Chance Marsteller after winning a University Nationals title (Photo/Sam Janicki)Tuesday was opening day for college wrestling practice across the country. It's the time where every wrestler can aim high for a successful new season and put aside whatever may have happened in the past.
That day has special significance for Chance Marsteller, as he participated in his first practice session of the 2017-18 season as an official member of the wrestling program at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania.
The past year or so had been challenging for Marsteller, but the four-time undefeated Pennsylvania high school state wrestling champion appears to have more than risen to the challenge.
Early in 2016, Marsteller transferred to Lock Haven University after being dismissed from Oklahoma State. In August 2016 he was arrested for an incident in Lock Haven where some hospital personnel and police officers had been injured. Early this year, Marsteller pled guilty to charges stemming from that incident. At the time he told the court he was now clean and sober, was doing volunteer coaching at Kennard-Dale Junior High School where he wrestled nearly a decade ago, and had re-enrolled at LHU.
Now, with his participation in Lock Haven's first wrestling practice of the new season, Marsteller is not only back at the school, but also back on the mat ... as everyone on campus could plainly see Tuesday.
The Bald Eagles wrestling program continued its tradition of launching its season outdoors in a positive, promotion-minded, attention-getting way with its "Midday Matness" practice session held outside on the campus.
"Midday Matness is a nice way for the guys to break into the season," Lock Haven head wrestling coach Scott Moore told The Record newspaper. "It's a fun way to gain exposure not just for LHU wrestling, but for all of collegiate wrestling."
In addition to participating in the LHU season-opening practice, Chance Marsteller's name is now listed on the Bald Eagle wrestling's official roster at 165 pounds.
"He would be eligible to start the season," said Doug Spatafore, Lock Haven University's director of athletic communications and marketing.
"As far as I know, he's our probable starter ... he's back on the team."
"The coaching staff is very excited about the upcoming season and thrilled that it's finally underway," Moore continued. "We return a lot of guys who should provide great veteran leadership. I'm also looking forward to seeing how some of our talented newcomers and underclassmen adapt, and mix into the lineup. It's another strong schedule with some fun home matches and tournaments in store. It should be a good test, but our guys are putting in the work and will be ready for big things this season."
Marsteller is eager to make his mark this season at 165 pounds for the Bald Eagles.
"I'm excited and looking forward to it. I've been working hard and I feel good," said the Lock Haven junior. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and I want to do whatever I can to help the team this season."
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