LOCK HAVEN – Evan DeLong won the title at 165 pounds and was named tournament outstanding wrestler, and the Clarion University wrestling team overcame injuries to take third place at the 2016 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships.

“Evan took a big step this weekend,” head coach Keith Ferraro said.  “He stayed composed in really tight matches and he really deserves this award.  He definitely grew from his experience this weekend.”

DeLong, a state champion as a senior in 2014 at Kane High, became Clarion’s first PSAC champion at 165 pounds in five years, with the last Golden Eagle to achieve the feat Bekzod Abdurakhmonov at the 2011 championships. He opened with a close 4-2 decision over Lock Haven’s Jared Siegrist. He advanced to the semifinals with a much more decisive victory over Gannon’s Garrett Smith, winning 8-3, and held on for an exciting 4-2 decision in double-sudden victory over Mercyhurst’s Francis Mizia to move on to the finals.  DeLong closed the night out with a 2-1 decision over Pitt-Johnstown’s Tyler Reinhard to claim the title.

The last Clarion wrestler to win Outstanding Wrestler honors was James Fleming, who took the honor in 2012. Abdurakhmonov was the last 165-pounder to win the award, doing so in 2011.

The Golden Eagles posted 96.5 team points and had three wrestlers, including DeLong, reach their respective championship matches. Edinboro won the team title with 156.5 points, while host Lock Haven was second with 132.