MILTON BLACK PANTHER

WRESTLING  NEWS

Matt Swallow make ESU Starting Lineup

At 125, red-shirt freshman Matt Swallow (Milton/Milton) escaped three seconds into the second period, added a takedown later in the period and went on to a 5-2 win over sophomore Steve Gambino (Glenside/Cheltenham).

WARRIOR WRESTLERS DROP DUAL MATCH TO SHIPPENSBURG

At 141 pounds, Shippensburg extended their lead with a 12-2 major decision by Alex Renn (So./Sunbury, Pa.; Shikellamy) over Eric Snyder (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Milton). A pair of takedowns and a three-point near-fall in the first period set the tone for the bout.

Zach Leathers (Jr./Kennett Square, Pa.; Unionville) got the Raiders three more points at 149 pounds, with an overtime decision over Sean Reese (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Milton). Reese held a 3-0 lead entering the third period, but Leathers scored a reversal and a riding time point to force overtime. Leathers then recorded a takedown and two back points in the extra period for the win.

Tommy Snyder (Jr./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) closed out the match for the Warriors with a 5-3 decision over Jared Dubbs (Jr./Dallastown, Pa.; Dallastown) at heavyweight.

Wt.   Winner                     Type           Loser                    Bout score     Match score (L-S)
125   Jamie Thomas  (S)    wbf             Nick Mascellino               1:28                 0-6
133   Sean Cullen (L)         dec.            Sonny Phillip                    5-2                 3-6
141   Alex Renn (S)           maj. dec.     Eric Snyder                     12-2                3-10
149   Zack Leathers (S)      dec.            Sean Reese                  7-3 ot                3-13
157   Andy Martin (S)         maj. dec.     Jon Carlson                     17-5                3-17
165   Eric Miller (L)             dec.            Mark Murphy                     5-2                6-17
174   Kyle Skinner (S)         dec.            Derek Crane                  3-2 ot                6-20
184   Matt Miller (L)             dec.            Ian Zearfaus                      3-1                9-20
197   Corey Jacoby (S)        maj. dec.     Kevin Colton Craig           10-2                9-24
285   Tommy Snyder (L)      dec.            Jared Dubbs                      5-3                12-24 

LYCOMING WRESTLING PLACES FOURTH AT ITHACA INVITATIONAL

Tommy Snyder (Jr./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) added a fifth-place finish at heavyweight. Snyder was 2-2 during the second day of competition with a decision over Bryan Petti of Ithaca and win by medical forfeit.

Four Lycoming wrestlers placed sixth in their respective weight classes, including: Eric Snyder (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) at 141 pounds; Sean Reese (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) at 149 pounds; Jason Smith (Jr./Hughesville, Pa.; Hughesville) at 157 pounds; and Derek Crane (Sr./Elizabethtown, Pa.; Elizabethtown) at 174 pounds.

LYCOMING WRESTERS SET SIGHTS HIGH

Leading the way for Lycoming this season will be senior Sean Reese (Milton, Pa.; Milton) and juniors Tommy Snyder (New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) and Jason Smith (Hughesville, Pa.; Hughesville). Reese went 22-10 and placed second at the MAC championships at 149 pounds. Snyder and Smith each claimed MAC titles. Snyder was 25-4 at heavyweight and Smith went 33-10 at 157 pounds.

141 pounds – Seniors Eric Snyder (Milton, Pa.; Milton) and Jon Ambs (Mt. Joy, Pa.; Donegal) will battle for the starting role. Snyder is healthy for the first time in his collegiate career and has been wrestling well in the preseason. Ambs went 15-16 at 141 pounds last season and placed third at the MAC championships. The duo brings a lot of experience and leadership to the squad.

WARRIOR WRESTLERS COMPETE AT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Lycoming College wrestlers Jason Smith (So./Hughesville, Pa.; Hughesville) and Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) found limited success during the first day of competition at the 2004 NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championships at Loras College, Friday afternoon and evening. Both student-athletes went 1-2 and were eliminated from the tournament.

Smith lost by decision in his first match by a score of 5-8 to fifth-seed Scott Roesch of Ursinus College. He then rebounded to defeat Daniel Irwin of Manchester College, 5-4, in the consolation bracket. Smith, however, could not string together another victory as he fell to sixth-seed Charlie Bishop of Loras, 6-1, in his next match. Smith ends his season with a record of 33-10.

Snyder, seeded eighth, was upset in his first match, 7-6, by Nick McTee of Coe College. In the consolations, Snyder defeated Drew Reinecker of McDaniel College, 9-4. However, in his next match Matt Schoenherr of the Milwaukee School of Engineering caught Snyder for a second period pin. Snyder ends the season with an overall mark of 25-4.

