Trespassing Investigation In Abbott TWP.
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Judith A. HANES, 84, of Mills, PA
Judith A. HANES, 84, of Mills, PA, formerly of Falls Village and Southport, CT, died Friday, January 6, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport, Williamsport, PA.
A graveside service for Judy and Joe will be held this summer in Parker Hill Cemetery, Sunderlinville on a date and time to be announced. Memorials may be made to Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948. A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Kersey Fire Dept. was dispatched to a possible structure fire
On January 9 at 3:36 pm. Kersey Fire Dept. was dispatched to a possible structure fire at 177 Sky Line Dr. there is an odor of smoke thought to be electrical in origin
Kane Fire Dept. and Mt. Jewett ambulance were dispatched to Rt. 219 for a 2 car MVA
On January 9 at 3:31 pm. Kane Fire Dept. and Mt. Jewett ambulance were dispatched to Rt. 219 and Westline Rd. for a two car motor vehicle accident
Patricia A. “Pat” Lookenhouse, 69, of Russell, PA
Patricia A. “Pat” Lookenhouse, 69, of Russell, PA, passed away on Sunday January 8, 2023, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, after a brief illness.
She was born in Warren, PA on December 5, 1953, the daughter of the late Larry M. and Joan Brinkley Owen. Pat was a graduate of Warren High School. She worked for Blair for 43 years, retiring in 2014. On December 20th, 1969, she married the love of her life, Ronald Lookenhouse, and they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary last December.
Pat loved her family, her sons, and her grandchildren. She loved to attend their sport’s programs and was their most loyal supporter. Pat was very active in 4-H programs when her sons were growing up. She enjoyed going shopping, going to the casino, and enjoyed bingo with her sister and best friend. She also enjoyed reading anything Stephen King.
In addition to her husband, Ronald, she is survived by her two sons Randy Lookenhouse and wife Rhonda and Jesse Lookenhouse and wife Jessica, all of Russell, Pa; grandchildren Ashley Lookenhouse and husband Jeff, of Portland, Oregon, Wyatt and Tanner Lookenhouse of Russell, Pa; one sister Diana Hoffner and husband Bob of Warren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday January 14th, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Wiltsie Community Church, 2981 Swede Hill Rd. Russell, PA 16345, with the Rev. Todd Venman, pastor, officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church. Burial will be in Swede Hill Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren, PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Gale Foundation, PA Route 6 Alliance and ECCOTA Plan Mural to Honor Author
In conjunction with PA Route 6 Alliance and the Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA), the Gale Foundation is sponsoring the creation of a mural in the Heritage Community of Galeton to pay tribute to author Jim Kjelgaard. The mural project is set to begin later this month and will reside on the wall of Galeton Hardware on West Street in Galeton.
“The Gale Foundation is funding the project to pursue several objectives,” says Michael Callahan, Gale Foundation board member. “One is to emphasize the crucial role that reading should play in everyday life. Another is to stimulate an interest in local history and those who have contributed to it.”
Jim Kjelgaard, who wrote books for children and young adults, grew up in Galeton and graduated from Galeton High School in 1928. Kjelgaard published his first pieces of writing while living in Galeton, launching a career that would result in more than 40 published books, including Big Red in 1945, which later became a Walt Disney film of the same name. He received numerous awards for his works, including the Boy’s Club Award in 1948, the Spur Award from the Western Writers of American in 1958, and the Boy’s Life Award in 1959.
ECCOTA Arts & Learning Coordinator Cameron Howard says, “The Elk County Council on the Arts, with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, is excited to partner with the Gale Foundation and PA Route 6 Alliance in the implementation of this mural in an attempt to broaden the minds of the students involved in its design, and in bringing public art to Galeton along historic Route 6.”
Artist Jonathan Laidacker has been selected to spearhead the creation of the mural in Galeton, which will also provide plenty of hands-on experience for art students in the Galeton Area School District. With input from students, Laidacker will design the mural and do a series of studio days in the classroom in which students will learn all about murals, from concept to final installation.
