Christmas break usually consists of students relaxing and enjoying their time off. For the Wilkes wrestling team, break was just another month to improve. The 19th ranked Colonels used their off time wisely, but none more than senior captain Anthony Dattolo.
The business administration major hit a milestone that few will ever see. In fact, only five wrestlers from Wilkes have ever reach it. This milestone is reaching 100 collegiate wrestling wins.
“It felt great,” Dattolo said “I had no idea that only five people have had 100 wins at Wilkes.”
Dattolo reached his 100th win by defeating Messiah grappler Ty Kanouff. The win took place over the holiday break at Ursinus College.
Dattolo still remains humble about reaching this plateau. In high school, Dattolo accomplished a lot. He had 88 total wins and placed in the New Jersey state championships. He is very quick to give credit where it is due.
“I have to attribute my wins to my past teammates,” Dattolo said. “When I was young they always pushed me to do my best.”
Dattolo was well aware that his 100th win was close, but still went into his matches the same way he usually does.
“I treated it like any other match,” Dattolo said.  “I just want to go in there and win either way. I don’t want to lose.”
Being part of this elite club has not phased the senior. He still feels as though the pressure on him has remained the same.
“I feel likes I’ve always had a target on my back,” Dattolo said. “This many wins has just added to my past accomplishments.”
Dattolo is undefeated on the season and is looking to break to the school wins record which is 111 wins.
Dattolo carried his teammates to a 3-0 record this past weekend in a quad-meet in the Marts Gymnasium.
The Colonels beat Gettysburg by 11 points, Trinity by 37 points and RIT by 25 points, all in convincing fashions.
Dattolo and senior Ryan Wilson both lead the way for the Colonels. Both received one forfeit while Wilson tacked on two more career pins, and Dattolo recorded a pin and technical fall. Matt Ellery, Dustin Stough and Buddy Gouger all recorded pinfalls, while junior Nathan White finished up the day with a record of 2-1
Freshman Michael Fleck kept his stellar rookie season going as he also finished 2-1 on the day, including a technical fall against RIT.
Sophmore David Oberrender finished Saturday’s competition with a record of 2-0. Both of his wins were major decisions, as he outscored his opponents 26-8.
The Colonels will be in action again this Friday in Ewing, N.J., where they will take on the Lions of The College of New Jersey.