 

LYCOMING WRESTLING FINISHES SECOND AT MAC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Smith and Snyder Qualify for National Championships

Lycoming also claimed two weight class champions in Jason Smith (So./Hughesville, Pa,; Hughesville) at 157 pounds and Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) at heavyweight. Both student-athletes advance to the NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championships to be held at Loras College in Iowa on March 5-6.

Snyder was even more dominant in his three matches. He opened the competition by pinning Paul Mazzei of Elizabethtown just 17 seconds into their quarterfinal bout. In the semifinals, Snyder tallied his second pin at the 2:38 mark of the first period versus James Bishop of King’s. Snyder capped his championship run with another first-period pin – this time of Wayne Helms of Delaware Valley.

Sean Reese (Jr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) and Andy Hull (Sr./Mill Hall, Pa.; Bald Eagle Nittany) each finished as runners-up in their respective weight classes. Reese advanced to the finals with a 4-1 decision over Mike Ferrara of Wilkes. He then dropped a tight 2-3 decision to Jim Morgan of King’s in the finals. Reese was selected by the MAC coaches as the first-alternate for the national tournament. Hull defeated Mike O’Hara of King’s, 5-2, in the semifinals. In the finals, Josh Housekeeper of Delaware Valley caught him for a fall in the first period.

285 Tommy Snyder Record: 3- 0    1st Place

Defeated Paul Mazzei, Elizabethtown College by Fall :17
Defeated James Bishop, King's College by Fall 2:38
Defeated Wayne Helms, Delaware Valley by Fall 2:46

 

149 Sean Reese Record: 2- 1     2nd Place

Defeated Brandon Cuffee, Albright by Fall 1:44
Defeated Mike Ferrara, Wilkes University by Dec 4-1
Lost to Jim Morgan, King's College by Dec 3-2

WARRIOR WRESTLERS CLOSE REGULAR SEASON WITH FOUR DUAL VICTORIES

In the shutout of the Colonels, the Warriors were led by Grant Brindle (Jr./Pine Grove, Pa.; Pine Grove), Andy Hull (Sr./Mill Hall, Pa.; Bald Eagle Nittany), and Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) who each pinned their opponents.

Against Scranton, Lycoming recorded falls in five of the ten bouts. Eric Snyder (Jr./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) pinned his opponent at the 1:48 mark of the first period at 141.

The Warriors closed out the quad-meet with a seven-pin performance over SUNY-Maritime. The wins-by-fall included: Zach Knorr (Fr./Royersford, Pa.; Spring-Ford) at 133 pounds; John Ambs (Jr./Mt. Joy, Pa.; Donegal) at 141; Sean Reese (Jr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) at 149; Heath Oberlin (So./Mifflinburg, Pa.; Mifflinburg) at 165; Kevin Colton-Craig (Jr./Flanders, N.J.; West Morris Mendham) at 174; Lance Wilt (Fr./Lamar, Pa.; Central Mountain) at 184; and Decker at heavyweight.

Lycoming 44, Wilkes 0
125 – Sean Cullen (L) dec. Jeremy Mayer; 4-1
133 – Kyle Hopkins (L) dec. Joe Yutko; 3-2
141 – John Ambs (L) win by forfeit
149 – Sean Reese (L) dec. Mike Ferrara; 2-0
157 – Jason Smith (L) maj. dec. Joe Dileberto; 12-0
165 – Clint Swartz (L) dec. Kyle Lenio; 4-2
174 – Grant Brindle (L) wbf Fritz Delva; 3:19
184 – Andy Hull (L) wbf Nick DeAngelis; 1:20
197 – John Battaglia (L) maj. dec. Vince Abbott; 12-1
285 – Tommy Snyder (L) wbf Andrew Steinberg; 3:29

Lycoming 45, Scranton 9
125 – Sean Cullen (L) win by forfeit
133 – Kyle Hopkins (L) win by forfeit
141 – Eric Snyder (L) wbf Tom Phillips; 1:48
149 – Donell Young (S) wbf Chris Depietri; 4:02
157 – Jason Smith (L) wbf Kevin Byrne; 2:23
165 – Clint Swartz (L) dec. Tim Grover; 3-1
174 – Ron Saglimbene (S) dec. Eric Miller; 5-4
184 – Andy Hull (L) wbf Trevor Needham; 1:33
197 – Al Fluman (L) wbf Matt Butler; 1:36
285 – Chad Decker (L) wbf Mike Kelly; 1:53