“The students and I are excited to welcome artist Jon Laidacker and collaborate with him on a mural they can enjoy and take pride in for years to come,” says Ms. Angela Scalamogna, the art teacher at Galeton High School.
PA Route 6 Artisan Trail Coordinator Erin Morey, who has been working with the Gale Foundation and ECCOTA to bring the mural in Galeton to fruition, says, “It takes a lot of time and effort from a number of organizations to undertake a project like this.” Morey, who also worked on the Public Art & Mural Trail unveiled by PA Route 6 Alliance in 2022, says the mural in Galeton will also be added to that trail, which features over 50 stops in communities across Route 6. “I have come to appreciate the process of planning, creating, and installing a mural, and I’m excited to be a part of this project in Galeton,” says Morey. “Murals are a great way to engage the community and provide the opportunity to celebrate a town’s past, present, and future.”
“Our hope,” says Callahan from the Gale Foundation, “is that this mural will inspire more such projects in the Galeton community.”
The PA Route 6 Alliance, a 501(c3) corporation, was established in 2003 to manage the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor and to implement branding and marketing plans, community development programs and other planning efforts along the corridor. The Alliance includes representatives from all 11 counties, 9 convention and visitor bureaus, 4 heritage areas, local development districts, local business owners, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties along the corridor.
The PA Route 6 Heritage Communities program is a program of PA Route 6 Alliance and PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor funded by the PA Heritage Area Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Wellsville Fire Dept. was dispatched for a structure fire
On January 9 at 11:57 am. Wellsville Fire Dept. was dispatched for a structure fire at Jones Memorial hospital. Recalled fire alarm was set off by dust
Richard C. “Dick” Gustin, 86, of Roulette, PA.
Richard C. Gustin “Celebration of Life slated”
ROULETTE, Pa.—Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation for Richard C. “Dick” Gustin, 86, of Roulette, from 12 noon to 1pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Riverside United Methodist Church, 39 River Street, Roulette, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 1pm with Pastor Matt Howe, officiating, Burial will be in Sartwell Creek Cemetery.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.
Dick passed away on December 22, 2022.
Dick’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Rolfe Beagle Club to Offer 7th Annual Statewide Winter Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Jim Pennington, Jr., President of the Rolfe Beagle Club, announces that the Rolfe Beagle Club will once again offer its popular Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap over two weekends in February. The 7th Annual event will take place from February 10-12 and then again on the following weekend of February 17-19.
New this year is an extra prize for the largest coyote of each weekend. “This idea was actually presented to the club by one of our dedicated coyote hunters. Why not make it a fun time within a fun time?”, said Jim Pennington.
Registration for both weekends must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, 2/9, if you hunt or trap over both weekends. Registration must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, February 16 if you are going to participate in the second weekend only. All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Registration must include a phone number or an email. Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day of the six-day hunt. Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
UPMC in North Central Pa. Introduces Monthly Walk-In Meetings With Recruiters
UPMC in North Central Pa. recruiters are inviting community members to the UPMC Community Life Center, 641 Walnut St., Williamsport, every third Wednesday of the month beginning on January 18, for one-on-one meetings to learn more about UPMC careers. The “Walk-In Wednesdays” sessions are offered from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about career opportunities with UPMC, go to Careers.UPMC.com.
Registration Deadline for NPRC’s Spring 2023 Semester
The deadline to register for NPRC’s Spring semester is Thursday, January 12, 2023. The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) Spring 2023 semester begins Wednesday, January 18th, bringing affordable education to a classroom near you! Nearly forty courses are being offered, including Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, Foundations of Math, Music Appreciation, and Environmental Biology. These courses are part of five associate degrees – Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Liberal Studies, and Social Sciences. If you are not interested in pursuing an associate degree at this time, NPRC’s team will help you select courses or training that meets your educational goals.
