University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pittsburgh Wrestling Takes Down American, 30-15
1/12/2000 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Pittsburgh Wrestling Takes Down American, 30-15
1/12/2000
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Senior Mike Ziska recorded an 18-2 technical fall victory for his 100th career win Wednesday vs. American. |
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Panthers defeated American tonight, 30-15, in a dual match at Fitzgerald Field House. Senior Mike Ziska helped the Panthers to victory by recording his 100th career win with an 18-2 technical fall.
With the win, Ziska (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) joins an elite group of just seven other wrestlers in the history of the program to reach the century mark. His career record currently stands at 100-54.
Pittsburgh got off to a quick start as American entered the match forfeiting three weight classes, including heavyweight, the first bout of the evening. Sophomore James Thornton (Mechincsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) lost a 5-3 decision to the Eagles' Willie Harris at 125 pounds. American then forfeited the 133-pound weight class to Pittsburgh's 9th-ranked Rob Loper (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep).
A fall (2:25) by American's Pat Diaz over Mike Germano (Sharpsville, Pa/Sharpsville) at 141 pounds brought the Eagles within three (12-9), but they would come no closer as they were forced to forfeit the 149- pound bout to freshman Justin Giovinco (Norristown, Pa./Plymouth-Whitemarsh). Ziska followed with his outstanding victory, recording eight back points for the technical fall (4:45) over Aaron Baker.
Redshirt freshman Carl Fronhofer (Salem, N.Y./Salem), ranked 20th, claimed a 13-8 upset over 18th- ranked Denis Alampliev at 165 pounds, before 14th-ranked Nick Mengerink (Upper Sanduskey, Ohio/Carey) added a major decision (12-0) in the 174-pound match.
American recorded victories in the final two bouts of the night for the final score of 30-15.
Pittsburgh moves to 3-4 overall (0-1 Eastern Wrestling League). The Panthers return to the mat Thursday, Jan. 20, when they travel to EWL rival Cleveland State.