Lycoming 51, SUNY-Maritime 6
125 – Nick Mascellino (L) win by forfeit
133 – Zach Knorr (L) wbf John Nolan; 1:18
141 – John Ambs (L) wbf Mike Loeuis; 2:40
149 – Sean Reese (L) wbf Zach Gottschling; 1:57
157 – Will Carrol (SM) wbf Chris Depietri; 0:55
165 – Heath Oberlin (L) wbf Matt Ritzvore; 2:28
174 – Kevin Colton Craig (L) wbf Brian Ochs; 1:35
184 – Lance Wilt (L) wbf Joe Cleveland; 0:49
197 – Al Fluman (L) dec. John Kopacz; 6-3
285 – Chad Decker (L) wbf Vinny Quinones; 0:37

Lycoming 54, Gettysburg 0
125 – Nick Mascellino (L) win by forfeit
133 – Zach Knorr (L) wbtf Kevin Dougherty; 15-0, 2:34
141 – Eric Snyder (L) wbf Alex Emmer; 0:22
149 – Sean Reese (L) maj. dec. Rob Hoes; 14-3
157 – Jason Smith (L) win by injury default
165 – Heath Oberlin (L) wbf Aaron Fuchs; 4:07
174 – Grant Brindle (L) wbf Michael Denholtz; 1:54
184 – Lance Wilt (L) wbtf Chris Coogon; 17-0, 4:15
197 – John Battaglia (L) maj. dec. Jeff Morgan; 8-0
285 – Tommy Snyder (L) win by forfeit

 

WARRIOR WRESTLING FALLS AT ITHACA

With the match starting at 157 pounds, the Bombers won the first five bouts to build a 16-0 lead. The Warriors’ first points came at heavyweight with Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) recording a first period pin of Eric Wisecup.

Ithaca 22, Lycoming 15
157 – K.C. Beach (I) dec. Jason Smith; 4-3
165 – Marc Israel (I) maj. dec. Clint Swartz; 20-9
174 – Matthias Keib (I) dec. Kevin Colton Craig; 4-2
184 – Rob Stubbs (I) dec. Lance Wilt; 3-0
197 – Bryan Petti (I) dec. John Battaglia; 7-3
285 – Tommy Snyder (L) wbf Eric Wisecup; 1:02
125 – Sean Cullen (L) dec. Kyle Kemmerer; 6-2
133 – Kyle Hopkins (L) dec. Bryan Gammons; 6-0
141 – Adam Johnson (I) wbf John Ambs; 5:16
149 – Jeremy Adams (L) dec. Greg Skiff; 4-2

LYCOMING WRESTLING UNDEFEATED AT MAC DUALS

The Warriors got off to a slow start versus Messiah as the Falcons built a 10-0 lead through the first three weight classes. Jeremy Adams (Sr./Clearfield, Pa.; Clearfield) got Lycoming on the board with a 4-3 decision at 149 pounds. A forfeit by Messiah at 157 pounds pulled the Warriors within one. Jason Smith (So./Hughesville, Pa.; Hughesville) followed with a 10-0 major decision at 165 to give Lycoming their first lead at 13-10. The Falcons tied the match at 13-13 with a decision at 174 pounds, but pins by Lance Wilt (Fr./Lamar, Pa.; Central Mountain) at 184 and Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) at heavyweight secured the victory for Lycoming. John Battaglia (Sr./Beaver Falls, Pa.; Blackhawk) added a major decision at 197 pounds by a score of 9-0.

Lycoming again won 9-of-10 bouts versus Albright College. Sean Cullen (Fr./Cinnaminson, N.J.; Cinnaminson) – 125, Sean Reese (Jr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) – 149, Jason Smith – 157, and Andy Hull (Sr./Mill Hall, Pa.; Bald Eagle Nittany) – 184; each recorded wins-by-fall. John Ambs (Jr./Mt. Joy, Pa.; Donegal) and Tommy Snyder added major decisions at 141 pounds and heavyweight, respectively. Clint Swartz (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Warrior Run) picked up a 7-0 decision at 165; and Eric Miller – 174, and John Battaglia – 197, each accepted forfeits.

 

WARRIOR WRESTLING COMES UP SHORT AT DELAWARE VALLEY

At heavyweight, Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) picked up a 4-1 decision over Forest Smith to make the final team score 23-15 in favor of the Aggies.

