ITHACA, N.Y.—The No. 2 nationally ranked Big Red wrestling team will play host to Eastern Michigan on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Friedman Wrestling Center. Cornell brings eight wrestlers ranked in the top 20 of their respective weight classes into the weekend, with sophomore Mack Lewnes holding the top spot at 165 pounds. The Big Red is 4-1 so far this season, while Eastern Michigan is 4-6.
The Big Red and Eastern have met previously twice in dual matches with Cornell picking up the victory both times. Cornell won the last meeting 31-9 on Jan. 4, 2003. EMU head coach Derek DelPorto is in his third year at the helm for the Eagles. DelPorto was an assistant coach for the Big Red from 2002-04.
Projected Line-ups
125: No. 3 Troy Nickerson (Cornell) vs. Jordan McGuire (6-11) (EMU)
133: No. 12 Mike Grey(Cornell) vs. Sean Clair (8-5) (EMU)
141: Corey Manson (Cornell) vs. Zach Donofrio (13-7) (EMU)
149: DJ Meagher (Cornell) vs. JJ Johnston (12-7) (EMU)
157: No. 5 Jordan Leen (Cornell) vs. Josh Moulton (11-10) (EMU)
165: John Basting (Cornell) vs. Nick Hendrick (1-8) (EMU)
174: No. 5 Steve Anceravage(Cornell) vs. Chris Eggert (8-8) (EMU)
184: No. 16 Justin Kerber (Cornell)vs. Derek Foore (10-8) (EMU)
197: Matt Panasevich(Cornell) vs. John McClure (7-12) (EMU)
HWT: No. 13 Zach Hammond (Cornell) vs. Wes Schroeder (8-10 (EMU)
At the Scuffle
The Big Red wrestling team captured its first team title at the Southern Scuffle with 139 total points. Cornell was in third after day one, but individual titles by Mack Lewnes (165) and Steve Anceravage (174) led the Big Red past second place Edinboro. Also placing for Cornell were Mike Grey (Third, 133), Corey Manson (Seventh, 141), Justin Kerber (Third, 184), Cam Simaz (Fourth, 197) and Zach Hammond (Eighth, HWT).
EIWA Honors
Senior Jordan Leen was named EIWA Wrestler of the Week on Monday after going 4-0 at the National Duals recording every win by major decision. Leen was also named the Cornell Tompkins Trust Athlete of the Week. Senior Steve Anceravage was named the EIWA Wrestler of the Week on Jan. 5 after recording a perfect 5-0 record at the Southern Scuffle to win the individual title at 174 pounds. Anceravage won by fall in overtime in the finals to drive Cornell to win the team title. Sophomore Mack Lewnes earned Wrestler of the Week honors on Nov. 25 after pinning three of his opponents on his way to his second-straight Body Bar Invitational title.
A Perfect Season
The Big Red brings two wrestlers with perfect records into the weekend. Mack Lewnes is 25-0 this season, while Troy Nickerson is 7-0.
Fun in Vegas
Sophomore Mack Lewnes earned the title at 165 pounds, while senior Jordan Leen placed second at 157 pounds at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. With a limited roster, the Big Red finished second behind team champion Nebraska. Also placing for Cornell, Frank Perrelli (125) took seventh, Steve Bosak (174) placed sixth, and Cam Simaz (197) finished in fifth place.
Brute Binghamton Open
The Big Red had 26 wrestlers competing individually at the Brute Binghamton Open on Saturday, Nov. 15. Frank Perrelli (125), Mike Grey (141), Mack Lewnes (165), Steve Anceravage (174) and Zach Hammond all captured titles in their respective weight classes, while Jordan Leen (157) and Cam Simaz (184) finished in second place. The Cornell squad made quick work of much of its opposition, recording 20 wins by fall as a group. Lewnes led the way, pinning four of his five opponents.
The Fall Guy
Senior Steve Anceravage notched his 30th career win by fall at the Body Bar Invitational to break Cornell's career record for falls. The record of 28 was held by Big Red volunteer assistant coach, Travis Lee (2002-05) and Walter Grote (1972-74). Anceravage broke the record for falls in a season as a junior with 17. All-American Mack Lewnes is moving up the career list and is currently ninth with 21 falls. Two-time All-American Troy Nickerson has 18 falls to rank 13th.
That's a Winner
With a record of 103-27 NCAA champion senior Jordan Leen ranks eighth in the Big Red record books in career wins. All-American Steve Anceravage holds the ninth spot with a 102-26 mark. Mike Grey broke the school record for wins in a season as a rookie with 42.
At the Helm
Rob Koll, the David R. Dunlop '59 Head Coach of Wrestling, begins his 16th season as mentor of the Cornell wrestling program. In that time, Koll has amassed a 176-68-4 overall record in duals and has led the Big Red to nine Ivy League titles. Cornell has captured two EIWA team championships and earned 23 EIWA individual titles. Koll, a four-time All-American and former NCAA champion, has helped Big Red wrestlers to capture four individual NCAA titles and 27 All-America honors.
Up Next
The Big Red will battle No. 12 Missouri on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in Newman Arena.
