Thursday, January 14 our Dover Eagle varsity wrestling team faced off against Red Lion High on our home mats. Despite this home advantage, the match turned out to be one the Eagles will wish to soon forget, with the final score a blowout loss of 63 – 5 in favor of Red Lion.

The match started with the 215 pound weight class with junior Anthony Barret losing by points. Following this loss was a string of three Eagle forfeits, a number they may hope to bring down in future matches.

The Eagles’ first points came in the form of a pin by junior Justin Rudicille at 120 pounds. Thereafter Mason Leiphart, 126 pounds, gave the Eagles some hope through a technical win, marking the Eagles’ second consecutive score.

After this glimmer of hope the match seemed to get away from the Eagles. Freshman Zane Stump, 132 pounds, suffered a technical loss, followed by freshman Manny German, 138 pounds, and freshman Landon Thomas, 145 pounds, both pinned by admittedly skillful opponents.

Sophomore Lucas Runk, 152 pounds, then lost to his opponent by points, and the match ended with senior Brady Cook, 160 pounds, and sophomore Brody Fulton, 170 pounds, each being pinned, despite putting on admirable performances.

Although this was a difficult match for the Eagles, all they can do is move on and prepare for their future matches. 

Wednesday, January 20, the Eagles will host their rivals, the West York Bulldogs.

Make sure to support the team through this trying season, and tune into the live streams for each home match on Dover Area High School Athletics YouTube channel!