KUTZTOWN, PA (January 15, 2010) - As the Kutztown University wrestling team hits the road for a set of duals at West Liberty State this weekend, two of its newest members found their home at Kutztown.
Junior Chris Sheetz and sophomore Tim Darling (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth) have transferred to KU and help bolster an already solid starting lineup. They each grew up outside of Kutztown and were on KU's radar out of high school. Sheetz and Darling will look to make Kutztown's trip to West Virginia a success. The Golden Bears will wrestle against Seton Hill and West Liberty State Saturday afternoon.
Sheetz, formerly at Delaware Valley, is ranked No. 8 nationally at 125 pounds. Prior to Kutztown, Sheetz earned two All-American honors, a regional championship and placed eighth at nationals.
“I want continue as an All-American wrestler while at KU,” said Sheetz. “My goal is to win at this level.”
He has found success since joining the Golden Bears, leading the team with a third place finish at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships in December. So far this season, Sheetz has a 6-3 record with three pins.
Darling, a No. 1 prospect in the state out of high school, has joined the Golden Bears at the start of the spring semester. He will wrestle at 165 or 174, after dropping weight classes at Penn State last season.
“I didn't mind giving up weight, but it's nice to be able to wrestle at my real weight,” said Darling. “It's less pressure having to worry about making weight.”
In his only action this year, Darling won by major decision at the University of Pitt-Johnstown on January 6.
Both Sheetz and Darling credit the coaching staff for the reason to transfer to Kutztown. Sheetz spent his high school years training with assistant coach Kriss Bellanca, who was instrumental in the recruiting process for both wrestlers.
“These guys were looking for the best situation, I think they found it here at Kutztown” said head coach Rob Fisher. “We are hoping that they will make the program better and help bring in more recruits.”
With last season's national champion Joe Kemmerer and the success that will come this season, the Golden Bears look to build a strong future. Following this weekend's action against West Liberty State and Seton Hill, the Golden Bears will take part in the East Coast Duals at Newberry College.
--KU--
