Contact: Bob McComas (724) 738-2777 e-mail: robert.mccomas@sru.edu

             Shane Meling (724) 738-4830 e-mail: shanemeling@yahoo.com

March 8, 2003

ROCK WRESTLING TAKES THIRD IN NCAA EAST REGIONALS

           DOVER, DE – The Slippery Rock University wrestling squad traveled to Delaware State with hopes of an NCAA championship berth, but came away with third place instead.

           The Rock placed third of five schools with 86 points.  Millersville University of Pennsylvania won with a team total of 125.5 points.

           Despite the third place finish, the day was not without it’s bright moments.  Senior Adam Renner (Waterford/Seneca) won the 125 pound weight class and junior Brad Cieleski (Brookville/Brookville) won the 149 pound weight class.  Renner’s record improves to 21-17 while Cieleski now boasts an impressive 31-7 record.

           Two Rock wrestlers earned second place honors.  They were senior John Opfar (Finleyville/Jefferson) at 184 pounds and sophomore Bob McKillop (Export/Kiski Area) at 285 pounds.  Opfar lost a 6-2 decision and McKillop dropped an 8-1 decision in the finals.

           Renner and Cieleski both automatically advance to the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships that will be held March 20-22.

                                                          # ROCK PRIDE #