2008 Woodie Awards
Wrestling hits important stretch
By Travis Pickens
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 1/20/06 Section: Sports
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On top of its normal schedule, the team traveled to open meets at Cleveland State, Buffalo and Millersville. Another non-dual meet event, the Midlands Championships, hosted by Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., was also on the slate. The Rock tied for 38th place out of 60 participating teams.
"It's the 'who's who' of open tournaments," coach Derek DelPorto said of the Midlands Championships.
Jason Cardillo led the Rock's attack with a 3-2 record. The senior was the only SRU wrestler to post a winning record at what DelPorto deemed an elite tournament.
"You have to apply to wrestle there," DelPorto said. "If accepted into the tournament, you expect to see the toughest wrestlers in the country. With teams like Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois and Central Michigan, the competition is stiff."
Each team DelPorto named is ranked in the national top 10 rankings according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association poll. Illinois, ranked third, took home the team championship.
The Rock holds a 6-6 record after going 3-2 over the break. SRU was paced by true freshman David Pienaar, who posted a 4-1 record in the dual meets. David is the brother of sophomore 2005 national qualifier, Charlie.
The brothers were the lone Rock wrestlers to taste victory against the University of Pittsburgh in a 28-9 loss Jan. 7, but David said he isn't trying to make a name for himself yet.
"I think as a freshman, performing well is a good step for upcoming years," Pienaar said. "I wanted to exceed the goals normal freshmen have."
Pienaar followed his win against Pittsburgh with an 8-1 decision later that day against Belmont Abbey, N.C.
"I believe I'm strength to the team," Pienaar said. Pienaar recorded a 5-1 decision in the Rock's 19-15 loss to Eastern Michigan on Jan. 14. "But my teammates have strengthened me. The better I get, the better they get, and vice versa."
DelPorto said his team must stay healthy if it hopes to achieve the goals he set forth in November.
The Rock meets Ashland at noon, Davidson at 2 p.m. and Kent State at 4 p.m.
