Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Marc Hagemeier
Bucknell Wrestling Welcomes Eight Incoming Freshmen
5/24/2022 12:30:00 PM | Wrestling
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Head coach Dan Wirnsberger announced the Bucknell wrestling team's eight-man incoming freshman class on Monday.
"I'm extremely excited to welcome the next generation of Bison wrestlers to Lewisburg," Wirnsberger said. "This exceptional class brings with it a host of athletic and academic accolades. Each student-athlete has the potential to excel both on the mat and in the classroom."
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The class of 2026 includes two state champions, five state placewinners and seven team captains. The incoming freshmen hail from five different states: Pennsylvania (4), Connecticut, New York, Ohio and Oregon.
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In 2021-22, the Bison went 12-6 (7-3 EIWA) and placed four wrestlers on the podium at the EIWA Championships. Notably, they won 10 of their first 12 duals to match the 1992-93 team for the best start in program history. For the 2022-23 campaign, they return Darren Miller, a two-time EIWA placewinner and 2021 NCAA qualifier. They also return an additional four EIWA placewinners: Vincent Andreano, Nick Delp, Mason McCready and Kurt Phipps.
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Bucknell has lost the highly decorated Zach Hartman to graduation. Hartman, who went 96-26 (45-6 dual), graduated as a two-time All-American and four-time EIWA placewinner. He was the wrestling program's second NCAA semifinalist, sixth All-American and fourth EIWA champion; in addition, he became the second male athlete to capture Bucknell's Christy Mathewson Award, given to the outstanding athlete, and the Alvin F. Jackson, Jr. Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to the top scholar-athlete, for his graduating class.Â
Chase Barlow
165, Wallingford, Pa., Strath Haven
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling and three times in football at Strath Haven High School … in wrestling, went 124-7 with 63 pins … became the first Panther to twice place at the PIAA Class AAA state tournament … went fifth in 2022 at 160 pounds and seventh at 152 pounds in 2021 … fifth-place showing as a senior was the highest by a Panther at time of graduation … also graduated with school records in victories and pins … four-time PIAA Class AAA state qualifier … four-time District 1 South champion … regional champion … four-time All-Delco First Team … four-time all-league first team … twice selected as league's Outstanding Wrestler … helped the Panthers win league and district titles … three-time team MVP … three-year team captain … in football, was a first team all-state outside linebacker … also made two all-league teams and the All-Delco First Team … graduated in Strath Haven's top five in single-season rushing yards and single-season touchdowns … helped the Panthers win the District 1 Class 5A title … named team's MVP … served as team captain. Â
Personal: Chase Alexander Barlow … born November 1, 2003 in Media, Pennsylvania … son of Kelly Cagle … has five siblings.
Mikey Bartush
197, Norwalk, Conn., Greens Farms Academy
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Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling at Greens Farms Academy … helped the Dragons win an FAA championship … placed third at NHSCA junior nationals … earned a podium spot at multiple prep national tournaments … served as team captain … was ranked as high as 13th in the country.
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Personal: Michael Domenic Bartush … born February 9, 2004 in Norwalk, Connecticut … son of Keven and Eva Bartush … has three older siblings: Sam, Quint and Autumn.
Braden Bower
141/149, Williamsport, Pa., Williamsport Area
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling and once in football at Williamsport Area High School … qualified for three PIAA Class AAA state tournaments … King of the Mountain champion … two-time Top Hat champion … helped the Millionaires twice finish fourth as a team at the PIAA Class AAA state championships and win three district titles … made the Academic All-State Second Team … selected to three academic all-district first teams … twice served as team captain … also wrestled for the Buffalo Valley Regional Training Center.
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Personal: Braden Kyle Bower … born April 7, 2004 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania … son of Matthew and Tegan Bower … has an older brother, Chase, and a twin brother, Riley … Riley is also a member of the Bucknell wrestling team's class of 2026.
