Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
LIU
Dragons Welcome LIU and Franklin & Marshall to the DAC for Back-To-Back Duals
2/15/2024 5:45:00 PM | Wrestling
Matches Info:
Friday, February 16, 2024 - 6 p.m.
Spirit Night
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 6 p.m.
Youth Night
Watch: FloWrestling($)
Location: Daskalakis Athletic Center
FloWrestling | Tickets | Live Results
Social Media
@DrexelWrestling | @DrexelDragons
PHILADELPHIA - Drexel wrestling is set to host back-to-back EIWA duals at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. The Dragons first welcome Long Island on Friday, February 16 at 6 p.m. on Spirit Night. The following night, Franklin & Marshall travels to the DAC on Saturday, February 17 at 6 p.m. on Youth Night.
About Drexel
The Dragons are currently on a hot streak in dual competition over the last few weeks, winning four straight dual matchups to improve to 6-8 overall and 3-3 in conference action.
Drexel wrestlers were victorious in six of the ten weight classes in a hard-fought victory over conference foe Brown. Cody Walsh was once again victorious in his matchup against the Bears, leading the program with 19 wins on the year. Jordan Soriano also saw his hand raised against Brown, improving his dual record to 12-1 this season. Ethan Wilson has been a recent standout since securing a pin in his first collegiate dual on February 3. The redshirt freshman is now 4-0 in duals and was a key contributor for the Dragons against the Bears last weekend.
Never Count the Dragons Out
John Hildebrandt, Jack Janda, Dom Findora, Jordan Soriano, and Jaxon Maroney have defeated at least one ranked opponent this season. Hildebrandt boasts wins over #7 Michael Colaiocco (Penn) and #27 Mason Leiphart (F&M) by decision. Janda defeated #18 Sal Perrine of Ohio in dual action on Dec. 18, 5-2. Findora won against #33 Thomas Deck (Army) by decision, 7-6 from West Point, NY. Soriano won by fall in 1:45 against #28 Jason Miranda of Stanford. The latest upset saw Maroney defeat #31 Max Leete of American by fall in sudden victory on February 4, in Washington D.C.
National Recognition
Cody Walsh has seen some time in the national spotlight, moving up a spot to a season-high #30 in the Intermat poll and #32 by FloWrestling at 165lbs. Walsh was named #33 in the second NCAA Coaches Poll and 1st set of RPI Rankings. Kyle Waterman, Luke Nichter, Jack Janda, and Mickey O'Malley have also gathered national recognition this season.
Highest Rankings thus far
Cody Walsh, 165lbs
NCAA Coaches Rank: 33rd
NCAA RPI: 33rd
Intermat: 30th
FloWrestling: 32nd
WrestleStat: 30th
Kyle Waterman, 133lbs
Intermat: 27th
FloWrestling: 30th
WrestleStat: 25th
Luke Nichter, 157lbs
Intermat: 27th
FloWrestling: 32nd
WrestleStat: 25th
Mickey O'Malley, 174lbs
Intermat: 15th
FloWrestling: 15th
WrestleStat: 11th
Jack Janda, 174lbs
FloWrestling: 33rd
OpenMat: 20th
EIWA January Rankings
149 - Dom Findora - 5th
157 - Tyler Williams - 7th
165 - Cody Walsh - 8th
174 - Jack Janda - 8th
LIU is 7-7 overall and 2-3 in EIWA duals this season. Their conference wins were against Sacred Heart, 28-10, and Franklin and Marshall, 20-16.
Against LIU
The Dragons hold the series advantage over the Sharks, 4-0, following a 31-6 win on Long Island last season. Cody Walsh, Mickey O'Malley, Brian Bonino, Sean O'Malley, Santino Morina, Kyle Waterman, Jordan Soriano, and Luke Nichter all picked up wins in the decisive matchup.
About the Diplomats
Franklin & Marshall is 4-3 overall and 1-2 in EIWA duals this season. Their lone conference win was against Sacred Heart, 33-10. The Diplomats currently have three nationally ranked athletes in #30 Mason Leiphart (133lbs), #20 James Conway (184lbs), and #31 John Crawford (197lbs).
Against Franklin & Marshall
Drexel has dominated against the Diplomats, the program is 18-2 against F&M dating back to 1979. The Dragons took home the 23-13 victory in Lancaster last season. Kyle Waterman, Jordan Soriano, Luke Nichter, Tyler Williams, Evan Barczak, and Brian Bonino all had their hands raised in the win.
Probables
Drexel
125 - Desmond Pleasant
133 - John Hildebrandt
141 - Jordan Soriano
149 - Dom Findora
157 - Tyler Williams
165 - #30 Cody Walsh*
174 - Jack Janda
184- Ethan Wilson
197 - Ibrahim Ameer
285 - Santino Morina
LIU
125- Robbie Sagaris
133- Kaelen Francois
141- Devin Matthews
149- Drew Witham
157- Rhise Royster
165- James Johnston or Donavan Smith
174- Corey Connolly
184- Anthony D'Alesio
197- John Dusza
285- Aeden Begue
Franklin & Marshall
125 - Eric Howe
133 - #29 Mason Leiphart*
141 - Pat Phillips
149 - Josh Hillard or Bryce Kresho
157 - Dominic Wheatley
165 - Josh Palmucci
174 - Noah Fox
184 - #20 James Conway*
197 - #31 John Crawford*
285 - Harrison Shapiro
*Intermat Rankings
The Dragons will return home on Saturday, February 24 against Hofstra for Senior Night. The Dragons are set to honor Connor Trowbridge, Santino Morina, and Tyler Williams. Action from Philadelphia is slated to begin at 4 p.m.
Players Mentioned
