Three Eagles Selected to Academic All-MAC Squad

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team had three members receive selections to the Mid-American Conference All-Academic team. Redshirt senior and NCAA Qualifier Charlie Pienaar joins sophomore Zach Donofrio and senior Cory Mancuso, who earned their second consecutive selections on the squad.

Donofrio, earned the starting nod in the 141-pound weight class early on in the season, going 9-12 on the year. He posted a perfect 3-0 mark at the Ithaca College Quad, defeating Braxdon Scaletta (Mercyhurst), William Horwath (Ithaca), 9-5, and Anwar Goeres (Binghamton), 8-4. At the EMU Quad, he went 2-1, defeating Sal Lascari (Clarion), 13-10, and earning a 13-5 major decision over Charles Franz (Gardner-Webb). Donofrio carries a 3.36 GPA as a hotel and restaurant management major.

Mancuso was an integral part of coach DelPorto’s transition to EMU, following his coach from Slippery Rock. The No. 1 ranked wrestler in the 157-pound weight class of the MAC for most of the season, he put together an 11-match winning streak to round out the year, and won 13 of his last 14 dual matches. His senior leadership coupled with a second best 21 wins on the year, helped the 2008 Eagles set the record for wins in a season (15). Mancuso will graduate this spring with a team-high 3.96 GPA as a physical education major.

Charlie Pienaar capped off a fine regular season with a second place finish at the Mid-American Conference Championship, receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. During the regular season Pienaar posted a 22-8 overall record which included a 12-match winning streak. He posted perfect records at the Ithaca College Quad (3-0), Eastern Michigan Quad (3-0) and at the prestigious Lone Star Duals (4-0).

Over the course of the season Pienaar tallied seven bonus point wins; three falls and four major decisions, as well as seven shutout decisions. During a 19-match stretch this season, he tallied an 18-1 mark, with his only loss coming to NCAA Qualifier Tyrel Todd (Michigan). At the MAC Championships, he received a bye in the first round and then defeated Eric Chine (Kent State) 10-6, in triple overtime to advance to the finals, where he battled No. 1 seeded and No. 4 ranked Christian Sinnott (Central Michigan), falling 5-3. The redshirt senior completed his physical education major with a 3.84 GPA and is currently working towards his Master’s degree in sport management at Eastern Michigan.

The ten-member team was voted on by the league’s Faculty Athletic Representatives from among a lost of student-athletes who have excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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