SCRANTON, PA – The Wilkes University wrestling team claimed nine of ten bouts cruising to a 46-6 victory over Keystone College Saturday afternoon on the second day of the 2018 Cross County Challenge hosted by the University of Scranton.
 
Wilkes finished its 2017-18 dual match season with a 12-15 overall record following the 1-1 showing at the annual event.
 
Wilkes claimed forfeits in five weight classes including 125, 157, 174, 184 and 197 to take a 30-0 advantage off the bat.
 
Matthew Grossmann (Lancaster, PA/Manheim Township) inched closer to the 100-win plateau with a 15-1 major decision at 141-pounds. The senior has earned 95 dual match victories over his career for the Colonels. Josh Evans (Palmerton, PA/Palmerton) continued the extra-point trend for Wilkes claiming a 10-2 major decision at 149-pounds.
 
Ashton Gyenizs (Madison, CT/Daniel Hand) was dominant at 165-pounds after posting a 16-1 technical fall in 2:45. Moustafa Almeky (Shavertown, PA/Dallas) finished off the Wilkes scoring wrestling up a class taking a hard-fought back-and-forth 11-10 decision at heavyweight.
 
Wilkes will now remain idle until next Saturday and Sunday when the Colonels compete in the Southeast Regional hosted by Ferrum College in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Top three finishers in each weight class will qualify for the NCAA Tournament at the regional.
 
Wilkes 46, Keystone 6
125 – K. Trout (W) by fft. (6-0)
133 – Paul Miller (K) pinned P. Miko (W), 1:10. (6-6)
141 – M. Grossman (W) major dec. Tahron Sheffield (K), 15-1. (10-6)
149 – J. Evans (W) major dec. Harry Marr (K), 10-2. (14-6)
157 – K. Medrow (W) by fft. (20-6)
165 – A. Gyenizs (W) tech. fall T.J. Pashinski (K), 16-1, 2:45. (25-6)
174 – J. Ritter (W) by fft. (31-6)
184 – M. Judge (W) by fft. (37-6)
197 – N. McCummings (W) by fft. (43-6)
285 – M. Almeky (W) dec. Joshua Newhart (K), 11-10. (46-6)
 
Exh. 174 – J. Ritter (W) tech. fall Kiel Pechko (S), 16-1, 3:22.