By Brian Hoffman
The Roanoke College wrestling team hosted their first ever ODAC dual in the Cregger Center last Thursday evening against the Hornets of Shenandoah University. With the match starting at 125 pounds, it only took to the 165 pound match for the Maroons to secure the win as Roanoke won 42-3 with two falls, three tech falls, and three decisions.
The Maroons got things started off right with Mac Cafurello and Sean Hall picking up tech falls at 125 lbs and 133 lbs to put Roanoke up 10-0. Back-to-back decisions by Dustin Smith and Jarrod Pominville at 141 lbs and 149 lbs gave the Maroons a 16-0 lead with one match left before intermission. At 157 lbs, Ryan Foutz went scoreless through the first period but used a strong push and secured the fall with 42 seconds left in the third period for six team points, putting Roanoke ahead 22-0.
David Reid picked up right where the Maroons left off before the break, earning a fall in the second period at 165 lbs. After the Hornets picked up a decision at 174, 2022 All-American Mahlic Sallah got Roanoke back on the winning ways with the Maroons’ third tech fall of the evening, 16-1 in the third period. Cam Cavins secured the Maroons’ third fall of the evening just 28 seconds into the third period, putting Roanoke ahead 39-3. In the final match of the night, Joshua Mancia picked up a decision giving the Maroons three more points and the 42-3 win.
The Maroons are back in action on Dec. 29-30 at the 2022 Citrus Invitational at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.