Rising off the mat

By SAM TALLARICO Eagle Staff Writer

December 15, 2005 Last Updated: December 15, 2005 01:45 PM High School

Butler rebounds from loss by beating Talbots

BUTLER TWP — Now this is what Butler wrestling coach Scott Stoner was looking for.

With regulars Ian McLaughlin and Marcus Hough still out with injuries, the Tornado won 10 of 14 matches on their way to a workmanlike 42-18 victory over Hampton Wednesday.

They had lost their opening match of the season 36-30 to Seneca Valley Dec 7.

"The guys responded," said Stoner. "The last time we wrestled, we didn't have it.

"This is what I thought we'd have every single match. We try to keep their spirits high. Now, we'll go up to (the Commodore Perry Duals) and make the best of it," he added.

Butler's Jon Sanko lost to Hampton's Ryan Drzemicki 9-5 in the 140-pound match to open the night before Josh Pascazi evened the score by holding on for a 4-3 decision over Steve Van Atta at 145.

"Jon has improved tremendously in the wrestling room," said Stoner. "Jon put himself in a dangerous spot and it cost him in the match.

"Hopefully, it's a lesson learned. He was going with something he feels strong in and I can't fault him. He's done real well."

The Pascazi win was followed by pins by Josh Coburn (152) and Aaron Pascazi, which helped Butler to open a 15-3 advantage.

Coburn held a 15-1 lead before his pin came with 17 seconds left.

The Talbots' Ryan Parrish earned a pin at 171, but Dave Coburn eked out a 4-2 win and Marino Quercio pinned Nate Hunkele in just 31 seconds to give the Tornado (1-1) a 24-9 lead.

After Butler forfeited at heavyweight, it won five of the final six matches.

Davey Jaillet (103) scored a takedown with 10 seconds left and two back points in the final two seconds to pull out a 5-3 win.

Rob Runyan (112) scored an 18-9 major decision. Runyan held an 11-1 second-period lead only to see it shrink to 11-9 entering the third period.

He fought off an injury timeout in the second period and rolled to the win.

Brian Nicelli (119), a transfer from Brashear, to a 5-1 decision before Hampton won its final match of the night, a decision at 125.

"I'm looking to move the lineup up and move Ian back in," said Stoner. "Nicelli can drop to 112, Runyan at 103, then it'll make us stronger."

Butler wrapped up the evening with a 13-9 decision by Stewart Rapone (130) and a 15-0 technical fall by Alex Evanoff (135).

"Alex controlled that and owned that kid," said Stoner. "While he was on top, he got a good chance and exuded confidence."

Butler 42, Hampton 18

Match started at 140

103 —

Davey Jaillet (B) dec. Jon Harrington, 5-3