SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Norwich University wrestling team competed in the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Futures Invitational on Saturday at Western New England University and finished 12th among the field of 15 teams.
Freshman Alex Smith (Winsted, Conn.) started his series of bouts at 184 pounds with a 5-1 decision. Smith actually trailed is opponent from Wesleyan 1-0 headed into the third period, but an escape combined with a takedown and a nearfall propelled him to a first-round victory.
After losing his second-round bout, Smith registered another win in the consolation round with a 12-8 decision. With the match squared at 3-3 heading into the third period, Smith utilized a pair of takedowns to gain an 8-4 edge in the period and claim his second win of the day.
Unfortunately, his next bout would be his last as Smith fell in the third round to a tough opponent from Roger Williams. A reversal and a takedown in the first period had deadlocked the match at 4-4. However, a penalty was assessed against Smith late which proved to be critical as he would lose the bout 6-5.
Freshmen Nick Stehl (Ottawa, Ill.) and Diaris Donaldson (Huntsville, Ala.) also grabbed victories in their matches at 165 and 197 pounds, respectively.
Stehl nabbed a victory in the consolation round of 165 pounds with Norwich's only pin of the afternoon which came with just nine seconds left in the first period.
Donaldson also captured a victory in his second bout earning a 15-4 major decision. Donaldson established a comfortable lead in the first period accumulating eight points on the strength of two takedowns and two nearfalls. A reversal and another nearfall in the second period opened up the lead to 12-2 and he finished off the match with another takedown and an escape in the third period.
Norwich will next compete at the NCAA Northeast Regionals from Feb. 29 through Mar. 1.
