Wrestling Southern Conference

Freshmen Begin Wildcat Wrestling Careers in Fashion

LEXINGTON, Va. - Five Davidson wrestling newcomers got their first taste of collegiate wrestling this weekend at the Keydet Invitational hosted by VMI. Matt Morris and Jim Avola led the 'Cats, earning top three finishes in their respective weight classes.

Morris, a native of Birmingham, Ala., won his first three matches of the day before falling in the championship bout of the 184-pound weight class. He earned three straight decisions over competitors from Washington & Lee, Anderson and Carson-Newman, before falling to the Citadel's John Buck, 3-1.

Avola also had a strong competition in the 125-pound bracket. The freshman from Montague, N.J., recorded a win by fall over Duke's Jordan Jackson but followed with a loss to VMI's David Federico, 12-6. Avola then recorded two straight pins to take third place in the tournament.

Marc LaRochelle also picked up two victories in his first competition at the 141-pound weight class. Originally from Manassas, Va., LaRochelle decisioned Jay Carter of the host school and Brandon Ayers of Duke.

Also competing for the Wildcats were freshman Joe Scognamiglio (184) and sophomore Kevin Klein (hwt..

The Davidson wrestling squad travels to the UNC Pembroke Classic on Nov. 14-15.