Cougar wrestling dominates in home opener

The Martin Luther Cougars’ wrestling team defeated Trinity Prep School in their home opener by the final score of 48-21 as they rallied up a total of six pins on the day.

There was no shortage of action throughout the match and that would become evident after just the first match when freshman Tyler Fayconsolo wrestled in the 160 lb. weight class. Fayconsolo was able to display his potential as he battled back numerous times, using techniques from both the floor and the neutral position. His duel would be the only one that would end in a decision. Youth may have played a part in the outcome but he fell in an 11-9 decision.

“The best thing is that he never stopped wrestling. This year he has developed a shot and has learned how to get in on the legs,” said head coach Matt Moran of Fayconsolo’s performance.

As mentioned, six Cougars ended their bouts with a pin, including David-Paul Schulze, Kyle Morrissey, Justin Tabala, Efrain Del Carpio, Alex Ortiz and the captain himself Thomas McLoughlin.

Senior captain McLoughlin (145 lb.) methodically picked apart his opponent, ending the match in a mere 1:39. Fellow senior Alex Ortiz (182 lb.) put together the quickest bout of the night, taking control early on and getting the pin just 1:09 into it.

Many of the cougars wrestled in higher weight classes than usual, which builds experience but will also put forth much more strain than usual. One cougar who had this challenge was Efrein Del Carpio who had his hands full throughout. As he neared defeat multiple times, he often used nifty techniques to escape and even reverse his fortune. With just 24 seconds left, Del Carpio was able to work his magic just once more and pick up the impressive win via pinfall.

Both teams had to forfeit some bouts due to missing wrestlers in certain weight classes. Trinity picked up 18 of their 21 total points off of forfeits in the 106 lb., 113 lb., and 195 lb. weight classes. Nick Urzia and Nate Glosson of Martin Luther picked up a forfeit in the 120 lb. and 170 lb. weight class, respectively. ML and Trinity double forfeited the 220 and 285 lb. classes.

The Cougars current record stands at 3-4 as they have a chance to push their record over .500 tomorrow as they host both Queens Complex and Maspeth High School tomorrow.

By: Frank Stampfl