BLOOMSBURG
WRESTLING 1984-85

NCAA Division I Qualifiers John McFadden, Rocky Bonomo, Jon Moser,
Rick Bonomo, Tom Gibble.

Pennsylvania Conference
- - - ChaIIlpions - - 1979

1980

1982

1984

-

BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY "A Commitment To Excellence"

Bloomsburg University is a multi-purpose institution of higher education serving
the citizens of Pennsylvania as one of the 14 Commonwealth-owned Universities.
With a commitment to provide a quality, affordable education for all qualified
students, Bloomsburg combines the tradition of an institution founded in 1839 with
modern learning, living, and recreational programs and facilities. Commonwealth
funding provides 55 percent of Bloomsburg' s annual operating budget.
Undergraduate students may enroll in degree programs in 64 areas of study in the
arts and sciences, business, teacher education, nursing, and health sciences . A
program in engineering is offered in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State
University, and preparation for post-baccalaureate study at professional schools is
offered. Unique educational opportunities are available through advanced placement, study abroad, professional practicum, internships, independent study and the
Center for Academic Development programs.
At the graduate level, the master's degree is offered in 25 areas of study and there
are ten supervisory certification programs in the field of teacher education.
Extended program offerings provide continuing, life-long learning opportunities
for people of all ages and educational interests through non-degree courses, noncredit mini-courses, international studies and exchanges, cooperative education,
courses offered at off-campus locations and by public service television, and credit
for work experience.
Enrollment for the Fall semester, 1984, totalled 6,189 students. There were 5,045
full-time and 719 part-time undergraduates, and 93 full-time and 332 part-time
graduate students. Instruction is provided by a 342-member faculty .
The University's 173-acre campus overlooks the Town of Bloomsburg and the
scenic Susquehanna Valley. Carver Hall, built in 1867, provides a contrast with the
modern facilities that include seven residence halls, a library, a 2,000-seat
auditorium, student union, dining hall, gymnasium, administration building, five
classroom buildings, athletic fields, and recreational areas on the lower campus.
An athletic complex and recreational area occupy the school's 100-acre upper
campus . In addition, the James H. McCormick Center for Human Services is the
newest building on the lower campus and is being used for the first time this fall.
Located less than two miles from an Interstate 80 interchange and 22 miles from
Interstate 81, Bloomsburg is within one hour's driving time from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton,
Hazleton, and Williamsport, 1½ hours from Harrisburg, 2½ hours from Philadelphia,
and 3 hours from New York City. The community is 45 miles from the Avoca
International Airport and is serviced by major bus lines.
Bloomsburg has an enviable placement record. Of the 1,183 who graduated in the
1982-83 academic year, 81 % had meaningful employment or were in graduate school
one year later.
Active files of over 25,000 living alumni are kept by the university. Graduates of BU
have distinguished themselves in areas including law, medicine (one is a Nobel
Laureate), science, architecture, education, industry, and research.
The Bloomsburg University is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of
Colleges and Schools, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher
Education, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.

----Table Of Contents
Bloomsburg University - "A Commitment To Excellence" .. .. . ... . .. front cover
Media Information, Quick Facts and Contacts . ..... ....... . .. . . .... . .. .... 1
Head Coach, Roger Sanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Assistant Coach, Carl Poff and Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Outlook: The Season Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1984-85 Roster ..... . ...... . ..... ... .. . .... . .. . . .. .. ..... . ... . .. ... .. .. . 6
Weight By Weight Introductions .... . . . .. ... .. . ........ .. .... .. .. .... . ... 7
Meet The Captains . ... . ..... .. ... .... . . . .... .. ..... . .... . ... . .. ... .. . . 12
1983-84 Season In Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1983-84 Award Winners .... . . . . . ..... . . .. .... . .. .. . . .... ... .. ......... 15
1983-84 Results and Individual Top Performers ... . ... .. ... ............... 16
Huskies in the EWL, 1983-84 Standings and BU Individual Placers . .. . ...... 17
Huskies in the PC, 1983-84 Standings and BU Individual Placers . ... .... . .. 18
All-Time Records Against 1984-85 Opponents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Sanders' Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Shorty Hitchcock, Don Reese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Past NCAA Division I Place Winners .. . ... .. ... . . .... .. ... . .. . ........ . 21
All-Time Dual Meet Records ...... . . .. ..... .. ...... .. . .. . ...... ........ 22
Other Wrestling Happenings at BU ...... ... .... .. .. . . . .. .. . . ... .. ... . ... 23
Nelson Fieldhouse and Facilities ....... .. .. . ..... .. .. ......... . .. ... ... 24
1984-85 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover

..------To The Media
For further information concerning Bloomsburg Wrestling, contact Bloomsburg
Sports Information Director Jim Hollister, Waller Administration Building, Bloomsburg
University, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 (phone: 717-389-4413, office; 717-784-7756, home)

-Quick Facts And Contacts At BU
Location: Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Enrollment: 6200
General Information: 717 -389-4000
President: Larry W. Jones (Interim)
Athletic Department: 717-389-4354
Athletic Director: Roger Sanders (phone: 717-389-4360)
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Nickname: Huskies
Member: NCAA (Division I), Pennsylvania Conference, Eastern Wrestling League
Home: Nelson Fieldhouse (3000)
Trainer: Art Hopkins (phone: 717-389-4401)
Equipment Manager: Ron Morgan (phone: 717-389-4374)