Riley Bower
157, Williamsport, Pa., Williamsport Area
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling and once in football at Williamsport Area High School … in wrestling, went 139-31 and twice placed at the PIAA Class AAA state tournament … went sixth in 2021 and seventh in 2022 at 145 pounds … helped the Millionaires twice finish fourth as a team at the PIAA Class AAA state championships and win three district titles … made the Academic All-State Second Team … served as team captain … also wrestled for the Buffalo Valley Regional Training Center.
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Personal: Riley Cole Bower … born April 7, 2004 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania … son of Matthew and Tegan Bower … has an older brother, Chase, and a twin brother, Braden … Braden is also a member of the Bucknell wrestling team's class of 2026.
Riley Godek
184/197, Corvallis, Ore., Crescent Valley
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Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling at Crescent Valley High School … helped the Raiders win four-straight OSAA 5A state titles … was a two-time OSAA 5A state champion at 285 pounds … won the Reser's TOC heavyweight state title … also wrestled for Mat Sense Wrestling Club.
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Personal: Riley Wade Godek … born May 18, 2004 in Abington, Pennsylvania … son of Brent and Priscilla Godek … has two sisters: Aurora and Scarlett .. father played football at Princeton University … mother played lacrosse at Kenyon College.
Hayden Linkerhof
197/285, Corry, Pa., Corry Area
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Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling and football at Corry Area High School … in wrestling, went 128-28 with 68 pins and twice placed at the PIAA Class AA state tournament … went fifth in 2022 and seventh in 2021 at 215 pounds … two-time region, district and section champion … named region's Wrestler of the Year … won titles at the Panther Holiday Classic, the Bo Wood Tournament and the Falconer Tournament helped the Beavers win a region title and qualify for two state tournaments as a team … named team's most valuable wrestler … served as team captain … in football, was an all-region second team defensive end … also wrestled for the All-American Wrestling Club, the Bad Karma Wrestling Club and the Scotsman Wrestling Club.
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Personal: Hayden Lionel Linkerhof … born June 4, 2003 in Corry, Pennsylvania … son of Timothy and Joy Linkerhof … has an older sister: Sydney … rare Corry Area High School graduate to go on to compete for an NCAA Division I wrestling team.
Stephen Lukas
133/141, Manorville, N.Y., Eastport-South Manor
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Before Bucknell: Lettered five times in wrestling at Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School … became the school's 10th state champion by winning a NYS Division I title at 132 pounds as a senior … was the lowest seeded champion in the state tournament that season … made two all-state, two all-county and five all-league teams … selected as section's Scholar Wrestler of the Year … named league's Most Outstanding Wrestler … recognized on the All-Long Island First Team by local newspaper … helped the Sharks win two league championships … three-year team captain … also wrestled for Barn Brothers.
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Personal: Stephen Robert Lukas … born February 11, 2004 in Bay Shore, New York … son of Steve and Karen Lukas … has a younger brother: Zachary … father played baseball at Adelphi University … mother graduated from Bucknell in 1994.
Logan Shephard
285, Navarre, Ohio, Perry
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling, twice in track & field and once in football at Perry High School … selected as the Federal League's Wrestler of the Year … made All-Ohio, Academic All-Ohio and All-Federal League teams … helped the Panthers win four Federal League wrestling championships, running their title streak to 24 years … served as team captain … also wrestled for Team Carnage, Team Ohio and Samurai … helped Team Carnage win a fall NHSCA title … was a Fargo All-American, an Ironman finalist and a Super-32 finalist … was ranked as high as eighth nationally during high-school career. Â
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Personal: Logan Grant Shephard … born February 21, 2004 in Canton, Ohio … son of Nick and Rachel Shephard … has four siblings: Nicholas, Olivia, Connor and Emma … father wrestled at Capital University … Nicholas played football at Walsh University.
"I'm extremely excited to welcome the next generation of Bison wrestlers to Lewisburg," Wirnsberger said. "This exceptional class brings with it a host of athletic and academic accolades. Each student-athlete has the potential to excel both on the mat and in the classroom."
