Clarion University’s NCAA Division I Wrestling team gets back into action on Friday, January 16^th and Saturday, January 17^th as the Golden Eagles compete in two dual meets.

On Friday the Golden Eagles open EWL (Eastern Wrestling League) dual meet action at Bloomsburg, with match time set for 7:30 at Neslon Field House. Then Clarion travels to Lawrenceville, N. J. to take on the 23^rd ranked Rider University "Broncs". Match time is set for 1pm on Saturday.

Both matches can also be heard on WCCR-FM (92.7) and on the internet at www.redzonemedia.com

Clarion enters the match with a 2-2 dual meet record under seventh year head coach Ken Nellis. The Golden Eagles opened their dual meet season on December 14^th with wins over Pitt-Johnstown 16-15 and Drexel 29-13 and a loss to #14 ranked Ohio State (25-18), while losing a close 19-17 match at Buffalo last Saturday. Nellis has a seven year dual meet record of 42-53-2.

Clarion will feature a lineup of Peter Derstine (Sr. 21-6; Coral Springs, Fl.) at 125, Doug Surra (Fr. 8-8; Kersey, Pa.) at 133, Frank Edgar (Jr. 22-3; Toms River, N.J.) at 141, T.J. McCance (Fr. 7-6; Butler) at 149, Chris Horning (So. 12-5; Syracuse, N.Y.) at 157, Jeremy Reitz (Sr. 19-7; Brookville) at 165, Aaron Wright (Jr. 12-7; Coudersport) or Marcus Surin (So. 2-2; Spring Valley, N.Y.) at 174, Kyle Cathcart (Fr. 8-8; Clarion) at 184, Charlie Cilinski (So. 2-7; Gainesville,Va.) at 197 and Matt Wilcox (Fr. 5-8; Guys Mills, Pa.) at heavyeight.

Bloomsburg is led by first year head coach Dan Wirnsberger who has the Huskies out to a 2-6 dual meet start in 2004. The Huskies have two wins over Findlay (25-9) and Eastern Illinois (24-12). Bloomsburg is on a four match losing streak entering Friday with losses to Indiana (23-15), Ohio State (25-13), Cornell (35-0) and West Virginia (32-7).

The Huskies will likely start Brian Sellars (Fr. 8-14; Pennsbury) at 125, Bryan Hart (Fr. 12-7; Easton) at 133, Scott Heckman (Fr. 18-11; Bangor) at 141, Brad Forbes (So. 5-4; Downingtown) at 149, Josh Loew (Fr. 1-2; Harrisburg) at 157, Ryan Garner (Sr. 9-10; Dover) at 165, #20 ranked Justin Johnson (Jr. 8-3; Wyalusing) at 174, Nate Shirk (Fr. 12-10; Paxtonville) at 184, Chad Hoare (Jr. 10-11; Reynoldsville) at 197 and Aaron Ferrance (Jr. 6-11; Northern Cambria) at heavyweight.

Rider, meanwhile, is led by head coach Gary Taylor who is in his 26^th season leading the "Broncs"with a career record of 276-153-3). Rider is ranked 23^rd by Intermat and has a current dual meet record of 4-3. Rider opened the season with a 46-3 win over American University, then lost 23-10 at Lehigh. At the Virginia Duals the Broncs opened with a 24-18 win over Cleveland State, lost 31-3 to Nebraska, defeated North Carolina (21-18) and Wyoming (27-16), before losing to Wisconsin (26-18).

Rider has a talented lineup and will likely have Jim DiCicco (So. 7-9; Tabernacle, N.J.), #13th ranked Don Fisch (Fr. 19-3; Williamstown, N.J.) at 133, Mike Molosky (Fr. 6-5; Tuckerton, N.J.) at 141, Labe Black (Jr. 14-5; Egg Harbor City, N.J.) at 149, Dave Miller (So. 13-10; Southampton, N.J.) at 157, Ryan Cunningham (Fr. 11-10; Cherry Hill, N.J.) at 165, Chris Marold (So. 7-11; Mendham, N.J.) at 174, #11 ranked Nick Catone (Sr. 19-4; Brick, N.J.), Jared Terrell (So. 11-10; Perth Amboy, N.J.) at 197 and #15 ranked Carmelo Marrero (Sr. 17-5; Douglassville, Pa.) at heavyweight.

CLARION NOTES: Clarion defeated Bloomsburg 18-18 (near fall) criteria last year ... Hwt. John Testa’s major with back points sealed the win at Tippin Gym ... Clarion leads the series with Bloomsburg 21-12-1 and also leads the EWL series 17-9-1... Clarion defeated Bloomsburg 28-13 at Bloom in 2002, and also 18-17 in 2001... The Huskies last win came in 2000 with a 27-11 victory ... Clarion also defeated Rider last year at Tippin Gym 21-15 ... major decisions by Eric Mausser at 197 and Testa at heavyweight provided the margin of victory ... Frank Edgar won bouts against Bloom and Rider last season ... Rider defeated Clarion 23-15 in 2002 at Rider ... The Broncs lead the series 4-2... Clarion returns hom on January 24^th to host EWL and PSAC rival Edinboro at 7:30pm.