1

Head Coach
Roger Sanders
Sanders will be looking for his 200th coaching win as he enters his 13th season at the
helm of the Huskies. After compiling a 50-18-1 mark as head coach at New York University
for five years, Sanders has a 136-55-3 mark at Bloomsburg. That leaves him just 14 wins
short of the 200 plateau.
Sanders has been responsible for building an outstanding program that has boosted
Bloomsburg to four first place and two second place finishes in the Pennsylvania
Conference in the last six years. Sanders also guided his 1980-81 team to the Eastern
Wrestling League championship.
In his twelve years at Bloomsburg, the Huskies have had just two losing seasons, and in
the past nine years, competing in the Eastern Wrestling League, have never finished lower
than fifth.
Sanders has coached three national champions and numerous All Americans in his
years at BU. Don Reese is the most recent of those All Americans, as he was the NCAA
Division I national runner-up at 134 lb. in 1982.
A graduate of West Chester University, Sanders won three Middle Atlantic University
Division Championships and a NCAA College Division Championship. He has the
distinguished accomplishment of never losing a dual meet in either high school or college.
In July of 1982 the Fairless Hills, PA native was named BU's Director of Athletics, giving
him the responsibility of overseeing Bloomsburg's 18 varsity athletic programs. His major
goal is the fund raising for the purpose of maintaining strong programs in the NCAA
Divisions I and II.
In addition to his responsibilities as Athletic Director and head wrestling coach at
Bloomsburg, Sanders serves as clinician at many of the outstanding wrestling clinics and
camps throughout the United States. He has just completed his 10th year of directing the
Husky Wrestling School at BU.

2

----Assistant Coach---Carl Poff
Beginning his third year as an assistant coach for Bloomsburg University, Poff has the
main responsibilities in the areas of recruiting and, in addition, he works with the
Bloomsburg wrestlers in the room on the technical aspects of the sport.
A 1979 graduate of Bloomsburg, Poff wrestled four years for the Huskies and compiled
an 88-37-2 overall mark. He was team captain for three consecutive years and was a third
place finisher in the Eastern Wrestling League championships during his senior year. In
addition, the Newtown, PA native recorded a 33-9 record in his final campaign and placed
third in the Pennsylvania Conference championships.
As an assistant at North Carolina for three years, he aided the Tarheels in becoming a
national power and helped many individuals gain national honors . Two years ago, the
team reached the lofty goal of fifth in the country and in Poff' s final year at the school, five
wrestlers gained All American honors and one was crowned national champion.
Poff is also on the school's Health and Physical Education staff.

- - - - - T h e Staff
Jan Michaels

A three-time All-American from the University of North Carolina.
Jan will be working with the BU upper weight classes and will be
monitoring the evening study hall.
Joe Spinazzola An All-American from the University of Missouri. Joe will primarily
be working with the BU lower weight classes and will also aid in
recruiting.
Paul Tillman
A former All-American while attending West Chester University.
Paul monitors the progress of each student athlete and aids in the
recruiting process .
John Hohmann A 1975 All-American and graduate of BU. John is the founder and
coach of the Bloomsburg Wrestling Club. He also serves as strength
coa ch for the Bloomsburg athletic program.
Dr. Calvin Walker Cha irperson of the BU Psychology Department is in his tenth year as
the Huskies' academic advisor.

Jan Michaels, Carl Poff, Joe Spinazzola, Roger Sanders

3

- - - - - - Outlook - - - - - The future looks bright for Bloomsburg University wrestling. According to
Amateur Wrestling News, the Huskies have put two of their finest recruiting years
back to back. Last season's freshmen recruits were rated the 11th best in the nation,
and this year's freshmen were ranked 12th among NCAA Division I schools. Having
graduated only one starter from last year's squad, the Huskies, under 13th year head
coach Roger Sanders, look to the coming season with excitement and great
expectations.
Last season, the Huskies recorded a 14-4 mark and copped the team championship
in the Pennsylvania Conference tournament. Sanders' team also logged a 12-match
winning steak during the season, the longest at the school since the Huskies won 22 in
a row in the 1961-62, 62-63, and 63-64 seasons.
The 1984-85 Huskies seem to be strong at all the weight classes. While the team is
young (18 freshmen and 14 sophomores), it is also experienced. Five national
qualifiers return to this year's squad in Rick Bonomo, Rocky Bonomo, Jon Moser, Tom
Gibble, and John McFadden. Twelve members of the team are returning lettermen,
with seniors Moser and McFadden elected team captains.
Sophomore Rick Bonomo (26-5-1, 20 falls) will be the leading candidate at 118.
After winning a Pennsylvania Conference championship in his freshmen season,
Ricky also finished second at the Eastern Wrestling League tournament to earn a trip
to the NCAA national tourney.
Rick will be backed up by junior Rob Rapsey (10-7) and sophomore Glenn
Bateman (7-5-1), with freshman Rodney Hinton and junior Tim Teeter also at the
weight.
After an outstanding freshmen year, sophomore Rocky Bonomo (27-5, 4 falls) will
be the dominant fore~ at 126. Rocky won PC and EWL titles last year and also
qualified for the NCAA tourney. Also at 126 is freshman Darrin Cummings, a New
York state championship runner-up. Others vying for action at 126 are sophomore Bill
Irving and freshmen Kent Lane and Eric Yurowski.
Maturity and depth describe the 134 pound weight class. Moser (12-4) and senior
Phil Conner (11-11) will be the mainstays. Moser missed the last part of the season
due to a knee injury he suffered against Pittsburgh January 22. All-American
freshman Marty King will also be at that weight, along with junior Troy Dagle and
sophomore Mike Underkoffler.
After red-shirting the 1983-84 campaign, sophomore Keith Youtz looks ready for
action at 142. Freshmen Jim Mondelli, Jerry Biller, and Denis Grady will push Youtz at
142. Others going at the weight for Sanders are sophomores John Eck and Brendt
Gladfelter.
Senior Dan Comfort (22-10), who will move up a weight to 150, along with freshman
red-shirt Mike Rudolph (8-6), will be looked upon to fill the spot vacated by graduated
Tom Fibrvanti. Comfort copped a third place in the PC at 142 last season.
Pennsylvania state runner-up Roger Dunn will also challenge for the top spot, as will
freshmen David Morgan and John Pavelko.
Sophomore Dan Klingerman (25-12, 14 falls) will be the early favorite at 158.
Klingerman finished second in the PC at that weight last season to Clarion's Glenn
Ammon. Klingerman was ranked 6th in AWN's Freshmen All-American team.
Sophomore Roger Leitzel (10-9) will also see action this season.

