Wrestling Southern Conference

Davidson Grapplers Earn Atlantic Regional Honors

DAVIDSON, N.C. - Three Davidson wrestlers recently earned honorable mention recognition in the Atlantic Regional Division I Rankings after helping the Wildcats to their most successful season in 20 years. Sophomore Jim Avola (133), and freshmen Ben Graham (149) and Matt Pendle (157) were each listed among the top 25 wrestlers in their respective weight classes in the Atlantic Region.

Avola posted his best record as a Wildcat with a mark of 12-11 on the season. Slated as a sixth seed in the 2005 Southern Conference Tournament, Avola opened up the competition by pinning third-seeded Chris Bencivenga of UNC Greensboro. He suffered a 10-5 loss to the second seed, but rebounded with victories over the fourth and fifth seeds in the consolation bracket to earn a third- place finish overall. The native of Montague, N.J., ranked third on the team with eight pins in 2005, doubling his total from his freshman year.

Graham tallied 25 wins during his rookie season. The 149-pound grappler also finished third at the conference tournament after being a six seed heading into competition. After a loss in round one at the SoCon Tournament, Graham battled his way to three straight victories to earn third place. Graham, a native of Annapolis, Md., racked up five pins this past year.

Pendle showed immediate promise in the Wildcat starting lineup with a school-record 14 pins during his freshman season, eclipsing the old mark of 13 falls set back in 1993-94 by Sam Knowles. Pendle collected a team-best 26 wins, including three in the league tournament en route to a third-place showing. Pendle went 4-1 against SoCon competition during the regular season, and helped Davidson secure a winning record with his major decision victory at James Madison in the final match of the regular season. The 'Cats posted a record of 8-7 overall and finished fifth at the SoCon Tournament, their best finish since 1995-96.