Bloomsburg Downs Edinboro for First Time in Twelve Years

BLOOMSBURG— The 22nd ranked Bloomsburg University wrestling team defeated the 25th ranked Edinboro Fighting Scots, 21-14, in an Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) match at the Nelson Field House. Bloomsburg needed a win in the heavyweight bout to pull out the victory. The win for Bloomsburg was the first over the Fighting Scots since February 6th, 1993.

Mike Sees

Mike Sees (Northumberland/Shikellamy) got the Huskies on the board fast as he won by technical fall, 16-1 at 125 pounds. Sees dominated the entire match, leading 8-0 after the first period. In the second period, Sees used a reversal, a takedown with two backpoints, and another reversal after cutting Edinboro's Greg Sill loose to pick up the 16-1 win.

At 133 pounds, Tony Curto (Easton/Wilson), ranked 25th in the nation, lost a 12-2 major decision over top-ranked Shawn Bunch of Edinboro. Curto trailed early and used an escape to bring the score to 4-1 midway through the second period. However, Bunch added another second period takedown and a takedown with two backpoints to pick up the win.

Brad Forbes (Downingtown/Strath Haven) continued to wrestle well at 141 pounds, topping Edinboro's J.T. Taylor 8-3. Forbes led 3-2 after one period and added an escape and a takedown to take the 6-2 lead heading into the final period. In the third, Forbes added another takedown to pick up the 8-3 win.

George Hickman

At 149 pounds, George Hickman (Wilmington, NC/Riverside) won a hard-fought 7-5 decision over Zach Plerhoples. Hickman trailed 2-1 after the first period, but used a second period reversal and takedown to take a 5-3 lead heading into the third. In the final period, Plerhoples gained a reversal to tie the score at 5-5. However, Hickman countered with a reversal of his own to pick up the thrilling 7-5 win.

Chris Tate (Boothwyn/Garnett Valley) trailed 2-1 after two periods, but Matt Hill used a six point third period to top Tate 8-2 at 157 pounds. After choosing the bottom position to start the third, Hill escaped and scored a takedown. He then allowed Tate to escape and added another takedown to earn the victory.

22nd ranked Jim Bertulis (Aston/Garnett Valley) fell to 12th ranked Nate Yetzer at 165 pounds, 16-7. Yetzer scored five points in the second period to lead 8-3 heading into the third. In the third period, Yetzer scored four takedowns to seal the major decision.

17th ranked Bryce Hasseman (Franklin, IN/Franklin) continued his dominance this season, winning his 14th straight match, 5-3 over Edinboro's Eric Ring. Hasseman trailed 2-0 early in the first period, but used an escape coupled with a takedown, to lead 3-2 heading into the second. In the second period, Hasseman was awarded a point on an illegal hold call and earned an escape to lead 5-2 heading into the third. In the third, Ring escaped but could not score again, as Hasseman picked up his 31st win this season.

At 184 pounds, Jesse Hasseman (Franklin, IN/Franklin) fought the entire match but fell 1-0 to Jim Gibson. After a scoreless first period, Gibson chose the bottom position and earned an escape. Hasseman could not score in the second, and chose the bottom position in the third period. Hasseman had a shot to escape late in the third but Gibson held strong and picked up the win to tie the team score at 14-14.

Chad Hoare (Reynoldville/Dubois) gave the Huskies the lead at 197 pounds as he picked up an 11-1 win over Edinboro's Paul Burger. Hoare led 2-1 after the first and used a six-point second period to lead 8-1. In the second, Hoare chose bottom position and earned an escape and a quick takedown. Hoare then scored three back points after nearly pinning Burger near the end of the second period. In the final period, Hoare scored another takedown and added a point for riding time to win 11-1 and give the Huskies the 18-14 lead heading into the heavyweight bout.

At heavyweight, Mike Spaid (Perkiomenville/Boyertown) scored a second period takedown to pick up the dramatic 2-0 win. After a scoreless first period, Spaid chose neutral position to start the second. Spaid scored a takedown 30 seconds into the second period and controlled 25th Joe Hennis the rest of the period. In the third, Hennis chose neutral position but could not take Spaid down as Bloomsburg won 21-14.

With the win, Bloomsburg improves to 8-5, 3-2 EWL while Edinboro falls to 8-5, 2-2 EWL.

Bloomsburg returns to action on Friday as they host Lock Haven at 7:30 in their final home match of the season.

Records: Bloomsburg 8-5, 3-2 EWL, Edinboro 8-5, 2-2 EWL