Clarion Wrestling: The Golden Eagles struggle but fall at home to #17 Rutgers

CLARION, Pa. – John Worthing returned to the lineup with a stunning turnaround to a fall victory, marking the Golden Eagles’ game at 17^Th-ranked Rutgers on Friday evening.

The Scarlet Knights won the matchup 38-6, although the Golden Eagles put up a tough fight throughout the dual lineup.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Worthing’s victory over Eric Freeman in the 174-pound bout, with the 2023 NCAA qualifier recording his third fall win of the season. Freeman had an early advantage over Worthing, beating him in the first third and putting in a tough ride. With 40 seconds left in the first period, Freeman tried to roll Worthing onto his back, but Worthing let him slip and pounce, turning the tables and turning things around. It only took a few seconds from that point as Worthing blocked Freeman’s left arm and pinned him to the mat to secure the fall win.

That was the only game the Golden Eagles won on Friday, but it wasn’t the only moment Clarion showed its mettle. Kyle Schickel nearly made up a big deficit in the 149-pound bout and was just seconds away from his own win by fall over Alex Nini. Nini gave Schickel an 11-0 lead at the start of the second period, but Schickel was not prepared to admit defeat. He rolled through from the bottom position for a reversal and put Nini in a headlock to score four near-fall points, turning a 12-0 deficit into a 12-8 lead. A quick takedown early in the third period secured a 13-11 victory, but Nini held off Schickel in the closing moments to secure a 14-12 victory.

Other games were also fiercely contested. Scott Johnson lost a decisive decision 15-7 to 2024 All-American Dylan Shawver, but the final score didn’t decide the game as Johnson pushed Shawver through in the first six minutes. John Altieri performed well against Conner Harer at 157 pounds, pushing him before losing in a 5-0 decision Austin Chapman John O’Donnell gave up just one takedown in the second period before losing the 285-pound bout.

Rutgers 38, Clarion 6
125 – Dean Peterson (Rutgers) over Travis Clawson (Clarion) (TF 19-4 0:00)
133 – Dylan Shawver (Rutgers) over Scott Johnson (Clarion) (MD 15-7)
141 – Joseph Oliveri (Rutgers) over Gianni Silvestri (Clarion) (TF 20-3 5:49)
149 – Alex Nini (Rutgers) over Kyle Schickel (Clarion) (December 14-12)
157 – Conner Harer (Rutgers) over John Altieri (Clarion) (December 5-0)
165 – Anthony White (Rutgers) over Wesley Barnes (Clarion) (MD 17-3)
174 – John Worthing (Clarion) on Eric Freeman (Rutgers) (Fall 2:39)
184 – Shane Cartagena-Walsh (Rutgers) over Patrick Cutchamber (Clarion) (TF 19-4 7:00)
197 – John Poznanski (Rutgers) over Ethan Wiant (Clarion) (Autumn 1:35)
285 – John O`Donnell (Rutgers) over Austin Chapman (Clarion) (December 5-0)