University of Pittsburgh's Joey Ecklof

  The Eastern Wrestling League Wrestler of the Week for the week ended January 22, 2006, is the University of Pittsburgh 149-pounder, Joey Ecklof.  Ecklof, a business major, is a true freshman from Northampton, Pennsylvania, where he was a three-time PIAA state champion.

  This past weekend (1/20/06) in the Panthers' dual meet against Michigan State, Mr. Ecklof pinned nationally ranked Darren McKnight in the third period.  According to Pittsburgh head coach Rande Stottlemyer, Ecklof was ahead of McKnight by a score of 3-2 (one TD and one escape vs. two escapes) with 20 seconds remaining in the match.  Then Ecklof, "had double underhooks from his knees, put McKnight on his back, and pinned him with one second to go in the match."  Good job Joey Ecklof!

  Ecklof, a very talented young wrestler, currently is on a dual-meet roll.  Back on January 13 in the dual event at Lehigh (near Ecklof's home town), Ecklof beat former New York State high school champion, Trevor Chinn, to the tune of 8-3.

  In addition to the selection of Joey Ecklof as Wrestler of the Week, the Eastern Wrestling League also gives a tip of the headgear to Lock Haven University's 157-pound junior, from Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Seth Martin.  On January 22, Mr. Martin completed the Wendy's Duals at Ashland, Ohio, undefeated (3-0), gaining victories against opponents from Northern Illinois, Ohio University, and Central Michigan.  Good job Seth Martin!