Wrestling takes care of business

By Rocco Schirripa
The wrestling team had a dominating weekend, defeating Duquesne and Clarion.
“We did good Saturday; we’re coming together much more as a team now,” sophomore Jimmy Kirchner said.
Against Clarion, sophomore Tyler Smith got his 12th victory by fall this season, giving Rider a 20-19 lead. The fall was Smith’s second win of the afternoon and it improved his overall record to 19-12 on the season.
Senior Ed Bordas won his match by tech fall, which allowed him to claim the final score against Clarion.

Bordas, who is ranked 20th in the nation, improved his record to 24-7. Bordas was also experiencing “déjà vu all over again” because he was the last decision that gave Rider the win against Clarion last season.
“With Eddy not at his best, he pulled through big time and came out with a huge win that gave us the lead against Clarion,” Kirchner said.
Kirchner and freshman Jim Resnick both won twice during the day for Rider. Kirchner had a tech fall and a pin. The tech fall tied the score at six with Clarion, which was important, because Clarion won four of the first five bouts.
Junior Rob Morrison won twice, one match by forfeit against Duquesne.
Sophomore Aaron Nestor began the Duquesne match with his fourth pin of the season.
Kirchner won by tech fall for the final score of the Duquesne match and improved to 10-4 in duals.
“This is the time where we need to peak, and I think I’m right there now with the other top guys in the country,” Kirchner said.
Freshman Zac Cibula and junior llyass Elmsaouri both won by major decisions against Duquesne.
Seniors Michael Kessler and Mike Ward also won for the Broncs against Duquesne.
As the CAA and the NCAA Championships are right around the corner, the Broncs’ next match will be against Hofstra on Feb. 10, which will be a Code Cranberry night.