4

Senior Steve Gibble (6-5), sophomore Bruce Wallace (7-3, 4 falls), and red-shirt
freshman Jim Kwortnik will be vying for the spot at 167.
Senior Tom Gibble (17-3, 7 falls) will be the major force at 177. Gibble is a two-time
national qualifier and won the PC 177 pound title last year. Sophomore Darrin Evans
(24-11-1, 10 falls) will move up in weight after being named to the AWN' s Freshmen
All-American 5th team at 167. He also placed third in the PC. Wallace will also back
up at this weight, along with junior John Gibas.
McFadden (29-9-1) is the top candidate at 190 pounds. Last season, he placed
second in the PC tourney and third in the EWL tournament. McFadden also earned
his first trip to the national tourney.
The heavyweight division will be dominated by youngsters. Returning letterman
Chris Tamborra (13-14) will be pushed by freshman red-shirt Ron lppolite and
sophomore transfer Jack Yocum. Tamborra was a fourth place finisher in the PC last
season.

Sophomore Rick Bonomo (118)

5

1984-85 Roster
Name

Glenn Bateman
Jerry Biller
Rick Bonomo
Rocky Bonomo
Phil Conner
Darrin Cummings
Troy Dagle
Roger Dunn
John Eck
Darrin Evans
John Gibas
Tom Gibble
Steve Gibble
Brendt Gladfelter
Denis Grady
Ron Ippolite
Bill Irving
Marty King
Dan Klingerman
Jim Kwortnik
Kent Lane
Roger Leitzel
John McFadden
Jim Mondelli
Jon Moser
John Pavelko
Rob Rapsey
Mike Rudolph
Chris Tamborra
Tim Teeter
Andy Tonnesen
Rick Tucci
Bruce Wallace
Jack Yocum
Keith Youtz

Year
So.
Fr.

So.
So.
Sr.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
So.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Fr.
Fr.
So.
Fr.
So.
Fr.
Fr.
So.
Sr.
Fr.
Sr.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
So.
Jr.
Fr.
Fr.
So.
So.
So.

Height

5-4
5-9
5-7
5-6
5-6
5-4
5-6
5-10
5-7
6-2
6-0
5-11
6-0
5-8
5-9
5-9
5-7
5-8
5-11
5-10
5-7
5-8
6-2
5-8
5-6
5-7
5-5
5-11
6-4
5-8
5-8
5-8
6-0
6-4½
6-0

Weight
Class Hometown (High School)
118
Worcester (Methacton)
142
Nokonia, FL (Venice)
118
Hunlock Creek (Lake Lehman)
126
Hunlock Creek (Lake Lehman)
134
Winston Salem, NC (Cumberland Valley)
126
Nesconset, NY (Smithtown East)
134
Selinsgrove (Selinsgrove)
190
Coudersport (Coudersport)
142
Williamsport (Jersey Shore)
190
Slatington (Northern Lehigh)
177
West Mifflin (West Mifflin)
167
Lancaster (Hunterdon Cen.)
167
Lancaster (Hunterdon Cen.)
142
York (West York)
142
Neshanic (Hunterdon Cen.)
HWT

126
134
158
158
126
158
190
142
134
150
118
150
HWT

118
150
118
167
HWT

142

6

Blackwood, NJ (High Land)
Palmerton (Palmerton)
Canandaiqua, NY (Canandaiqua Academy)
Bloomsburg (Bloomsburg)
Lansdale (North Penn)
Ashland (North Schuylkill)
Herndon (Upper Dauphin)
Oakland, NJ (Indian Hills)
Hulmeville (Neshaminy)
Collegeville (Methacton)
Allentown (Dieruff)
Camp Hill (Cedar Cliff)
Reading (Wilson)
Norwich, CT (Norwich Free Academy)
Athens (Athens)
Manahawkin, NJ (Highland Reg.)
Hollywood, FL (McArthur)
Tyrone (Tyrone)
Montgomery (Montgomery)
Hummelstown (Hershey)

- - Weight By Weight Preview - -

118

Left to Right: Rick Bonomo, Rob Rapsey, Glenn Bateman, Ric Tucci.

RICKY BONOMO
After posting an impressive 26-5-1 record as a freshman Ricky has established
himself as one of the top 118 lber's in the country. Ricky's accomplishments from last
season include 20 falls, Pennsylvania Conference Champion, NCAA qualifier, and
was selected Freshman First Team All American by Ameteur Wrestling News.
Discipline will be the key to Ricky gaining All-American honors this year. He is an Art
major from Hunlock Creek, PA.

ROB RAPSEY
Rob will once again be pushing for the starting roll at 118. Last year he added solid
depth to the Husky lineup. Rob's accomplishments last season include a second
place finish at the Sheridan Invitational and a first place finish at the prestigious
Southern Open. Rob is an Elementary Education major from Camp Hill, PA.

126

Left to Right: Tim Teeter, Eric Yurowski, Rocky Bonomo, Darrin Cummings, Kent Lane.

ROCKY BONOMO
The Outstanding Wrestler Award for the Huskies last season went to Rocky
Bonomo. Rocky ended the season with a 27-5-0 record. Along the way he won the
Wilkes Open, the Pennsylvania Conference and the Eastern Wrestling League
Championships. He was selected as a Freshman All American and participated at
the Nationals . Rocky has developed himself into a fine technician and has the ability
to become an All American. Rocky is an Art major from Hunlock Creek, PA.

7

DARRIN CUMMINGS
Darrin is a very talented freshman who was a runner-up state champion in New
York last year. He will be pushing for the starting roll at 126 and will add solid depth at
both 126 & 134 lbs. Darrin is a Special Education major from Smithtown, N.Y.

KENT LANE
This 1982 Pennsylvania state champion will also push for the starting roll at this
weight class. Kent is a very bright prospect for the future and should see action this
year. He sat out this past year and now seems hungry for competition. Kent has not yet
declared a major and is from Ashland, PA.

134

Left to Right: Jon Moser, Troy Dagle, Phil Conner, Marty
King.

PHIL CONNER
Phil did an excellent job filling in for the injured Jon Moser last year. The
experience he gained last season should make him a top contender this year. Phil was
vital to the team's success at last year's Conference Tournament. He is a Business
major from Camp Hill, PA.

MARTY KING
No doubt Marty is the top recruit for the 1984-85 season. Heis a five time state place
winner, two time champion and holds the career win record in the state of New York.
Marty has the ability to attain any goal he sets for himself. He is a Business Education
major from Canandaigua NY.

142

Left to Right: Denis Grady, John Eck, Keith Y outz, Brent
Gladfelter, Jerry Biller, J.M. Mondelli.

JON MOSER
This senior co-captain and two time NCAA qualifier has established himself as
one ofthe top 134 lber's in the country. Jon's ability and dedication should make him a
solid candidate for NCAA honors this season. Jon leads by example both on and off
the mat. He is a Biology major from Collegeville, PA.

8

KEITH YOUTZ
After redshirting the 1983-84 season, Keith is ready to return to the Husky lineu1
He is a very tough mat wrestler who will be exciting to watch because of his ability t
pin. Keith's positive attitude should contribute to a successful season. He is a Mai
major from Hershey, PA.

150

Left to Right: John Pavelko, Roger Dunn. Andy Tonnessen,
Dan Comfort, Mike Rudolph.

ROGER DUNN
This is one of the most improved wrestlers since the start of the season. Last year he
was a Pennsylvania State High School runner-up. This freshman should see action on
the varsity level throughout the year. Roger is a Physics major from Coudersport, PA.

MIKE RUDOLPH
This talented freshman redshirt has the ability to be a starter. Mike has a very unorthodoxed style which makes him exciting to watch. He will have to become
technically sound to become a national contender. Mike has not yet declared a major
and is from Reading, PA.

158

I..
Left to Right: Jim Kwortnik, Dan Klingerman, Roger
Leitzel.

DAN KLINGERMAN
Freshman All American Dan Klingerman is an early favorite at this weight. Dan
posted a 25-12 record last season and had 14 pins. He brings excitement to the mat,
but will have to improve his skill level to become a national threat. Dan is an
Accounting major from Bloomsburg, PA.

ROGER LEITZEL
Roger's hard work and dedication have made him one of the Huskies most
improved wrestlers. Roger is a solid technician who should be a consistent winner this
year. Roger is an excellent student majoring in Computer Science and he is from
Herdon, PA.

9

167

Left to Right: Steve Gibble, Bruce Wallace.

JIM KWORTNIK
Freshman redshirt and 1982 Pennsylvania State Champion Jim Kwortnik appears
to be the early favorite at this weight. Jim appears to be hungry and ready for the
challenge. We should see him getting tougher as the year goes on. Jim has not yet
declared a major and is from Lansdale, PA.

BRUCE WALLACE
Sophmore Bruce Wallace becomes eligible in January and will push for the starting
position. This two time Pennsylvania State Champion is probably the strongest pound
for pound individual on the team. Bruce is a tough mat wrestler who has potential for
National honors. Bruce is an Elementary Education major from Tyrone, PA.

177

Left to Right: John Gibas, Tom Gibble.

DARRIN EVANS
Returning letterman Darrin Evans has moved up in size and will see action at both
177 and 190. This freshman All American has the potential to be very good. He must
become more fundamentally sound in order to gain national recognition. Darrin is a
Biology major in Secondary Education and is from Slatington, PA.

TOM GIBBLE
Two time NCAA qualifier Tom Gibble returns for his final season. Only one goal
has escaped him during his college career-that of being an All American. Early
season discipline could be the key to achieving that goal. We're looking for Tom to
become a leader this year. Tom is a History major in Secondary Education and is from
Flemington, NJ.

10

190

Left to Right: John McFadden, Darrin Evans.

