ESU Dominates American International

By Anthony Fabrikant
Staff Writer

The ESU Men’s Wrestling team won in convincing fashion last Saturday at Koehler Fieldhouse, winning all but two of the ten bouts for a 45-6 win against American International.

The victory is the Warriors’ sixth for this season and provides the Warriors with a rewarding victory before their season finale against Kutztown on Feb. 16.

Collyn Dorney kicked off the match in the 125-pound weight class by defeating Brian LaValley, 16-1.

Connor Maliff and Dylan Nace fed off the momentum of the gym giving the advantage to the Warriors three bouts into matchup.

Tyson Searer, who is currently ranked as the seventh best wrestler in Division II, continued his dominant senior season by winning the 285-pound bout.

Searer has had a stellar career at ESU and improved his career duals record to 45-9.

Searer’s leadership has helped the team continue to grow and paved the way for young players like freshman Dylan Nace to thrive.

Nace fights in the 141-pound class. He continued his success this year by winning his bout on Saturday, totaling his season record at 18-2, 12-0 in duals.

Nace has only lost once this year in facing Division II opponents and has been one of the hottest wrestlers in the region.

Josh Deutel contributed a victory by pinning Christopher Hunter in four minutes.

Deutel’s performance was synonymous with his peers’ performances on Saturday, ultimately leading to a convincing victory for the Warriors.

After ESU hosts their season finale on Tuesday, the Warriors will prepare for the NCAA Division II Super Regional at Mercyhurst in Erie, Pa.

Currently, Nace (141) and Tyler Richardson (184) have garnered #4 seeds for the Super Regional in Erie, while Searer (285) has put himself in the ideal situation for a deep postseason run as a #2 seed.

Email Anthony at:
afabrikant@live.esu.edu