With fall semester concluded and winter vacation underway, the Heidelberg University wrestling team traveled to the warmth of Fort Myers, Florida to compete in the 2nd Annual Florida Gulf Coast Duals. The Student Princes would face four teams in dual match competition, two of which were ranked in the top 20 nationally.
As a team, the Student Princes split their four dual matches, finishing 2-2 at the Gulf Coast Duals.
Freshman 133-pounder Colin McDermitt (Lima/Lima Shawnee) wrestled to a spotless 4-0 record to lead the Student Princes in Fort Myers.
McDemritt began his eventual four-win day with a major decision over Concordia’s Kevin Ambrocio, 14-5. McDermitt scored another major decision against Cody Weitzel of Augustana. McDermitt downed the Viking, 8-2.
With a score if 15-7, McDermitt recorded his third major decision of the day over Jon Williamson before beating Aaron Anderson of Central College in his final match.
According to d3wrestle.com’s rankings, which were released December 5, the talented freshman is ranked eighth in the nation.
The Berg battled Concordia University Wisconsin in their first match of the day. Heidelberg collected wins in eight weight classes earning them a 29-7 victory over the Falcons.
Following the win, the Berg met the Vikings of Augustana College (PA.), ranked 19th in Division III.
Augustana took a three-point advantage after 125-pounds, but the Student Princes roared back, winning the next four weight classes. Augustana would answer by taking the last five matches from the Berg, winning the dual, 24-13.
The Heidelberg grapplers then squared off with North Central College (IL.). the Student Princes took 125 and 133-pounds from the Cardinals until North Central picked up a win at 141-pounds.
The Berg swept the next four weight classes winning the match, 30-7.
In their final contest, Heidelberg battled 15th ranked Central College (IA.). The Student Princes began the match win three consecutive victories, dropping 149 and 157-pounds. With a Berg victory at 165-pounds, the Dutch would take the four remaining weight classes and cruise to a 20-13 victory.
Junior 125-pounder Delian Schneider (Tiffin/Columbian) and 165-pounder, senior, Justin Wharton (Oregon/Clay) both tallied three wins and a loss in Fort Myers.
Schneider recorded three victories by decision, and his lone loss was a 6-4 decision in overtime to Jacob Scholten of Augstana College. Wharton scored two major decisions and a fall for the Berg but was pinned in his only loss.
Freshman Aaron Banko (Garfield Heights) tallied three wins in Fort Myers, all by decision. Banko was unbeaten heading into the final match against Central College, but he was bested by the Dutch’s Joseph Atwell, 9-6.
Junior 141-pounder Chris Osborne (McComb) wrestled to a 3-1 record in Florida, scoring 13-points for the Student Princes with two technical falls and a decision.
2012 Ohio Athletic Conference Champion and National Qualifier Andy Lovins (Clinton Township, Michigan/Lake Shore) saw action on the mat for the first time this season, wrestling to a 2-2 record at the Gulf Coast Duals.
The Heidelberg wrestling team and second year head coach Ned Shuck will take the holiday off but return in 2013 when they travel to Williamsport, PA. and the Lycoming Duals. The Lycoming Duals will be a two-day event starting on January 11, 2013. Start time is still yet to be determined.
