Cape wrestling housed by Hawks 43-29
“Hard times ain’t gonna rule my mind.” – Gillian Welch, 2011.
Cape’s varsity wrestling team is resting in the dual-meet doldrums. The season started with wins over Milford, Sussex Tech and Sussex Central. Then came January.
Cape gave up a lead to Caesar Rodney Jan. 12, losing 35-31. That was followed by dropping a match at Smyrna 45-22 Jan. 31. Then at home Feb. 2, the Vikings’ strategy got blown off course, as St. Georges turned the tables to win 43-29.
“Smyrna and St. Georges are both very good teams, and I'd say we did not wrestle well,” said Cape coach Chris Mattioni. “We had to get points and bonus points down low because they’re so tough up top.”
The match started at 106. Five bouts later, Cape held a 14-5 advantage heading into 132. Sophomore Blake Walker, up from 113 as a freshman, was leading Albert Weismiller with 40 seconds left in the match, but got caught and thrown to his back for a quick pin. The Hawks trailed 14-11, but Cape’s strategic plan went out the window.
Cape got 12 big points from Grayson Davis at 150 and Nick Walker at 157 who each won by fall to give Cape a 26-22 lead with five matches remaining.
Carson Tuer was leading Ezra Reyes at 165, but got caught in the second period, losing by fall. St. Georges surged in front 28-26, and brought it home for a 43-29 victory.
Austin Guerrieri, Cape’s 126-pounder, returned from the sick list to win by a first-period pin. Robbie Payton secured a 5-1 decision at 215.
Tripp Gannon bumped up to 144 and battled Randy Cordel in a back-and-forth match. Gannon lost by fall at the third-period buzzer.
Cape will grapple the Dover Senators at home Wednesday, Feb. 4, then host Lake Forest Friday, Feb. 6, on Senior Night.