These courses are perfect for recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance their career or begin a new one, and even current eligible high school juniors and seniors who want to earn college credits while still in high school. This program is affordable with tuition rates 70% less than the average tuition at brick-and-mortar institutions. Students with a high school diploma or GED pay $185 per credit hour. Current eligible high school students pay $60 per credit hour. Institutional Aid and scholarship opportunities are available.
These courses are offered at the Education Council’s Coudersport office, as well as more than 20 additional locations throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information, contact the NPRC admissions team at admissions@rrcnpa.org or (814) 230-9010.
The Bootlegger Ball is now offering a ticket for $75
The Bootlegger Ball is now offering a ticket for $75 that gives access to the Bootlegger Ball event with food and drinks and chances to play games, but excludes buyers from the Raffle and the $1500 grand prize
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is January 9 – a day set aside to recognize and honor law enforcement.
We have a large law enforcement family in McKean County with many residents living or working in law enforcement in the county and, with each day, risking potential violence while keeping the rest of us safe.
Their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families are appreciated. Words do not adequately express the gratitude.
They risk their own lives to uphold the law. The legacies of Patrolman Steven Jerman and Sergeant David Distrola live on and they are held in the highest regard. They made the ultimate sacrifice.
I am honored to recognize Patrolman Jerman, Sergeant Distrola and all law enforcement officers – Bradford City Police, Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, McKean County Detectives’ Bureau, U.S. Marshalls, McKean County Drug Task Force, McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest, Constables, McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and Attorney General’s Office.
It is a privilege to see what these officers do because their work is largely unseen by the public.
I have seen firsthand extraordinary heroism and have been in awe of the composure they have shown in the face of potential ambush and assault. Many cases come to mind that I credit the composure of the officer with turning a nearly-certain violent assault into a peaceful resolution.
The dedication shown to the community and to their work is evident. Their service to their field – from investigation and arrest of a suspect; detention of a defendant; or supervision of a parolee- maintains our local criminal justice system. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, I am honored to thank these officers. Thank you.
– Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney
Austin and Coudersport Fire Depts. were dispatched for a structure fire
On January 9 at 6:17 pm. Austin and Coudersport Fire Depts. were dispatched to 104 Thorn St. for a structure fire. All units have been recalled
William F. Bartges, 88, of Laurel Lane, Kersey, PA.
William F. Bartges, 88, of Laurel Lane, Kersey, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his family. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.
Jolene R. Wolfe, 58, of Wilcox, PA
Jolene R. Wolfe, 58, of Wilcox, PA, passed away at her home on Friday, January 6, 2023, following a short illness.
She was born on January 9, 1964 in DuBois, PA, a daughter of the James L. Amitrone and Virginia “Rita” Tamburlin Amitrone, who survives of Brockway.
On March 24, 1984, at Johnsonburg PA, she married the late David A. Wolfe, who preceded her in death on December 30, 2016.
Jolene was a 1982 graduate of Brockway High School and then earned her LPN degree, working over the years at DuBois Hospital, Elk County General Hospital, and Kane Lutheran Home. She retired in 2011 as the Health and Safety Administrator for Owens-Illinois in Brockway. An avid gardener, Jolene loved spending time outdoors, visiting the coast of Maine, being active, and hiking. She was a talented weaver, often creating beautiful textiles on her loom. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by 2 daughters; Kara Bauer and her husband Devin of St. Marys and Kala Wolfe of Seattle, WA; by two grandchildren; Lyla and David, and by her companion; Lance Hasney of Wilcox.
She is also survived by three siblings; Teresa (John) O’Herron, Deborah (Kevin) Wain, and James (Sherry) Amitrone, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Jolene R. Wolfe will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Behcet’s Disease Association.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Barbara K. Ness, 88, of Smethport, PA.
Barbara K. Ness, 88, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (January 8, 2023) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced in a full obituary by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Roberta J. “Bobbe” Blessel, 74, of 40 West Fifth Street, Emporium, PA
Roberta J. “Bobbe” Blessel, 74, of 40 West Fifth Street, Emporium, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her brothers, sister and sister-in-laws at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Saturday morning (January 7, 2023) following a brief illness.
