John Burda, Jason Nestor and Bruno Midlands Open. At the East Region Iorfido). The Mountain Cats posted a 14-2 Tournament, Jason Nestor, Benton and dual-meet record and placed fourth at the John Burda (174 lbs.) Newill won championships, while Pyle NWCA/Cliff Keen National Wrestling Duals 2004 National Runner-Up and placed second. at Ohio State University in mid-January. Six Pennsylvania Wrestling News more Pitt-Johnstown wrestlers were named to Wrestler of the Year the NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team, including first-team selections Ryan Ickes and Ben Kuntz. Other All-Academic Team selections included second-team selections Iorfido, Ryon Mazzocco and Matt Roncolato and honorable mention selection Russ Keefe. In addition, Coach Pecora garnered another honor when he was inducted into his fifth hall of fame. At the annual banquet, the night before the national tournament, Coach Pecora was one of five individuals inducted Shad Benton into the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of 2002 National Champion (157 lbs.) Fame. Bruno Iorfido Matt Benton 101-9 Career Record 157 lbs. 184 lbs.
38 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 2004-2007 2004 - 2005 2006- 2007 For the 22nd time in 29 seasons under The Mountain Cats continued their Coach Pecora, Pitt-Johnstown finished in the reign of excellence by claiming the nation’s Top 20. The Mountain Cats placed program’s fourth-straight and 20thth overall fourth with six All-Americans, including East Regional Championship. Pitt- juniors Thad Benton, the National Champion Johnstown advanced eight wrestlers to the at 141 lbs., and Ryon Mazzocco, the national National Tournament at the University of runner-up at 125 lbs. The Mountain Cats Nebraska-Kearney and came away with five posted a 20-5 dual-meet record, which All-Americans on its way to a seventh-place rd featured a 7-1 record against Division I teams Head Coach Pat Pecora finish and the program’s 23 Top-20 finish. and a sixth-place finish at the NWCA/Cliff Earned 400th Career Win The Mountain Cats also placed fifth at the Keen National Wrestling Duals at Cleveland NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals at State University. Pitt-Johnstown also Jan. 20, 2006 with 37-4 Win Over Northern Iowa University. Brandon Reasy, claimed the program’s 18th regional title in Anderson (SC) College Mike Corcetti, Mike Fowler and true
front of a home crowd in the Sports Center. finish, a two-time National Champion and a freshman heavyweight Chris Dempsey Mazzocco, Benton, seniors Matt Roncolato placed second to guide Pitt-Johnstown to its school record 24 dual-meet victories. In th (157 lbs.) and Howard Bell (197 lbs.) and addition, Pitt-Johnstown placed fifth at the 20 East Regional title under Coach Pecora. junior Zach Majocha (HWT.) all won NWCA Cliff Keen National Duals at Derrek Bosso, Joe Strittmatter and Eli individual titles at the East Regional Northern Iowa University. Eight wrestlers Garshnick all placed third, while Shane Tournament, while senior Ryan Ickes (149 advanced to the national tournament at the lbs.), sophomore Eli Garshnick (174 lbs.) and University of Findlay (OH) to help Pitt- red-shirt freshman Mike Corcetti (184 lbs.) Johnstown come away with four more All- placed third to advance to the National Americans, including Thad Benton, who won Tournament at the University of Nebraska- his second-straight individual title at 141 lbs., Omaha. In Omaha, Benton, the eighth and Mike Corcetti, the 2006 national runner- individual national champion and the 2004- up at 184 lbs. The Mountain Cats set the 05 Wrestling Report.com PA Collegiate school record for wins on Senior Night with Wrestler of the Year, defeated Nebraska- a 19-12 victory over Mercyhurst, to finish Omaha’s Eli Dominguez 9-4 to secure the with a 24-4 dual-meet record, including an 8- title. Mazzocco was the national runner-up 2 mark against Division I teams. The 24 at 125 lbs. after suffering a one-point loss in victories gave Coach Pecora 409 in his Mike Corcetti (184 lbs.) the championship match. Four others career, ranking him 15th all-time and eighth Ranked No. 1 in the nation at became All-Americans, including four-time among active coaches in all divisions. 