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Mustang wrestlers win conference matches from Franklin, Roberson
Smoky Mountain's wrestlers picked up a pair of Mountain Athletic Conference victories Friday at the SM gym.
The Mustangs (16-10, 2-1) routed Franklin 66-18 and turned back Roberson 54-24.
Recording pins against Roberson were Cory Vickery (103), Joey Cox (119), Nick Woodard (140), George Neslen (145), Brendan Ferguson (160), Richard Sitton (171) and David Harper (189).
Picking up forfeits were Mason Neff (112) and T.J. Bradley (215).
SM had pulled out a close 44-40 win over the Rams approximately three weeks earlier in a tournament at Reynolds. Coach Tom Sargent felt Friday's score was a strong indication of improvement.
"Our conditioning is a source of pride in all of our wrestlers," he said. "We believe no one will out-condition us. In the last three weeks we have all dedicated ourselves to being more intense and more aggressive. If we lose, we will lose fighting hard. You can see the results in our young guys as they are fighting hard every match. It is not always win, win, win. Sometimes it's how hard you go on the mat."
Against Franklin, the Mustangs won all but two contested matches.
Winning by pins were Cox (119), John-Luke McCord (125), Woodard (140), Neslen (145), Ray Mojica (151), Ferguson (160), Sitton (171), Harper (189) and Bradley (215).
Claiming forfeits were Vickery (103) and Neff (112).
Sargent said his team got the usual outstanding performances from veterans Woodard, Neslen, Ferguson, Sitton and Bradley. He noted newcomers McCord, Cox, Mojica and Harper all contributed with pins.
"It was a dominant effort, and we really went after them," the coach said. "We have stressed aggressiveness in recent practices, and it showed. Our young wrestlers are gaining confidence, and the experienced guys are really setting a good example."
Sargent said he scheduled more matches, including six tournaments, this year. The experience is paying off as most wrestlers have 37-38 matches under their belts.
"It was great to get two conference wins, and it's always good to beat Franklin at anything," Sargent said.
"I am proud of the effort the team has showed at practice," he added. "Our leadership of Brendan Ferguson, Richard Sitton, Nick Woodard and David Harper makes my job easier. They help push themselves and all the other wrestlers. Their hard work at practice is now carrying over into the matches."
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