Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
James Madison
Eagles Strong at Hancock Duals
11/19/2006 12:18:01 PM | Wrestling
Mancuso, Conklin and Lyssiotis lead way
GOLDEN, Col. – The Eastern Michigan wrestling team posted a strong showing this weekend at the John Hancock Dual Invitational, hosted by the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Col., Nov.18. The Eagles posted a 2-1 record in the team tournament and were led by seniors Nick Conklin (Milton, Wisc.-Milton), Tony Lyssiotis (Oxford, Mich.Oxford) and junior Cory Mancuso (Brockway, Penn.-Brockway Area), who all posted perfect 3-0 records on the day.
Eight of ten EMU wrestlers won their match as the Eagles easily defeated James Madison, 33-9, in the first round of action in Pool 4. In the Pool 4 championship the Eagles were set back by tournament champion Oregon State, 28-9. In the consolation pool EMU handled Central Missouri State, winning 35-6, taking eight of ten matches from the Mules.
Coach Derek DelPorto was proud of his team's performance, saying, "This was the first time the team and I had a chance to compete as a unit in a dual format. It was good to see some of the guys and how far they have come in such a short time. Overall we performed pretty well. We didn't bring a 184lber which forced us to bump up Conklin, Guernsey and Lewis. Nick did a great job setting the pace and not letting a size disadvantage show as he went undefeated on the day. We were without one of our senior captians and starting 149lber in Jermain Thompson. I'm not saying we would have been able to beat Oregon State, but I am saying we would have been a lot harder to beat. With Red-shirt freshmen starting at 3 of 10 spots and sophomores occupying another 3 spots, we have a very young starting line-up. We remain optimistic and continue to trust the system. We're getting better every day."
Mancuso, competing in the 157 lbs. weight class, defeated Scott Yorko (James Madison) 6-3, and was one of three wrestlers to record a win against tournament winner Oregon State, as he defeated Andy Hall (Oregon State) by a 9-2 decision. In the consolation pool Mancuso defeated Matt Bailes (Central Missouri State) 20-2.
Conklin defeated John DiVello (James Madison) by a 6-3 decision in the first round of pool action before defeating Brett Arand (Oregon State) 4-3 in the pool championship. Against Central Missouri State Conklin defeated Charlie Daleske by a 12-2 decision.
Lyssiotis won his first two matches over Marcus Bartley (James Madison) and Travis Gardner (Oregon State) by 3-0 decisions before defeating John Ott (Central Missouri State) 5-0.
The Eagles are idle until Dec. 2, when they travel to Primm, Nev. to compete in the Cliff Keen Invitational.
