Millersville, Pa. - Nearly 300 wrestlers descended upon Millersville University's Student Memorial Center Sunday for the 12th annual edition of the "Shorty" Hitchcock Memorial Classic, named in the honor of the hall of fame Marauder coach, who led the program from 1984-2002. number of Marauders competed in their home tournament.
The 141-pound
Thomas Nulty was among the most succesful Marauders, posting a 3-2 record, scoring all three wins in the wrestleback bracket. All three of his victories were by decision and his elimination defeat came against Navy Prep's James Connell, who finished fourth.
At 149 pounds, freshman
Nico Demetrio won two matches, one in the opening round, and one in the wrestleback against teammate
Nick Haegele.
Freshman sensation
Shane Ruhnke, wrestling at 157 pounds, had a shorter afternoon that usual. He started with a 9-7 win in the fist round but fell by a 10-8 decision against Rider's Wayne Stinson. He took a 6-2 defeat from Penn's Joseph Valliquette in the first match of the consolation bracket, giving him a 1-2 record on the day.
Fellow freshman
Ian Shannon picked up three wins at 165. He won 4-0 over Troy Leid of Pennsylvania College of Technology before falling 6-2 in the second round. In the consolation bracket, Shannon defeated Dominic Holder of Nassau Community College with a quick, 45 second pin. He then edged Rutgers' Mikey Simmons, 1-0 before falling to eventual third-place winner Garrett Peppelman of Virginia, 9-2.
Weight class winners included:
125: Darian Cruz, Lehigh (unattached)
133: Tyler Goodwin, Maryland (unattached)
141: Baby Bannister, Maryland (unattached)
149: C.J. Cobb, Penn
157: Joe Galasso, Finger Lakes Prep (unattached)
165: Chandler Sith, Army
174: Santiago Martinez, Lehigh (unattached)
184: Jeric Kasunic, American
197: Fran Mattiace, Pennsylvania RTC (unattached)
285: David Farr, Army