Jan. 15, 2010

(Ypsilanti, Michigan): Clarion won six of ten bouts, including a major decision by 141-pounder Greg Lewis, as the Golden Eagles defeated Eastern Michigan 19-13 in an NCAA Division I wrestling match on Friday night.

The win for the Golden Eagles was the school's 500th dual meet victory in its illustrious 51-year wrestling history. Clarion started wrestling in the 1959-60 season under coach Frank Lignelli, and continued on with legendary coach Bob Bubb (!967-92), Jack Davis (1993-97), Ken Nellis (1998-2006) and current head coach Teague Moore. The school's overall record is 500-301-13.

"I'm humbled to be the coach that brings home #500 in the Clarion history books," said fourth year head coach Teague Moore. "Great men before me have set the bar very high for Clarion wrestling and it's a sincere honor to be here for #500."

The bout started at 197-pounds and Clarion got off to a quick start with freshman Alex Thomas posting a 7-5 decision over Josh Lewis.

Heavyweight Quintas McCorkle continues to wrestle well as he posted a 5-2 win over David Wade and Clarion led 6-0.

Eastern Michigan came back and took the lead when Chris Jenkins majored the Eagles Trey Hicks 12-0 at 125, and Chris Jenkins decisioned Jay Ivanco 3-1 to put EMU ahead 7-6.

Clarion won the next four bouts to jump to an insurmountable 19-7 lead.

Senior Greg Lewis got it started with a 12-4 major decision over Corey Phillips. James Fleming controlled his match at 149 winning 9-2 over David Pienaar, and Hadley Harrison scored a 4-2 win over Aaron Sulzer at 157 to put Clarion in front 16-7.

Freshman Nick Milano capped the run with a 4-3 win over Justin Brandel at 165. Milano, trailing 4-2 in the third, reversed Brandel to his back and then held on for the win, giving the Eagles a 19-7 lead.

EMU won the final two bouts, with Nick Hendrick getting a 6-2 decision over Steven Cressley at 174, and Phillip Joseph decisioned Clint Podish 11-6 at 184.

"We won the close bouts, they were the key to this win," reflected coach Moore. "It was a long day, with all the travel, but our guys wrestled with a lot of heart and just wouldn't be denied."

CLARION NOTES: Clarion raises its season record to 2-3 and will return home on Sunday to wrestle #21 ranked Edinboro at Tippin Gym at 2pm... Coach Lignelli had a 7-year record of 61-12, coach Bubb was 322-121-4, Coach Davis was 43-34-5, coach Nellis 47-89-3 and coach Moore is now 27-45-1.

CLARION 19, EASTERN MICHIGAN 13

197 lbs.: Alex Thomas (CU) dec. Josh Lewis (EMU), 7-5 CU 3, EMU 0

HWT: Quintas McCorkle (CU) dec. David Wade (EMU), 5-2 CU 6, EMU 0

125 lbs.: Chris Jenkins (EMU) maj. dec. Trey Hicks (CU), 12-0 CU 6, EMU 4

133 lbs.: Sean Clair (EMU) dec. Jay Ivanco (CU), 3-1 EMU 7, CU 6

141 lbs.: Greg Lewis (CU) maj. dec. Corey Phillips (EMU), 12-4 CU 10, EMU 7

149 lbs.: James Fleming (CU) dec. David Pienaar (EMU), 9-2 CU 13, EMU 7

157 lbs.: #16 Hadley Harrison (CU) dec. Aaron Sulzer (EMU), 4-2 CU 16, EMU 7

165 lbs.: Nick Milano (CU) dec. Justin Brandel (EMU), 4-3 CU 19, EMU 7

174 lbs.: Nick Hendrick (EMU) dec. Steven Cressley (CU), 6-2 CU 19, EMU 10

184 lbs.: Phillip Joseph (EMU) dec. Clint Podish (CU), 11-6 CU 19, EMU 13