Wrestling Upended by No. 2 Cornell

ITHACA, N.Y.—The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team's two-match winning streak was abruptly snapped here Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Friedman Wrestling Center, as the Eagles were handed a 28-10 setback by No. 2 Cornell University. The Eagles fought back from an early 9-0 deficit to get to within two points of the Big Red, but they were able to record only one victory from that point on.

The Eagles are now 4-7 (0-1 MAC) on the season while the Big Red improves to 5-1.

Redshirt freshman Wes Schroeder (Manitou Beach, Mich.-Addison) lost a tough opening round heavyweight match to Zach Hammond, 5-3. After being down 4-0 early, Schroeder used a trio of escapes to cut Hammond's lead to one with 1:58 remaining in the second period. A late escape by Hammond would seal a home team victory and give Cornell an early 3-0 lead.

The Big Red expanded their lead to 9-0 as a result of a quick Troy Nickerson pin of redshirt freshman Jordan McGuire (Miamisburg, Ohio-Miamisburg) in the 125 lb. weight class. The pin came at 13 seconds.

The Eagles began to turn the tables on their opponent over the next two matches with victories at 133 and 141 by redshirt juniors Sean Clair (Turtlecreek, Pa.-Plum) and Zack Donofrio (Monroe, Mich.-Dundee). Clair got off to a 6-0 lead over Mike Grey and went on to record a 10-2 major decision. Leading 9-2 in the third period, Clair received an extra point for riding time at 1:11 which placed him in major decision territory. The result was four team points for the Eagles.

Donofrio then bested Corey Manson by a 6-1 decision, which put the team score at 9-7 for Cornell. Donofrio used two takedowns, one escape and a bonus point for riding time to earn his points in the victory.

Eastern would then drop its next five matches starting at 149 where redshirt freshman J.J. Johnson (Rockford, Mich.-Rockford) was blanked DJ Meagher, 9-0. The major decision put Cornell up, 13-7.

At 157, senior Josh Moulton (Grass Lake, Mich.-Napoleon) suffered a 15-0 technical fall at 4:45 at the hands of Jordan Leen. Cornell began to pull away from the Eagles as they ran the score to 18-7.

Redshirt sophomore Nick Hendrick (Coulmbiaville, Mich.-Powers Catholic) turned in a strong performance in the 165 lb. division, but was ultimately defeated by Josh Basting, 5-2. An early takedown by Hendrick gave him a 2-0 lead. However, Basting chipped away at the lead over the next two periods and went ahead for good after recording a two point takedown with just 25 seconds to play. Cornell now led 21-7.

A high-scoring bout at 184 resulted in a 19-10 major decision setback for true freshman Chris Eggert (Dundee, Mich.-Dundee). After two periods, Eggert was still in striking distance of his counterpart Steve Anceravage, 14-8. However, Anceravage outscored Eggert 5-2 in the final frame to keep the winning streak alive for the Big Red. The home team now led by a 25-7 score.

At 184, sophomore Derek Foore (Wadsworth, Ohio-Wadsworth) was edged by Justin Kerber, 4-2. Foore managed an escape with 20 seconds remaining in the final period to cut his deficit to 3-2, but could not capitalize any further. Kerber received an extra point for riding time and put his team's point total to 28 with the win.

Finally, senior John McClure (Holland, Mich.-West Ottawa) gave Eagles fans something to cheer about, as he knocked-off Matt Panasevich, 6-1, in the 197 lb. division. McClure recorded two takedowns, an escape and riding time in the victory. He allowed his opponent only one escape midway through the first period. With the win, McClure made the final score 28-10 in favor of Cornell.

The Eagles will now have a short week as they get ready to take on No. 6 Central Michigan University Thursday, Jan. 22, in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. The Mid-American Conference bout is slated for 7:30 p.m.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

HWT: Zach Hammond (CU) dec. Wes Schroeder (EMU), 5-3 CU 3, EMU 0

125: Troy Nickerson (CU) pin Jordan McGuire (EMU), 0:13 CU 9. EMU 0

133: Sean Clair (EMU) maj. dec. Mike Grey (CU), 10-2 CU 9, EMU 4

141: Zack Donofrio (EMU) dec. Corey Manson (CU), 6-1 CU 9, EMU 7

149: DJ Meagher (CU) maj. dec. J.J. Johnson (EMU), 9-0 CU 13, EMU 7

157: Jordan Leen (CU) tech. fall Josh Moulton (EMU), 15-0 (4:45) CU 18, EMU 7

165: Josh Basting (CU) dec. Nick Hendrick (EMU), 5-2 CU 21, EMU 7

174: Steve Anceravage (CU) maj. dec. Chris Eggert (EMU), 19-10 CU 25, EMU 7

184: Justin Kerber (CU) dec. Derek Foore (EMU), 4-2 CU 28, EMU 7

197: John McClure (EMU) dec. Matt Panasevich (CU), 6-1 CU 28, EMU 10

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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