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The class of 2026 includes two state champions, five state placewinners and seven team captains. The incoming freshmen hail from five different states: Pennsylvania (4), Connecticut, New York, Ohio and Oregon.
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In 2021-22, the Bison went 12-6 (7-3 EIWA) and placed four wrestlers on the podium at the EIWA Championships. Notably, they won 10 of their first 12 duals to match the 1992-93 team for the best start in program history. For the 2022-23 campaign, they return Darren Miller, a two-time EIWA placewinner and 2021 NCAA qualifier. They also return an additional four EIWA placewinners: Vincent Andreano, Nick Delp, Mason McCready and Kurt Phipps.
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Bucknell has lost the highly decorated Zach Hartman to graduation. Hartman, who went 96-26 (45-6 dual), graduated as a two-time All-American and four-time EIWA placewinner. He was the wrestling program's second NCAA semifinalist, sixth All-American and fourth EIWA champion; in addition, he became the second male athlete to capture Bucknell's Christy Mathewson Award, given to the outstanding athlete, and the Alvin F. Jackson, Jr. Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to the top scholar-athlete, for his graduating class.Â
Chase Barlow
165, Wallingford, Pa., Strath Haven
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling and three times in football at Strath Haven High School … in wrestling, went 124-7 with 63 pins … became the first Panther to twice place at the PIAA Class AAA state tournament … went fifth in 2022 at 160 pounds and seventh at 152 pounds in 2021 … fifth-place showing as a senior was the highest by a Panther at time of graduation … also graduated with school records in victories and pins … four-time PIAA Class AAA state qualifier … four-time District 1 South champion … regional champion … four-time All-Delco First Team … four-time all-league first team … twice selected as league's Outstanding Wrestler … helped the Panthers win league and district titles … three-time team MVP … three-year team captain … in football, was a first team all-state outside linebacker … also made two all-league teams and the All-Delco First Team … graduated in Strath Haven's top five in single-season rushing yards and single-season touchdowns … helped the Panthers win the District 1 Class 5A title … named team's MVP … served as team captain. Â
Personal: Chase Alexander Barlow … born November 1, 2003 in Media, Pennsylvania … son of Kelly Cagle … has five siblings.
Join us in welcoming Chase Barlow to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/adulOGo5V8
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Mikey Bartush
197, Norwalk, Conn., Greens Farms Academy
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Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling at Greens Farms Academy … helped the Dragons win an FAA championship … placed third at NHSCA junior nationals … earned a podium spot at multiple prep national tournaments … served as team captain … was ranked as high as 13th in the country.
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Personal: Michael Domenic Bartush … born February 9, 2004 in Norwalk, Connecticut … son of Keven and Eva Bartush … has three older siblings: Sam, Quint and Autumn.
Join us in welcoming Mikey Bartush to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/561O2e6Zcd
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Braden Bower
141/149, Williamsport, Pa., Williamsport Area
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling and once in football at Williamsport Area High School … qualified for three PIAA Class AAA state tournaments … King of the Mountain champion … two-time Top Hat champion … helped the Millionaires twice finish fourth as a team at the PIAA Class AAA state championships and win three district titles … made the Academic All-State Second Team … selected to three academic all-district first teams … twice served as team captain … also wrestled for the Buffalo Valley Regional Training Center.
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Personal: Braden Kyle Bower … born April 7, 2004 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania … son of Matthew and Tegan Bower … has an older brother, Chase, and a twin brother, Riley … Riley is also a member of the Bucknell wrestling team's class of 2026.
Join us in welcoming Braden and Riley Bower to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/NaXzZpzRXX
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Riley Bower
157, Williamsport, Pa., Williamsport Area
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling and once in football at Williamsport Area High School … in wrestling, went 139-31 and twice placed at the PIAA Class AAA state tournament … went sixth in 2021 and seventh in 2022 at 145 pounds … helped the Millionaires twice finish fourth as a team at the PIAA Class AAA state championships and win three district titles … made the Academic All-State Second Team … served as team captain … also wrestled for the Buffalo Valley Regional Training Center.
