For Immediate Release: November 16, 2003
Contact: John Hartrick
Phone: 607-777-6800

Bearcats defeat American 28-19 in season opener

VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton (1-0) and visiting American (0-1) split 10 bouts, but the host Bearcats earned two pins and a major decision and pulled away for a 28-19 dual match win Sunday afternoon at East Gym.

Freshman 197-pound Declan Josephson (Rye Brook, N.Y.) clinched the win with a fall in the second-to-last match. Josephson was on the attack from the opening whistle, building a quick 5-0 lead before pinning Adam Montgomery in 1:29. The fall doubled BU's lead from six to an insurmountable 12 points.

"I think we got a little lucky getting 12 points (forfeits) from them," head coach Mike Fusilli said. "American is a good team, and if we were to wrestle again, it might be a different outcome. Of the eight matches, there were only two in which I felt we did all right. Josh (Ruff) got the job done and Declan (Josephson) gave us a big pin.

"Declan initiated the offense, and I knew once he got on top he would have a good chance of turning his opponent," Fusilli said. "He has improved since getting to campus, especially on his feet. I have no doubt that he'll be able to score points."

Sophomore 174-pound Ryan Jantzen (Shoreham, N.Y.) also scored a pin for the Bearcats. He took 4:45 to put Sven Romberg to his back and gain the six team points.

Junior 141-pound Josh Ruff (Bainbridge, N.Y.) scored a 16-4 major decision for BU's other win on the mat. Ruff, who went 16-1 in dual matches last season, racked up six takedowns and a near fall before settling on the 12-point win. Ruff raised his career dual match record to 21-3.

The Eagles, who earned a pin at 149 and a major decision at 125, surrendered back-to-back forfeits at 157 and 165.

Binghamton 28, American 19
125 - Matt Pellegrino (A) maj. dec. Victor Destefano (BU), 20-9
133 - Eric Levine (A) dec. Mike Shannon (BU), 4-2
141 - Josh Ruff (BU) maj. dec. Daniel Lobsenz, 16-4
149 - Tom Kniezewski (A) wbf Beau Bruno (BU), 4:32
157 - Rob Sckalor (BU) won by forfeit
165 - Joe Gartiser (BU) won by forfeit
174 - Ryan Jantzen (BU) wbf Sven Romberg (A), 4:45
184 - Daniel Waters (A) dec. Jerome Joe (BU), 8-3
197 - Declan Josephson (BU) wbf Adam Montgomery (A), 1:29
Hwt - Jared Hyman (A) dec. Jeff Parker (BU), 3-2

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