LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall wrestling returns to dual meet competition on Saturday, traveling to Lexington, Va. for a contest against Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Both teams are in search of their first dual win of the season, as both squads enter the match with identical 0-1 records on the year.
The Week Ahead
Saturday, Dec. 2 – at VMI – 4:00 PM
Live Results
A Look at VMI: The Keydets enter Saturday's contest with a 0-1 dual record on the year after falling to Chattanooga by a 37-7 score at home on Nov. 4. F&M has found success against VMI throughout the all-time series, entering this weekend's matchup with an 11-9-1 record, dating back to 1927. However, the Diplomats are seeking their first road win in the series since 1948 – a 16-12 victory in Lexington on Dec. 17.
Last year, Anthony Mancini's second-period pin at 184 sealed a 30-19 win over the Keydets on Dec. 2 in the Lancaster. F&M won six of 10 bouts, including three by fall, as well as an 18-3 tech. fall victory from Robbie King at 165.
To read the complete recap from last year's match, click here.
Projected Dual Matchups
Young Lineup: F&M's lineup for Saturday could feature as many as six freshmen. In the Diplomats' opening dual of the season against Hofstra, F&M featured four starters.
Last Week: The majority of F&M's grapplers last competed on Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Keystone Classic, hosted by Penn., where 141-pounder Brett Kulp led the charge with a fifth-place showing for the Diplomats. Freshman 133-pounder Wil Gil collected a pair of pins, while 285-pounder Antonio Pelusi earned a pair of decision wins in his championship bracket.
To read the complete Keystone Classic recap, click here.
Several competitors also took part in Lock Haven's Mat-Town Open last Sunday (Nov. 26). Jacob Conners led the way with a 2-2 record in the 165-pound bracket after reaching the consolation semifinals with a pair of wins in the wrestle backs.
Complete results from the Mat-Town Open can be found here.
Inside F&M Wrestling - Video Interview: To watch this season's first episode of Inside F&M Wrestling, featuring head coach Mike Rogers, click here.
Wins Leaders: Freshman Brett Kulp (141 pounds) paces the Diplomats with a 7-4 record in the early going of 2017-18. Freshman Wil Gil (133 pounds) holds an impressive 7-6 record, including a 5-1 mark against EIWA foes, and has registered a team-leading four pins.
Competing unattached, Anthony Mancini holds a 6-3 record at 184 pounds, while 2016 NCAA Qualifier Antonio Pelusi is 6-4 at 285 pounds.
To view complete 2017-18 statistics, click here.
South Beach Duals Fan Package: F&M has been chosen to compete in the first South Beach Duals in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., during winter break. For the occasion, F&M wrestling has put together a fan package that includes one F&M beach towel, one F&M Wrestling visor, one pair of F&M sunglasses, and one ticket to a Dec. 27 reception co-hosted by the F&M Florida Alumni Chapter. The cost of the Florida Fan package is $250. For more information on how to purchase a fan package, click here.
David H. Lehman F&M Open: Sponsorship opportunities, as well as a variety of ways to get involved, are still available for the Jan. 6 David H. Lehman F&M Open in Lancaster. For more information on how you can assist with this event, click here.
