UTC 26, GARDNER-WEBB 12
125–Sean Boyle (UTC) major dec. Cortez Starkes, 12-1; 133–Nick Soto (UTC) def. Tyler Ziegler, 14-7; 141–Michael Pongracz (UTC) pinned Ryan Hull, 3:00; 149–Ryan Mosley (GW) dec. Shawn Greevy, 5-1; 157–Austin Sams (UTC) dec. Tyler Marinelli, 10-8; 165–Austin Trott (GW) pinned Justin Lampe, 0:59; 174–Brett Stein (GW) dec. Levi Clemons, 8-6; 184–John Shrader (UTC) dec. Gray Jones, 19-12; 197–Scottie Boykin (UTC) dec. Boyce Cornwell, 14-9; 285–Jared Johnson (UTC) major dec. Justin Korzera, 9-1.Records: UTC 6-5, 1-0 SoCon; Gardner-Webb 3-7, 1-2.
Looking at a quick turnaround, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team made short work of Gardner-Webb on Friday, hopping in the vans following a 26-12 victory over the Bulldogs at Boiling Springs, N.C.
The Mocs won seven of the 10 matches to break above .500 in dual meets at 6-5. This was their Southern Conference opener.
“I think we’re a little worn out — have had a lot going on from Southern Scuffle to Virginia Duals,” UTC coach Heath Eslinger said. “We really would like to give them a day off.”
There is very little rest time. The Mocs will be in action again Sunday afternoon at 2 at Maclellan Gym versus Campbell University in another conference outing.
UTC not only broke a string of five-win meets but also got some bonus points led by 141-pound sophomore Michael Pongracz’s pin. Senior Sean Boyle added a major decision at 125, and Jared Johnson, another sophomore, posted a major decision at heavyweight.
“It was nice to win more than five and to get a win. Pongo needs to be getting more pins, and Shawn and Jared both looked good,” Eslinger said.
The win improves Johnson’s streak to five, keeping him tied with 157-pound Austin Sams and 133-pound Nick Soto. Sams and Soto won by regular decisions, but Sams struggled for a 10-8 victory while Soto missed a major decision by a single point.
“They all wrestled very well,” Eslinger said.
UTC’s other winners were John Shrader (184) and Scottie Boykin (197).
The Mocs have won 15 straight league matches and now are 30-1 in SoCon competition in six seasons under Eslinger.