HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College wrestling team swept the Coker Duals with victories over Reinhardt University (25-18) and Shorter University (24-17) Friday (Jan. 6) afternoon.
The Cobras started the day with their victory over Reinhardt. Frank Velez began the dual with a 15-7 major decision over Jonathan Ragsdale. However, the Eagles responded by taking the next three weight classes by a forfeit and two decisions.
Curtis Harris cut into Reinhardt's lead with a first period fall over Tucker Russo in 1:59 at 157 pounds. Harris quickly secured a takedown and secured a tight arm bar for the pin. The Eagles won the 165 pound weight class and Javieus Lightly received a forfeit at 174 pounds.
At 184 pounds, Jordon Garlow stuck Nick Whitmire in 2:56 with a thrilling throw to put the Cobras ahead of the Eagles 22-15. Robert Parland extended Coker's lead with an 8-4 decision over Aaron Thomas at 197 pounds before Reinhardt took the 285 pound bout to conclude that match.
The Cobras second and final match of the Coker Duals was a 24-17 victory over Shorter University.
After a double forfeit at 125 pounds, Frank Velez toughed out a 7-6 decision over Chris Way. Velez captured the victory wrestling up at a higher weight class. Next, Shorter stormed back with victories at 141 and 149 pounds.
At 157 pounds, Curtis Harris capped his dominant day with another fall, this time over Stephen Corasanti in 2:22. Once again, Harris secured a first period takedown and finished the match with an arm bar.
The Cobras and Hawks split the 165, 174, 184, and 197 pound matches that lead up to the deciding match of the dual at 285 pounds. Robert Parland rose to the occasion and defeated Bret Winter by an 8-5 decision at 285 pounds to seal the dual meet victory.
Parland bumped up a weight from the 197 pound weight class to defeat the No. 7 ranked heavyweight in Super Region Two.
The Cobras improved to 3-2 in dual meets with their two victories today. Coker will be back in action on Jan. 12 when they travel to Limestone to take on the Saints at 7 p.m.
Coker College: 25 Reinhardt University: 18