The Shippensburg University wrestling team had a triple-header against NCAA Division III teams Jan. 7 at the 2017 North-South Duals held at Ursinus College.
SU defeated SUNY Cortland by a score of 29-14, but dropped close matches to Wilkes University, 24-21 and Delaware Valley University, 28-21. Both Wilkes and Delaware Valley are nationally ranked wrestling programs, at numbers 16 and 14, respectively in Division III.
The SU wrestlers had to go up against five nationally ranked wrestlers on the day. Redshirt sophomore Mike Hafer lost to the No. 1 wrestler at 141 pounds for Wilkes, Matthew Grossman, and the No. 4 wrestler for Delaware Valley, Tim Ambacher.
SU’s Evan Ramos, the No. 5 wrestler in Division II at 197 pounds, won all three of his matches, improving his season record to 15-1. He won two of his matches by pinning his opponents and he won his third match by forfeit.
SU’s Mike Springer and sophomore Dustin Steffenino both returned to action, with Springer winning all three of his matches and Steffenino winning two of his three matches. They both had successful returns to competition.
SU’s Cole Rush had an impressive outing, pinning two of his three opponents, but lost his other match to the No. 10 wrestler in Division III at 125 pounds, Kordell Rush, by a close decision.
SU’s Adam Martz also had a good day, winning all three of his matches to improve his season record to 12–5. He won all his matches by hard-fought decisions, with many takedowns helping him earn the advantage.
SU’s Derek Berberick won two of his three matches by decision, and lost his last match against the No. 1 wrestler at 285 pounds for Delaware Valley, Zachery Roseberry.
SU’s next action will be on Friday at a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) dual meet against East Stroudsburg University.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.