KUTZTOWN, PA (February 21, 2010) - The Kutztown University wrestling team finished out the regular season as No. 19 in the most recent Division II National Wrestlers Coaches Association (NWCA) poll. COMPLETE RANKINGS

After slipping out of the rankings in December, the Golden Bears have been a mainstay in the top-20 in all of the following polls. The highest ranking of the season and in program history occurred in January when KU reached No. 15.

The highest ranking was just the start of the record setting 2009-10 Golden Bear wrestling squad. With a victory over Belmont Abbey at the Super Regional Duals at Newberry College, head coach Rob Fisher notched his 100th career win at Kutztown. The following weekend the Golden Bears swept three at the Wilkes Duals to reach the 400th win in program history.

A huge contributor to the success came from junior Tim Darling, who joined the squad at the start of January. Darling is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation in the 184 pound weight class. Since joing the Golden Bears, he has mowed down his opponents with an 11-1 record.

Another bright spot in the Golden Bear lineup is junior Chris Sheetz who has won by fall in each of his last nine bouts. Sheetz set the school record with a pin in nine seconds on February 2 at Millersville.

The Golden Bears will travel to the University of Pitt-Johnstown on Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27 with expectations of qualifying for nationals.