Match Results (.pdf)

HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 10) – The Waynesburg University wrestling team opened its run at the historic Virginia Duals on Friday against Division II Emmanuel (Ga.). For a second-straight dual match, the Yellow Jackets found themselves in a hole early, but their middle and upper-weights picked up the slack to upset the Lions 24-19.
 
Waynesburg (5-3), which is competing in the American College Division bracket of the event, found itself in a 12-0 hole before junior Josh Kuslock (Hickory, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) picked up a forfeit at 149 pounds. Following another decision for third-seeded Emmanuel (2-8) at 157, the Jackets turned things around by winning four of the final five weight classes.
 
Senior Zack Mackall (Austintown, Ohio / Austintown-Fitch) started the run with a dominant showing at 165 pounds. Mackall racked up the points to the tune of a 14-0 lead before turning his opponent and picking up the pin in 4:24. It was the only fall of the match.
 
Though it didn't result in a win, junior Caleb Baxter (Butler, Pa. / Butler), who found himself down 5-0 in the third period at 174 pounds, unleashed a flurry of four takedowns over the final two minutes to tie his match at 8-8. Unfortunately, he was defeated by a riding point in a 9-8 contest.
 
With his team trailing 19-12 heading to 184 pounds, senior Dan Verhovsek (Johnstown, Pa. / Richland) came to the mat knowing his team needed a victory in the worst way. Verhovsek answered the call by gutting out a 1-0 triumph on a second-period escape and closing the deficit to 19-15.
 
Waynesburg took its first lead at 197 pounds, where senior Dillion Charlton (Stoystown, Pa. / North Star) was awarded a forfeit that made the score 21-19. Freshman heavyweight Rocky McGeary (Mcdonald, Pa. / West Allegheny) sealed the deal for the Orange and Black with a second-period escape, a four-point turn from the top position in the third period and a riding point that gave him a 6-0 triumph.
 
With the victory, the Jackets advance to Saturday's semifinal round, where they will face second-seeded Ferrum (Va.). Start time is scheduled for 2 p.m.