The Cortland wrestling team is facing a tough season, currently sitting at a 4-9 record with a losing streak. Despite these setbacks, the Red Dragons have been showing resilience and determination, especially during the winter break when the team made significant strides in their preparation.
Although the team has been hit hard with injuries, with five wrestlers out with major injuries, the remaining team members have stepped up to fill the gaps and keep pushing forward.
Angelo centrone, junior, currently ranked 5th in the nation with a record of 22 wins and 0 loses. “The winter break wasn’t just a time for us to rest,” said Centron., “It was an opportunity for the team to work together, build strength, and refine our skills,”
Even with key players out, the Red Dragons stayed focused and determined to break their losing streak and prove their toughness on the mat. Their dedication paid off in a big way when they won the SUNYAC Championship on January 18, marking a major milestone for Cortland wrestling.
The Cortland wrestling team tied for first place at the State University of New York Athletic Conference Championship, which was hosted at Lusk Field House. With 141 points, Cortland shared the championship title with Oneonta, marking a significant achievement in the program’s history.
“This victory is sweet because it is the second consecutive year that we have claimed the top spot in our conference.” said Robby Cunningham, currently ranked 3rd in the region.
The competition was wild, with Brockport finishing just behind in third place with 134 points. Other schools in the championship included Oswego (120 points), RIT (107.5), Ithaca (104), St. John Fisher (63.5), and Utica (24). Cortland, along with Oneonta and Oswego.
Looking ahead, the Cortland wrestling team is eager to build on their SUNYAC success. They have a match this Thursday at 7 p.m. against King’s College, where they are determined to break their current losing streak.
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