Rooney Named Co-EWL Wrestler of the Week

By Ira Green
WVU Sports Information Office

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (February 15, 2010) – West Virginia University wrestler Kyle Rooney was named co-Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Wrestler of the Week, league officials announced today. He shares the award with Clarion’s 157-pounder Hadley Harrison.

A 197-pound junior, Rooney earned consecutive upset victories this past week. He defeated 19th-ranked Matt Wilps of Pitt, 5-2, on Feb. 9. Ahead 3-2 in the final period, Rooney sealed the 5-2 win with a takedown in the waning seconds of the bout.

Five days later on Feb. 14, the Cincinnati, Ohio, native faced Erik Schuth, ranked No. 16 nationally, of Ohio. Rooney quickly fell behind 6-2 to start the match, but registered three points in the second period and a takedown in the final seconds of the third for the 7-6 victory.

Rooney, who has won his last four matches, improved to 9-10 overall, including a 6-4 record in dual meets.

The league also made note of freshman Nathan Pennesi, who competed at the Edinboro Open on Feb. 13, and won the 141-pound title.

The Mountaineers (2-9, 2-2 EWL) close out the regular season this weekend with a pair of league opponents. On Friday, Feb. 19, WVU faces Cleveland State at 7 p.m. at Woodling Gym. A day later on Saturday, Feb. 20, WVU will battle 22nd-ranked Edinboro at 7 p.m. at McComb Fieldhouse.

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