STEVE GIBBLE
Senior Steve Gibble is going to be very important to this year's team. He will
probably see action at three different weight classes (167-177-190). Steve is a hard
working individual and is team oriented. He is also a History major in Secondary
Education and is from Flemington, NJ.

JOHN McFADDEN
Senior co-captain John McFadden remains the dominant force at 190 lbs. He will
also see plenty of action at Heavyweight this season. After placing third at last year's
EWL Tournament, John has his sights on becoming an All American. John is an
excellent student and a quality person. He is a Business major from Oakland, NJ.

HWT

Left to Right: Ron lppolite, Jack Y ocwn, Chris Tamborra.

CHRIS TAMBORRA
Returning letterman Chris Tamborra is the early favorite to start. Chris posted a
10-9 record last year and gained valuable experience. He is maturing physically,
which should help to make for a successful year. Chris is an Elementary Education
major from Norwich, CN.

RON IPPOLITE
Redshirt freshman Ron lppolite becomes eligible in January and should push for
the starting position. At 270 lbs Ron is very strong and quick. If he sets his mind to it, he
could become a premier heavyweight. Ron has not yet declared a major and is from
Blackwood, NJ.

11

- - - - Meet the Captains- - - JOHN McFADDEN
The 6-2, 190 lb . senior brings a 72-26-2 career mark into his final season with the
Huskies .
The Oakland, NJ native began his career at both the 190 lb. and heavyweight divisions
and in the 1981-82 campaign had an 18-7 record. In his freshmen season, he took second
place in the PC and fourth place in the EWL.
McFadden followed that with a 25-10-1 campaign in his sophomore season and a third
place finish in the PC.
Last year, he earned his first trip to the NCAA championship tournament with a wildcard berth after placing third in the EWL.
McFadden's hopes for his first PC title were dashed when he was beaten by Clarion's
Jim Beichner in the finals .

Left: John McFadden
Right: Jon Moser

JON MOSER
Moser transferred to Bloomsburg after winning two East Coast Conference crowns and
making two national tourney appearances while wrestling at West Chester University.
Last season, the Collegeville native was well on his way to another fine season before a
knee injury sidelined him after January 22.
Moser's biggest win of the season came in a dual match on January 20 when he upset the
top rated wrestler in the nation at 134, Clarion's Mark Ciccarello.
After Ciccarello battled back from a 6-2 deficit to make the score 8-6 with :25 left in the
bout, Moser turned the tables on Ciccarello and got a takedown of his own for the 10-6 win.
Moser's 35-7 mark at West Chester combined with his 12-4 mark last year, give him a
career record of 47 -11.

12

i
1

f

- - 1983-84 Season In Review - -

,
:,

'

The 1983-84 season marked the initiation of a home-and-away series with the Lock
Haven Bald Eagles. And if the premier is any indication of what is to come, the rivalry
should be one of the best ever.
On December 1 the Bald Eagles rolled into Bloomsburg and pinned a seasonopening 23-19 loss on the Huskies. Bloomsburg held a 19-17 lead going into the
heavyweight bout as John McFadden won by default at 190 to put the Huskies ahead.
BU's lead was short-lived, however, as Lock Haven's Rick Petersen pinned Chris
Tamborra for the win.
Bloomsburg then went on a 12 match winning streak in which Roger Sanders' squad
outpointed its opponents by an average of 28 points per match.
Included in that streak were convincing wins over midwestern foes Indiana State
(31-11) and Michigan (33-17), and conference rival Clarion (32-16).
The Indiana State match on January 5 marked the first dual meet appearances of
Rick and Rocky Bonomo. The two didn't let the BU faithful down, as both recorded
falls to put the Huskies ahead to stay.
The next evening, against Michigan, Tom Fiorvanti, Dan Klingerman, and Darrin
Evans recorded three straight pins to tum an 11-9 deficit into a 27-11 lead in a
combined time of 5:16.
The Clarion match was a battle between the then 10th ranked Golden Eagles and
the 19th ranked Huskies.
The Huskies recorded two pins, a superior decision, three major decision and a big
upset to shackle Clarion with their third loss of the season.
Jon Moser pulled the upset at 134 pounds, as he defeated Mark Ciccarello 10-6.
Ciccarello had been the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at that weight going into the
match, and sported a 24-1 record.
Bloomsburg capped its winning streak by edging Lock Haven by¼ of a point for the
Pennsylvania Conference tournament championship. Bloomsburg claimed individual
champions in Rick Bonomo (118), Rocky Bonomo (126), and Tom Gibble (177).
The Huskies attempt for a 13th dual meet win in a row was then dashed by none
other than the Bald Eagles of Lock Haven. LHU used major decisons by Don Parsley
over Phil Conner at 134 and Doug Buckwalter over Steve Gibble at 167 to pave the
way for the win.
Rick Bonomo's 18-match win streak also came to an end on the night as he drew
with Ken Whitsel 1-1.
During the season some of the other Huskies also recorded impressive win streaks .
Tom Gibble had a 15 match streak going before he lost to Lock Haven's Greg
Wykoff in the Eastern Wrestling League tournament. Rocky Bonomo had a 12 match
win streak until the Michigan match; while two other freshmen, Dan Klingerman (10)
and Darrin Evans (9) also had impressive streaks.
The Huskies finished their dual meet season with wins over Mansfield and
Kutztown, while being beaten by EWL foes Cleveland State and Penn State.
In the EWL championship tourney, BU finished fifth as Rocky Bonomo garnered the
team's only championship at 126 pounds.
Rick Bonomo finished second to eventual national champion Carl DeStephanis of
Penn State, while John McFadden and Tom Fiorvanti finished third at 190 and 142