Delaware Valley  23, Lycoming  15
125 – Sean Cullen (L) dec. Mike Handelman; 5-0
133 – Barry Wise (D) wbf Kyle Hopkins; 6:52
141 –Rob Jiminez (D) dec. John Ambs; 6-4
149 – Jeremy Messinger (D) dec. Sean Reese; 7-3
157 – Jason Smith (L) wbf Mike Berlanda; 2:44
165 – Clint Swartz (L) dec. Aaron Harris; 6-4
174 – Jason Shivak (D) wbtf Kevin Colton Craig; 19-3 (5:56)
184 – Josh Housekeeper (D) dec. Andy Hull; 11-7
197 – Andrew Helms (D) dec. Lance Wilt; 9-4
285 – Tommy Snyder (L) dec. Forest Smith; 4-1

LYCOMING WRESTLERS DEFEAT KING’S

The Warriors picked up their first victory at 133 pounds, where Kyle Hopkins (Fr./Milton, Del.; Cape Henlopen) recorded a 7-0 decision over John Houssock. Eric Snyder (Jr./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) then gave Lycoming a 9-6 lead by pinning Jeremy Ackerman at 141 pounds in just 94 seconds.

At 197 pounds, King’s Jason Reilly recorded a pin to pull his team within 25-15, but Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) closed out the match with a 9-1 major decision over Jim Bishop at heavyweight.

Lycoming  29, King’s  15
125 – Mitch Marcks (K) wbf Sean Cullen; 0:41
133 – Kyle Hopkins (L) dec. John Houssock; 7-0
141 – Eric Snyder (L) wbf Jeremy Ackerman; 1:34
149 – Jeremy Adams (L) dec. Jim Morgan; 3-3 (overtime criteria – time advantage)
157 – Jason Smith (L) wbf Drew Duhaut; 3:14
165 – Joe Arnone (K) dec. Heath Oberlin; 4-2
174 – Eric Miller (L) dec. Zach Dietrich; 10-4
184 – Lance Wilt (L) maj. dec. Mike O’Hara; 11-1
197 – Jason Reilly (K) wbf John Battaglia; 4:48
285 – Tommy Snyder (L) maj. dec. Jim Bishop; 9-1

 

LYCOMING WRESTLING GOES 2-1 AT PA/NY DUALS

John Battaglia (Sr./Beaver Falls, Pa.; Blackhawk) and Tommy Snyder (So./New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) led the way for the Warriors with perfect 2-0 records at 197 pounds and heavyweight, respectively. Snyder also tallied a pin.  

John Ambs (Jr./Mt. Joy, Pa.; Donegal), Sean Reese (Jr./Milton, Pa.; Milton), and Grant Brindle (Jr./Pine Grove, Pa.; Pine Grove) each picked up two victories as well. Ambs went 2-1 at 141, Reese was 2-1 at 149, and Brindle was 2-0 at 174 and 0-1 at 184.

LYCOMING WARRIOR WRESTLING PLACES FIFTH AT PETROFES TOURNAMENT  

Grant Brindle (Jr./Pine Grove, Pa.; Pine Grove) and Jeremy Adams (Jr./Clearfield, Pa.; Clearfield) were Lycoming’s top finishers, each placing third at 184 pounds and 149 pounds, respectively. Brindle went 5-1 in the tournament with three pins and a major decision. Adams was 4-1 with one pin. Sean Reese (Jr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) also went 4-1 with a pin and placed fourth at 149 pounds.

 

WARRIOR WRESTLING WINS ROGER WILLIAMS INVITATIONAL

At 165 Clint Swartz (Sr./Milton, Pa.; Warrior Run) finished in fifth-place, as did Grant Brindle (Jr./Pine Grove, Pa.; Pine Grove) at 184 pounds. Sean Reese (Jr./Milton, Pa.; Milton) and Al Fluman (Jr./Gettysburg, Pa.; Gettysburg) rounded out the Warrior place-winners with sixth-place finishes at 149- and 197-pounds, respectively.

Lycoming will compete again on Saturday, November 22, when they travel to Olivet College for a dual-match tournament.

LYCOMING WRESTLING PLACES SEVENTH AT ITHACA

Freshman Ben Shull (Pipersville, Pa.; Valley Forge Academy) and sophomore Tommy Snyder (New Columbia, Pa.; Milton) each added third-place finishes. Shull was 6-1 at 157-pounds. He won five matches by decision and recorded one pin. Snyder wrestled at heavyweight, going 5-1 in the tournament. He tallied three decisions, one pin, and one medical forfeit.  

Chris Snyder namedThe Pennsylvania Wrestling News Pennsylvania Pinner Award winner for pinning 30 of 34 opponents this season.

Link to Lycoming College Wrestling: http://www.lycoming.edu/sports/wrestling/main.htm

Milton wins the District 4 AA Championship.  Bob Greenly is named District 4 Coach of the Year and Gerry Derr is named District 4 Assistant Coach of the Year !!!!

