Wrestlers Earn First Win of the Season
January 20, 2000 | Men's Wrestling
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Boston University wrestling team earned its first win of the season Wednesday (Jan. 19), defeating the Springfield College Pride, 31-9, at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA. The win comes off a tough 17-16 loss against a strong Seton Hall team on January 14th.
In accordance with a new rule this season where the starting weight class is determined by a draw from a hat, the meet began at 157 pounds, where senior Chris Simmons (Hendricks, MN) earned a 5-1 decision over Dan Langer. Freshman Chad Grant (Eaton Rapids, MI) continued his recent string of strong performances by pinning John Broullire in 2:29 at 184 pounds to give the Terriers a 15-0 cushion.
"For a kid who was a walk-on for us, Chad Grant is wrestling really well," coach Carl Adams said.
In what Adams thought was one of the more impressive matches of the meet, sophomore Ali Abri (Ashland, VA) decisioned John Roden, ranked No. 1 in Division III at 174 pounds, 5-3.
The Pride, ranked #1 among New England Division III schools and 10th in the country, earned its first points at Heavyweight on a major decision to cut the deficit to 18-4. But freshman Jose Leon (Santa Ana, CA), who is enjoying a fine first season, responded in the next match, decisioning Calvin Johnson, 4-0, at 125 pounds. Johnson is ranked No. 5 in Division III at 125 pounds. Junior Malik Elliot (Park Forest, IL) closed out the match with an impressive 20-5 technical fall victory over Lonnie Donner at 149 pounds.
"We were knocking on the door to get our first win," said Adams. "This was an important one to get."
With the win, the Terriers improved to 1-4-1 on the season. Springfield fell to 10-7.
The Terriers return home for only the second time this season to take on East Stroudsburg on Saturday, January 22 at 5 p.m. It will be the first of three straight home meets for BU, which will also face Army and Drexel in the coming weeks.
"We have six scholarship kids out of the lineup," Adams said. "But I feel good about the kids who are in there. They've wrestled well. By the time the conference schedule comes around, we'll be ready to go."
Boston University 31, Springfield College 9 125 -- Jose Leon (BU) dec. Calvin Johnson, 4-0 133 - Mike Messina (BU) tech. fall Jay Jenkins, 18-2 141 - Keith Poloskey (S) tech. fall Keith Borgaro, 16-1 149 - Malik Elliot (BU) tech. fall Lonnie Donner, 20-5 157 - Chris Simmons (BU) dec. Dan Langer, 5-1 165 - Zak Emond (BU) dec. Matt Bielo, 8-2 174 - Ali Abri (BU) dec. John Roden, 5-3 184 - Chad Grant (BU) pinned John Broullire, 2:29 197 - Ed Strauss (BU) dec. Neil Bergren, 11-6 Hvy - Marcelle Roberson (S) maj. dec. Nick Zeras, 10-2
