With a lineup full of newcomers, the UB wrestling team entered this season with cautious optimism. Despite being a very young team, the Bulls knew their team was loaded with talent and could compete with any team on their schedule.
Now, with the majority of the season behind them, the Bulls stand in good shape, with a respectable 10-2 record. Buffalo is even receiving votes in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Top 25 Poll.
With the team already surpassing last year's win total of nine and the downward spiral both basketball teams seem to be on, the wrestling team is as of now UB's only glimmer of hope into a winning program and possibly a championship team.
Winning isn't rare for this team that finished 9-6 a year ago in dual meets, but no one could expect the results they have had thus far. The team is off to a scorching start and there are no signs that they will cool down any time soon.
UB's latest victim was Clarion University. The teams met in Alumni Arena Saturday and UB kept rolling as the Bulls beat out Clarion 19-17.
Kyle Cerminara trounced his opponent Charlie Cilinski by major decision 21-7 in the 197 pounds class. Cerminara's victory in the second-to-last match guaranteed the UB win.
Including Cerminara, six Bulls earned victories for UB. Mark McKnight's 6-4 win over Clarion's Peter Derstine in the 125 pounds class kicked off the match. Cliff Smith then took the 133-pound class easily in a 4-0 decision over Doug Surra.
At 141 pounds, Mike Trotta lost to Frank Edgar by major decision, 11-3 thus giving Clarion some momentum into the next weight. What would come next would be an extremely close match with Patrick Lloyd taking the 149 pounds class 2-1 in overtime.
Clarion then struck back with a victory in the 157 pounds class, as Chris Horning defeated Casey Burchfield by major decision 9-0.
In the 165 pounds class, Clarion's Jeremy Reitz took down UB's Nick Rausenberger 4-0. With UB down 11-9 the Bulls would respond with three straight wins before losing in the heavyweight class.
Ed Pawlak won his decision in the 174 pounds class 3-1 while Garrett Hicks won in his 184 pounds class over Kyle Cathcart 5-2.
Greg Thomas fell victim to Clarion's Matt Wilcox, as Wilcox pinned him in 1:10.
UB plays next at the New York State Collegiate Championships hosted by Nassau Community College on Jan. 23 and 24.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
