ITHACA, N.Y.—Lycoming’s wrestling team (3-2) lost its first Empire Conference wrestling match at Ithaca on Wednesday, December 5 by a score of 35-3. Ithaca took the first eight bouts on the night to secure the victory. However, all things considered, the match was much closer than the final team score.

#20 Lycoming currently has seven starters out with injury until after Christmas, but the backups wrestled well at 125, 149, 157 and 165. The Warriors gained their first win at 197 pounds, when senior captain Troy Hansen (Westtown, NY) won a 7-2 decision over Jamie Facenda. Heavyweight Alex Bause (Downingtown, PA) wrestled an admirable match, taking his opponent into overtime, but eventually falling 4-2.

Warrior freshmen Andrew Lewis (Wyalusing, PA) and Troy Hayre (Falls Church, VA) dropped close 3-1 matches at 133 and 174 pounds respectively to Ithaca freshmen. Meanwhile, Lycoming was forced to forfeit at 141 and 184 pounds. Ithaca is ranked #11 in the coach’s poll and boasts several decorated wrestlers.

The Warriors’ next competition will be on December 15 at the Ohio Northern Tournament. Then on January 5, Lycoming hosts R.I.T., Oswego State and King’s at the PA/NY Duals. R.I.T. and Oswego are both Empire wrestling opponents. Fellow conference foe Ithaca will visit the Budd Whitehill Duals at Lycoming on January 11-12. Perhaps the longstanding rivals will meet again during this annual national tournament in Lamade Gymnasium.

Ithaca 35, Lycoming 3:

125: Jon Gregory (IC) major dec. Jonathan Estable (LC)                  16-3

133: Chad Winowich (IC) dec. Andrew Lewis (LC)                            3-1

141: Willie Horwath (IC)                                                                  WBF

149: Blaine Woszczak (IC) major dec. Zachary Frederick (LC)         12-1

157: Nick Sanko (IC) dec. John Mastrobuono (LC)                           6-1

165: John Dale (IC) dec. Eddie Brown (LC)                                       9-3

174: David Priest (IC) dec. Troy Hayre (LC)                                       3-1

184: Brandon Stark (IC)                                                                   WBF

197: Troy Hansen (LC) dec. Jamie Facenda (IC)                                7-2

HWT: Joe Goetz (IC) dec. Alex Bause (LC)                                       4-2 ot