Red Raider Wrestlers Open Action at NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals Saturday

Jan. 12, 2006

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg wrestling team returns to action for the first time in a month on Saturday at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals at the UNI-Dome at the University of Northern Iowa. The Red Raiders will face No. 6-ranked Fort Hayes State in the opening round.

The National Duals is a double elimination tournament that features 16 of the top teams in Division II. Eight of the nation‚s top-10 teams will be in action this weekend. Last season, the Red Raiders placed eighth with a 2-3 record.

This season, Shippensburg enters the tournament with a 2-1 dual meet record, which includes wins over Millersville and York.

At 133 pounds, freshman Steve Fittery (Denver/Cocalico) leads the Red Raiders with a 16-5 record. He has also recorded a team-high four falls and three major decisions and is 3-0 in duals.

Senior Mark Murphy (Dillsburg/Northern York), wrestling at 184 pounds, will be competing in the National Duals for a fourth time and is 4-4 this season with three falls. He recorded a 4-1 record at the event a year ago.

Red-shirt sophomore Rick Mascino (Philadelphia/North Catholic) is second on the team with eight victories at 174 pounds while red-shirt sophomore heavyweight Jason Groller (Easton/Easton) is 3-0 with all three wins coming in dual meets.

Shippensburg opening match is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. The semifinals, placing rounds and finals will be broadcast on LiveSportsVideo.com. This site is presenting a free web cast of the event.

For more information including event brackets, visit the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals website at http://unipanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/niwa-07-nwca-main.html.

- Red Raider Wrestling -