Panthers Roar to Victory: Six Bonus Points Propel 32-8 Triumph Over Pitt-Johnstown

PITTSBURGH – The 18^th-ranked Pitt Wrestling squad commenced the new year with a 32-8 triumph over Division II rival Pitt-Johnstown on Friday night at Fitzgerald Field House. The Panthers enhanced their record to 5-2 in dual encounters during their last preparation before ACC competition, as six wrestlers achieved bonus-point victories.

No. 17 Nick Babin kickstarted the meet with a 12-0 major decision against Trevon Gray, who entered the contest ranked 8^th in Division II at 125, providing the Panthers with a 4-0 advantage. He executed an early takedown and accumulated four near fall points to seize a 7-0 lead after the first period. Babin added a reversal in the final period and concluded with over four minutes of riding time, bringing his record to 4-2 for the season.

The match at 133 pounds featured a thrilling opening period where UPJ’s Tyson Cook surged to a 6-3 advantage. Tyler Chappell responded with a quick escape and a takedown in the second period, gaining a 7-6 edge going into the concluding two minutes. Chappell maintained a strong grip in the third period to secure riding time, ultimately earning an 8-6 victory.

Briar Priest initiated a strong attack at 141, securing an early takedown and release for a 3-1 lead just thirty seconds into the bout. He added another takedown in the opening period and racked up 1:25 of riding time for a 6-1 advantage. The second period featured a couple of reversals along with an escape by Priest as he transitioned into the third period with a 9-3 lead. The Pitt redshirt sophomore included a takedown in the final period along with four near fall points, resulting in a 17-3 victory.

No. 29 Anthony Santaniello achieved a 16-1 technical fall victory in 6:25 at 149 pounds as Pitt extended its lead to 16-0 following four matches. The Brick, N.J., product scored an early takedown in the first period and added over two and a half minutes of riding time before expanding the lead to 8-0 heading into the last two minutes. He continued his offensive in the third period with two takedowns and further near fall points, marking his third technical fall victory of the season.

At 157, Jack Pletcher started strong with a 6-1 advantage after one period and advanced to an 11-3 major decision, marking his 25^th career win.

Grant MacKay maintained the dominant display with a 15-0 technical fall in three minutes at 165, elevating the Pitt lead to 25-0. MacKay improved his career record to 20-9 and claimed his first technical fall win as a Panther.

Mateo De La Pena began with a 3-1 lead and established riding time early in the second period at 174 pounds. Macon Myers fought back to negate the riding time, yet De La Pena secured a takedown in the third period, concluding with a 6-2 win.

Chase Kranitz seized a 6-0 lead after one at 184 pounds and nearly finished the encounter with a takedown and near pin in the final seconds of the second period. A reversal at the start of the third granted him an 11-0 lead as he rode out his opponent for a 12-0 major decision. Kranitz now shares the team lead with four major decision victories this season.

Pitt-Johnstown featured a noteworthy performance from No. 8 Dakoda Rodgers at 197 pounds, who secured an 18-2 technical fall victory in 6:48 over Daniel Gurovich.

In the last match of the evening, Mustafa Woodi established an early 3-0 lead against No. 5 Isaiah Vance with a diving takedown near the mat’s edge. Vance countered with a reversal following a near takedown, taking a 4-3 edge into the second period. Woodi opened the third period with a rapid takedown for a 6-5 lead, but Vance responded with an escape to tie the match heading into the last 90 seconds. Vance thwarted a single leg attempt by Woodi in the final thirty seconds and maneuvered around for the takedown, concluding with a 9-6 victory.

HONORING A LEGEND

Pitt paid tribute to Pitt-Johnstown Athletic Director and Head Wrestling Coach Pat Pecora, who passed away in September, during Friday’s match with the Mountain Cats. Over his 48-year tenure as head coach at Pitt-Johnstown, Pecora became the all-time winningest wrestling coach in NCAA history with 661 dual-meet victories. He was honored as the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Coach of the Year on four occasions and led Pitt-Johnstown to two NCAA Division II National Championships. Additionally, he is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Throughout his coaching career, Pecora mentored 170 All-Americans and 15 individual National Champions, but his most profound influence extended far beyond the wrestling mat, impacting the lives of many who knew him. We now invite you to join us, along with the family and friends of Pat Pecora present tonight, for a moment of silence and remembrance.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pitt will embark on ACC competition Friday, Jan. 3 at Fitzgerald Field House against conference newcomer Stanford (7 p.m.).

No. 18 Pitt 32, No. 20 Pitt-Johnstown 8

125 – [17] Nick Babin maj. dec. [8] Trevon Gray, 12-0 (Pitt leads 4-0)

133 – Tyler Chappell dec. Tyson Cook, 8-6 (Pitt leads 7-0)

141 – Brier Priest maj. dec. Mason Myers, 17-3 (Pitt leads 11-0)

149 – [29] Anthony Santaniello tech. fall Chad Ozias, 16-1 [6:25] (Pitt leads 16-0)

157 – Jack Pletcher maj. dec. Cooper Warshel, 11-3 (Pitt leads 20-0)

165 – Grant MacKay tech fall Gavyn Beck, 15-0 [3:00] (Pitt leads 25-0)

174 – Mateo De La Pena dec. Macon Myers, 6-2 (Pitt leads 28-0)

184 – Chase Kranitz maj. dec. Noah Gnibus, 12-0 (Pitt leads 32-0)

197 – [8] Dakoda Rodgers tech fall Daniel Gurovich, 18-2 [6:48] (Pitt leads 32-5)

285 – [5] Isaiah Vance dec. Mustafa Woodi, 9-6 (Pitt wins 32-8)

* Pitt-Johnstown Division II rankings