Gallery
BALTIMORE, Md. (Dec. 13, 2024) -- Morgan State wrestling fans were treated to a thrilling evening of action as they competed against Army West Point at Hurt Gymnasium on Friday night. The excitement was palpable as supporters from both schools filled the stands.
The Black Knights showcased their dominance as they rolled through the competition, clinching a decisive victory with a final score of 43-6. With the win, Army improved to 4-1 for the season and captured their Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) conference opener. Morgan slid to 1-7 overall and 0-2 in conference action.
The Bears put up a valiant effort, but Army's wrestlers capitalized on every opportunity, leaving little room for error.
Morgan dropped the first six matches of the night as a result of falls at 133, 141, 149 and 165-pounds, and technical falls at 125 and 157-pounds.
In a challenging start to the evening, the Bears dropped the first six matches of the night in decisive fashion. The struggles began at the 125-pound weight class, where Julian Dawson was unable to overcome Army's Charles Farmer, suffering a technical fall that set the tone for the rest of the matches.
This trend continued in the 133, 141 and 149-pound categories, with each wrestler ultimately falling short. At 165 pounds, the Bears found themselves in a similarly difficult situation, when Cooper Lockhart was unable to gain any momentum as Army's Gunner Filipowicz recorded a decisive fall. Adding to the mounting difficulties, Dakota Morris registered a technical fall against Josh Greenwood in the 157-pound bout only compounding the Bears' troubles.
Morgan saw its fortunes rise thanks to Darrien Roberts' stellar performance in his 174-pound bout against Army's Dalton Harkins. From the outset, Roberts was aggressive and secured an early takedown that set the tone for what would become one of the evening's most competitive matches. Controlling the pace and utilizing his technical skills, Roberts built a 5-1 lead as they entered the final period. However, Harkins was not to be outdone; he mounted a comeback, escaping for a quick point that narrowed the score to 5-2. In the closing moments a challenge was thrown with 37 seconds left. After a review process, the officials awarded Harkins an additional point, shrinking Roberts' lead to a precarious 6-5. The final moments were a testament to Roberts' resilience as he fended off Harkins' attempts to secure a tying score. Roberts ultimately held on to claim a hard-fought 6-5 decision, lighting the Morgan scoreboard.
Xavier Doolin collected the final victory of the night for the Bears in his battle against Lucas Stoddard in the 285-pound bout. Doolin wasted little time in scoring a takedown and establishing an early lead. However, Stoddard quickly countered with a reversal, narrowing the score to 3-2. Doolin further extended his lead to 6-2 with a couple of well-timed escapes. As the match entered the third period, Doolin maintained his composure and strategic focus, landing another takedown. Despite Stoddard's efforts to mount a comeback, Doolin closed the dual with an impressive 9-3 decision.
Full Results
Army 43, Morgan State 6
125: Charles Farmer (Army) def. Julian Dawson (MSU) by TF, 17-2
133: Ethan Berginc (Army) def. Shawn Ryncarz (MSU) by F (4:14)
141: Brayden Basile (Army) def. Myrin Nixon (MSU) by F (1:22)
149: Trae McDaniel (Army) def. Yannis Charles (MSU) by F (5:49)
157: Dakota Morris (Army) def. Josh Greenwood (MSU) TF 15-0
165: Gunner Filipowicz (Army) def. Cooper Lockhart (MSU) F, (2:18)
174: Darrien Roberts (MSU) def. Dalton Harkins (Army) by Dec 6-5
184: Andrew Christie (Army) def. Kingsley Menifee (MSU) by Dec 7-1
197: Wolfgang Frable (Army) def. Cameron Johnson (MSU) by TF 17-2
285: Xavier Doolin (MSU) def. Lucas Stoddard (Army) by Dec 9-3
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
