ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The University of Chicago wrestling team picked up four weight class wins, but Augustana College finished off the dual meet with three pins to defeat the Maroons 35-16 on Friday.
The Maroons fell to 3-9 on the season while the Vikings improved to 7-6.
In the first two official matches of the evening, UChicago came out on top each time. Freshman Louis Demarco secured a 5-2 decision victory at 133 pounds to start off. Then freshman Mason Williams took a dominating lead at 141 pounds before finally finishing off his opponent with a late third-period pin.
Augustana got right back with a technical fall victory at 149 pounds and a second UChicago forfeit put the hosts up 17-9 in the team score. However, the Maroons responded quickly to close the gap to 17-16. At 165 pounds, sophomore Nick Ferraro controlled the action and nabbed an 11-3 major decision. Junior Paul Papoutsis wrestled a very close match at 174 pounds and came out the victor, 3-2.
The Vikings stepped up at the end and nailed down three-straight falls in the first period to get the team victory, 35-16.
"Four wins out of the eight matches wrestled is what I was hoping for quite honestly, especially with five freshmen in the lineup," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "These freshmen have been taking quite a bit of the load all season. I like the way they are battling."
Augustana 35, UChicago 16
125 – Jimmy Panozzo (AUG) won via forfeit
133 – Louis Demarco (UC) def. Sean McMahon (AUG), 5-2 decision
141 – Mason Williams (UC) def. Davis Baxter (AUG), Fall (6:52)
149 – Matt Sears (AUG) def. Luke Iida (UC), 17-2 technical fall
157 – David Tessiatore (AUG) won via forfeit
165 – Nick Ferraro (UC) def. Trace Timmons (AUG), 11-3 major decision
174 – Paul Papoutsis (UC) def. Alex Bowers (AUG), 3-2 decision
184 – Christos Giatras (AUG) def. Duncan Payne (UC), Fall (2:23)
197 – Thomas Reyhons (AUG) def. Ryan Walsh (UC), Fall (2:23)
285 – John Seaman (AUG) def. Patrick Mulkerin (UC), Fall (0:32)
NEXT MATCH:
- Saturday, February 6 – Wheaton College at UChicago, 1 PM