WARRIOR WRESTLERS PLACE SECOND AS A TEAM

Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) also placed third for the Warriors at heavyweight. Snyder lost to Tegan McKee of King’s, 2-1 in overtime of the semifinals, after receiving a first round bye. He then pinned Wayne Harris of Delaware Valley in 5:54 to claim third place.

149 – Sean Reese (So./Milton, PA; Milton) – 4th place
                L, 0-1 – Tim Martinez (KING)
                WBF 2:25 – Chris Shadel (ALB)
                L, 2-4 – Jed Starner (WIL)  

295 – Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) – 3rd place
                1st round bye
                L, 1-2 ot Tegan McKee (KING)
                WBF 5:54 Wayne Helms (DVC)  

Team Scores
1. Delaware Valley     148.5
2. Lycoming              127.0
3. Wilkes                  119.0
4. King’s                   118.5
5. Messiah                115.5
6. Scranton               79.5
7. Albright                 48.0
8. Elizabethtown        34.0  

 

SIX WARRIORS ADVANCE AT MIDDLE ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

WILKES-BARRE, PA – The Lycoming College wrestling team traveled to King’s College, Friday evening, for the first day of competition in the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. The Warriors had six wrestlers advance to the semifinals of their respective weight classes. As a team Lycoming currently sits in fourth place with 60.5 points.

Mike Waldron (So./Williamsport, PA; Loyalsock) and Andy Squires (So./Clearfield, PA; Clearfield) were the first Warriors to advance, each receiving byes at 133 pounds and 141 pounds, respectively.

Clint Swartz (So./Milton, PA; Milton) moved on at 165 pounds with a 7-4 decision. Matt Bruce (Jr./Guys Mills, PA; Maplewood) pinned his opponent at 2:03 of the first round at 174 pounds. And Jeff Tierney (Sr./Blairstown, NJ; North Warren Regional) won by technical fall at 184, defeating his opponent 15-0.

Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) became the final Lycoming wrestler to advance, receiving a bye at heavyweight.

Wrestling continues tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. with the championship bouts to be held at 2:30 p.m.

Middle Atlantic Conference Wrestling Championships

125 – Mike Weston (DVC) wbf Jared Weller; 4:33
133 – Mike Waldron (L) bye
141 – Andy Squires (L) bye
149 – Tim Martinez (K) dec. Sean Reese; 1-0
157 – Brian McElrone (A) dec. Todd Puderbach; 4-2
165 – Clint Swartz (L) dec. Matt Eder; 7-4
174 – Matt Bruce (L) wbf Tony Valenti; 2:03
184 – Jeff Tierney (L) wbtf Mike Gerchak; 15-0
197 – Matt Gingo (K) dec. John Battaglia; 2-1 ot
295 – Tommy Snyder (L) bye

 

 

Versus Scranton, the Warriors won seven-of-ten bouts. Tierney and Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) each tallied pins at 184 pounds and heavyweight, respectively. Lycoming also received two wins by forfeit.

Lycoming 24, Wilkes 14
149 – Jon Carlson (L) pinned Bryan Wech (W), 1:32
157 – Todd Puderbach (L) dec. Jed Starner (W), 5-3
165 – Clint Swartz (L) dec. Sean Davies (W), 4-1
174 – Rex Harris (W) tech. fall Matt Bruce (L), 16-0
184 – Jeff Tierney (L) maj. dec. Fritz Delva (W), 12-2
197 – Eric Bleich (W) dec. John Battaglia (L), 4-3
Hwt – Cory Fleisher (W) dec. Tommy Snyder (L), 1-0
125 – Jared Weller (L) dec. Jeremy Mayer (W), 11-5
133 – Mike Waldron (L) tech. fall Joe Yutko (W), 20-5
141 – John Muscarella (W) dec. Andy Squires (L), 5-2

Lycoming 33, Scranton 12
149 – Tim Simansky (S) pinned Jon Carlson (L), 4:16
157 – Darren Buseman (S) dec. Tony Melendez (L), 9-3
165 – Clint Swartz (L) dec. Tim Grover (S), 9-2
174 – Ron Saglimbene (S) dec. Kyle Greene (L), 10-5
184 – Jeff Tierney (L) pinned Ryan Bennett (S), 0:44
197 – John Battaglia (L) dec. Trevor Needham (S), 5-3
Hwt – Tommy Snyder (L) pinned Vince Realmuto (S), 0:50
125 – Jared Weller (L) won by forfeit
133 – Mike Waldron (L) won by forfeit
141 – Matt Hoffman (L) dec. Mike Griffith (S), 14-7 