She was born September 30, 1948 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of
the late John and Norma Stewart Gore. On April 18, 1970 in Warren, PA. she married the late Melvin Blessel who died May 14, 2000.
Bobbe graduated from Cameron County High School in 1966 Upon graduation she worked in the office at Sylvania in Emporium than in the office complex at Speer Carbon in St. Mary’s
She and husband Mel moved to Kansas where she worked in the banking business where they purchased a tavern. After selling the tavern they returned to Emporium and opened up a women and children’s store. Having a passion for resale shops she opened up her own which grew into performing estate appraisals for area banks. Eventually she went into the furniture business with her husband, maintaining two stores one in Emporium and another in St. Mary’s. She was an avid bowler for many years. Upon retirement she pursued her lifelong passion of crafting and selling her wares at numerous festivals while spending time with her beloved pet pug “Dudley.” Bobbe always had a smile for everyone she saw and her door was always open for a friendly chat with all her dear friends at the Maple Street apartments.
She is survived by one son Paul Blessel, her two brothers, Terry (Mary) Gore, Ned (Irene) Gore of St. Mary’s and one sister Susan Hoy of Cameron, grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband and two brother-in-laws, Donal Hoy and Kenneth Blessel.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Cameron County Ambulance 299 E 2nd St, Emporium, PA, or the Cameron County SPCA P.O. Box 132, Emporium, PA
There will be No Visitation. Services will be at the convenience of the family in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
David M. White, 81, of Warren, PA
David M. White, 81, of Warren, PA, passed away on Friday January 6, 2023, in Warren General Hospital after an extended illness.
He was born in Warren, Pa, on June 7, 1941, the son of the late Harry E. White and Mary Grace Smith. David attended Warren High School. After high school he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1958 through 1962 during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Military, he returned to Warren and worked several jobs before starting his own Excavating Business. David welcomed his son Randy to the business after high school and they worked together for over 30 years.
David was very active in the Republican Committee of Warren, was a former board member with Warren County Memorial Park and volunteered his time with numerous groups throughout Warren County. He loved to travel, go boating, and enjoyed time with his family and friends.
On April 11, 1963, he married the former Tanya C. Branch, and they spent the next 59 loving years together and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this April.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children David, Randy, Patricia, and Correy; one grandchild Zakia; and one brother Richard White and wife Lynn.
David was preceded in death by his sister Nancy.
Private burial will be held in Warren County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family. A memorial of David’s life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St. Warren PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Samantha J. “Sam” Carlson, 47, of Ridgway, PA.
Samantha J. “Sam” Carlson, 47, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at her residence.
She was born on June 22, 1975, in St. Marys, a daughter of Christine Robinson Papson and Timothy Schloder.
On June 23, 1996, in Ridgway, she married Chad Carlson, who survives.
Sam has been a resident of the area for many years and a graduate of Greater Latrobe Area High School. She loved spending her time with her family and baking. She had a fond heart of animals, especially her cats.
In addition to her husband, mother,and father, she is survived by a son, Derek S. Carlson of Ridgway, 2 sisters, Carolyn Baker and her husband Lance of Derry, PA and Rose Hixson and her husband David of Latrobe, PA, numerous, aunts, uncles, cousin, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a step-father, Joseph Papson.
A Memorial Service for Samantha J. Carlson, will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 4:00 PM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Krise Funeral Home from 2:00 PM until the time of service.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Barbara Ann Lowe Koebley, age 85, of Gibsonia, PA and formerly of Warren, PA
Barbara Ann Lowe Koebley, age 85, of Gibsonia PA and formerly of Warren PA passed away peacefully on Saturday January 7, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Robert William, loving mother of Scott (Sarah) and Keith (Christine), proud grandmother of Sean (Lauren), Samuel (Virginia), Anna (Jonathan), Shelby and Nicholas, dear great-grandmother of Eli Joseph, Rushton Lowe and Robert James, sister of Nancy Hancher (Robert) and the late Robert Lowe Jr. (Frances Dee) , and devoted daughter of the late Ethel Grace Seibert and Robert Lowe.
