Yesterday afternoon, the wrestling team fought valiantly but fell to perennially tough Center Moriches, 15-30. The Bears’ effort was highlighted by two outstanding matches by Austin Hulse in the 125-pound class and captain Tyler Anderson in the 171-pound class. Hulse’s rivalry with the Red Devils’ Sasha Pulver goes back several years as he defeated Pulver as an 8th-grader, but fell to the senior last season. This year’s battle was intense and evenly played from the opening minutes.

After the two grapplers spent much of the first period feeling the other out, Hulse grabbed control of the match in the second frame. Up 7-1 to begin the third period, Hulse was nearly pinned when Pulver put him on his back, but the Bear showed his strength and perseverance by getting out of the dangerous hold. Seconds later he had Pulver on his back and, with 31 seconds left in the match, pinned him. Hulse walked off the mat mentally and physically exhausted, with a few fresh gashes around his right eye, but knowing he had vanquished a fierce rival.

Anderson’s battle was just as exciting and spirited. He led his taller opponent, Kenny Leger, for much of the match, but with 1:05 remaining in the third period his Red Devil opponent leveled the contest at 7-7. The final minute of the contest was frenetic and roused the energy level in Kinney Field House. Anderson fell behind, 8-9, but with just 9 seconds left he was able to gain a reversal on Leger, giving him two points and the match, 10-9.

The boys are back in action this afternoon @ 4:15 vs. Mt. Saint Michael’s.

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