Cape wrestling rolls to 66-6 win at St. Georges

CR upsets Sallies 35-34

Brady Cole gets back points in a come-from-way-back victory. DAVE FREDERICK PHOTOS

Dave Frederick

January 29, 2023

Cape wrestling rode eight pins and a forfeit to a 66-6 win at St. Georges Tech Jan. 28, rolling home ready for this Wednesday’s Senior Night match Feb. 1 versus the Milford Buccaneers.

Cape’s hammers in the heart of the lineup secured pins, including Josh Wright (138) over Gavin Sheehan (1:54); Andrew Shaen (157) over Ali Cheeks (3:25); Luke Bender (165) over Dayton Hickey (1:48); and C.J. Fritchman (forfeit). Alex Taylor (190) sat out his second straight match waiting to be released from concussion protocol.

Those five seniors will lead Cape into the late-season meat grinder that includes William Penn, Salesianum, state duals, Henlopen Conference meet and state individual meet.

“We had some great efforts inside this match,” said coach Chris Mattioni. “Brady Cole (144) came from way back in the final minute, scoring four points in the final 12 seconds to win 14-13 [over Thomier White].”

Mattioni also highlighted the performances of Tripp Gannon (106), who wrestled tough with a 12-8 win over Russell Lloyd; Max Meadows (120) with a pin over Niger Wood (3:00); and Nick Walker (132) with a 6-2 win over Nick DiTomasso.

The Baker Boys each won by fall, with Cale Baker (113) over Jayden Dmeza (2:50) and Holt Baker (126) over Nolan McHale (1:53).

Sophomore Patrick Donahue (215) won by fall over Odai Morgan (2:00), while Tyler Costello (285) followed with a fall over Amir Selby (2:32).

Other Cape wins were Hayden Wheeler (150) over Jaden Gunter (9-3).

T.J. Arrowood (190) of St. Georges pinned Cape’s Luke Arnold (2:32)

Takedowns - Caesar Rodney, under the guidance of first-year head coach Trey Mitchell, won at Salesianum 35-34. The match was secured with late wins by pins from Cody Waski (150) and Cameron Cataldi (157). Sussex Central will wrestle at Caravel, Polytech, Salesianum and Caesar Rodney to close the season. Salesianum will close with home matches versus William Penn and Sussex Central, then at St. Georges and Cape Henlopen. Smyrna has lost four dual meets in Delaware this season, but a deeper look into the Eagles’ program shows an 8-0 middle school program. Smyrna Middle will wrestle at Beacon Wednesday, Feb. 1. The Middle School Wrestling Classic will take place Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Milford Central Academy gym.