Barbara was raised in Coraopolis PA after her birth on November 18, 1937 and spent most of her adult life living in 7 different homes in the Warren area. She was a graduate of Coraopolis High School and Grove City College, where she met the love-of-her-life Robert. Barbara, known to family and friends as Barbie, had a deep faith while being a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years and the First Presbyterian Church in Bakerstown PA for the past 9 years. She was a Choir member for over 40 years at First United Methodist while serving other commissions there. Besides church ministries that she contributed her time and talents, she volunteered over the years for the Friends of Struthers Library Theatre Board, Warren Garden Club, Blue Stocking Club, Antique Study, League of Women Voters, among others. Barbara applied her exceptional skills in office management and interpersonal communications to organizations she worked for, including the Warren County School District, Coates, Way and Anderson CPA’s, R.W. Larson Associates, Struthers Wells Corporation and The Chautauqua Institution.
Barbie made lasting friendships with all she met including her co-workers, neighbors, congregation members and St Barnabas caregivers. Even though she struggled remembering names and words over the past three years after a series of strokes and falls, she greeted everyone with her infectious smile, generous acts and kind words. Her loving spirit will be truly missed by all she touched in her full life.
A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Warren at a later date in Spring 2023. Burial will be in the Memorial Garden at the church next to her late husband Robert. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 Market Street, Warren, PA 16365 or to the First Presbyterian Church, 5825 Heckert Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007. Arrangements have been entrusted to Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, 304 East Street, Warren, PA 16365. There will be an announcement of her Spring 2023 memorial service date in the near future.
Citizens for a Constitutional McKean County Hosting James Tingley
Citizens for a Constitutional McKean County will be hosting a guest speaker on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in the Family Life Center of the Hill Memorial Church at 7:00 pm.
For any questions, please contact Jim Machuga at 814-558-9895.
Audrey J. Shaffer-Eidson, 91, formerly of 59 Limestone Street, Bradford, PA.
Audrey J. Shaffer-Eidson, 91, formerly of 59 Limestone Street, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born October 21, 1931, in Salamanca, NY, she was a daughter of the late Charles Floyd and Elva (Sweet) Knight. She was a 1949 graduate of Bradford High School.
On December 21, 1950, in Bradford, she married Robert L. Shaffer who died November 27, 1990. On June 19, 2010, in the Grace Lutheran Church, she married Raymond L. Eidson who survives.
Audrey along with her first husband Bob owned and operated Shaffer Family Camper Sales for many years on Limestone Street. She had worked at Bradford Regional Medical Center in the cafeteria.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and had previously been a member of the East End Presbyterian Church and was a Lioness with Bradford Township Lions Club. She has been a volunteer at Care for Children for 8 years.
Surviving is her husband Ray of 12 years, and three sons, Stephen R. (Faith) Shaffer, of Bradford, Ronald (Sue) Shaffer, of Bradford, and Mark (Diane) Shaffer, of Mystic, CT, two stepchildren, David Eidson, of Phoenix AZ, and Valerie (Gene) Johnson, of Bradford,12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Bob of 40 years, one son, Randy K. Shaffer, who died December 16, 2010, one great granddaughter, Abrielle Jean Shaffer, and two sisters, Doris Shoup and Lenora Downs.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Church, at 11:00 am funeral services will be held with Rev. William D. Waterman, pastor and Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church co-officiating. Burial will be in Steamburg Cemetery
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to CARE for Children PO Box 616, Bradford, PA 16701, of Futures, 1 Futures Way, Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Wildcat Weekly Highlights 2022-23
Penn College wrestlers romp
Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers had one of their best outings while the men’s and women’s basketball teams resumed United East play.