http://www.lycoming.edu/sports/wrestling/03releases/wr_15feb03.htm

By Frank Dimon

For the Standard-Journal
 
    MILTON -- It was a bold and impressive statement from a precocious freshman. A victory so unexpected, so stunning that it marked the young wrestler as a talent to watch.
    When Milton's Chris Snyder overwhelmed Shikellamy's Josh Phillips, 11-2, in his first home varsity match four years ago, it was more than a major decision. It was a thorough trouncing of a defending District 4 Class AAA 275-pound champion. A win over a veteran wrestler 40 pounds heavier. A victory that seemed to predict a future full of district titles and promise PIAA medals for the young Black Panther.
    But three-and-a half seasons later, Snyder is still searching for his first District 4 championship, and still no state medals have hung from his neck. And in a program that has routinely produced 100-match winners over the last several years, Snyder won't reach 80 career wins.
    However, a career that has been blemished by bad luck, slowed by sickness, and afflicted by injury isn't over yet. Now a senior, Snyder still has a chance to erase a measure of the frustration that has stained his time in an orange and black singlet. His final opportunity for district gold and the chance to travel the road to Hershey begins Saturday.
    As the No. 1 ranked Class AA heavyweight in Pennsylvania, the Milton senior is clearly one of the favorites to rise to the top of the podium in Hershey, but with his last three seasons garnished with disappointment, he's learned to take nothing for granted.
    "I'm not going to let (bad luck) get me this year," Snyder said after a recent practice. "This could be my last year to wrestle. At least, it's my last chance in high school."
    Snyder, whose older brother Nate was also a Milton wrestler, began wrestling in first grade and immediately won AAU Eastern Nationals in his first try. Six more national titles followed.
    "I thought I could be a good wrestler because my first year I won nationals at my division which was bantams," he said. "I was a lot rounder than most of the guys but they were skinnier and stronger. The next year I broke into the (elementary team's) starting lineup and in my fifth and sixth grade season I began to shine."
    In seventh grade, Snyder learned a valuable lesson, a lesson that he still carries with him. He lost in the semifinal round of the Central Susquehanna Conference junior high tournament, a match he never should have lost, and it cost him another first place trophy.
    "I underestimated the kid and he came out and beat me," Snyder recalled. "That taught me a lesson for the rest of my life."
    The following year Snyder waltzed through the CSC tournament and then -- as a freshman -- jumped to the varsity and his early meeting with Phillips.
    "I knew Phillips was a good kid who had wrestled (teammate) Tommy (Snyder) in the past," said Snyder. "I thought all day that I was going to lose but when I got out on the mat I found out that I could wrestle with the guy in the first home match of my freshman year. The crowd went wild that night and the win gave me a lot of confidence."
    "He started out with a bang, putting Phillips on his back a couple of times," Milton coach Bob Greenly recalled. ""I knew then that he would be a good one."
    Still, Snyder got a dose of disappointment at the end of the year when he couldn't advance out of the District 4 Class AAA tournament, losing to Jersey Shore's Lance Antolick early before bowing to Jason Gee of Athens in the wrestlebacks.
    "I didn't wrestle well that day," said Snyder, who finished his first varsity season 19-13 with 16 falls.
    And then, as a sophomore lineman for the Black Panther football team, Snyder suffered a broken bone in his foot -- an  injury that he continued to play on for a month.
    "I played football on it for about a month but then it got so bad that I couldn't walk on it, so I got it checked out," Snyder said. "It was broken and that ended my football season and wrestling, too."
    Of course, another Snyder -- Tommy -- had grown into a true heavyweight for his senior season and that gave Greenly the two best heavyweights in the district, although one was hurt.
    "Tommy cut a lot of weight when Chris was a freshman so that (Chris) could get into the lineup," Greenly said. "When Tommy was a senior he couldn't go down and back then there was no 215-pound weight class. If Chris would have been healthy, we would have had the luxury of having the two best big guys in the district."
    After an early season bout with pneumonia to start his junior year, Snyder rebounded for a 23-5 season. But it was the fifth loss -- in the district final against Williamsport's Brian Frame -- that kept Snyder from a district crown, a trip to regionals, and a possible trip to Hershey. Just 15 seconds into the championship bout, Snyder collapsed to the mat, felled by a high ankle sprain.
    Unable to continue in the match, Snyder was a runner-up and despite a week of intensive rehabilitation he was unable to wrestle at regionals.
    "It was really disappointing," Snyder remembered. "I wanted to wrestle so bad but I couldn't walk and if you can't walk, you can't wrestle. It was a heartbreaker."
    Now, Snyder and Greenly are continually knocking on wood when they talk about the past injuries and disappointment, hoping to fend off the demons that have tried to ruin a solid career.
    Said Snyder, "I don't want to get hurt again -- knock on wood. Now I want to wrestle hard, wrestle  tough, and just keep beating people."
    Greenly echoes those thoughts. "He has stayed away from injuries so far this year and knock on wood for that to continue. Injuries have been the only thing to slow him down."
    Now 22-1, Snyder's only loss was to Northampton's Jon Oplinger in early December, a match he was winning 10-2 in the third period but then made a mistake and was pinned. It's been the other way around the rest of the time with Snyder getting 19 falls, all in the first period and 16 in less than a minute. His average time on the mat this season? Just 41 seconds.
    Twice he has won Most Pins in the Least Amount of Time awards; at the prestigious Beast of the East tournament as a junior and at this year's Bethlehem Holiday Classic. Of his 64 career wins, 53 have come by fall.
    "Chris could probably pin most of his opponents in less than 10 seconds," Greenly said. "Kids are intimidated by him. Once he gets you on your back he can clamp you tight. I can tell you that first hand. The only question mark is the six-minute thing. What happens when he has to wrestle three periods against a good kid? He did that at the Jeff Reese Memorial tournament in Elmira in the quarterfinals (a 7-4 decision over Steve Bronson of Chenango Forks) and the final ( a 4-3 win over Jeff Parker of Foxboro) against state runners-up from New York and Massachusetts. He's in a lot better shape now that he was back then."
    So how does a heavyweight who's not built in the traditional mold of high school big men do it?"
    According to Greenly, it is a matter of intensity.
    "When it's time for him to take the mat, he is very intense," Greenly said. "He is one of the most intense kids we have had here."
    And where does the intensity come from?
    "I think about stuff that makes me angry and I harness that bad energy," Snyder said. "I say a prayer and then I go out and wrestle as hard as I can."
    Now with the West Central sectional tournament just days away, Greenly says his talented senior is ready to wipe away some of the disappointment that has clouded his career.
    "He's ready to go," Greenly said. "He knows what he needs to do."
    A tested senior, Snyder is still making bold and impressive statements. But he victories are expected, though often still stunning. Over the next four weekends, Snyder will have his final opportunity to accomplish what he set out to do so long ago.
    "When I get to Hershey, people will see. They'll see," he said.