13

respectively.
Their finished qualified the Bonomo' s for the NCAA tournament in East Rutherford,
New Jersey, while McFadden was chosen as a wild-card entry.
Rick won his opening match over S. Oregon State's Mike Romero, before losing to
Oklahoma State's Mark Perry 8-3 . Once in the consolation bracket, Rick won his first
match again, before losing to Iowa's Tim Riley 8-2.
Rocky also won his first match by pinning Illinois' Chris Davis in 5:38. He was then
sent to the consolation bracket with a 7-4 loss to Iowa's Mark Trizzino.
Rocky then beat Eastern Michigan's Robert Beck 13-3, before being outsted by
Oklahoma's Mark Zimmer 6-3.
McFadden also won his first preliminary bout, 17-13 over Lafayette's Jim Decker.
He then lost to Paul Diekel of Lehigh 7-3. Since Diekel lost his next match, McFadden
was eliminated from the tournament.
During the regular season, Bloomsburg claimed championships in three other
tournaments: the BU Invitational, the Wilkes Open, and the West Chester Invitational.
The Huskies finished the season as the 19th ranked team in the nation in Division I.

1984 Pennsylvania Conference Champions

14

- - 1983-84 Wrestling Awards - Outstanding Wrestler:

Rocky Bonomo

Husky Award:

John McFadden

Presented to the person who exemplifies dedication and leadership qualities to
be successful both as a wrestler and in life.

Outstanding Freshman:

Rick Bonomo
Rocky Bonomo

Most Improved Wrestler:

Darrin Evans

Freshmen All-American Honors

Rick Bonomo (1st Team)
Rocky Bonomo (3rd Team)
Darrin Evans (4th Team)
Dan Klingerman (5th Team)

Senior Jon Moser (134)

15

1983-84 Results
B.U.
1st
19
6th
22

44
1st
31
33
1st
57
41
42
45
37
32
31
1st
33
13
39
13
6
47
5th
31st

Opp.

Bloomsburg Invitational
Lock Haven
Sheridan-Lehigh Invitational
Shippensburg
Millersville
Wilkes Open
Indiana State
Michigan
West Chester Invitational
Indiana (PA)
Shippensburg
Shppery Rock
East Stroudsburg
West Chester
Clarion
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Conference Championships
West Virginia
Lock Haven
Mansfield
Cleveland State
Penn State
Kutztown
Eastern Wresthng League Championships
NCAA Division I Championships

23
15
3
11

17
0
3
3
5
7
16
16

9
22
12
26
41
0

Individual Top Performers
- - - - From 1983-84
Rick Bonomo-After becoming eligible to wrestle in mid-season, Rick had a brilliant
freshmen season. The Hunlock Creek native piled up a 26-5-1 mark while recording
20 falls . His fastest pin of the season was a fall over Indiana State's Tom Dickman in
0:17. Rick won a PC championship, finished second in the EWL, and was a NCAA
qualifier at 118 pounds.
Rocky Bonomo-Rocky's frosh season paralleled that of his twin brother Rick. Rocky
compiled a 27-5 mark with four falls and copped PC and EWL championships at 126
pounds. Rocky was also a NCAA qualifier.

Tom Fiorvanti-The only senior to leave BU's starting line-up, Fiorvanti left the school
with an 85-36-2 career mark and a long list of honors . He won PC and EWL 150 lb.
titles in the 1981-82 season to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Fiorvanti placed
second in the PC at 150 pounds last year and placed third in the EWL at 142 pounds.
Tom Gibble-The senior will look to add to his 59-20-2 career mark this season. As an
NCAA qualifier in the 1982-83 season, Gibble won both PC and EWL titles . Last

16

season, Gibble won another PC title at 177 pounds.
John McFadden-One of the new co-captains of the team, McFadden qualified for the
NCAA tourney last year after gaining a wild-card berth for his third place in the EWL
tourney. McFadden was also second in the PC tournament. His career record now
stands at 72-26-2.

Huskies in the EWL
/,

Bloomsburg has enjoyed much success in the Eastern Wrestling League both
team-wise and individually in the past nine years. The Huskies won the team
championship in 1981, and have never placed lower than fifth. Roger Sanders'
squads have placed second four times, third once, and fifth three times .
Rocky Bonomo is the latest in a long line of Bloomsburg' s individual EWL
champions. Bonomo won his title last year at 126 pounds. The other champions are:
Don Reese (1979, 80, 81, 82), Dom DiGioacchino (1978, 79, 80), Chris Poff (1977), Tony
Caravella (1980), Todd Cummings (1981), Ed Fiorvanti (1981), Tom Fiorvanti (1981),
Al McCollum (1982), ar.d Joe Wade (1982) .
Reese was named as the EWL's outstanding wrestler in 1982, while DiGioacchino
copped the honor in 1980.
The three fastest tournament falls are also held by former Bloomsburg wrestlers.
Heavyweight Mel Sharp holds the record with a fall at 0:18 in 1979, while Al
McCollum recorded a fall at 0:36 in 1981. Leszek Radon pinned an opponent in 1977
in just 0:39.

