Quad Meet Sweep Moves Ridley Wrestlers to 4-0

Wrestling teams from Interboro, Cardinal O’Hara and Archmere Academy proved no match for the 2004-2005 edition of the Ridley squad as the green pummeled each opponent at the December 11^th event at Interboro. Our guys scored 80 points during a whitewash of Achmere Academy, 63 points while giving up just 12 to O’Hara and another 61 while again limiting Interboro to 12 points. Carl Schaaf (4-0 at 140) recorded 3 early pins- a feat matched by 215-pounder Mark Fritz who also extended his record to 4-0. Ridley wrestlers capturing 3 wins were co-captain 130–pounder Matt Ziegler (2 pins and a close11-10 victory), freshman Andrew Lopchinsky (2 pins and a decision at135 pounds), Phil Rayer (a pin, a major decision and a forfeit at 152 pounds), 160-pounder Dan McAndrew (2 pins and a forfeit), Steve Sweeney at 189 pounds (a pin and 2 forfeits) and Fran Rowles who pinned an opponent and received 2 forfeit wins at heavyweight. All these Ridley wrestlers remain undefeated (4-0) except Sweeney whose record stand s at 3-1 after a loss to his Harriton opponent. Lest we forget, Ridley’s 103-pound grappler, Nick Pisani, also remains undefeated (4-0) after pinning 2 opponents and receiving a forfeit victory on Saturday.

Ridley co-captain and 125-pound wrestler Eddie Hall (3-1) had an eventful day recording a pin and a technical fall while absorbing a 7-3 loss at the hands of O’Hara’s Corazza. Cory Malampy (3-1 at 145 pounds) contributed a decision over his Cardinal O’Hara opponent, was awarded a forfeit vs. Archmere and lost by an 11-9 score to Interboro’s O’Hara. John Colberg, Ridley’s 171-pounder (3-1) also gained 2 wins- a pin and a forfeit- in addition to a 7-3 setback to his O’Hara opponent. 112-pounder Tim Handley’s (2-2 in the tough 112 pound division) morning consisted of a pin, a forfeit victory and a hard-fought loss to Interboro’s Ray Cooper. Chris Baer (2-2 at 119 pounds) acquitted himself well despite being pinned by seasoned opponents and did receive a forfeit victory.

So, it looks like the Ridley line-up is strong and ready to move on to more rigorous competition. Interestingly enough, the early season Delaware County Daily Times wrestling column ranks Ridley as the #6 team in the county while naming only one wrestler, Eddie Hall (at 103 pounds??), in the top 3 of any of the 14 weight categories. Starting with this weekend’s stiff competition for the inaugural Ridley Duals competition and continuing with the yearly Ridley Christmas Tournament, selected Ridley grapplers and the team as a whole will face the caliber of opponent that will measure where they stand. No doubt the overall strength of the Ridley line-up will be recognized while the veterans, but don’t forget freshman Lopchinsky, go for championship hardware.

As a reminder, any assistance from wrestling parents or supporters would be greatly appreciated during both the December 18^th and 29^th upcoming major events. If you are interesting in learning how you might contribute, please contact the boosters club listed on this site.