Cape wrestling pins CR 35-31
It was a classic Cape versus Caesar Rodney wrestling match Dec. 14. First the Vikings’ fans cheered, then the Riders’ fans cheered, but Cape got the last cheer. It was a barn burner and seat squirmer, as the score after 13 matches reached 31-29 CR. It was a match out of a Disney movie for sophomore Chris Handlin, as the final match came down on his shoulders in the 182 matchup with CR sophomore Jackson Rall. He didn’t disappoint the Cape fans, as he pinned Rall at 3:02 to lift the Vikings to a 35-31 victory.
“It coming down to me built up a lot of adrenaline,” said Handlin. “Some wrestlers may fold under that pressure; I’m glad I was able to step up for my team.”
Brock Maloomian started it off with an 8-1 decision over Isaiah Washington at 195. Holden Kammerer followed with a 3-0 decision over Brenden Holder at 220.
Zackery Flores grappled to a pin over Najee Whitted at 3:50 in the 285 match.
”It’s not surprising that Zack is doing so well this season,” said Cape head coach Chris Mattioni. “He worked very hard in the off season and continues to work hard. He’s put the time in, and I’m proud of him.”
After CR took wins in the next six weight classes, the Vikings finished off the Riders with five wins in a row.
Cape’s Vinnie Diego defeated Riley Tracy 13-4 in the 145 class. Ezekiel Bean handed Ryan Rigby a 14-2 loss at 152, while Dante Jaquet won over Mike Abdullah with a 25-8 tech fall at 160. Cory Lawson defeated Samuel Ervin with a tech fall at 20-5 at 170, setting up the winner-take-all final match between Handlin and Rall.
“It was nice,” said Lawson. “They got us last year, so this is pretty nice. I looked for a pin, but couldn’t get it done, but I knew Chris was gonna get it done.”
Cape returns to the mat for the Beast of the East Tournament Dec. 17-18 at UD, then heads back to the regular dual-match schedule Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Charter.
