The LIU Post wrestling team split against Gannon and American International at the AIC Tri-Match at Butova Gymnasium in Massachusetts on Saturday, Jan. 17. The Pioneers dropped a seesaw battle with the Golden Knights from Gannon, 22-16, before rolling to a 33-15 victory against the host AIC Yellow Jackets.
In the match against Gannon, freshman Joe Calderone continued his terrific start to his first campaign on the collegiate level, majoring Aaron Smith 16-3 at 133 lbs. Decisions in the next two bouts favored the Pioneers, but they ultimately fell short in the final match of the day. Tied at 16-all, freshman James Louison was pinned by Nick Budd to end the match and hand the Pioneers a hard fought and tough loss.
In their rout against American International, the Pioneers jumped out to a commanding 18-0 cushion. Junior Jesse Meaney, sophomore Tyler Walsh and Calderone each won by pinfall in the opening three bouts. Freshmen Jackson Mordente and Ed Ramirez Jr. were victorious at 157 lbs. and 165 lbs., respectively.
Freshman Ronnie King pinned his opponent in two minutes at 184 lbs., while senior Chris DiIorio put the icing on the cake on a fantastic match for the Pioneers at 197 lbs.. DiIorio pinned Sheldon Rhoden less than a minute into the second round.
First year LIU Post head wrestling coach Joe Patrovich and the Pioneers return to the mat on Saturday, Jan. 24, when they travel to Pennsylvania to do battle with the Marauders from Millersville University. Start time is set for 3 p.m. The Pioneers’ next home match is set for February 12 against East Stoudsburg University.
This article was originally published in the Pioneer, the award-winning student newspaper of LIU Post, www.liupostpioneer.com, and is republished here by Blank Slate Media with the permission of the Pioneer.
