The Rhode Island College wrestling team started their season off with a bang and there is no question that they are one of the most competitive teams in the New England Wrestling Association this year. The Anchormen traveled to Springfield College for the Doug Parker Invitational last weekend. Three RIC wrestlers finished in the top three of their weight class helping lead RIC to a fourth place finish out of a field of fifteen teams with a team score of 69.0.
Senior Brandon Gauthier finished in third place in the 125 lbs. weight class and classmate Mike Trasso placed fourth in the 149 lbs. weight class. The two seniors continue to be extremely consistent this season and have been key contributors in team victories like the one over Bridgewater State earlier this season.
Meanwhile, sophomore Kevin Barrucci who competed in the 157 lbs. division took home third place. Fellow sophomore Shawn Giblin shined once again for the Anchormen. Giblin, who was recently named Pilgrim Wrestling League Rookie of the Week for his standout performance at the Roger Williams Invitational, recorded a third place finish in the 141 lbs. weight class. Overall, the Anchormen finished fourth at the Doug Parker Invitational and their overall record still stands at 1-0.
In upcoming action, the Anchormen will compete in their first home match-up of the season against NEWA rival Plymouth State University. RIC has taken care of business against Plymouth State in four of the past five meetings between the two teams, but the Panthers stole one from the Anchormen last season after overcoming a 14-0 deficit to win by a single point. As a team the Panthers finished just two spots behind the Anchormen at the Springfield Invitational. The two teams will take to the mats the week after Thanksgiving, on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Murray Center.