Andy Squires (So./Clearfield, PA; Clearfield), Clint Swart (So./Milton, PA; Milton), and Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) each won two matches for Lycoming. Squires at 141, Swartz at 165, and Snyder at heavyweight. Eight other wrestlers won an individual bout for the Warriors.

Lycoming College 37, Hunter College 9                               
133   Mike Waldron (L) majored Cliff Medina (H) 11-3  
141   Andy Squires (L) pinned John Signoriello (H) in 1:45 
149   Joe Cortez (H) decisioned Sean Reese (L) 11-8 
157   Todd Puderbach (L) pinned Kenson Noel (H) in 4:32   
165   Clint Swartz (L) majored Daniel Diers (H) 12-0                       
174   Colton Craig (L) majored Matthew Dye (H) 11-2                       
184   Jeff Tierney (L) pinned Robert Duchonovic (H) in 2:30                   
197   John Battaglia (L) decisioned Edward Parra (H) 6-5   
Hwt  Tommy Snyder (L) majored Anthony Mike Romano (H) 12-3 
125   Mike Chesbro (H) won by forfeit  

Lycoming College 26, York College 12
133   Mike Waldron (L) pinned Mike Troast (Y) in 5:45
141   Andy Squires (L) decisioned Luis Quinones (Y) 5-2
149   Jim Russial (Y) decisioned Matt Hoffman (L) 3-2 in OT
157   Kevin Ferraro (Y) pinned John Carlson (L) in 6:54
165   Clint Swartz (L) decisioned Mike Bookwalter (Y) 4-2
174   Matt Bruce (L) majored Brad Kisselbach (Y) 12-3
184   Jeff Tierney (L) majored Gavin Luckman (Y) 17-3
197   John Battaglia (L) decisioned Drew Baldauf (Y) 6-1
Hwt  Tommy Snyder (L) decisioned Tom Steffen (Y) 4-0
125   Jason Custer (Y) decisioned Jared Weller (L) 4-0  

http://www.lycoming.edu/sports/wrestling/03releases/wr_8feb03.htm

 

That left the outcome of the match in the hands of the heavyweights. Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) came through for the Warriors with a 6-4 decision that iced the match.  

