LITTLE ROCK – The Trojans won four bouts at their home opener this afternoon in an exciting match, dropping a close dual against Drexel 25-18 yet showing noticeable improvement from their last outing just two weeks ago.
"We've improved so much," said head coach
Neil Erisman. "I cannot discount the amount of work that's been put in, even when it didn't show up in some matches today. Part of growing and becoming a great competitor and a great wrestler is finding that gap and filling it. Sometimes it's really stinking hard. Really proud of how far we've come. Even though it doesn't reflect in everyone right now, I think it will."
Jaylen Carson continues his clean win streak, bringing his record up to 6-0 on the season. His win at 133 kicked off a three-bout streak, dominating his way to a 17-2 tech fall with two near falls and over four minutes of riding time.
"Jaylen has responded in the right way," added Coach Erisman. "He's risen to every challenge and is probably the most improved wrestler we've had. And that's because of an attitude shift, a mentality shift. I'm super proud of him, and I think we're just touching the tip of the iceberg with him."
In addition,
Conner Ward,
Joseph Bianchi, and
Josiah Hill each picked up their first respective dual wins of the season in front of the home Trojan crowd.
In a thrilling comeback, Ward went from being down 3-0 at the start of the third period to bringing the match to overtime. His momentum began with a reversal halfway through before tying the bout 4-4 with a takedown in the last second. The redshirt junior wasted no time in overtime, attacking quickly for the takedown and the 6-4 decision.
"It was cool to see Conner, for the 100th time, be in that position and finish it and come out on top," remarked Coach Erisman. "That's stinking cool because it's someone who's believed….it shows his grit and his toughness, what we've seen every day."
Bianchi looked smart and strategic throughout his match at 149. He didn't allow a single takedown, letting his opponent up voluntarily several times - just to bring him back down to earn the 12-4 major decision.
"Today he felt something he's never felt, and he responded," added Coach Erisman, noting that this may be one of Little Rock's strongest positions this season. "He got back to doing what he trains to do and focused on that instead of just winning the match. And great things happen when you're focused on that."
To conclude the dual, redshirt freshman
Josiah Hill collected his first-ever dual victory at heavyweight. His pin in the first period left the Trojans on a high note as the team continues to show off their development and progression as a program each time they take the mat.
"Joe has had so much adversity," said Coach Erisman. "So the cool thing is that you're seeing just 1% of his potential right now. I can't imagine what it's going to be like if he continues down this path, and I think he will."
Little Rock will compete in the SIUE Cougar Clash invitational next weekend for another tournament opportunity before returning to the friendly confines of the Jack Stephens Center on December 19th. Show up at 1:00 p.m. sharp as the Trojans host CSU-Bakersfield in their first conference dual of the season.
RESULTS vs. Drexel
125: Kyle Waterman (Drexel) MD
Jayden Carson, 13-2
133:
Jaylen Carson TF Deon Pleasant (Drexel), 17-2
141:
Conner Ward DEC Jared Donahue (Drexel), SV-1, 6-4
149:
Joseph Bianchi MD Tyler Williams (Drexel), 12-4
157: #32 Parker Kropman (Drexel) DEC
Chase Tebbets, 7-4
165: Evan Barczak (Drexel) DEC
Tyler Brennan, 6-3
174: #12 Mickey O'Malley (Drexel) F
Triston Wills, 3:35
184: Bryan McLaughlin (Drexel) F
Tanner Mendoza, 5:12
197: Tino Morina (Drexel) DEC
Brooks Sacharczyk, 6-0
285:
Josiah Hill F Eli Anthony (Drexel), 2:50
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