Just two years after the program was eliminated, Binghamton wrestling posted its highest win total in 23 years.
The Bearcats split their final two dual matches of the season this weekend, winning 24-15 at Franklin and Marshall on Friday before falling to visiting Buffalo 22-18 at the Events Center on Saturday. Binghamton wrapped up its dual meet schedule with a 10-10 record, 10 more wins than the zero they won last year.
On Friday in Lancaster, Pa., the Bearcats rallied from down nine points to down the Diplomats in an inter-league contest. The win gave the Bearcats their highest win total since their nationally-ranked Division III squad won 11 games in 1982-83.
After Franklin and Marshall won at the 125-, 133- and 141-pound weight classes, junior Kyle Fried started a rally, scoring a 14-2 major decision at 149. The wins kept rolling from there, as sophomore Nate Patterson pinned his team-high ninth opponent of the year in 3:38 at 157; Sam Sirota then turned on a dramatic 8-6 decision at 165.
The schedule was altered due to Binghamton’s late arrival and the Bearcats then lost back-to-back decisions in heavyweight contests. Freshman 174-pounder Josh Patterson then took the mat, with Binghamton trailing 15-13 and desperately needing a victory from the youngest Patterson brother.
He came through. Patterson improved to 25-7 overall and 16-3 in duals when he defeated James Schulz 20-3 by technical fall in 5:25. Corey Waite then won by forfeit, and the victory was complete. The victory gave the Bearcats a five-game winning streak.
The winning streak was snapped the next night though, with a 22-18 loss to Buffalo. The Bearcats led 6-0 early after Nate Patterson notched his 10th pin of the year, but they could not hold the lead.
Ed Backus also posted a pin for Binghamton, beating Jake Blowers by technical fall in 1:37 at 197. Fried and freshman Mike Kleeman each scored decision victories for the Bearcats.
Next up for BU are the Colonial Athletic Association championships Friday, March 2, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
Nationally ranked Hofstra along with Drexel are expected to be favorites at the championships, but look for the Patterson brothers to make some noise for the Bearcats.