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Personal: Riley Cole Bower … born April 7, 2004 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania … son of Matthew and Tegan Bower … has an older brother, Chase, and a twin brother, Braden … Braden is also a member of the Bucknell wrestling team's class of 2026.
Join us in welcoming Braden and Riley Bower to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/NaXzZpzRXX
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Riley Godek
184/197, Corvallis, Ore., Crescent Valley
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Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling at Crescent Valley High School … helped the Raiders win four-straight OSAA 5A state titles … was a two-time OSAA 5A state champion at 285 pounds … won the Reser's TOC heavyweight state title … also wrestled for Mat Sense Wrestling Club.
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Personal: Riley Wade Godek … born May 18, 2004 in Abington, Pennsylvania … son of Brent and Priscilla Godek … has two sisters: Aurora and Scarlett .. father played football at Princeton University … mother played lacrosse at Kenyon College.
Join us in welcoming Riley Godek to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/PlhWjnTBf1
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Hayden Linkerhof
197/285, Corry, Pa., Corry Area
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Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling and football at Corry Area High School … in wrestling, went 128-28 with 68 pins and twice placed at the PIAA Class AA state tournament … went fifth in 2022 and seventh in 2021 at 215 pounds … two-time region, district and section champion … named region's Wrestler of the Year … won titles at the Panther Holiday Classic, the Bo Wood Tournament and the Falconer Tournament helped the Beavers win a region title and qualify for two state tournaments as a team … named team's most valuable wrestler … served as team captain … in football, was an all-region second team defensive end … also wrestled for the All-American Wrestling Club, the Bad Karma Wrestling Club and the Scotsman Wrestling Club.
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Personal: Hayden Lionel Linkerhof … born June 4, 2003 in Corry, Pennsylvania … son of Timothy and Joy Linkerhof … has an older sister: Sydney … rare Corry Area High School graduate to go on to compete for an NCAA Division I wrestling team.
Join us in welcoming Hayden Linkerhof to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/j8YzTQYk8u
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Stephen Lukas
133/141, Manorville, N.Y., Eastport-South Manor
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Before Bucknell: Lettered five times in wrestling at Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School … became the school's 10th state champion by winning a NYS Division I title at 132 pounds as a senior … was the lowest seeded champion in the state tournament that season … made two all-state, two all-county and five all-league teams … selected as section's Scholar Wrestler of the Year … named league's Most Outstanding Wrestler … recognized on the All-Long Island First Team by local newspaper … helped the Sharks win two league championships … three-year team captain … also wrestled for Barn Brothers.
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Personal: Stephen Robert Lukas … born February 11, 2004 in Bay Shore, New York … son of Steve and Karen Lukas … has a younger brother: Zachary … father played baseball at Adelphi University … mother graduated from Bucknell in 1994.
Join us in welcoming Stephen Lukas to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/qLxBc5diYO
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Logan Shephard
285, Navarre, Ohio, Perry
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Before Bucknell: Lettered four times in wrestling, twice in track & field and once in football at Perry High School … selected as the Federal League's Wrestler of the Year … made All-Ohio, Academic All-Ohio and All-Federal League teams … helped the Panthers win four Federal League wrestling championships, running their title streak to 24 years … served as team captain … also wrestled for Team Carnage, Team Ohio and Samurai … helped Team Carnage win a fall NHSCA title … was a Fargo All-American, an Ironman finalist and a Super-32 finalist … was ranked as high as eighth nationally during high-school career. Â
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Personal: Logan Grant Shephard … born February 21, 2004 in Canton, Ohio … son of Nick and Rachel Shephard … has four siblings: Nicholas, Olivia, Connor and Emma … father wrestled at Capital University … Nicholas played football at Walsh University.
Join us in welcoming Logan Shephard to our #BisonFamily!#OurWay | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/e7D5upaoZg
— Bucknell Wrestling (@Bucknell_WRST) May 24, 2022
Players Mentioned
174
/ Wrestling
157
/ Wrestling
165
/ Wrestling
197
/ Wrestling
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