Wrestling signs seven for Class of '00

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 the Quakers' history that they won the Eastern championship and with only one regular wrestler graduated and a group of strong recruits coming in they have second title in their sights. "We are particularly high on this year's group of recruits," said Penn coach Roger Reina in a press release last Wednesday. "All are very hard nosed kids, excellent students, and have the talents to provide for the continued growth of our program." Reina was recently named Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association coach of the year. Highlighting the Class of '00 are 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 first team all-area 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 Pennsylvanian 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 high school career record. Jonathan Gough of Trinity 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, Ohio), James Brennan (Randolph, N.J.), Chris Wynne (Allentown, Penn.), and Eric Schwarzbach (Sycamore High, Ill.). Among their other accomplishments, Fickell was Central Ohio Scholar Athlete and Brennan was Morris County (N.J.) Scholar Athlete of the Year.