Wrestlers make senior night count

By Joel Beachum
Staff Writer

Senior night is always a big celebration for any athlete.

Family and friends are there and it is the last time to shine before the home crowd.

UNCP wrestlers took advantage of the situation with a 37-16 win over Newberry College Feb. 10 at the Jones Center.

Four seniors - Curry Pickard, Aaron Gunning, Dwayne Coward and Lewis Polley were all recognized.

UNCP head wrestling coach P.J. Smith commented on the four seniors that have contributed to over 350 career wins.

“They have all had successful careers. I’m happy for all of them. I was disappointed for Aaron (that he did not get to wrestle),” Smith said. “Those guys are going to be missed. That's the way you wanted to go out as seniors - with a win.”

Ranked first in the nation at the 133-pound weight class, Pickard wasted little time in winning over Cory Holkum with a technical fall, 19-0, in his match.

“It means a lot being the last match. What I really like is the crowd and whoever likes what I do (on the mat),” Pickard said. “Being here with my team and my seniors is great. We just go out there and have fun.”

Senior Aaron Gunning did not get the chance to wrestle on senior night as he won in the 157-pound weight class by forfeit.

Coward, ranked No. 4 in the nation in the 165-pound weight class, defeated Trevan Fordham with a technical fall, 22-6, in the match despite battling an illness.

“I just had to do it (wrestle) for senior night. I’m going to miss wrestling in this gym,” said Coward after wrestling with a cold. “It is not over for us though - we still have one more goal (making it to the regional and the nationals).”

Results from the remaining matches included:

Bruce Dulski (UNCP) defeated Bobby Burgess with a major decision, 11-0 in the 125-pound class.

Tony Washington (Newberry) beat Devon Daniels in a major decision, 11-2 in the 141-pound class.

In the 149-pound class, Andrew Steed (UNCP) pinned Joseph Kevin in 52 seconds.

Quinn Talbert (Newberry) defeated Justin McIntyre with a technical fall, 16-4.

In the 184-pound class, Derek Brunson (UNCP) defeated Wren Moore with a technical fall, 5-0.

Chris Wetmore (Newberry) won his match over Reggie Faire by disqualification in the 197-pound class.

UNCP finished second in team competition, and Coward and Brunson won their weight classes in the Ed South Tournament Feb. 12.