The Maroon wrestlers enjoyed an exciting win over Elmhurst College this past Saturday. Chicago improved to a 6–3 dual meet record after coming out victorious over Elmhurst College in a 24–18 win.
The Maroons tallied their sixth-straight dual meet victory, while the Blue Jays dropped to 4–4 in the season.
The Maroons faced Elmhurst College earlier in the season and were thirsty for another victory over their interstate foes this past weekend. At last week’s Elmhurst College Tournament, the Maroons placed fifth behind the Blue Jays, who finished third.
In preparing for the meet, first-year Nick Ferraro acknowledged some of the strategy the squad used.
“We were running the numbers all week about the outcome of the dual, and knew it was going to come down to a couple of key matches,” Ferraro said.
The match started out with a win for the South Siders after first-year Devan Richter’s snagged a quick pin early in the match. Richter’s win was followed closely by another Maroon victory as fourth-year Adam Wyeth won over his opponent in the 133-pound weight class.
The Blue Jays fought their way back to close the score gap, winning two matches in the 141 and 149-pound weight classes, but the Maroons regained the lead after fourth-year Devon Range won his first match of the season in the 157-pound weight class.
The Maroons remained calm and confident after tallying two decisive victories to increase their lead, courtesy of second-year Paul Papoutsis and first-year Nick Ferraro. Papoutsis defeated his opponent on a technical fall, while Ferraro’s win came after an 11–1 major decision.
Elmhurst College rallied late in the match with two wins in the final three matches, but the Maroons eventually clinched a victory with a 10–9 win.
“[We] knew the dual was going to be tough, but as long as each person on the team did their part, I thought we’d be okay,” Richter said. “I knew I did my part, and it all came down to Mario [Palmasiano]. He really stepped up and secured the win for us.”
“The most exciting match was by far [fourth-year] Mario [Palmisano] at heavyweight. Coming back from being down 7–1 and getting the win showed a lot of heart,” Ferraro said.
The Maroons are stronger and more confident than ever after taking down this tough opponent.
“All the guys are feeling great after winning so much. It has been incredible to us all get better as the season goes on,” Richter said.
The Maroons hope to continue their success in this weekend’s matchup at the Pete Wilson Invite hosted by Wheaton College.