184 lbs. from preseason through All-American Bell, who placed fifth, and two However, Jan. 20 proved to be a milestone -time All-American Ickes, who placed East Regional Tournament night when Pitt-Johnstown dealt Anderson eighth. Corcetti placed fourth and Garshnick (SC) College a 37-4 loss in the Sports Center placed sixth. In the classroom, Ickes was a Valko finished fourth to give the Mountain to give Coach Pecora win No. 400. Just over Cats eight qualifiers for the National First Team NWCA All-Academic Wrestling a month later, four Mountain Cats won Team selection for the third time, and Tournament at the University of Nebraska- individual East Region titles, including Kearney. The Mountain Cats clawed their Roncolato was a First-Team choice for the Reasy (133 lbs.), Benton, Garshnick (174 second time. Fowler, Garshnick and way to a seventh-place finish with five more lbs.) and Corcetti. Heavyweight Zach All-Americans. Corcetti, who finished the Mazzocco were First-Team All-Academic Majocha was a runner-up, while Albert Miles selections, while Brandon Reasy (133 lbs.) year with a team-best 36-3 overall record and (165 lbs.) and Mike Fowler (197 lbs.) placed held the nation’s No. 1 ranking at 184 lbs. was named to the Second Team and Tom third and Joe Strittmatter (157 lbs.) placed Brambley (133 lbs.) and Rob Sakmar (165 from the preseason through the Regional fourth. With eight national qualifiers, Pitt- Tournament, and Fowler both placed fourth. lbs) were honorable mention choices. Johnstown was poised to earn another Top- Reasy and Garshnick both finished fifth to 10 finish. Benton, the PA Wrestling News become two-time All-Americans, and Bosso Wrestler of the Year for the second-straight joined the ranks of the All-Americans with a year, became Pitt-Johnstown’s third wrestler sixth-place finish. In the classroom, Pitt- to win more than one National Championship Johnstown garnered five more NWCA when he beat Central Oklahoma’s Kyle Academic All-Wrestling Team selections. Evans, 4-2, in the title bout at 141 lbs. Fowler and Garshnick were named to the Corcetti was the national runner-up, while first team for the third time each. Reasy and Miles placed fifth and Reasy placed sixth to Thad Benton (141 lbs.) Strittmatter were also on the first team, while lead the Mountain Cats to a sixth-place red-shirt freshman Patrick Walsh was an 2005 NCAA Division II finish. Academically, seven wrestlers were honorable mention selection. As a team, Pitt- National Champion named to the NWCA All-Academic Team, Johnstown finished ninth in the country with including Ryon Mazzocco (125 lbs.), a 3.116 overall GPA. 2005- 2006 Garshnick, Fowler and Reasy, who were all The 2005-06 season featured Coach named to the first team. Strittmatter was a Pecora’s 400th career victory, the program’s second-team selection, and Tom Brambley 19th regional championship and 22nd Top-20 (133 lbs.) and Rob Sakmar (165 lbs.) were honorable mention choices.
39 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 2007-2010 2007 - 2008 2008 - 2009 2009 - 2010 With four senior All-Americans and a The Mountain Cats showed the pair of national qualifiers returning to the nation why they remain one of the best lineup, 2007-08 looked to be another strong division II programs. Pitt-Johnstown one for Coach Pecora and his Mountain Cats. finished 14-2 overall, placed 11th at the Pitt-Johnstown lived up to the billing. Albert Miles won the National Championship at 174 national tournament and had three All- lbs. and Mike Corcetti (184 lbs.) became a Americans, including Shane Valko (133 national runner-up for the second time to lead lbs.), who garnered National Wrestler of a group of six All-Americans to a 17-5 dual- the Year honors. Valko, won the meet record and a fourth place finish at the national title and was named the National Tournament. In addition, the Tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. Mountain Cats placed seventh at the NWCA/ Just a few weeks later, the National Cliff Keen National Dual Meet Tournament Shane Valko (133 lbs.) Wrestling Coaches Association at the University of Northern Iowa, and 2009 NCAA Division II (NWCA) selected him as the Division II finished second at the East Regional Tournament in the Sports Center. Brandon National Runner-up National Wrestler of the Year. Valko was 28-1 overall and 15-0 in dual meets With Coach Pecora taking on the in his final season. The Sports Center duties of both wrestling coach and athletic played host to the Super Region I director, combined with a young and Tournament where the Mountain Cats relatively inexperienced wrestling squad, the placed third behind Newberry and 2008-09 season was one of transition for the Gannon. Six wrestlers qualified for the Mountain Cat wrestling program. Despite the transition and key injuries to several national in Omaha, Neb. Valko and heavyweight Chris Dempsey won starters, Pitt-Johnstown again proved to be one of the top teams in NCAA Division II. championships, while Patrick Walsh was Six wrestlers advanced to the National the runner-up at 184 lbs. Kyle Keane Tournament, where a pair became All- placed third at 165 lbs., and Ryan Link Americans, including junior Shane Valko, (125 lbs.) and Ryan McIntyre (149 lbs.) Albert Miles (174 lbs.) the East Region’s Tournament’s Outstanding 2008 NCAA Division II each took fourth. At nationals, Valko Wrestler