1983-84 Eastern Wrestling League Standings - - - 1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

~-~

Penn State
Cleveland State
Clarion
Lock Haven
Bloomsburg
Pittsburgh
West Virginia
Millersville

~-W
$.~

48.50
39.75
~-~

~-00

600

- - - - - - - - - - Individual Placers - - - - - - - - -..
118

Rick Bonomo

2nd Place

126

Rocky Bonomo

1st Place

142

Tom Fiorvanti

3rd Place

190

John McFadden

3rd Place

17

- - - - Huskies in the PC - - - The Huskies will be defending their ninth Pennsylvania Conference championship in the 1984-85 season, after copping the tourney last year in the closest
tournament ever.
Bloomsburg outpointed Lock Haven by ¼ of a point to win the team title, while
Clarion placed third.
That win ties Bloomsburg with Clarion for second place with nine championships.
The two teams follow Lock Haven, which has garnered 15 titles in the tourney's 41year history.
In the past nine years, no other team than Bloomsburg or Clarion has won the team
title.
Roger Sanders has also guided his squads to three other team championships.
Those came in 1979, 1980, and 1982. Under Sanders the Huskies have never finished
lower than sixth.
Bloomsburg's other team championships came under the direction of Russ Houk.
Houk's teams won titles in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, and 1964.

- - - - 1983-84 Pennsylvania Conference Standings - - - - - .
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Bloomsburg
Lock Haven
Clarion
Slippery Rock
Shippensburg
Edinboro
West Chester
East Stroudsburg
Indiana
Millersville
California
Kutztown
Mansfield

158
157.75
142.75
61.50
46.25
39.50
39.25
29.50
28.75
22.75
16
12
9.50

Individual Placers
118
126
134
142
150
158
167
177
190
Hwt.

Rick Bonomo
Rocky Bonomo
Phil Conner
Dan Comfort
Tom Fiorvanti
Dan Klingerman
Darrin Evans
Tom Gibble
John McFadden
Chris Tamborra
18

1st Place
1st Place
6th Place
3rd Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
1st Place
2nd Place
4th Place

--All Time Records Against-1984-85 Opponents
Lock Haven
Oregon State
Millersville
Shippensburg
Delaware State
George Mason
West Chester
Clarion
Kutztown
California (PA)
West Virginia
Mansfield
Cleveland State
Slippery Rock
Pittsburgh
East Stroudsburg
Penn State

12-19
First meeting
24-5
25-2
First meeting
2-0
11-5-1
4-10
13-0
1-2
5-1
16-3
1-4-1
6-3
6-3
24-6-1
4-4

----The Sanders' Years---

>

1972-73
1973-74
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

7-8
16-3
11-3-1
9-8-1
11-4
11-3
16-2-1
11-3
11-6
13-4
6-7
14-4

12 Seasons-overall record 136-55-3 (.701)

19

- Two Of Bloomsburg's Finest

■

■

■

-

FLOYD "SHORTY" HITCHCOCK
Perhaps the greatest wrestler ever to represent the outstanding wrestling tradition at Bloomsburg University was Floyd
"Shorty" Hitchcock.
Hitchcock began his collegiate wrestling career at Bloomsburg during his fall semester of 1969 under the direction of
head coach Russell E. Houk. As a freshman, wrestling at 177
lbs., he posted a 10-4 record, finishing third in both the
Pennsylvania Conference and the NAIA tourney. After finishing
19-1 during his sophomore year, winning the PC crown at 190
lbs. and placing second in the annual NAIA Championships,
Hitchcock went undefeated (21-0) during his junior year of
1972-73. During that year Hitchcock won his second consecutive PC title at 190 lbs.
Prior to his final year of eligibility as a Husky grappler, Shorty represented Bloomsburg at the World University Games in Moscow where he won a silver medal. During
his senior year he compiled a 34-2-2 record topping his career off by winning both the
NCAA Division I and Division II titles at 177 lbs. He was also named Outstanding
Wrestler in both NCAA tournaments.
Shorty is currently the head wrestling coach at Pennsylvania conference for
Millersville University.

DON REESE
A 1982 graduate of Bloomsburg, Reese met with instant
success when he began his wrestling career at Bloomsburg as
a freshman, and his success continued throughout his four
years as a Husky wrestler.
As a freshman Reese was 32-9 at 126 lbs. for Bloomsburg,
finishing first in the EWL championships and second in the PC
championships. During his sophomore season, when he compiled a 29-9 record, Reese duplicated his tournament finishes,
placing first in the EWL and second in the PC.
As a junior Reese switched to the 134 lb. weight class and
had a 34-2-2 record, winning the EWL title for the third
consecutive year and finishing third in the PC tourney. During
his final campaign Reese was 32-2-2, winning both the EWl
and PC championships at 134 lbs. Reese topped off his senior year by finishing
second to C.D. Mock of North Carolina at the NCAA Division I championships in
March. He was also named the EWL "Wrestler of the Year" for his performance in
his final year.
Reese finished his career with 126 wins; the most recorded by any Bloomsburg
wrestler. He won an unprecedented four straight EWL championships, and holds
numerous Husky wrestling records.
He is currently the assistant coach at Lower Dauphin (PA) High School.
20

Past NCAA Division
I Place Winners - - - -

Bob Hall
167 lbs.
NCAA 5th 1963

Richard Scorese
137 lbs .
NCAA 6th 1964

Bill Robb
130 lbs .
NCAA 6th 1964

Ron Russo
137 lbs .
NCAA 6th 1968

Floyd Hitchcock
177 lbs .
NCAA 1st 1974

Randy Watts
150 lbs .
NCAA 6th 1975

Tony Caravella
150 lbs .
NCAA 7th 1980

Dominic DiGioacchino
167 lbs .
NCAA 5th 1979

Don Reese
134 lbs .
NCAA 2nd 1982

21

All-Time Dual Meet Records
Year

Record

Year

Record

1936-37
1937-38
1938-39
1954-55
1955-56
1956-57
1957-58
1958-59
1959-60
1960-61
1961-62
1962-63
1963-64
1964-65
1965-66
1966-67

