By Joe Barone – STAFF WRITER
Turn on the lights – the wrestling season is officially underway. The mats were laid out, the schedule was set, and on Sunday Hofstra sent a powerful message to the rest of the league. Their warning: do not mess with Superman – Michael Hughes.
Sporting a “Superman” tattoo on his left, upper tricep, junior Michael Hughes conquered the 285-pound title to lead his Pride squad at the Jonathon Kaloust Memorial-Bearcat Open in Binghamton. He displayed Superman-like strength and embodied his relentless attitude defeating Harvard’s Nick Gadzik, 6-0 in the season opening match.
It was a long and draining day in Binghamton – a 13-hour marathon, but the Pride maintained their composure and let Hughes pick up where he left off last season. In 2014 – 2015, then-sophomore Hughes, recorded a 22-11 record and won the 285-pound title in the New York State Collegiate Championships.
However it was not all Superman’s show. Junior Jahlani Callender was sent to the mat eight times – the most of any Pride teammate. Providing a consistent role, Callender recorded a 6-2-match victory, standing at 157 pounds.
Expectations have risen for Callender who surprised the league last season with a 16-15 record before being besieged by Cortland in the consolations.
Bryan Damon also proved to be one of the heroes of Hofstra’s opening day.
Due to a fall and a tech fall, Damon posted a 5-2 record en route to the team’s first win of the season.
Coming off a 14-11, 2014-2015 season at 125 pounds as a freshman, Damon knew he had to get better, build more strength, and be a reliable wrestler when Coach Papadatos calls upon him. It also helps Damon was exposed to the consolation matches, which will allow wrestlers like Damon to take their intensity to the next level.
Junior Frank Affronti also gutted out a 4-2 record at 174 pounds on Sunday including a win due to a fall on three separate decisions.
Hofstra looks for a beat down in a dual match on Sunday, November 15. First, the Pride face Northern Iowa at 9:20 a.m., mixed with a matchup with Lock Haven at 11:15 a.m, and Michigan at 3:15 p.m from the Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York..
