Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
Rutgers
Dragons Use Bonus Points to Stun Rutgers, 20-16
2/18/2009 8:46:19 PM | Wrestling
Philadelphia - Drexel and Rutgers split the 10 matches in the teams' non-conference dual held at the Daskalakis Athletic Center but the Dragons earned a 20-16 thanks to bonus-point victories by Frank Cimato, Billy Haydt and Justin Wieller. The win avenged a previous loss this season to the Scarlet Knights and halted the their streak of nine wins in 10 matches. The loss moved Rutgers to 20-6 on the season while the Dragons improved to 10-14-1. Drexel extended its winning streak to four matches with just one dual left on the schedule.
Rutgers picked up the 125 pound match as Matt Fusco won a 10-6 decision over Michael Gomez in a back-and-forth battle. Cimato halted any momentum the Scarlet Knights seemed to have gained as the freshman earned a stunning first-period pin over Michael Demarco. Rutgers regained the lead with its only win with bonus points as Trevor Melde took a major decision from Matt Dugan by a score of 11-2. Rutgers padded its lead with a win by decision at 149 pounds as the Scarlet Knights led 10-6. Senior Haydt pulled the Dragons right back with a major decision win over Paul Grogan, 16-5, as the dual scored was tied 10-10 halfway through the match.
Matt Pletcher took a 7-3 decision from Dan Konno but at 174 pounds Dave Woodall fought off a late rally from Mike Whalen to win 4-3. Again the dual was tied with just three matches remaining. Wieller used five takedowns and a reversal as he earned a major decision victory over Mcpaul Ogbonna to give Drexel a 17-13 lead. Senior captain Jon Oplinger took the mat for the Dragons at 197 pounds knowing a win would clinch the dual for the Dragons. Oplinger left little doubt as he narrowly missed a win by major decision as he scored a 13-6 victory over Karim Mahmoud. DJ Russo won the heavyweight match to complete the scoring.
The Dragons will compete in their regular-season finale on Friday, Feb. 20 as George Mason visits the DAC. Prior to the match Haydt, Oplinger and Brian Stouffer will be honored as part of Senior Day festivities.
Drexel 20, Rutgers 16
125: Fusco (R) dec. Gomez, 10-6
133: Cimato (D) wbf. Demarco, 2:46
141: Melde (R) maj. Dugan, 11-2
149: Bradley (R) dec. Robinson, 5-0
157: Haydt (D) maj. Grogan, 16-5
165: Pletcher (R) dec. Konno, 7-2
174: Woodall (D) dec. Whalen, 4-3
184: Wieller (D) maj. Ogbonna, 14-6
197: Oplinger (D) dec. Mahmoud, 13-6
285: Russo (R) dec. Frey, 6-2