FLASHBACK
Wrestling
Competing Saturday in the Waynesburg University Invitational, six Wildcats reached the podium with one first-place finish, two thirds, one fifth and two sixths. In all, seven of 13 Penn College matmen earned points that contributed to the team’s fourth-place finish in an 11-team field.
Freshman Mason Leshock, of Shamokin, led the way by going 3-0 with three first-period pins to claim gold in the 165-pound weight class. In the title bout, he decked his opponent in 1:08.
Claiming third-place finishes were Noah Hunt, of Muncy, who went 5-1 with three pins at 141, and Cullen Van Rooyen, of Dresden, Ohio, who went 5-1 at 157. Battling back through the consolation bracket, Van Rooyen recorded five falls, including his last of the day against his Defiance College opponent who handed him his opening loss.
Liam Goodrich, a freshman of Cogan Station, went 4-2 on the day to finish fifth at 149, while placing sixth was Gabriel Kennedy-Citeroni, of Blairsville, who went 3-2 at 197, and Zach Miller, of Lock Haven, who went 2-3 at 157.
Also earning team points for the Wildcats was Ryan Berstler, of Middletown, at 125, while Brett Patton, of West Chester, at 141, won two bouts, and Nick Semon, of Norristown, at 157, and Billy Bumbarger, of Morrisdale, at 285, each won one bout.
“This was the highest tournament team finish and most medalists we’ve ever had in a tournament,” coach Pankil Chander observed.
“We had a slow start to the day and met as a team after the second round to refocus and revisit our approach to competing. We talked about trusting in our preparation and staying disciplined when executing on the mat. The guys responded well after that and we finished much better than we started. (I’m) proud of our wrestlers’ ability to handle adversity throughout the day and come out better on the other side,” the coach said.
“Goodrich, Van Rooyen, Miller and Kennedy-Citeroni all medaled for the first time in their careers. Hunt now has 21 wins midway through our season, which surpassed the 16 he had all of last season. Van Rooyen has 13 wins so far this season, which exceeds the eight wins he had all of last year,” Chander said.
“This was the start of a tough stretch. We are more than two months into the season and still have two months of wrestling left,” the coach continued. “January is a gut-check month. Between frequent weigh-ins, consistent rigor in training, managing mind injuries, and trying to navigate the stressors of performing at your best, it becomes challenging, and our guys meet that challenge head-on.
“We’re a young group and are learning and applying what it takes to be a great college wrestler every day. Our guys have bought in and put the work in, and it’s paying off now and the experience they’re currently having will prepare them for greatness in the future.”
Men’s basketball
An 11-point advantage in the first half and solid free-throw shooting at the finish (13 points over the last three minutes) paid off as the Wildcats edged Centenary (N.J.) College, 73-70, in nonconference play on Monday.
Max Jackowsky, of Garnet Valley, led Penn College with a double-double (19 points and 10 rebounds). Gavin Barrett, of Roselle, New Jersey, added 14 points to the cause, while Rees Watkins, of Loyalsock Township, and Michael Woolridge, of Hollidaysburg, each contributed 10 points in the team’s first road win of the season.
Hosting Penn State Harrisburg in UE play on Friday, Penn College saw a five-point halftime lead evaporate in an 88-73 loss that dropped it to 0-2 in the conference and 5-6 overall.
Barrett led the Wildcats with 20 points, while Watkins added 15 points and Jackowsky 11 points. Barrett and Jackowsky each pulled down 11 rebounds.
Women’s basketball
In its lone game of the week, Penn College lost, 77-57, to Penn State Harrisburg in UE action on Friday. Penn College now is 0-2 in the conference and 1-10 overall.
Penn State Harrisburg led from start to finish, although the Wildcats overcame an early eight-point deficit to trail by one and later battled back from a 21-point deficit to pull within six.
Lexi Troup, of Huntingdon, and Maddie Adams, of Montoursville, each scored 13 points for Penn College, while Emily Pardee, of Williamsport, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
SCHEDULES/RECORDS
Wrestling