and the National runner-up at 133 handed previously undefeated Cody National Champion lbs., and junior Adam Whetstone, who placed fifth at 141 lbs. As a team, Pitt-Johnstown, Garcia (Nebraska-Omaha) a 6-3 loss in the title bout to become Pitt-Johnstown’s Reasy (133 lbs.), Kyle Keane (165 lbs.) and 13-4 in dual-meets, finished second at the th Miles won individual regional titles, while East Region Tournament and 14th at the 10 individual national champion and Corcetti, Patrick Walsh (197 lbs.) and Zach National Tournament. The Mountain Cats was named the National Tournament Majocha (HWT.) were regional runners-up to posted a 1-2 mark at the NWCA Cliff Keen Outstanding Wrestler. Walsh finished advance to the National Tournament in Cedar National Duals with both losses coming on sixth, and Dempsey joined the All- Rapids, Iowa. Shane Valko (141 lbs.) placed criteria to a pair of Top-5-ranked teams and a American ranks with an eighth-place fourth to give the Mountain Cats seven 3-1 mark at the East Coast Duals. Valko, finish. Six were selected to NWCA All- national qualifiers. At Nationals, Miles who set Pitt-Johnstown’s single-season Academic Wrestling Teams. Keane, became Pitt-Johnstown’s ninth individual record for falls at 133 lbs. with 18, won the champion when he defeated Nebraska- East Regional title at Mercyhurst College and Walsh, and Adam Whetstone were First- Omaha’s Ross Taplin, 5-2, in the title bout at was named the Outstanding Wrestler after Team choices, while Zach Lundgren, 174 lbs. Corcetti was the national runner-up defeating Kutztown’s Joey Kemmerer, the Myers Miller, and Dan Simon earned for the second time in his four-time All- nation’s top-ranked wrestler, in the title bout. honorable mention honors. American career. Reasy, Valko and Keane Whetstone and Kyle Keane were regional all placed fourth, while Majocha joined the runner-ups, while Ryan McIntyre, Patrick All-American ranks by placing sixth. Miles Walsh and Chris Dempsey rounded out the set Pitt-Johnstown’s regular-season win mark National Qualifiers by placing third. Six at 174 lbs. with 31 and the single-season win headed to Houston, TX for the National mark with 39, while Walsh’s 32 regular- Tournament at the 2009 NCAA Winter season wins at 197 lbs. and 36 overall wins Sports Festival. Valko was the National also broke school records. Corcetti matched Runner-up. Kemmerer avenged the loss at his own regular-season win record by posting the East Regional Tournament with a 2-1 win 29 victories for the second-straight year. The over Valko in the National Championship Mountain Cats also got the job done in the bout. Whetstone placed fifth place to earn classroom. Reasy became a four-time America honors. Whetstone was a Second- NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Team NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team Shane Valko (133 lbs.) choice, including being named to the first- selection, while Jon Moore and Matt Moore 2010 NCAA Division II team for the third-straight year, while senior were honorable mention choices. National Champion and Rob Sakmar (165 lbs.) was an honorable National Wrestler of the Year mention choice for the third time.
40 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling Mountain Cat History: 2010-2013 2010-2011 2010-11 was another outstanding one 2012-2013 for the Mountain Cats. Coach Pecora’s team The Mountain Cats won their final 14 dual meets, placed second at the Super posted a 14-2-1 dual meet record, finished th second at the Super Region I Tournament, Region I Tournament, and finish 14 at the and tied for 10th at the Division II National Division II National Tournament. Travis Tournament, in Kearney, Neb. Three more McKillop’s regional title at 184 lbs. paced Mountain Cats earned All-American honors. seven Mountain Cats who qualified for th Pitt-Johnstown, ranked 14 in the NWCA nationals, where McKillop and Dave Cawley Preseason Poll, got off to an 11-0-1 start, (141 lbs.) came away as All-Americans. Pitt- before the unthinkable happened…17th- Johnstown kicked-off the season with 10 ranked Ashland (OH) visited the Sports On Feb. 14, 2012, Pat Pecora wrestlers placing in the top-six at the Center on Jan. 28 and upset Pitt-Johnstown, became the first Division II coach Washington & Jefferson Open, including 18-15, to end a 61-match home winning to reach 500 wins with a 39-3 Jack Bachman (149 lbs.), Brian Gibbons (174 lbs.), McKillop, and Josh Duplin (285 streak. Pitt-Johnstown had not lost at home victory at Shippensburg since Nebraska-Omaha beat the Mountain lbs.) who all won individual titles. However, Cats, 23-13, on Jan. 18, 2001. The team losses at West Liberty (WV) and sixth- bounced back to win its final four dual meets Valentine’s Day 2012, the Mountain Cats ranked Findlay (OH), sandwiched around a by a