MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The Cody Becker Memorial Meet featured plenty of excitement as Millersville earned a dominant 31-9 victory over No. 19 West Liberty.
Millersville hosted its third-ever match at Cooper Park, home of the Marauders' baseball team. The Marauders were originally scheduled to face York College, but due to unforeseen circumstances, York was unable to compete. West Liberty stepped in as a last-minute replacement. The Hilltoppers had competed the night before against No. 3 University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and made the long commute to participate.
With West Liberty's involvement, the Cody Becker Memorial Meet was able to take place. Cody Becker, a former member of the Millersville wrestling program, lost his life in the line of duty as a member of the York Police Department.
"It was an amazing event to honor a true hero," said Millersville head coach Jerry Boland. "Everyone involved in making this happen should be commended. This is what it's all about. He clearly had the values that we want our athletes to emulate. We will continue to find ways to carry on Cody's legacy and support his family."
West Liberty gained the early advantage at 125 pounds as Gavin Boland fell in a 7–3 decision. Nick Cottone got things rolling for the Marauders in the 133-pound bout, earning a fall at 2:17. Building on that momentum, Aidan Micheli secured an 8–3 decision victory.
The 149-pound match featured a back-and-forth battle between Taylor Robinson and No. 14 Tony Wood. Robinson gained the early advantage, but through a series of stalling calls and escapes, Wood managed to stay in contention. The match entered overtime tied 4–4 before Robinson sealed the win with a takedown, earning a 7–4 sudden-victory decision.
At 157 pounds, the Hilltoppers responded with a 5–1 decision win over Richie DeFulvio. Chase Bish brought the momentum back to Millersville with a dominant 8–0 major decision. West Liberty claimed the 174-pound bout with a decision win over freshman Jack Weldon.
Cole Dubois notched a decision victory at 184 pounds, while Jaxon Townsend was awarded a win at 197 pounds following a forfeit. Landon Morehart closed out the day with a pin at 2:34 in the 285-pound match.
The Marauders left Cooper Park with a 31–9 team victory, marking their first dual win of the season.
"I was very pleased with how we wrestled today," said Boland. "The outdoor environment is different—it was a little on the cold side, and the wind wasn't cooperating. But that's adversity, and you have to overcome it. We talk about it all the time. There are some things we'll improve on, but we can enjoy this for now."
UP NEXT
Millersville is set to host the annual "Shorty" Hitchcock Classic on Saturday, November 15, at 10 a.m. in Pucillo Gymnasium.
