Newberry S.C. – The Indians took nine of the ten matches against Spartanburg Methodist College in their dual meet Wednesday night. Conditioning and consistency were two key points to the 33-5 win over the Pioneers. This is their second victory as a team this season.
“Our guys continued to step up in front of the home crowd,” said head coach Jason Valek. “The hard work that they have been putting in during practices showed tonight in their conditioning. By leading the action they were able to dominate their opponents. I am very pleased with the progress that has been made so early on in the season. We look forward to continuing the home success next semester.”
The Pioneers got off to an early lead with a fall at 125 pounds. This would be the most team points the Pioneers would see on the board all night as Newberry began to dominate the dual meet. Alvin Simmons wrestled Alex Zea in an action packed match up at 133 pounds. Simmons took the early lead and Zeas’ three takedowns in the third period were not enough to come back. As the matched ended with a final score of 14-10, Zea was called for unsportsmanlike and one team point was taken away from the Pioneers.
In his first dual meet action of the season Taylor Gilstrap (141) defeated the Pioneers Jonathon Jackson. A takedown for Gilstrap in the first period followed by an escape by Jackson had Gilstrap up 2-1 going into the second period. Gilstrap proceeded to ride Jackson out the entire second period giving him almost two and a half minutes of riding time. With a slow third period the match ended with a 3-1 final score.
Also picking up his first dual meet win was 149 pound Newberry wrestler Clay Gray. He had a tough match against returning All-American Charles Bugarin of Spartanburg Methodist. The lead switched hands several times before having Gray coming out on top 7-6.
At 157 pounds Brandon Kelly dominated the Pioneers Joe Lafaille. Scoring three takedowns in the first period, followed by three more along with nearfall in the second, Kelly was up 15-4 going into the third. A reversal, takedown, and nearfall later the match ended with a technical fall at 6:40 by the score of 22-5. This put five more points on the board for the Indians as they lead the Pioneers 14-5 half way through the dual.
Control was key at 165 pounds as Alonso Azumendi picked up another win for the Indians. Up 4-1 going into the third Azumendi wrestled tough to get the major decision against the Pioneers Kyle Southerland. Azumendi demonstrated great control by accumulating 3:28 in riding time which made the final score 13-3.
Quinn Tolbert came out shooting at 174 pounds where he dominated his match against Spartanburg Methodists’ William Kendrick. The takedowns were plentiful as Tolbert outscore Kendrick 16-10 despite Kendrick’s late burst of energy. That was not the case in the 184 pound weight class as Leighton Ellis defeated Maxton Majia on Spartanburg Methodist 3-1. Ellis was able be ride Majia out the entire second period to give him crucial advantage time. This demonstration of control along with him initiating the action in the match helped Ellis to add three more team points to the board making the score 24-5 with two matches left.
The 197 pound bout went scoreless in the first period as Dave Bush and Sid Russell fought for control. Bush chose the down position in the second period where he scored a reversal and two points nearfall. With a third period mirroring that of the first, Bush came away with the 4-0 win.
Kelly Anundson got down to business quick with a fall in the first period during the heavyweight match up. Anundson pinned the Pioneers Ronnell Harper in 1:04. This added six more points to the team score, for a final of Newberry 33 and Spartanburg Methodist 5.
The Indians will next be in action this Saturday at the Ashland Invitational in Ashland, Ohio. Their next dual meet competition will be Wednesday Dec. 7 at Carson Newman College. This will be the lone SAC match up for the Indians.
Results
Newberry College 33, Spartanburg Methodist 5
125 Justin Newell (SM) pin. Chauncey McElheney (NC); fall 0:54
133 Alvin Simmons (NC) dec. Alex Zea (SM); 14-10
141 Taylor Gilstrap (NC) dec. Jonathon Jackson (SM); 3-1
149 Clay Gray (NC) dec. Charles Bugarin (SM); 7-6
157 Brandon Kelly (NC) T. Fall Joe Lafaille (SM); 22-5 (6:40)
165 Alonso Azumendi (NC) M. dec. Kyle Southerland (SM); 13-3
174 Quinn Tolbert (NC) dec. William Kendrick (SM); 16-10
184 Leighton Ellis (NC) dec. Maxton Majia (SM); 3-2
197 Dave Bush (NC) dec. Sid Russell (SM); 4-0
HWT Kelly Anundson (NC) pin. Ronnell Harper (SM); fall 1:04
