CHICAGO, Ill. -- After dropping the first match of the night, the University of Chicago wrestling team responded by winning the next eight matches en route to a 34-7 victory over North Central College on Wednesday.
In their third match of the year against CCIW competition, the Maroons improved to 2-1. The Cardinals fell to 0-2.
North Central took the early lead 4-0 with a major decision at 125 pounds. But from then on, it was all Maroons. Will Long got the home team on the board with a 7-5 win at 133 pounds. Joe Ellis picked up a third-period pin at 141 pounds to put UChicago on top 9-4 in the team score.
At 149 pounds, Joeie Ruettiger weathered a late charge and scored a takedown in the final 30 seconds to secure his 14-9 victory. James Layton broke open a close match at 157 pounds with a dominant third period. With a 4-2 advantage and starting in top position, Layton rode his opponent hard and turned him four times for near-fall points. Layton ended up with 16-2 major decision that was one point away from a technical fall.
UChicago's Sam Hopkins wrestled a close bout at 165 pounds, and the freshman pulled out a 4-3 win with a clutch takedown in the final 10 seconds of the match.
A forfeit at 174 pounds added to the Maroon lead. Sam Pennisi followed up with a close match of his own, outlasting his opposition 3-2 in the 184-pound class.
Mario Palmisano came through a dominating performance of his own. In the 197-pound class, Palmisano scored takedown after takedown and eventually tallied a pin with only three seconds left in the final period.
Final Score: Chicago 34, North Central 7
125 – Nick Santos (NCC) def. Gabe Martinez (UC), 10-2 major decision
133 – Will Long (UC) def. Jon Williamson (NCC), 7-5 decision
141 – Joe Ellis (UC) def. Mike Gibson (NCC), Fall (6:20)
149 – Joeie Ruettiger (UC) def. Max Burling (NCC), 14-9 decision
157 – James Layton (UC) def. Blake Olson (NCC), 16-2 major decision
165 – Sam Hopkins (UC) def. Jason Bonham (NCC), 4-3 decision
174 – Ryley Hankenson (UC) wins via forfeit
184 – Sam Pennisi (UC) def. Vince Marrone (NCC), 3-2 decision
197 – Mario Palmisano (UC) def. Casey Greenberg (NCC), Fall (6:57)
285 – Dylan Mahler (NCC) def. Jeff Tyburski (UC), 5-1 decision
NEXT MEET: Saturday, Nov. 17 - UChicago at Concordia (Wis.) Open, 9 AM.
