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Brown post big win for St. Andrews wrestling
February 15, 2008 BELMONT, N.C.—Freshman Eric Brown (Norfolk, Va.) posted St. Andrews Presbyterian College’s biggest individual victory in the team’s two year existence with a 13-9 decision over 2007 All-American Chris Neidermeier in Friday night’s dual match at Belmont Abbey College. The Crusaders (11-9-1) won seven of the 10 bouts on Friday night to hand the Knights (3-10) a 35-10 loss in their final dual match of the season. Freshman Eric Fulmer (Glenshaw, Pa.) added a major decision victory for the Knights with an 11-1 win at 184-pounds. Fulmer’s win also came against another regionally ranked opponent in No. 8 Joe Kent. A pair of Laurinburg, N.C., natives provided a couple close matches for St. Andrews. Freshman heavyweight Andre Ellerbe posted his fourth win of the year with a close 6-5 decision while classmate Casey Gashaw lost to No. 6 East Region ranked Reimark Neidermeier, 12-5, at 133-lbs. Belmont Abbey pulled away from the Knights by winning six straight matches including five bouts in a row that sent regionally ranked wrestlers to the mat. Freshman Troy Baranik (Laurinburg, N.C.) lost by technical fall to eighth ranked grappler at 141-lbs; sophomore Brad McKee (Kings Mountain, N.C.) was pinned by seventh ranked wrestler at 149-pounds; and freshman Andrew Roberto (Holly Ridge, N.C.) was decked by the fifth ranked wrestler at 157-lbs. Sophomore Will Harcum (Williamsburg, N.C.) lost another close battle for the Knights with a 12-8 decision at 184-pounds. Brown and Fulmer each have eight dual match wins for St. Andrews heading into the 2008 NCAA East Regional on Friday, February 29 and Saturday, March 1. The two-day regional is hosted by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Several Knights will look to become the first St. Andrews’ grappler to qualify for the NCAA National Championship including Brown. Fulmer and freshman Casey Gashaw (Laurinburg, N.C.) follow Brown’s 21 wins with 11 victories apiece. 125 ~ Eric Brown (SA) DEC Chris Neidermeier (BAC), 13-9 (SAPC 3-0) |
Brown started the night with his dramatic win to give St. Andrews a 3-0 lead. Brown’s 21st win of the season was his biggest ‘W’ yet defeating C. Neidermeier, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the East Region and was a national semifinalist last year, with a four-point decision.