Lycoming News

With the return of three top-eight regional finishers and a national qualifier, Penn College's wrestling team is gearing up for a promising season under new head coach Dalton Rohrbaugh. "Overall, I am extremely excited for this team to compete. I think we will turn heads and show we can compete with the best of the best," Rohrbaugh stated.

The Wildcats will begin their season at the Ithaca College Bombers Invitational, where they placed sixth last year. Rohrbaugh emphasized the importance of staying healthy: "Staying healthy will be a key point, but if we can do that, then the sky is the limit."

Key returning wrestlers include sophomore Kaden Ware, senior Noah Hunt, and sophomore Travis Green. Ware finished sixth at 133 pounds in last year's NCAA Division III Mideast Regional Championships; Hunt was eighth at 141; and Green was eighth at 165. The trio has been recognized in preseason polls by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

Joining them is Isaac Cory, who returns after an injury-shortened freshman year when he was ranked fourth nationally at 184 pounds. "Isaac has worked very hard over the last year to overcome a handful of setbacks," said Rohrbaugh.

Rohrbaugh also noted other team members such as Luke Heimbach, TJ Martin, and Nicholai Brotzman are expected to contribute significantly this season.

Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Rohrbaugh said: "My coaching philosophy boils down to connection and accountability." He aims to foster self-accountability among athletes while maintaining high standards for individual and team goals.

Penn College will compete in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference with four dual matches lined up alongside conference championships. "I believe that if we stay healthy, we can be one of the best teams around," Rohrbaugh concluded.