SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - December 9, 2006 – The 16th-ranked Springfield College wrestling team defeated Norwich University, 44-6, this afternoon in a dual meet at Springfield College’s Blake Arena.
With the win, Springfield is now 4-0 in dual-meet competition, while Norwich falls to 2-2. SC is ranked #2 in New England Division III, while Norwich is ranked #5. Nationally, SC is ranked #16 in Division III.
The match featured six pins overall, including five for the hosts. Pins were recorded for Springfield at 125 by senior Ryan Hannigan (Wyantskill, N.Y.), at 149 by junior Chris DeBlock (Sparta, N.J.), at 174 by senior Andre Lee (Wappinger Falls, N.Y.), at 184 by junior Elliot Smith (Richville, N.Y.), and at heavyweight by sophomore Chris Brown (East Hartford, Conn.).
The lone points of the day recorded by the Cadets were as a result of a pin at 197 pounds by Norwich senior Rick LaGrega (Colchester, Conn.). LaGrega is ranked 5th in New England Division III.
Others from SC who won their bouts included senior Jamie Sgaglione (Massapequa, N.Y.) at 133; senior Mike Gaeta (Manalapan, N.J.), ranked #1 in the country, at 141; freshman John Archambeau (Ludlow, Mass.) at 157; and sophomore Jake Tyler (Gouverneur, N.Y.) at 165.
Certainly, a highlight match of the day took place at 141, where SC’s Gaeta (#1 in New England) defeated Norwich senior Mike Conklin (Toms River, N.J.) (#3 in New England) by a score of 9-4. Another match between two highly-ranked competitors came at heavyweight where SC’s Brown (#1 in New England) pinned Norwich senior Cody Lightfoot (Elliot, Maine)(#5 in New England) in 1:38.
Springfield is now off until it travels to Cortland State on Tuesday, January 9 for a tri-meet with Cortland and Williams at 12 noon.
SPRINGFIELD 44, NORWICH 6
125 lbs. – Ryan Hannigan (S) pinned Mike Stanley (NU), 0:49 6- 0
Jason Holder will enter his second season as head wrestling coach in 2012. Holder had a standout first season at the helm of the Pride, leading Springfield to the NEWA Duals Championship and taking three wrestlers to the NCAA Championships.
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