3-0
1-3
1-4
1-6
5-3
6-3
5-2
9-1
10-0
11-1
10-1
13-0
10-3
12-0-1
10-1-1
10-5

1967-68
1968-69
1969-70
1970-71
1972-73
1973-74
1974-75
1975-76
1976-77
1977-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

8-4-1
11-3-1
11-5
12-8
7-8
16-3
11-3-1
9-8-1
11-4
11-3
16-2-1
11-3
11-6
13-4
6-7
14-4

Sophomore Darrin Evans (190)

22

- Other Wrestling Happenings at BU -

• -·- 1

Father-Son Weekend-A first of its kind in wrestling is Bloomsburg's Father-Son
Weekend held in conjunction with the highly successful Husky Wrestling
School, now in its 11th year. The opportunity for a young wrestler and his father
to get away, spend some time together and learn the art of wrestling from the
very best. (See 1985 dates below).
US Marine Corps Wrestling Team-The United States Marine Corps Wrestling
team visited the campus of Bloomsburg University in late September, as guests
of the Bloomsburg Wrestling Club. Each member of the nine-member squad
had qualified for the US Olympic Trials in both freestyle and Greco-Roman and
spent several days working out with the BU squad and offering free clinics.
Husky Wrestling Coaches Clinic-High school wrestling coaches had the opportunity to trade ideas with some of the nation's top collegiate coaches at the first
annual Husky Coaches Clinic in early November. Oklahoma State's Joe Seay
and Penn State's Rick Lorenzo headed the staff of talented clinicians which also
included Bloomsburg head coach Roger Sanders and his entire staff along with
1984 national champion Carl DeStefanis of Penn State.

11th Annual Wrestling School-Now in its eleventh successful year, the Husky
Wrestling School offers instruction and wrestling for all ages for three weeks.
(See 1985 dates below). For the beginner to the advanced competitor there is
much to offer from a staff of qualified coaches from all levels and several
collegiate performers .
7th Annual Spring Wrestling Championships-This popular event is in its
seventh year and will again include three divisions-elementary, junior high
school and senior high school. Well over 400 wrestlers participated in the twoday event a year ago and it gets bigger every year.

FATHER-SON WEEKEND
June 21-23
HUSKY WRESTLING SCHOOL
Midget Camp (Grades 1-6) - June 23-27
Regular Camp - June 30-July 4 and July 7-11

23

----Nelson Fieldhouse
"Home Of The Huskies"

The Nelson Fieldhouse, located on Bloomsburg University's upper campus, serves
as home for most of BU' s athletic events. The facility has all the necessary ingredients
as it holds a 3000 seat arena for all home wrestling and basketball games, an indoor
track, two tennis courts, an olympic size swimming pool, and two handball/racquetball courts. The building has classroom and office space for use by the health/
physical education and athletic staffs. Nelson also houses the wrestling practice
room, which is a fully padded area located on the second floor. A totally equipped
Nautilus weight room adds to the strength and conditioning areas of the program, and
Nelson also offers a training room staffed by a full-time physical therapist and no less
than six student assistants. Also an equipment manager handles the needs of most of
Bloomsburg's 18 varsity athletic teams.

24

Training Room - - - - I ,'/'
f!J

Equipment Manager
Ron Morgan

Ron Morgan has served as the school's equipment manager for the past 11 years.
He is located in the Nelson Fieldhouse and handles the equipment needs of
Bloomsburg's 18 varsity programs.

Head Trainer
Art Hopkins

Art Hopkins is in his second year as the head trainer at Bloomsburg. A licensed
Physical Therapist (LPT), he received his certificate from Hahneman Hospital in
Philadelphia and his undergraduate degree at East Stroudsburg University.

25

1984-85 Bloomsburg
- - - - Wrestling Schedule
November

December

January

16-17

BLOOMSBURG INVITATIONAL

28

at Lock Haven

8:00 p.m.

29

OREGON STATE

7:30 p .m.

30-1

at Sheridan Invitational

Bethlehem, PA

4

at Millersville

7:30 p.m.

6

SHIPPENSBURG

7:30 p.m.

28-29

at Wilkes Open

Wilkes-Barre, PA

5

at West Chester Invitational

West Chester, PA

9

at George Mason/Delaware State

7:00 p .m.

11-12

at Virginia Duals

15

WEST CHESTER

7:30 p.m.

19

*at Clarion

7:30 p .m.

25-26

PSAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bloomsburg, PA

30

KUTZTOWN

6:00 p.m.

at California (PA)

7:30 p.m.

2

*at West Virginia

1:30 p.m.

6

*LOCK HAVEN

7:30 p .m.

7

at Mansfield

7:00 p.m.

9

*CLEVELAND STATE

2:00 p.m.

15

at Slippery Rock

7:30 p.m.

16

*at Pittsburgh

1:00 p.m.

20

EAST STROUDSBURG

7:30 p.m.

22

*PENN STATE

7:30 p.m.

1-2

EWL Championships

Lock Haven, PA

14-16

NCAA Championships

Oklahoma City, OK

February

March

*Ea stern Wrestling League Contest