UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; April 21, 2006 - Nine members of head coach Troy Sunderland's Nittany Lion wrestling team recently competed at the FILA Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev. The event took place last weekend and four of the nine grapplers placed in their respective divisions. In addition, 2 individuals were one round away from placing.

2006 NCAA National Runner-Up Phil Davis (Harrisburg, Pa.) placed fifth in the senior division at 211 lbs., while junior Mark McKnight (McDonald, Pa.) was sixth in the senior division at 121lbs. Sophomore Brian Heller (Fair Haven, N.J.), also competing in the senior division at 132.5 lbs. went 3-2 and was one win away from placing. Junior All-American James Yonushonis (Philipsburg, Pa.) also 3-2, competed in the senior division and did not place.

Four Nittany Lions competed in the FILA Junior Nationals, led by freshman Phil Bomberger (Port Royal, Pa.), who was runner-up at 185 lbs. Freshman Mark Friend (Libertyville, Ill.) finished fourth at 163 lbs. as well. Also competing, but not placing, were freshmen Brad Pataky, 2-2 at 121 lbs. (Clearfield, Pa.), Jake Strayer, 1-2 at 145.5 lbs. (South Fork, Pa.) and Mike Ward, 1-2 at185 lbs. (Mayfield, Ohio). Brad Pataky was one win away from placing.

Three Penn State alumni also competed at the event. Former Lions Adam Smith and Josh Moore placed third and fourth respectively in the senior division. Brother Scott Moore did not place.