CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Wilkes University wrestling program has a historic past and senior
Zach Pizarro (Easton, Pa./Easton) will continue the trend of some of the best wrestlers in the country as he finished fifth overall at the NCAA Championships at 197.
After achieving All-American status yesterday with a pair of wins in the wrestlebacks, he won two more matches, including a 7-6 win over Bill Schindel of Mount Union as well as a victory over Martin Porter of Delaware Valley in the fifth-place match. His only losses were to the defending national champion, which he fell 3-1 in the opening match and 6-4 in overtime in the wrestlebacks.
“I think he had a great tournament,” head coach
Jon Laudenslager said. “I have always had confidence in Zach. He is quick on his feet and he is tough. He could have very easily have been a national champ. He did a great job.”
Pizarro, who was able to compete in front of his parents, has received numerous voicemail and text messages on his phone since becoming Wilkes' second All-American in two years. “After I went off the mat, I hugged coach I went up to my parents and they were quite proud of me. I got a lot of text messages and voice mails yesterday and today. They don't get old. I will keep accepting them and I want to thank everyone who was sending me the good wishes.
I always believe in my ability and the skills that I have. I knew I could wrestle with the best in the country and I think I proved that this weekend,” Pizarro said.