JOHNSTOWN, PA (January 6, 2010) - After a 32-day layoff, the Kutztown University wrestling team returned to action with a 21-10 loss to the University of Pitt-Johnstown on Wednesday evening.
The Golden Bears (3-2) struck late, but could not overcome their early deficit.
Tim Darling (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth) (Nazareth/Nazareth) and Kevin Bolinsky (Ashland, PA/North Schuylkill) (Ashland/North Schuylkill) each won in their first action of the season, and Darlings first as a Golden Bear. Darling earned an 11-3 major decision over Patrick Walsh at 184 pounds, while Bolinsky topped Chris Dempsey 8-5 at heavyweight.
David Zeek (Newtown, PA/Council Rock North) (Newtown/Council Rock North) won with a 7-4 decision over Steve Makin to improve his record to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in duals.
KU received solid efforts from junior John Paukovits (Northampton, PA/Northampton) (Northampton/Northampton), Derek Schmelyun (New Oxford, PA/Bermudian Springs) (New Oxford/Bermudian Springs) and Scott Snyder (Slatington, PA/Northern Lehigh) (Slatington/Northern Lehigh).
Paukovits fought hard in his bout at 141 pounds, but fell 3-2 against Adam Whetstone. Schmelyun (157 pounds) and Snyder (197 pounds) each fell by only a two point margin, with Snyder taking his bout to overtime.
The Golden Bears will host their home opener on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. in Keystone Arena against Muhlenberg College.
University of Pitt-Johnstown 21, Kutztown University 10
| 125 |
Ryan Link (UPJ) dec. Chris Sheetz (Barto, PA/Upper Perkiomen) (KU), 9-7 |
| 133 |
Shane Valko (UPJ) dec. Austin Williams (Pen Argyl, PA/Pen Argyl) (KU), 10-3 |
| 141 |
Adam Whetstone (UPJ) dec. John Paukovits (Northampton, PA/Northampton) (KU), 3-2 |
| 149 |
Ryan McIntyre (UPJ) dec. Anthony Frost (West Reading, PA/Wyomissing) (KU), 7-2 |
| 157 |
Zach Lundgren (UPJ) dec. Derek Schmelyun (New Oxford, PA/Bermudian Springs), 2-0 |
| 165 |
Kyle Keane (UPJ) dec. Ricky Pena (Reading, PA/Reading) (KU), 7-0 |
| 174 |
Dave Zeek (KU) dec. Steve Makin (UPJ), 7-4 |
| 184 |
Tim Darling (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth) (KU) maj. dec. Patrick Walsh (UPJ), 11-3 |
| 197 |
A.J. Brentzel (UPJ) dec. Scott Snyder (Slatington, PA/Northern Lehigh) (KU), 3-1 OT |
| HWT |
Kevin Bolinsky (Ashland, PA/North Schuylkill) (KU) dec. Chris Dempsey (UPJ), 8-5 |
