The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team used four first-period pins to roll over The Citadel 38-7 in Southern Conference action in Charleston, S.C., today. The Mocs even their overall record a 6-6 and moved to 4-0 in SoCon competition.
Junior Alonzo Allen set the tone early with a first period tech fall over Williams Jacobs. He scored two takedowns and 12 backpoints to bounce back from a loss on Friday against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
Junior Chris Debien wrapped up a strong weekend with his second first period pin at 133. He put Nicholas Long on his back just 57 seconds into the match.
Senior Michael Pongracz won the closest match of the day, taking a 2-1 decision over Douglas Gudenburr at 141. The Citadel followed with one of its two wins at 149.
Junior Dylan Forzani picked up a 7-2 decision at 157, stretching the Mocs lead in the team race 17-3. UTC rolled out three-straight falls in the opening frame in the next three bout to clinch the win.
Senior Scottie Boykin defeated Sawyer Root at 197 for his team-leading 21st victory. The Citadel ended the dual with a win at heavyweight.
This was career win No.
99 for head coach Heath Eslinger (99-60 - .623) in nine seasons with the Mocs. He is an astonishing 51-4 (.927) in league duals.
Up next for the Mocs is a big showdown against Appalachian State on Sunday, Feb. 4. UTC hosts the Mountaineers at 2:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) in Maclellan Gym.
Chattanooga 38 – The Citadel 7
McAllister Field House – Charleston, S.C. – Sunday, Jan. 21
125: Alonzo Allen (CHAT) over William Jacobs (THCI) (TF 16-1 1:42)
133: Chris Debien (CHAT) over Nicholas Long (THCI) (Fall 0:57)
141: Mike Pongracz (CHAT) over Douglas Gudenburr (THCI) (Dec 2-1)
149: Tyler Buckiso (THCI) over Roman Boylen (CHAT) (Dec 6-3)
157: Dylan Forzani (CHAT) over Rian Burris (THCI) (Dec 7-2)
165: Chad Pyke (CHAT) over Michael Mewhorter (THCI) (Fall 2:34)
174: Justin Lampe (CHAT) over Robert Tywater (THCI) (Fall 1:05)
184: Bryce Carr (CHAT) over Michael Lopouchanski (THCI) (Fall 1:52)
197: Scottie Boykin (CHAT) over Sawyer Root (THCI) (Dec 9-4)
285: Michael McAleavey (THCI) over Ben Stacey (CHAT) (MD 18-4)