Mount Olive wrestlers roll past Coker

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – After securing eight victories with three pins, the Trojans rolled past Coker on the road by a 42-10 margin on Nov. 29 in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas action.

With the win, the University of Mount Olive men’s wrestling team improved to 5-0 in dual meets with a 2-0 record in the league. The Trojans opened conference play with two straight wins for the first time in program history and now hold a 2-2 record all-time versus Coker. Meanwhile, the Cobras dropped to 1-2 this season with an identical record in league action.

Redshirt freshman Seth Thomas opened the meet with a dominant performance in his first appearance at 184 this season winning by a 15-0 technical fall over Will Frazier. A native of Wilmington, he holds an 8-2 record this year and is unbeaten in dual meets.

Sophomore Jonathan Clack (197) followed with a win via forfeit to increase the lead to 11-0 through the initial two matches. The Cobras responded with wins in the 285 and 125 weight classes to trim the deficit to 11-10.

Freshman Jeffrey Richards responded with a win by fall against Brandon Dasen at 133 to improve to 9-1 this year with just his third win by pin. Junior Hayden Waddell (141) followed up with another win by fall over Trey Weinell to earn maximum points to extend the team lead to 23-10 with four matches remaining.

Redshirt freshman Dallas Wilson remained undefeated this season with a 5-0 record after posting a 14-1 major decision in the 149 weight class against Bryan Jones. Redshirt junior Michael Vernagallo also improved to 5-0 overall in dual meets at 157 after edging Noah Korenoski by an 11-9 decision. Sophomore Jake Nicolosi (165) rounded out the trio of unbeaten wrestlers with a victory by pin over Matthew Williams to give the Trojans a 36-10 lead. Freshman Calan Staub closed the meet with a win via forfeit in the 174 weight class, as the UMO secured a 42-10 win.

— From University of Mount Olive Athletics