(CLARION, PA.):  Former Clarion University & NCAA wrestling legend Wade Schalles received the PSAC “Award of Merit” from Commissioner Steve Murray on Sunday afternoon.

Schalles received his PSAC “Award of Merit”, from Commissioner Murray at special halftime ceremonies at Tippin Gym. Schalles had a career record of 153-5-1, an NCAA Record 106 pins, 4 PSAC titles with 4 “OW’s” to his credit, NCAA Individual titles in 1972 and 1973 and an NCAA “OW” award in 1972.

Schalles subsequently was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1991, Clarion Hall in 1989, and named to the NCAA’s 75th Anniversary team in 2005 in St. Louis, when the top 15 wrestlers of all-time were recognized.

“This is a very special day and for me to be here at Clarion University and accept the “Award of Merit” from Commissioner Murray,” said Schalles. “I have great memories of my days here at Clarion – they are so special. And of course I especially want to thank Coach (Bob) Bubb, who was more than a coach, he was like a father. With a nearly 100% graduation rate, you can see why he was so special.”

The Golden Eagles defeated Lock Haven (HOURS AFTER THE MATCH WAS OVER) 19-18 by tie-breaker. 

The match ended tied 18-18. The interpretation immediately after the match by officials was that Lock Haven won 19-18 by virtue of tied breaker 2 – most falls in a match. It turns out that criteria 2 was not interpreted correctly. It says most falls and technical falls. Which both teams had 1 each. Now on to criteria 3, match points. Clarion wins the extra team point by virtue of a 33-28 advantage in match points.  

Clarion finished the season with an overall record of 6-7 and an EWL mark of 3-3. Lock Haven finished their season with a record of 4-11 and an EWL mark of 1-5.

“I received a call from the NWCA after reading the match story that they thought the dual meet tie breaker was not applied correctly,” said Clarion head Coach Matt Dernlan. “ After checking with the NCAA Rules interpreter,  it turns out we won the dual meet by criteria. Even if it’s a little late, it’s a nice way to end the regular season.”

The match started at 184 with LH’s Fred Garcia defeating Steve Cressley 4-1, then Clarion’s Alex Thomas notched a major decision (10-1) over Matt Parlier at 197 to give the Eagles their only lead – 4-3.

Lock Haven heavyweight Harry Turner, pinned backup Brandon Contreras at 5:26, that ended up producing the match winning points. Clarion’s Quintas McCorkle sat out the dual with an injury. Bobby Rehm then decisioned Trey Hicks at 125 to give LH a 12-4 lead.

Clarion’s Joe Waltko scored a 6-2 decision over Johnathon Childress at 133. Ahead 3-2 late in the match, Waltko’s takedown with 15 seconds plus riding time left secured the win.

Lock Haven took an 18-7 lead winning the next two bouts. Matt Bonson decisioned Tyler Bedelyon 10-6 in a wild match at 141-pounds. Then William Randt decisioned Cameron Moran 3-1 at 149 in a key bout. Randt registered a 2-point near fall in the second period which proved to be the winning points.

Clarion rallied, down 18-7, to tie the match 18-18. #4 ranked James Fleming got the ball rolling with a 6-1 win over Aaron Fry at 157. Fleming had a first period takedown, and was close to near fall points in the first and second periods but could not finish the move. Fry was called for stalling four times in the match, three times in the third period with Fleming on top and in control, but held on to only give up a decision.

Clarion’s Bekzod Abdurakhmonov , ranked #5 in the nation, notched an 18-3, technical fall at 7:00 against Seth Creasy at 165. Bekzod had four takedowns in the first, one in the second, and one in the third. His three point near fall in the final ten seconds secured the technical fall, and brought the Eagles to within 18-15.

Clarion’s Nick Milano scored a 3-1 decision over Aaron McKinney at 174 with a takedown in the final ten seconds of the match. The win eventually provided Clarion with a big dual meet win.

CLARION NOTES: The Award of Merit is the highest honor the PSAC can give … only 4 preceding hi including former Clarion and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Baumgartner, NBA coach Chuck Daly and Shipp’s Steve Spence… Bekzod raised his season record to 28-4; while Fleming is 24-2… Four seniors were honored in pre-match ceremonies including Kyle Fluck, Cameron Moran, Bekzod Abdurakhmonov and Quintas McCorkle… McCorkle’s injury will not keep him out of EWL’s on March 4… He was held out Sunday for precautionary measures.

CLARION 19, LOCK HAVEN 18
184– Fred Garcia (LH) dec. Steven Cressley (CL) 4-1
197– Alex Thomas (CL) maj. dec. Matt Parlier (LH) 10-1
285- Harry Turner (LH) wbf Brandon Contreras (CL) 5:26
125-  Bobby Rehm (LH) dec. Trey Hicks (CL) 6-0
133- Joe Waltko (CL) dec. Johnathon Childress (LH) 6-2
141- Matt Bonson (LH) dec. Tyler Bedelyon (CL) 10-6
149- William Randt (LH) dec. Cameron Moran (CL) 3-1
157- James Fleming (CL) dec. Aaron Fry (LH) 6-1
165- Bekzod Abdurakhmonov (CL) tech. fall Seth Creasy (LH) 18-3; 7:00
174- Nick Milano (CL) dec. Aaron McKiney (LH) 3-1
* - 1 Team Point Added To Clarion in Tie Breaker – Criteria 3 (most points)
CLARION: 6-7; 3-3 EWL
LOCK HAVEN: 4-11; 1-5