Wrestling brings in strong recruits

Class of 2000 is highlighted by two locals who combined for 72-3 record last year After winning the Ivy League and the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships last winter, the Penn wrestling team is hoping to repeat their success next season with the aid of a strong recruiting class. Last year was the first time in Quakers history that Penn won the Eastern championship. With only one regular wrestler graduated from that team and a group of strong recruits coming in, the Quakers have second title in their sights. "We are particularly high on this year's group of recruits," Penn coach Roger Reina said. "All are very hard-nosed kids, excellent students and have the talents to provide for the continued growth of our program." Highlighting the Class of 2000 are a couple of locals -- Council Rock's Tim Ortman and Mike Gadsby of La Salle. Both had 36 wins last season, and Ortman was named to The Philadelphia Inquirer's first team all-area team while compiling a 36-3 record. "Penn got a really good individual," Council Rock coach C.D. Mock said. "Tim is like the All-American kid. He's had to work very hard for his success. He has a very determined work ethic. "At his first varsity match, Tim got thrown on his back and pinned in the first period. He was devastated. I told him losses like these are what you need to become a great one." Apparently, Ortman learned the lesson. He won the 125-pound sectional, district and regional titles and placed fourth for the second year in a row at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association AAA state championships. In addition to wrestling, he was a National Honor Society student and played varsity football. He is hoping to also take his football skills to the collegiate level on the Penn lightweight football team. Gadsby, weighing in at 160 pounds, did not lose a match this year, recording 36 straight victories. He won the National Prep School Championship and was named the Southeastern Pennsylvania Wrestler of the Year. He had a 105-23 career record in high school. Jonathan Gough of Trinity (Pa.) High School, will also be a new member of the wrestling team next winter. He had a 33-5 high school record and participated in the PIAA championships. Mike Fickell (Columbus, Oh.), James Brennan (Randolph, N.J.), Chris Wynne (Allentown, Pa.), and Eric Schwarzbach (Sycamore, Ill.). Fickell was a Central Ohio Scholar-Athlete, and Brennan was Morris County (N.J.) Scholar-Athlete of the Year.