NEW YORK – In addition to Brock Zacherl (see related story), Clarion University will also be represented by Michael Pavasko at the at the NCAA Division I wrestling nationals being held in Madison Square Garden in New York starting Thursday.
See the full NCAA Division I wrestling brackets – Follow live results here
Pavasko reached the national tournament by taking home the EWL title at 174 pounds.
For Pavasko, the teams’ lone senior, its a chance to compete at the Garden is the culmination of a rollercoaster collegiate career that saw the Clarion team begin to rebuild under second-year head coach Keith Ferraro.
“I’m grateful and very blessed to have this opportunity,” said Pavasko. “You put in all this time and all this work to get here, and maybe part of you thinks that means you’re supposed to be here. I’m just focused on myself and what I’m going to do with this chance, and seize the moment.”
Pavasko has shown a bit of a flair for the dramatic this season, winning many close bouts with late-match heroics. He went out on top in the final home match of his career, scoring a sudden-victory over 24th-ranked Pittsburgh’s Te’Shan Campbell with a takedown in extra time. The winner of his last five matches and nine of his last 11, he’s taking nothing for granted.
“It’s so humbling,” said Pavasko. “You reflect on everything. All the practice partners, all the coaching that led up to this. When you’re watching as a kid, you just want the stars to line up to get this opportunity.”
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
