Bethlehem, PA – Lehigh University’s wrestling team had an impressive outing at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic this past Sunday. Six wrestlers took to the mat at Freedom High School, and the results were promising.
Sophomore Matty Lopes stood out in the 133 Black bracket, clinching the Hammer Award for his success. He won all three of his matches, including a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Evan Mougalian from Penn in the final. This marks Lopes’s second consecutive week winning a title, showcasing his growing skill and determination.
First-year wrestler Anthony Evanitsky also shined, achieving a perfect 4-0 run in the 149 Red bracket. His victory included a technical fall against Tyler Barrett of Columbia and a quick pin against Indiana’s Joey Butler in just over a minute.
Lehigh had several notable runner-ups. Seamus Mack, in the 141 Blue bracket, started strong but lost his final match to Sidney Tildsley of Harvard. Zac Martin battled hard in the 157 Tan bracket, with two wins before ultimately falling to Josh Hilliard from Franklin & Marshall.
Junior Remy Brancato-Roed was another standout, going 3-0 in his pool but ended up second after a hard-fought match against Army’s Reid Schroeder. The only Lehigh wrestler not finishing in the top two was Jared Schoppe, who placed fifth in the 184 Black bracket.
With five of their six wrestlers finishing in the top two, Lehigh’s performance reflects significant progress this season. These results offer a window into the talent pool and potential of the Mountain Hawks as they work towards the National Duals Invitational in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on November 15-16, where they’ll face off against tough competitors like Nebraska.
Recent trends in college wrestling show a surge in competitiveness, with an increase in athletic scholarships and recruitment efforts. A report by the NCAA indicates that participation in wrestling has grown by over 20% in the last decade, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity.
With a proven track record and raw talent like Lopes and Evanitsky, Lehigh’s future looks bright. Fans will be eager to follow their journey on social media as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
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