LHU wrestling opens season, Hazel wins title

CLARION – The Lock Haven University wrestling team opened the 2016-17 season Sunday at the Clarion Open and redshirt-freshman Corey Hazel (Spring Mills, Pa./Penns Valley) led the way for the Bald Eagles, winning the 184-pound title.

Hazel was one of three LHU wrestlers who advanced to the finals.

Both redshirt-junior Ronnie Perry (Christina, Pa./Solanco), who competed Saturday night at the All-Star Classic in Cleveland and redshirt-freshman Kyle Shoop (Boiling Springs, Pa./Boiling Springs) finished second at their respective weight classes.

Perry was second at 141 and Shoop placed second at 149.

Hazel was 5-0 on the day. After starting 3-0 with three decisions, he picked up a tech fall in the semifinals and a pin in the finals.

Perry went 4-1 with three tech falls, while Shoop was 3-1. Highly touted heavyweight Thomas Haines, transfer from Ohio State, did not compete at Clarion.

It marked the second straight year where LHU officially opened its season at the Clarion Open.

Competing Saturday at the 2016 All-Star Classic in Cleveland, Perry picked up a win in an all-Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) battle. Perry took down Cleveland State’s Evan Cheek, 8-2 in a “showcase/prelim” bout.

LHU will return to action on Sunday, November 13 at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic.