By Bill Bowman
LEWISBURG -- Former PIAA champion Derrick Reber, who won 31 matches and qualified for the NCAA Championships as a freshman last year for Bucknell, will not compete this year after getting injured in the preseason.
Reber, a four-time PIAA medalist and 2008 PIAA champion out of Lewisburg, was hurt prior to the team's intrasquad scrimmage earlier this month and coach Dan Wirnsberger said he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Although Bucknell and the Patriot League do not red-shirt athletes, Wirnsberger said he is confident Reber can get a medical red-shirt and would still have three years of eligibility remaining when returning next year.
"It's tough for Derek, but the time off will help him rebound from the injury and get bigger and stronger," said Wirnberger. "The tough thing is he really would have helped us and this is the best lineup we've had since I've been here and we're going to miss him."
Reber went 31-12 as a true freshman, finishing third at the EIWA championships to qualify for nationals. His 31 wins ranks in the top-five in school history for single-season victories.
Reber, a four-time PIAA medalist and 2008 PIAA champion out of Lewisburg, was hurt prior to the team's intrasquad scrimmage earlier this month, and coach Dan Wirnsberger said he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Although Bucknell and the Patriot League do not red-shirt athletes, Wirnsberger said he is confident Reber can get a medical red-shirt and would still have three years of eligibility remaining when returning next year.
"It's tough for Derek, but the time off will help him rebound from the injury and get bigger and stronger," said Wirnberger. "The tough thing is he really would have helped us and this is the best lineup we've had since I've been here, and we're going to miss him."
Reber went 31-12 as a true freshman, finishing third at the EIWA championships to qualify for nationals. His 31 wins ranks in the top five in school history for single-season victories.
