Wahoo Wire

On November 4th at the Memorial Gym, the UVA Wrestling team hosted Campbell University and Anderson University. The 17th ranked Cavs were easily victorious in both matches to kick off their season.
UVA began by decisively beating Campbell 34-12. Although Virginia forfeited at 125 pounds, starting off with a deficit of 6, Campbell never stood a chance. 7 of the other 9 Cavaliers were triumphant in their respective matches.
Matt Nelson opened the day strong, needing only 2:30 to pin Tanner Bidelspach. The next 4 Cavs won their matches, including Nick Nelson with a technical fall, and Shawn Harris, Jedd Moore, and Nick Sulzer each with major decisions.
Jon Fausey looked impressive as he completely crushed TeShaun Johnson with a technical fall. To end the duel with Campbell in an exciting fashion, Derek Papagianopoulos exhibited his immense strength as he pinned Joe Nolan in just under 3 minutes.
Virginia finished the doubleheader by demolishing Anderson 42-6. The only 6 points Anderson could muster were the first 6 points forfeited by UVA for the 125. Virginia was completely dominant, winning all 9 matches after the forfeit.
Matt Nelson and Sam MacGregor started off with consecutive pins, setting the tone for the rest of the matches. This was Nelson’s second impressive pin of the day. Next, Shawn Harris and Nicky Gordon succeeded in their matches by decision, while Nick Sulzer then won on a forfeit.
Billy Coggins crushed Dalton Harper before Jon Fausey again easily devastated his opponent, this time Will Sutton, with a technical fall. In a very physical match, Ryan Malo pinned Jordan Denmark in 6 minutes.
Finishing the day, first year Ethan Hayes defeated Chase Duke at heavyweight in his first college match.
Matt Nelson, Jon Fausey, Shawn Harris, and Nick Sulzer were the several Cavs looking remarkable with double wins on the day.
These two dominant victories mark a positive beginning to the Virginia Wrestling team’s 2011-2012 season. Next weekend the team competes in the NC State Open, while on November 27th UVA battles Virginia Tech at home.