combined total of 99-21 to finish 14-2-1. prestigious milestone. After opening the year 24-17 win at No. 18 Kutztown put the with a loss to West Liberty (WV), the Mountain Cats 1-2 to start the year. Pitt- Mountain Cats got on track with five straight Johnstown stormed back to win its final 14 wins. In January, the Sports Center played dual meets to close out the year at 15-2, host to the 2012 Super Region I Duals and including an impressive 21-14 victory over saw Pitt-Johnstown bounce back from a loss fourth-ranked Newberry in Newberry, S.C. at to second-ranked Newberry (S.C.) to defeat the Regional Duals in late January. At the American International (MA) and the UNC- Regional Tournament in Kutztown, Pembroke by a combined total of 65-14. A McKillop, a NWCA Wrestler of the Year th loss at 12 -ranked Ashland (OH) on January Award finalist, won the title at 184 lbs. and Ryan Link, Jack Bachman, and 27 put the Mountain Cats at 7-3, but Pitt- Coach Pecora was voted the Regional Coach Chris Dempsey Johnstown wouldn’t lose another match the of the Year for the 16th time as Pitt- 2011 All-Americans rest of the way. The Mountain Cats ran off Johnstown finished second behind Newberry. five straight victories to close out the year at Evan Link (125 lbs.) and Cawley were both Pitt-Johnstown traveled to Gannon for the 12-3. At the Super Region I Tournament, runner-ups, while Dave Fogle (133 lbs.), regional tournament and placed second Pitt-Johnstown battled back to place second. Lantz, and Duplin placed fourth, and Keith behind Newberry (SC). Jack Bachman (141 Led by Regional Runner-up Dave Fogle (125 Ryan (165 lbs.) won a True-Fourth bout to lbs.) and Chris Dempsey (HWT.) each won lbs.), seven Mountain Cats earned a trip to reach the National Tournament. At the titles, while Ryan Link (133 lbs.) and A.J. the national tournament at the University of NCAA Division II Winter Sports Festival in Brentzel (184 lbs.) were runners-ups. Nathan Colorado-Pueblo. Along with Fogle, Nathan Birmingham, Ala., McKillop reached the Link (149 lbs.) and Zach Lundgren (157 lbs.) Link (149 lbs.), Zach Lundgren (157 lbs.), national semifinals before placing third, and each placed third, and Steve Makin (174 and Travis McKillop (174 lbs.) all finished Cawley placed seventh to help Pitt- lbs.) came in fourth to round out the seven third, while Jack Bachman (141 lbs.) and Jon Johnstown earn its 31st Top-20 finish. national qualifiers. The Mountain Cats then Moore (197 lbs.) placed fourth, and Gary Academically, Pitt-Johnstown’s 3.104 overall headed to Nebraska-Kearney and tied for 10th Lantz (184 lbs.) won his true fourth-place GPA ranked 14th among Division II schools with Minnesota State-Mankato. Ryan Link match to advance to nationals. Doug in the NWCA Academic Rankings. placed fourth, while Dempsey was fifth, and Maiorana (133 lbs.), Logan Shirey (165 lbs.), McKillop, Cawley, and Ryan were First- Bachman was eighth at 141 lbs. to account and Josh Krupa (HWT.) all wrestled, but did Team All-Academic Wrestling Team for the three All-Americans. Pitt-Johnstown not place. In Colorado, four Mountain Cats selections, and Glenn Winslow (133 lbs.) also had four wrestlers named to the NWCA earned All-American honors to help lead the was an honorable mention choice. th All-Academic Wrestling Team. Lundgren team to a 12 -place finish. Fogle (125 lbs.) was a first-team selection, and Myers Miller placed third, and Nathan Link (149 lbs.) (165 lbs.), Keith Ryan (165 lbs.), and Josh placed fourth, while Lundgren and McKillop Krupa (HWT.) were all honorable mention (174 lbs.) both placed seventh. As usual, the choices. Mountain Cats also got the job done in the classroom, boasting five wrestlers who were 2011-2012 named to the National Wrestling Coaches Another season and another historic Association All-Academic Wrestling Team. Lundgren (157 lbs.) garnered first-team milestone for Coach Pecora and the Mountain Cat wrestling program. Along honors for the second straight year, and with finishing with a 12-3 dual meet record, Justin Harold (174 lbs.), Myers Miller and placing 12th at the National tournament (165/174 lbs.), Keith Ryan (174 lbs.), and with four more All-Americans, Coach Pecora Krupa (HWT.) were all honorable mention Pat Pecora made history by becoming the first NCAA selections. Regional Coach of the Year for the Division II coach to reach 500 victories. On 16th time in 2012-13 traveled to Shippensburg and came away with a 39-3 win to give Coach Pecora the
41 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2013-14 Season Review
