It’s back to work time for the Bloomsburg University Huskies wrestling team. Fresh off a 2nd place team finish in the PSAC championships last weekend. The Huskies jumped 8 spots to #13 in the Division I mid-major poll. Head coach John Stutzman in year 7 at the helm is seeing improvement.
“We don’t have the full compliments of scholarships, but we are doing great things here. We get great kids. Kids are working hard. I think we are going in the right direction. We’ve been competative for the last 7 years beating Michigan, beating Northern Iowa, beating American, beating West Virginia and Pittsburgh. So we’ve always competed with the best teams in the country, so now we just got to do it more consistently.” said John Stutzman.
It’s been 24 years since Bloomsburg last produced a national champion. We have to go back to 1985-1986-1987 when 3 time winner Ricky Bonomo got to the top of that podium, and talking to head coach John Stutzman he feels like his wrestler Frank Hickman has a chance to break that streak and win a national title.
“He has been a guy that’s bought in 100% and because of his lifestyle choices and what he brings to the wrestling room everyday he is getting better.” again said John.
Named wrestler of the week in the Eastern Wrestling League, Hickman is coming off an MVP performance at the conference championships. To go along with a tech fall and pin Hickman won 6-1 in the finals over 5th ranked James Fleming from Clarion.
“It’s a big opportunity. We wrestle some of the best guys Penn State, Cornell, Michigan, Pitt’s in our league. We wrestle a lot of good teams. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun and exciting.” said Frank Hickman.
“Everyday trying to do the right things. Having to wrestle guys like Frank and Bryce Busler-yes getting better everyday.” said Derek Shingara.
Bloomsburg heads to the Buffalo duals this weekend.