WREST: Big 26-14 senior night win over King’s College
Two Colonels were honored in the 26-14 senior night dual-meet win over King’s College.
Cody Dix (157) and John Devito (184) walked across their home mat for the last time in their careers with their families and friends in attendance.
“Great team win for the Colonels,” said head coach Jon Laudenslager. “Everyone wrestled with Colonel Pride for a great crowd. So proud of our team and the pride in our program and our University.”
Dix is a fifth-year senior with a combined record of 52-37 throughout his time at Wilkes. During his first year, Dix placed third at the Futures Mideast Tournament, which is quite an accomplishment as a first-year at the collegiate level. Dix’s sophomore year led to a seventh-place finish at the Messiah Petrofes and a fourth-place finish at the 2020 MAC Championships at 149-pounds. Dix was also able to pick up a 4-1 win during the King’s dual.
“Dedicating most of your life to something is hard,” said Dix. “14 years of my life have been put into this sport and I am grateful and relieved with how senior night turned out. This sport is hard on your body and I think battling through the injuries and whatever else I had to deal with was all worth it in the end. I am so glad I came back for a fifth year and develop within a great team atmosphere.”
Devito’s overall record as a Colonel is 58-52. During his first year, Devito recorded a 30-14 season and earned the Third Team All-MAC award at 174-pounds. He also placed second at the Messiah Petrofes Invitational and sixth at the 2020 NCAA Southeast Regional. Devito’s junior season earned him second-place at the Blue Jay Classic. He did not get a chance to wrestle on senior night as his opponent did not make weight.
During the matchup with King’s, Wilkes had wins by Jack Bauer (133), Michael Richardson (141), Jaryn Hartranft (149), Dix (157), Cameron Butka (197) and Caleb Burkhart (285).
Wilkes will finish out their season on Feb. 19. at the Futures Mid East Tournament and then some of the team will compete in the NCAA Southeast Regionals on Feb. 24. and 25.
Baylee Guedes is graduating in May of 2023 with a major in Communication Studies obtaining a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, as well as a minor...