TROY, N.Y. – The Long Island University wrestling team continued its 2019-20 season this weekend at the Northeast Duals and Journeymen Classic presented by Defense Soap. The set of competitions featured some of the top grapplers in the region, including a handful of nationally-ranked competitors.
On Saturday, Nov. 9 the Sharks opened the weekend with three dual matches against No. 23 University of Virginia, the University of Buffalo, and Sacred Heart University. Despite not earning a victory against the Cavaliers, freshman
Jimmy Ryan held Patrick McCormick to just three points, and sophomore
James Langan suffered a three-point loss to Vic Marcelli.
Ryan kicked off the match against Sacred Heart with a decision victory against Kyle Randall and freshman
Michael Blando earned his first career pinfall victory during the first period against Rafael Lievano. Senior
Dominick Demarco added a victory at 157, shutting out TJ Calas for a 4-0 decision.
In the final dual of the day, the Sharks battled another tough opponent in Buffalo who is receiving votes in the National Wrestling Coaches Association national poll. Ryan was once again impressive to begin the match, earning a 12-8 decision win against Chris Meloni at 125. Freshman
Rhise Royster also had an impressive showing at 149, falling by a 6-3 decision against Kevin Meloni.
Sunday's Journeymen Classic featured more impressive showings for the Shark grapplers. Royster and senior
Dan McClure each earned a 2-0 record on the day in contested matches, while sophomore
Tim Nagosky earned a third-place finish at 285.
Royster began his day with a first period pinfall over Hofstra's Steven Zgaljardic before earning an 8-1 decision victory against Davidson's Will Baldwin in the third round. Despite not competing in the championship bout, Royster earned a second-place finish at 149 for the day. At 184, McClure opened his day with an 11-3 major decision over Raymond Bernot of Lock Haven before posting another major decision (12-0) over Sacred Heart's Francis Rossi in his final contested bout of the day.
Nagosky started his day with a narrow 3-2 decision over George Mason's Ramses Montalvo before advancing into the third-place bout via a bye in the third round. Nagosky posted his first pinfall victory of the season when he took down Pitt-Johnstown's Allan Beattie in the first period.
The Sharks return to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the 'Boro Duals hosted by Edinboro University. LIU is scheduled to face off against Gannon University, Ohio University, and the host Fighting Scots. The entire event will be streamed on FloWrestling, a subscription based streaming service available online and on all mobile and streaming devices.
