April 17, 2003

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

CIELESKI EARNS ROCK “WRESTLER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Sophomore 149-pounder Brad Cieleski (Brookville/Brookville HS) was named as Slippery Rock University’s “Wrestler of the Year” at the recent team banquet.

Cieleski won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA Division I East Regional individual championships last winter and was one of two Rock wrestlers to earn a berth to the NCAA Division I National Championships.

The national berth was the second earned by Cieleski in as many seasons.

Cieleski, who had a 31-9 won-lost record this winter and owns a 62-17 career record in two seasons of collegiate competition, also received the team’s “Hardest Worker” honor at this year’s banquet.

Sophomore 157-pounder Jason Cardillo (Oakdale/South Fayette HS) also received two awards. He was named as the “Guts Award” winner and also received the award for having the highest grade point average. He carries a 3.49 GPA as an undecided major. On the mat, Cardillo had a 17-19 record.

Freshman 165-pounder Jason Smith (Hughesville/Hughesville HS) earned the “Best Newcomer” award after compiling a 16-24 record in his first collegiate season.

Freshman 141-pounder Gerald Hill (Pittsburgh/Carrick HS) was named by Rock head coach Jim Harshaw as the team’s “Most Improved Wrestler.” Hill had an 0-2 record this winter.

As a team, The Rock had a 6-14 dual-match record, won the NCAA Division I East Regional Duals championship, placed third in the East Regional tournament and placed fifth at the PSAC Championships in its first season under Harshaw’s guidance. Included in the wins was an upset victory over nationally ranked Kent State in February.

# ROCK PRIDE #