For nearly four decades, Head Coach Pat Pecora’s The Mountain Cats were 13-1 overall and 5-2 in the Mountain Cat wrestling program competed as an conference with one match remaining. That match was independent on its way to winning 20 regional against eighth-ranked Mercyhurst University on February championships and a pair of national titles. That all 19 with a PSAC title on the line. Pitt-Johnstown held the changed in 2013-14 when Pitt-Johnstown joined the lead midway through the match but the Lakers battled back Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). for a 23-15 victory and the PSAC Division II dual meet Pitt-Johnstown showed immediately that it would be conference championship. a force in the PSAC by posting a 13-2 overall dual meet With the regular season in the rear view mirror it was record and a 5-2 mark in the conference, with just a narrow now time for Pitt-Johnstown to host the 2014 Super Region home loss in the season finale that kept the Mountain Cats I Tournament in the Sports Center. Fogle (125 lbs.), from claiming a conference title. McKillop (184 lbs.), and Zac Bennett (Johnstown, Pa.) Pitt-Johnstown went on to finish second at the Super (197 lbs.) all won individual titles to lead a group of six Region I Tournament in the Sports Center and ninth at the Mountain Cats who qualified for the national tournament Division II National Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio. Four and help lead Pitt-Johnstown to a runner-up finish behind Mountain Cats came away with All-American honors, Notre Dame College (OH), the nation’s top-ranked team. including Travis McKillop (Lower Burrell, Pa.), the 2014 Along with the new champions, Sam Hanau (141 lbs.) national runner-up at 184 lbs. (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Cole Landowski (149 lbs.) (New After opening the 2013-14 campaign at the Clarion Kensington, Pa.), and Josh Duplin (285 lbs.) Open, Pitt-Johnstown jumped right into the dual meet (Johnstown, Pa.) all placed third to earn spots at the portion of the schedule with home wins over 16th-ranked national tournament in Cleveland, OH. University of Findlay (OH) and West Liberty (WV) McKillop stormed his way into the national title University. bout on his way to placing second and leading a group of On November 22, 12th-ranked Kutztown University four Mountain Cat All-Americans. Fogle finished third at came to the Sports Center for Pitt-Johnstown’s inaugural 125 lbs., while Bennett and Duplin placed seventh in their PSAC match, and dealt the Mountain Cats a 19-13 setback. respective weight classes. Their efforts helped Pitt- Pitt-Johnstown rebounded four days later with a convincing Johnstown place ninth as a team to record the program’s 26-12 victory at East Stroudsburg University to mark the 20th Top-10 national finish and lead all of the PSAC program’s first PSAC victory and begin a stretch of 10 Division II schools. consecutive dual meet wins. The Mountain Cats also got the job done In a season of firsts, the Mountain Cats traveled to academically. Pitt-Johnstown boasted a 3.104 overall GPA their first-ever PSAC Championships at Edinboro as a team, which ranked 14th among all Division II University on December 2 and placed sixth overall and wrestling programs. Individually, Cawley and McKillop second among the eight Division II teams competing in the garnered First-Team National Wrestling Coaches 12-team field. Five Mountain Cats placed in the top-six, Association (NWCA) All-Academic Team honors, and including McKillop, who won Pitt-Johnstown's first title at John Blankenship (165 lbs.) (New Florence, Pa.) was an 184 lbs., and Dave Fogle (Summerhill, Pa.), the runner-up honorable mention selection. at 125 lbs. In addition, Gary Lantz (Delta, Pa.) placed third Fogle’s 31-6 overall 31-6 record paced the Mountain at 165 lbs. to join McKillop and Fogle as Pitt-Johnstown’s Cats, while Fogle and McKillop each had 13-1 dual meet first three All-PSAC performers. Dave Cawley (141 lbs.) records. Bennett’s 16 falls led the team and broke Jared (Pittsburgh, Pa.) finished fifth, and Evan Link (133 lbs.) Kuleck’s single-season record for 197 lbs. In addition, his (Cresson, Pa.) placed sixth. 14 pins in 28:09 over Division II opponents led the Following the strong showing in their first PSAC country. Bennett was also the nation’s second most Championship, the Mountain Cats took a break for the dominating wrestler, while Fogle and McKillop finished holiday season before opening up the second semester at fourth and 10th, respectively in the NCAA’s most dominant the Franklin & Marshall Open where seven Pitt-Johnstown wrestler category. wrestlers placed in the top eight including Fogle, who was the runner up at 125 lbs. Pitt-Johnstown continued its strong wrestling with nine more consecutive dual meet victories. On January 10, the Mountain Cats traveled to Ashland (OH) University and came away with a 21-15 win over the 16th ranked Eagles. Pitt-Johnstown went on to close out the 11-match winning streak by outscoring its next nine opponents by a combined score of 318-89.
