In its first home match of the season, the North Carolina wrestling team set out to prove itself, flexing muscles to put down Old Dominion 28-12.
What happened?
The early matches of the night surmounted a Tar Heel lead that could not be overcome by the Monarchs. After the first seven matches of the night through the 174 lb. weight class, five Tar Heels had already won, making it mathematically impossible for Old Dominion to win.
The teams lead was compiled at the hands, and takedown maneuvers of James Syzmanski, Joey Ward and Ethan Ramos, who all won by falls to contribute 18 of the teams 28 points.
Szymanski’s take-down put the team up to an early 6-0 lead that was extended two matches later by Ward, who took down his opponent in quick fashion early on in the first period.
The lead was later cushioned by victories from Troy Heilmann in a 5-2 decision, an 8-0 win by decision for Joey Moon, until finally Ramos came in to issue the final blow to put the score up to 25-6.
Cory Daniel piled on to the victory in the final match with a 4-1 victory to close out the night. Tyrone Klump, Jack Clark, Elijah Kerr-Brown, and Danny Chaid all lost their matches. Klump lost by a 3-2 decision, Clark was defeated by 8-6 decision, Kerr-Brown lost 8-3, and Chaid dropped a close match by 3-2 decision.
Who stood out?
Joey Ward was among the most impressive wrestlers of the night, though spending very little time on the mat. Ward was able to complete a win by fall just 85 seconds into the first period.
