The Binghamton wrestling team is set to take on American on Friday with intentions to push its winning streak to three and maintain its undefeated record in the West Gym this season.
Binghamton (9-5, 5-3 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) took down Ithaca, 36-6, and Sacred Heart, 38-4, last weekend in a commanding manner, winning nine consecutive victories in both meets. Freshman 141-pounder Jesse Dellavecchia and sophomore 165-pounder Anthony DePrez each recorded big pins for the Bearcats over the weekend while junior 133-pounder Jacob Nicholson scored five or more points for the Bearcats in each of his matches last weekend.
“This time of year, [we are] fighting for consistency,” BU head coach Matt Dernlan said. “If we can count on 10 guys to go out there with their best attitude and best effort, I think good things are going to happen.”
If BU can manage to continue on its hot streak this weekend, it would place some of its wrestlers in a favorable position to qualify for the impending post-season. However, the Eagles (4-5, 0-4 EIWA) are a “well coached team and a veteran team,” according to Dernlan, and a seasoned squad that will look to stop the Bearcats’ momentum.
“We have to be the team that’s willing to outfight these guys because from a ranking standpoint, [American] is probably favored,” Dernlan said. “But in areas where we’re lacking on paper, we can make up for in attitude and effort. That’s going to be the separating point for [Friday] night.”
Ultimately, BU will need an experienced leader to rise to the occasion and spearhead a rally against their favored opponents. Leading the pack of wrestlers for BU is senior Jack McKeever. The 174-pounder is currently ranked 28th in his weight class nationally. Holding an impressive 13-7 record, McKeever consistently sets a competitive tone for his team and could play an imperative role in raising morale amongst his teammates.
For the rest of the Bearcats, a victory this weekend would push BU to its 10th overall win of the season and its sixth in the EIWA. A strong conclusion to the regular season could lead to spots in the NCAA wrestling championship for players such as DePrez, Nicholson and McKeever.
“If we bring our best fight and our best attitude out there tomorrow night, I think the outcome we want is there for the taking,” Dernlan said.
Binghamton is set to face off against American on Friday at 7 p.m. from Bender Arena in Washington D.C.