Student Body Slam

Colum McCann grinds out a tech fall

The Southern Rams took the mat Thursday afternoon for a match against the Hampshire Trojans in front of our student body.  Students jumped at the chance to get out of class to report to the gym to watch our team in action.  The visiting Trojans have been hit hard with injuries and sickness, but the boys they brought were ready to battle.

Our warm-up, always a crowd favorite

The match started at 106 and the students were treated to an exciting match that came down to the wire.  Hampshire was able to pull off a 9-7 win by decision to take a 3-0 lead in the team scoring.  It was the only match they would be able to win.  At 113, Tanner Edwards went right to work and scored a first period pin.  Hampshire forfeited 120 and 126 and the Rams were quickly up 18-3

Tanner Edwards with a big pin

At 132, Kolton Lee continued his winning ways with a first period fall.  That was followed by a tech fall at 138 by Colum McCann and another pin at 145 by Elisha Skipper.  Jake Sweitzer and Zach Schoch received forfeits at 152 and 160 and the Rams led 47-3 as we went into the upper weight classes.

Elisha Skipper, victorious again

Senior Declan McCann took the mat at 170 against Hampshire's team captain and after a slow start, McCann turned it on, scoring 8 points to finish out the first period.  There was more of the same in the second as McCann scored 5 more points to take a 13-0 lead before securing the fall near the end of the second period.  Hunter Sanders did the same thing at 182, building a 9-1 lead before pinning his Trojan foe in the second period.

A dominating win by Declan McCann

The wildest match of the afternoon took place at 195 between Southern's Justin Richter and Hampshire's Jacob Staub.  Both wrestlers were very physical and competed with high intensity.  Richter took an early lead and was in control.  He built the advantage to 15-5 before Staub came storming back.   The Hampshire grappler took control of the match in the third period and was able to put Richter on his back, nearly pinning him twice.  In the end, Richter's 15 points were enough to secure the win by 2 in a very exciting bout.

Hunter Sanders with another pin

Chris Mersing made quick work of his opponent at 220, pinning him in just 40 seconds and Trenton Tasker was awarded a forfeit at 285 to close out the match, bringing the final score to 74-3 in favor of the home standing Southern Rams

Hey Ref, look at his shoulders

Next up for Southern is a match at home on Monday night against WV powerhouse University High from Morgantown.  This match is designated Alumni Night as all former Southern Wrestlers in attendance will receive free admission and will be recognized prior to the Varsity match at 7pm.

Southern 74 - Hampshire 3
106 - Miguel Elmer (H) dec Jay Miller (SG) 9-7
113 - Tanner Edwards (SG) pins Gabriel Hamm (H) 1:16
120 - Aiden Schwab (SG) via forfeit
126 - Brogan Kealy (SG) via forfeit
132 - Kolton Lee (SG) pins Dillon Chambers (H) 1:55
138 - Colum McCann (SG) tech Levi Richman (H) 15-0
145 - Elisha Skipper (SG) pins Travis Buckley (H) 4:35
152 - Jake Sweitzer (SG) via forfeit
160 - Zach Schoch (SG) via forfeit
170 - Declan McCann (SG) pins Luke Alkire (H) 3:45
182 - Hunter Sanders (SG) pins Raymond Buckler (H) 2:18
195 - Justin Richter (SG) dec Jacob Staub (H) 15-13
220 - Chris Mersing (SG) pins Seth Dunham (H) :40
285 - Trenton Tasker (SG) via forfeit