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ATH04_COA_003_pecora_pat_TWrestling Adds PA State Champion and State Runner-Up During Early Signing Period
     11/20/06….Head Coach Pat Pecora and the Pitt Johnstown wrestling program have signed 2006 Pennsylvania State Champion Nikko Leitzel (130 lbs.) from Ridgway High School and 2006 Pennsylvania State Runner-Up Matt Moore (152 lbs.) from Blairsville High School during the NCAA early signing period.
     “We’re extremely excited about Nikko and Matt,” Coach Pecora said about his recruits.  “I have known these kids since they were in grade school.  Both are quality young men with outstanding achievements, both on the mat and in the classroom.  Nikko and Matt are two of the top pinners in Pennsylvania.  They are going to be a lot fun to coach,” Coach Pecora said.  
     Leitzel (Ridgway, Pa.), the top-ranked wrestler in Pennsylvania at 145 lbs. entering the 2006-07 season, posted a 40-0 record on his way to winning the PA State Championship at 130 lbs. a year ago.  Leitzel ranked second among Pennsylvania high school wrestlers in pins in 2005-06 by pinning 69.4% of his opponents.  Leitzel was named the Outstanding Wrestler at last year’s district tournament and won the Regional title.
     In his first three seasons at Ridgway High School, Leitzel has a 110-12 overall record with 63 falls.  He is a three-time PA State qualifier and a two-time place winner (Champion in 2006 and fourth in 2005).  In addition, Leitzel has won two District titles and placed second in 2005.  Also in 2005, Leitzel was a Cadet All-American in Freestyle Wrestling at 140 lbs.
     Moore (Blairsville, Pa.) enters his senior season as the top-ranked wrestler at 160 lbs.  He is a two-time PA State Place winner (fifth in 2004 and second in 2006).  Moore posted a 38-2 overall record with 22 falls as a junior.  His 62.2% pin percentage ranked him fourth among Pennsylvania high school wrestlers.  Moore was also his district and regional champion last season.   
     Moore also claimed the Freestyle and Greco Roman School Boy National Championships in 2006.  He represented Team Pennsylvania in the Brutte School Showcase following his junior season.     
Last Reviewed: November 20, 2006
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