42 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2013-14 Schedule and Results
Final Dual-Meet Record: 13-2, 5-2 PSAC
DATE OPPONENT RESULT SCORE RECORD NOVEMBER 3 at Clarion University Open 13 #16 UNIV. OF FINDLAY (OH) Won 42-6 1-0 20 WEST LIBERTY (WV) UNIVERSITY Won 34-6 2-0 22 #12 KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY Lost 13-19 2-1, 0-1 26 at East Stroudsburg University Won 26-12 3-1, 1-1
DECEMBER 2 at 2013 PSAC Championships 6th-Place 28 at Wilkes Open
JANUARY 4 at Franklin & Marshall Open 10 at #16 Ashland (OH) University Won 21-15 4-1 11 at Tiffin (OH) University Won 42-6 5-1 17 at Ohio Valley (WV) University Won 35-15 6-1 18 at Alderson-Broaddus (WV) College Won 43-4 7-1 22 at Seton Hill University Won 36-10 8-1, 2-1 25 MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY Won 40-4 9-1, 3-1 29 at Lake Erie (OH) College Won 21-16 10-1 31 WHEELING JESUIT (WV) UNIVERSITY Won 41-3 11-1
FEBRUARY 8 GANNON UNIVERSITY Won 27-8 12-1, 4-1 13 at Shippensburg University Won 33-8 13-1, 5-1 19 #8 MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY Lost 15-23 13-2, 5-2
MARCH nd 1-2 2014 Super Region I Tourn. (Johnstown, Pa.) 2 -Place 14-15 2014 National Tournament (Cleveland (OH)) 9th-Place (4 All-Americans)
43 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2013-14 Individual Statistics
WT. NAME OVERALL DUAL DEC. MAJ. DEC TECH FALLS PINS DFLT/FRFT 125 lbs. #3 Dave Fogle 31-6 13-1 12 5 2 7 5 125 lbs. Felipe Arias 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 125 lbs. Jimmy Harrison 0-2 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 lbs. Nate Russo 2-4 0-0 1 0 0 2 0 133 lbs. Luke Palamides 14-12 9-6 9 3 0 1 1 133 lbs. Evan Link 6-5 2-2 3 2 0 0 1 141 lbs. Dave Cawley 12-3 6-0 5 1 1 3 2 141 lbs. Sam Hanau 16-6 8-1 6 3 1 6 0 141 lbs. Craig Dawson 1-9 1-5 1 0 0 0 0 141 lbs. Ben Rager 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 149 lbs. Cole Landowski 15-8 5-3 10 3 0 2 0 149 lbs. Dario Dobbin 2-6 0-0 1 0 0 1 0 157 lbs. Heath Coles 8-8 2-2 4 0 1 2 1 157 lbs. Sam Molina 12-8 5-3 10 1 0 1 0 157 lbs. Corey Aungst 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 157 lbs. Drew Gartland 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 157 lbs. Tyler Reinhart 2-0 0-0 1 1 0 0 0 165 lbs. Gary Lantz 20-5 10-0 10 3 2 5 0 174 lbs. John Blankenship 7-6 5-2 4 1 0 2 0 165 lbs. Joel Paolo 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 165 lbs. James Otten 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 174 lbs. Nikos Garafola 7-14 4-5 5 1 0 0 1 174 lbs. John Blankenship 8-7 6-3 5 1 0 2 0 184 lbs. #2 Travis McKillop 27-5 13-1 6 5 2 13 1 184 lbs. Adam Nickelson 2-4 0-0 1 0 0 1 0 197 lbs. #7 Zac Bennett 21-5 10-2 3 0 1 16 1 197 lbs. Zak Newton 2-8 0-4 1 0 0 1 0 197 lbs. Jordan Kitta 1-2 0-0 1 0 0 0 0 285 lbs. #7 Josh Duplin 26-13 10-5 17 1 0 5 3 285 lbs. Zach Baker 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 285 lbs. D.J. Sims 3-2 0-0 1 0 0 2 0
44 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2014-15 Seniors
Josh Duplin, Sam Hanau, Cole Landowski, and Evan Link
45 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling 2014-15 Freshmen And Newcomers
Front Row (L to R): Dakota Laughman, Malachi Krenzelak, Joe Davis, and John Lobeck Middle Row (L to R): Steve Edwards, Corey Falleroni, Zac Croyle, Nick Naglic, and Brandon Naveiro Back Row (L to R): Ross Inzana, Forest Tuttle, Aaron Gill, and Nick Penatzer
46 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling This is Pitt-Johnstown
Founded in 1927, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is the first and largest regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh. A vital knowledge center and a foremost contributor to the region’s educational, social, cultural, and economic development, Pitt- Johnstown provides a high quality educational experience that is purposefully designed to prepare students for the real world of the 21st century. Pitt-Johnstown’s record of excellence is reflected, in part, by the accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff; the record of achievements of more than 19,000 alumni; the satisfaction of area employers; and the commendations of many external organizations. Pitt-Johnstown offers a high quality educational experience in a supportive living-learning environment, that is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, is current, and is responsive to both our students’ personal and professional needs and to our communities’ needs. Our campus is located on 655 picturesque acres in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, 70 miles east of Pittsburgh.
