Maryland wrestling looking to continue 3-0 start at American

Photo courtesy of Kevin Snyder/Maryland Athletics

Maryland wrestling (4-0) heads to Washington, D.C., on Friday at 7 p.m. for a dual against Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association foe American University at Bender Arena.​

The Terps are rolling after wins over Gardner-Webb (27-13), The Citadel (24-9), and a blowout (39-7) against Morgan State. They’ve racked up bonus points from pins and technical falls in eight of 20 matches so far. 

Sophomore 125-pounder Abram Cline, No. 15 174-pounder Branson John, heavyweight Oscar Williams, No. 10 Braxton Brown and No. 27 Dario Lemus have stood out in recent competitions. All of the Terps’ top-tier talent has been performing, and they could keep rolling against the Eagles (2-3).

American has shown solid individual performances in recent tournaments despite some tough dual results this season.​ Coach Jason Borelli is in his fifth season at the helm. After mustering only one win in his first season, the Eagles have improved every year under Borelli’s leadership, and have no reason to stop now.

The Eagles’ young talent has especially stepped up this season. Freshman 133-pounders Colin Martin and Ellis Kirsch have combined for a 9-5 overall record. Caleb Campos has also been another standout for American at 184 lbs. The redshirt junior won the 184-pound weight class at the Lock Haven Open on Sunday and is tied for American’s best overall record at 10-2.

Nine Eagles placed at the Lock Haven Open, including Campos and Kirsch, who won their brackets. Sophomore JJ Peace took second at 125 lbs, while Gage Owen (third at 149), Kaden Milheim (third at 157), Hunter Hohman (third at 174) and Emmanuel Ulrich (third at 285) also medaled.​

In duals, they edged George Mason on Nov. 20 thanks to a clutch pin from Campos. At the Boilermaker Duals (Nov. 14-15), American beat Buffalo but fell to Northern Illinois (21-12) and Purdue (34-10).

American still sits just below .500, but is gaining momentum from strong tournament finishes as EIWA play heats up.​

Maryland leads the all-time series against American 16-1, winning the last 12 straight, including 38-1 last year.

Key matchups to watch include :

133 lbs: Maryland’s No. 10 Braxton Brown vs. American’s Maximilian Leete or Raymond Lopez

184 lbs: Maryland’s No. 5 Jaxon Smith vs. American’s Caleb Campos

HWT: Maryland’s Oscar Williams or Joey Schneck vs. American’s Emmanuel Ulrich