Jan. 9, 2008

Fairfield, CT - The Wagner College wrestling team won their first match of the season this afternoon after besting host Sacred Heart University 24-18 at the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center.

The Seahawks - who benefited from two forfeits by the Pioneers at 125 and 285 - were lead by two of their tested veterans in senior Mike Tutunjian (Ridge, NY/Longwood) and junior Sean Quinn (Beach Haven, NJ/Southern Regional). Both of whom, claimed their eighth victory of the season in the triumph.

First, it was Tutunjian at his 141-pound weight class who scored three points for Wagner by posting a hard-fought 7-4 decision over the Pioneers' Cory Dunn.

Then, two weight classes later at 157 lbs., it was Quinn who garnered a crucial six points by pinning Michael Powes after 6:30.

After freshman Larry Peotter garnered a close 9-7 decision over Tom Sullivan for his fourth victory of the year, the Pioneers made the Seahawks' lead tight with three straight victories at 174, 184, and 197 but, alas, it wasn't enough. Senior John Graeffe (Emmaus, PA/Scranton Prep) took a forfeit victory for six points and the final was solidified.

It had been a while since a Seahawk grappling squad tasted the thrill of victory, almost two years to be exact. Not since a victory over Binghamton University on January 21, 2006 had Wagner won a head-to-head match.

To the Seahawks' credit, that all changed today.

Wagner 24 Sacred Heart 18

125- Nicholas Keshecki (W) won by forfeit                  6-0, Wagner
133 - Pat Feeley (SHU) won by forfeit                      Tied 6-6
141 - Mike Tutunjian (W) dec. Cory Dunn (S), 7-4           9-6, Wagner
149 - Anthony Priore (S) dec. Patrick Larkin (W) 8-6 (OT)  Tied 9-9
157 - Sean Quinn (W) pinned Michael Powes (S), 6:30        15-9, Wagner
165 - Larry Peotter (W) dec. Tom Sullivan (S), 9-7        18-9, Wagner
174 - Jed Giguere (S) dec. Peter Morano (S), 8-3           18-12, Wagner
184 - Rick Eichenlaub (S) dec. Eddie Broderick (W), 9-3    18-15, Wagner
197 - Brandon Lapp (S) dec. Anthony Interiano (W),          Tied 18-18
285 - John Graeffe (W) won by forfeit                      24-18, Wagner