47 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling All-Time Lettermen A C (Cont’d) H (Cont’d) Justin Adams - 1 Mike Corcetti - 1,2,3,4 Randy Hipp - 1 Rick Adams - 1 Lou Crocco - 1 Richard Hipp - 1,2 Tony Albertelli - 1,2,3,4 Ernest Croston - 1 Larry Hohman - 1,2,3,4 Charlie Alt - 1 Scott Croyle - 1,2,3,4 Michael Holbay - 1 Donnie Ament - 1 Jim Custred - 1,2,3,4 John Hollman - 1 Felipe Arias - 1 Frank Huchrowski - 1,2,3 D Brad Hughes - 1,2,3,4 B Craig Dawson - 1,2 Kory Hughes - 1,2,3,4 Jack Bachman - 1,2,3 Mike DeBartolo - 1 David Baker - 1 Joe Dougherty - 1,2 I Zach Baker– 1 Chris Dempsey - 1,2,3,4 Bruno Iorfido - 1,2,3 Troy Barbush - 1,2,3,4 John Dragun - 1 Sean Isgan - 1,2,3,4 Alan Barnick - 1,2 Josh Duplin - 1,2 Brandon Ickes - 1 Kevin Barrett - 1,2,3,4 Ryan Ickes - 1,2,3,4 Wes Beach - 1,2 E Brent Beckstein - 1 Jim Eason - 1 J Howard Bell - 1,2,3,4 Joel Easter - 1 Aaron Elliott - 1,2 Bob Jablonsky - 1,2 Zac Bennett– 1 Jason Jones - 1,2 Matt Benton - 1,2,3 Rob English - 1,2,3,4 Ray Joseph - 1 Shad Benton - 1,2,3 Thad Benton - 1,2,3,4 F Richard Bishop - 1,2,3,4 Nick Fastuca - 1,2 K John Blankenship - 1 Leo Feist - 1,2,3,4 Todd Kantor - 1 Marlin Bollinger - 1 Andrew Flegler - 1 Tracey Karlie - 1,2,3 Christian Bosco - 1 Dave Fogle - 1,2,3,4 Nick Katich - 1 Derrek Bosso - 1,2,3,4 Todd Ford - 1,2 Kyle Keane - 1,2,3,4 Eric Bowser - 1,2,3,4 David Fordoski - 1 Russ Keefe - 1,2,3 Mike Fowler - 1,2,3,4 Tim Keefe - 1 Irwin Brambley - 1,2,3,4 Tom Brambley - 1,2 Troy Keith - 1,2,3,4 G Alton Kester - 1 Michael Branas - 1 Mike Gable - 1 A.J. Brentzel - 1,2 Mazen Kholi - 1,2,3,4 Nikos Garafola - 1,2 Henry Klinar - 1,2,3 Jeff Bricker - 1,2,3,4 Travis Gardner - 1,2,3,4 Matt Bricker - 1 Jaison Klingensmith - 1,2,3,4 Eli Garshnick - 1,2,3,4 Jeff Kohler - 1 Eric Brown - 1,2,3 Jesse Garshnick - 1,2 Ethan Brownback - 1,2 Josh Krupa - 1,3 Mike Gavin - 1 Andy Kukla - 1 Mike Bruner - 1 Petros Georgilas - 1 John Burda - 1,2,3,4 Jared Kuleck - 1,2,3,4 Scott Genard - 1,2,3,4 Ben Kuntz - 1,2,3,4 Sheldon Burkett - 1,2,3,4 Scott George - 1 Ryan Buterbaugh - 1,2,3,4 Mark Glova - 1,2,3,4 Jeff Gonder - 1 L C Mitch Landers - 1 Terrance Calhoun - 1 Steve Gould - 1 Charles Gray - 1 Cole Landowski - 1 Shane Callahan - 1 Gary Lantz, Jr. - 1,2,3,4 Don Caputo - 1,2,3 Richard Grayson - 1 Isaac Greeley - 1,2,3,4 Greg Larson - 1 Craig Carrico - 1 Mike Lazaro - 1,2 Reed Case - 1 Barry Gresh - 1,2,3 Greg Grimes - 1,2 Ronald Lepley - 1,2 Dave Cawley - 1,2,3,4 Evan Link - 1,2 Dan Chelen - 1 H Nathan Link - 1,2,3,4 Tyler Chesney - 1,2,3 Sam Hanau - 1 Ryan Link - 1,2,3 Tony Clark - 1,2,3,4 Jim Hanning - 1 Joe Lloyd - 1,2,3,4 Heath Coles - 1 Kenneth Harris - 1,2,3 Bruce Long - 1 Chris Como - 1,2,3,4 Carlton Haselrig - 1,2,3,4 Paul Long - 1 Tyke Conover - 1,2,3 Tim Hertel - 1 Zach Lundgren - 1,2,3,4 Brian Cook - 1,2 Craig Hight - 1,2,3,4 Bill Luszik - 1,2,3,4