Lycoming 19, Ithaca 15

125 - Jared Weller (L) dec. Macario Alvarez; 9-6
133 - Mike Waldron (L) wbf Lance Dolson; 1:35
141 - Andy Squires (L) maj. dec. Scott Aronowitz; 9-1
149 - Jad Duca (I) dec. Matt Hoffman; 8-3
157 - Marc Israel (I) dec. Sean Reese; 11-6
165 - Bill Perry (I) dec. Clint Swartz; 9-5
174 - Andrew Locke (I) dec. Matt Bruce; 6-5
184 - Jeff Tierney (L) dec. Jeff Edelstein; 4-3
197 - Bryan Petti (I) dec. John Battaglia; 5-3
285 - Tommy Snyder (L) dec. Eric Wisecup; 6-4

http://www.lycoming.edu/sports/wrestling/03releases/wr_6feb03.htm

Against Messiah, the Warriors won 5-of-10 bouts, but picked up bonus points in four of those victories. Mike Waldron (So./Williamsport, Loyalsock) – 133, Clint Swartz (So./Milton, PA; Milton) – 165, and Jeff Tierney (Sr./Blairstown, NJ; North Warren Regional) each recorded a major decision. Matt Bruce (Jr./Guys Mills, PA; Maplewood) added a decision at 174. With the match tied at 15-15 entering the heavyweight bout Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) came through for Lycoming in a big way, pinning his opponent in the first round.

http://www.lycoming.edu/sports/wrestling/03releases/wr_1feb03.htm

 

Lycoming’s wrestling team picked up a conference win over King’s College, last week, defeating the Monarchs 25-18. The Warriors won just 5-of-10 bouts, but piled up the bonus points with three pins in the match.

Mike Waldron (So./Williamsport, PA; Loyalsock) (133 pounds), Sean Reese (So./Milton, PA; Milton) (149 pounds), and Jeff Tierney (Sr./Blairstown, NJ; North Warren Regional) (184 pounds) each recorded first-period falls for Lycoming. Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) added more bonus points with a major decision at heavyweight; and Matt Bruce (Jr./Guys Mills, PA; Maplewood) recorded a decision at 174.

Lycoming 25, King's 18

125 - Mitch Marks (K) dec. John Rhodeback; 8-2
133 - Mike Waldron (L) wbf Bill Green; 1:27
141 - Jim Morgan (K) dec. Andy Squires; 7-3
149 - Sean Reese (L) wbf Tim Martinez; 1:50
157 - Dave Shafer (K) wbf Todd Puderbach; 2:33
165 - Joe Arnone (K) dec. Derek Crane; 2-1 ot
174 - Matt Bruce (L) dec. Joe Parsons; 9-4
184 - Jeff Tierney (L) wbf Lee Vodofsky; 2:08
197 - Matt Gingo (K) dec. John Battaglia; 4-3
285 - Tommy Snyder (L) maj. dec. Tegan McKee; 10-2

http://www.lycoming.edu/sports/wrestling/03releases/wr_24jan03.htm

The Warriors won just three bouts in their opening match versus John Carroll. Mike Waldron (So./Williamsport, PA; South Williamsport) picked up a major decision at 133 pounds, defeating Tim Lennox 12-2. Sean Reese (So./Milton, PA; Milton) added a 4-2 decision at 149 pounds, and Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) tallied a 3-0 decision at heavyweight.

Against Cortland, Lycoming won 5-of-10 bouts but could not pick up enough bonus points to top the Dragons. Waldron again recorded a major decision at 133, with an 11-2 victory. Andy Squires (So./Clearfield, PA; Clearfield) followed with a 9-0 major decision at 141, and Reese added a 7-5 decision at 149 to put the Warriors ahead 11-4. After a loss at 157, Derek Crane (So./Elizabethtown, PA; Elizabethtown) won by a 7-1 decision to extend Lycoming’s lead to 14-7. Cortland, however, won the next three bouts, including a critical pin at 184 pounds. Chad Decker (Fr./Marysville, PA; Susquenita) picked up a 3-1 decision at heavyweight, but it was not enough to pull out the victory for the Warriors.

The Warriors then won 6-of-10 bouts versus King’s. Waldron and Bruce pinned their opponents, and Sean Reese (So./Milton, PA; Milton) (149), Tierney, John Battaglia (So./Beaver Falls, PA; Blackhawk) (197), and Tommy Snyder (Fr./Milton, PA; Milton) (285) each added decisions.

 

Congratulations to Jerry Derr for being named District 4 Assistant AAA Coach of the Year and to Steve Greenly for being named District 4 Junior High Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to Gerald Greenly, Carl Albertson, and Mike Snyder for their addition as the newest members of he Milton Area High School Wrestling Hall of Fame.

 

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, November 15, 2005 06:04:15 PM