One day, two away matches, two different states. That might seem like a tall task for a team to take down, but thanks to Wednesday’s snowstorm attacking the New England coast, the Binghamton wrestling team will do just that.
The Bearcats (5-7, 3-2 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) are set to face Brown at 1 p.m. before traveling to take on Sacred Heart at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Binghamton hopes to get back in the win column in facing the two EIWA foes, after the team’s most recent conference bout ended in a loss to University of Pennsylvania.
BU has yet to find its winning edge this year on a consistent basis. Accumulating a 3-3 record in their last six matches, the Bearcats have alternated between wins and losses in all of their appearances since Jan. 9. Barring that, the Bearcats have preformed well in conference this year, posting a 3-2 record. BU currently sits in sixth place in the EIWA dual meet standings, with one of those losses coming in a narrow defeat to Columbia, 19-18.
Although the team has struggled with consistency this season, there are bright spots for the Bearcats. Senior heavyweight Tyler Deuel has posted a 16-4 overall record this season, including a 10-2 record in dual matches. Currently ranked No. 22 in his weight class in the nation, Deuel continues to lead his team by example.
Senior David White has also risen to the occasion this season for BU. Winning five of his last six matches, White is currently ranked No. 27 in the 125-pound weight class nationally. Upper weight grapplers freshman Steve Schneider and junior Jack McKeever have also added edge to BU’s squad at the 174 and 184-pound spots, respectively.
Like BU, Brown (2-5, 1-2 EIWA) is coming off a big loss to a staunch conference opponent. The Bears were handily defeated by EIWA-leading Bucknell, 28-10.
BU’s second meet on Saturday will be against Scared Heart (0-10, 0-7 EIWA), who has struggled mightily this year. The Pioneers have yet to win a dual meet this year, and will be looking to upset Binghamton for their first win of the year.
Binghamton’s first match of the day, against Brown, is set to be held at Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The second match of the day, against Sacred Heart, is set for William H. Pitt Center in Fairfield, Connecticut.