48 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling All-Time Lettermen M P (Cont’d) T Brian Mahoney - 1,2 Tom Prato - 1,2,3 Scott Thomas - 1,2 Damian Majocha - 1,2 Kevin Phillipi - 1 Craig Thurber - 1,2,3,4 Zach Majocha - 1,2,3,4 Brian Putnam - 1,2,3 Nathan Tomporoski - 1 Dan Maiorana - 1,2 Randy Pyle - 1,2,3,4 Vince Torsell - 1 Doug Maiorana - 1,2,3 Steve Toth - 1,2 Steve Makin - 1,2,3,4 R Chris Tresnicky - 1 Dave Marko - 1 Ben Rager - 1 Luke Tresnicky - 1 Justin Martin - 1,2 Steve Ragland - 1 Mike Tucker - 1,2,3,4 Ronald Maste - 1 Ted Rakar - 1,2,3 John Mastillo - 1,2,3,4 Robert Ray - 1,2,3,4 Brian Matson - 1 V Brandon Reasy - 1,2,3,4 Shane Valko - 1,2,3,4 Jay Matteo - 1,2,3,4 Mark Remaley - 1 Ryon Mazzocco - 1,2,3,4 James Vitale - 1,2,3 Aaron Rendos - 1,2 Denis Mazzoni - 1 Dan Revesz - 1,2,3,4 David McGowan - 1,2,3,4 Jim Revesz - 1,2,3,4 W Travis McKillop - 1,2,3 John Revesz - 1,2,3,4 Tim Waller - 1,2 Ryan McIntyre - 1,2,3,4 Joe Revesz - 1,2,3 Patrick Walsh - 1,2,3,4 David McMillan - 1 Mike Revesz - 1,2 Brian Waltz - 1 Jack Mengel - 1,2,3,4 Richard Rhodes - 1,2,3 Johnny Walyko - 1 Albert Miles - 1,2,3,4 Richard Ritson - 1,2,3 Darren Wenner - 1 Chad Miller - 1,2,3 Larry Robey - 1,2,3,4 Adam Whetstone - 1,2,3,4 John Miller - 1 Matt Roncolato - 1,2,3,4 Aaron Williams - 1,2 Mark Miller - 1,2,3 Rudy Rura - 1,2,3,4 Brian Wills - 1,2,3 Myers Miller - 1,2,3 Keith Ryan - 1,2,3 Mike Wilt - 1 Sam Molina - 1 Kevin Ryan - 1 Glenn Winslow - 1,2 Jon Moore - 1,2,3 David Woy - 1 Matt Moore -1 Ronald Wyland - 1,2,3,4 Scott Morgan - 1,2,3,4 S Chris Motter - 1,2,3,4 Rob Sakmar - 1,2,3,4 Y Carl Muir - 1 Tony Salopek - 1,2,3 Dave Yahner - 1,2,3,4 Nathan Murin - 1 Nate Satzer - 1 Rob Yahner - 1,2,3,4 Adam Musisko - 1,2 Al Scala - 1 Chris Yentzer - 1,2,3 Paul Myers - 1,2 Matt Scherich - 1,2,3 Brad Yoder - 1 Lee Schickel - 1,2,3,4 N Darryl Schrift - 1 Mike Nader - 1 Richard Schultz - 1,2 Z Mike Nagy - 1,2 Anthony Scifo - 1 Damian Zamias - 1,2,3 Jon Neese - 1,2 Mark Scripps - 1,2 Dustin Ziegler - 1,2,3 Jason Nestor - 1,2,3,4 Richard Shaffer - 1,2,3 Zak Newton - 1,2 Don Shetler - 1 Brandon Newill - 1,2,3 Logan Shirey - 1,2 Todd Niebauer - 1 Dan Simon - 1,2,3 Larry Norris - 1 Michael Strank - 1 Jody Strittmatter - 1,2 O Joe Strittmatter - 1,2,3 Sean O’Connell - 1 John Strittmatter - 1,2,3 Kevin O'Neil - 1,2,3,4 Brian Strizki - 1,2 David Stuchinski - 1 P Eric Svec - 1,2 Bill Suvak - 1 Luke Palamides - 1 Mike Swank - 1,2,3,4 Joel Paolo - 1,2
Frank Pascarella - 1,2,3,4
Frank Pennings - 1
Lance Phaturos - 1,2,3,4
49 2014-15 Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cat Wrestling PSAC Quick Facts
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