In the end it proved to be the little things that made a difference. The Rowan Gloucester wrestling team was right on the brink of stunning NJCAA power Nassau County Community College, but the Runners fell just short by a 28-24 score Saturday at Camden County College.
The Runners appeared like they may get blown away by the nationally ranked Lions, who won the NJCAA title at the National Duals in Louisville, KY last month. Nassau rolled to an early 24-3 lead before RCSJ rallied.
Winning matches for Coach Dan Antonelli's squad were Atlee Cullison (decision), Dylan Fischer (165 pounds, forfeit), Tyler Baer (174 pounds, pin), Riley Onorato (184 pounds, decision) and Curt Thomas (197 pounds, pin).
Suddenly the match was tied at 24-24 before a loss at heavyweight in the final bout provided the win for Nassau.
"We had some solid efforts, and we're proud of how we rallied back, said Antonelli. "In some spots we weren't aggressive enough taking advantage situations where we could have picked up additional points. Against a program like Nassau, you meed to take advantage of every opportunity you can."
Former Paulsboro High standout Riley Onorato, who picked up a key 5-3 decision at 184 pounds, said the team knew they would have quite a battle on their hands vs. Nassau.
"We saw what they did at the National Duals, and they have a great history," he said. "We came close, but we still need to clean up a few things. We definitely have some talent, and we'll be okay looking ahead."
Next up for the Roadrunners will be the Garden State Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday, Feb, 8. Antonelli's team will look to defend their 2019 championship.
Match Day Preview
The Roadrunner Wrestling Team will meet perhaps their toughest opponent of the 2019-2020 season when they face perennial NJCAA power Nassau County Community College in a dual meet at Camden County College on Saturday, February 1, starting at 11 am.
The Lions enter the match with a 4-2 dual meet record and having placed first in the division of the National Duals in Louisville, KY last month. The Roadrunners, coached by Dan Antonelli, were fifth in the same tournament.
Top Roadrunner wrestlers include:
Luke Souder, 125 pounds
Nick DiGiacomo, 123 pounds
C.J. Mazzarelli, 133 pounds
Mike Rubino, 141 pounds
Atlee Cullison, 149 pounds
Jared Carr, 157 pounds
Dylan Fischer, 165 pounds
Tyler Baer, 174 and 184 pounds
Riley Onorato, 174 and 184 pounds
Curtis Thomas, 197 pounds
Match Day Preview
Hosted by:
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ
Head Coaches:
Roadrunners: Dan Antonelli
Lions: Vougar Oroudjov
Records
Roadrunners: 10-4 dual meets, fifth place National Duals
Lions: 4-2 dual meets, champions, National Duals
