The Lions wrestling team finished off a busy day with a 1-2 record in its three matches at York College on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Three Lions led the way for the College with standout performances. Senior captain Nathaniel Leer, junior Antonio Mancella and junior Doug Hamann each went a perfect 3-0 on the day. Hamann is now a perfect 8-0 on the season, including a title at the Ursinus Fall Brawl.
“I’m just trying to go into each match and execute what I know, and continue to make adjustments each day,” Hamann said of his early success.
The College opened the day’s competition with a match against host York College at noon. Mancella, wrestling in the 157-pound weight division, earned the Lion’s lone win by fall against York, making quick work of his opponent in 1:04. Leer, Hamann and freshman James Goldschmidt also picked up wins for the team, but it was not enough, as the Spartans took down the Lions 27-16.
The College bounced back from its defeat just a few hours later with an impressive victory over Division II Shippensburg University. Again, Leer, Mancella and Hamann picked up individual wins, with Mancella and Leer pinning their opponents.
The Lions also received key contributions from the underclassmen in the win over Shippensburg. Goldschmidt, in the 125-pound class, earned his second win of the day, while sophomore Jesse Thorsen, 174 pounds, and freshman Kyle Lynch, 184 pounds, both won by decision.
As team captain, Leer sets the tone for the rest of the team, especially the with the less experienced underclassmen.
“I try to set an example by working hard in the room every day,” Leer said. “I’m not the most vocal leader, but as a veteran starter on the team, I know it is important to show the younger guys what it takes to be a successful college wrestler.”
The team was not able to carry over its momentum into the day’s final match against an undefeated Waynesburg University, dropping a tough battle 18-16. Hamann, 165 pounds, Leer, 197 pounds, and Mancella continued their dominant day with three victories apiece, each by decision. Goldschmidt was edged out of joining the trio with a perfect record due to a tough 5-4 match. Lynch earned his second win of the day, topping his opponent, 3-2. Sophomore Nick Herring contributed a win of his own with a huge 6-0 victory.
In total, the Lions finished 1-2 on the hectic day, with seven different wrestlers earning wins for the team.
Looking forward, the Lions will have their first home match of the young season on Wednesday, Nov. 19, when King’s College will visit Packer Hall for a 7:30 p.m. The College will then look to recover from its slow start at the Fall College Open match on Saturday, Nov. 22, in the Rec Center.
