The John Carroll Patriots chose to test their wrestling skills in some out-of-state action this past weekend, ending up with a fourth-place finish in Pennsylvania’s Mule Classic.
With lots of Pennsylvania state qualifiers and placers in the brackets, the Pats took just 12 wrestlers and came in fourth-place behind Solanco, Manhiem Township and Carlisle in the 15-team tournament.
Crowning a champion in 171-pound Mathew Miller, the Patriot wrestler pinned his way through the tournament, including a third-period fall over a “Solanco super stud” in the tournament finals to claim his title, according to John Carroll coach Keith Watson.
John Carroll’s other champion, Scott Strappelli, won his 119-pound weightclass on a last second takedown with just three ticks remaining on the clock.
Other top placers included third-place finishers Art Millner (103), George Weber (125) and Rob Clingerman, wrestling tough, heaver wrestlers to a 285 finish.
Devin Davis (112) took fourth-place alongside 140-pound Joe Vitucci and Sam Owens (152), while Lance Waters placed fifth, Zach Donato placed seventh, and Ryan Etkins and Chriss Grimm took eighth at 160 and 189, respectively.
Dan Froehlich (135) and Kyle Miele (215) were unable to participate in the tournament due to a field trip requirement, but will join the Pats in their tri-meet with Bowie and Calvert Hall on Dec. 14.
