WASHINGTON - After nearly two months, American University wrestling is returning to Bender Arena for an EIWA dual meet against Drexel at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. Tickets can be purchased
HERE, and students are admitted free with a valid AU Student ID.
Health & Safety Protocols for Bender Arena
- In response to COVID-19, particularly with regard to the recent increase of cases in our region, American University Athletics has a number of safety measures in place for events at Bender Arena.
- AU Athletics requires proof of vaccination for all spectators 12 and older when attending sporting events inside Bender Arena.
- Proof of vaccination can be achieved by showing one's vaccine card, a photo of one's card or a digital vaccine record.
- Due to AU's requirement that current students and faculty/staff be vaccinated, those with a current AU ID will not need to show further proof of vaccination.
- Due to health and safety protocols related to COVID-19, concessions will temporarily not be available to patrons for home events at Bender.
- All patrons must wear masks at all times while inside Bender Arena, and social distancing is encouraged.
Inside the Series
- Drexel holds a 21-9-1 advantage all-time against AU since 1972, but the Eagles have taken each of the last two duals.
- AU won by scores of 27-14 in 2020, and 21-16 in 2019.
What to Know About American
- The Eagles are looking to finish out the season strong in their final four dual meets leading into the EIWA Championships.
- American head coach Jason Borrelli is in his first season after 13 years at Stanford. He earned his first win with the Eagles on December 5 vs. Duke, 22-18.
- American was slated to face #7 Ohio State on January 3, but the match was canceled due to a snowstorm in DC.
- Last weekend (Jan. 23) the Eagles took part in extra countable matches at Army West Point. Both Tim Fitzpatrick (174) and Jack Maida (133) went 2-0 for the day.
- Five wrestlers earned placewinner finishes at the Bearcat Open on Nov. 14, led by Isaac Righter (285) who took second. Four Eagles were placewinners at the Navy Classic on Nov. 20, all taking fifth (Andy Fallon at 125, Patrick Ryan at 149, Tim Fitzpatrick at 165 and Colin Shannon at 174).
- American had just one placewinner at its most recent open event, the Reno TOC, with freshman Max Leete taking sixth place by default at 125 pounds after reaching the NCAA daily limit of six matches.
- The team captains for 2021-22 are redshirt juniors Tim Fitzpatrick and Patrick Ryan along with junior Will Jarrell.
- American went without a dual match in 2020-21 due to a variety of factors including health & safety protocols and team readiness. Three wrestlers competed at the EIWA Championships and two of those advanced to the NCAA Championships including current redshirt junior Tim Fitzpatrick.
- Of the 25 wrestlers on the roster this season, just seven had ever competed collegiately prior to November. Ten are true freshmen, and another eight joined the team last season but did not see action on the competition mat.
- Overall, the Eagles are hosting 10 opponents over eight home dates in 2021-22 after being unable to have a home meet last year. The eight home dates are the most for American since the 2016-17 season, and span nearly four months.
American Probable Starters
What to Know About Drexel
- The Dragons are currently 2-6 overall and 1-2 n ithe EIWA after a 23-13 loss to Bucknell at home last weekend. The Dragons earned a 22-15 victory at Brown on Jan. 14 and suffered a 25-13 loss at Binghamton on Jan. 15.
- At the 2021 EIWA Championships, Drexel placed fifth with 89.5 points. Six Dragons qualified for the NCAA Championships, with Parker Kropman (157) and Mickey O'Malley (174) advancing to the second day of competition.
- All but one of Drexel's 2021 NCAA Qualifiers returned for the 2021-22 season. In addition to Kropman and O'Malley, the returning NCAA Qualifiers include Luke Nichter, Evan Barczak and Bryan McLaughlin.
- Four Drexel starters are ranked in the top 35 by the NCAA Coaches Panel -
Drexel Probable Starters
- 125 - Antonio Minnino (Sr.) 8-7 or Kyle Waterman (So.) 5-4
- 133 - Deon Pleasant (Fr.) 4-13 or Jaxon Maroney (So.) 3-2
- 141 - Jared Donahue (RSr.) 4-12
- 149 - Tyler Williams (Jr.) 7-12
- 157 - #32 Parker Kropman (Gr.) 12-5
- 165 - #24 Evan Barczak (Gr.) 15-6 or Michael Martinak (RJr.) 3-6
- 174 - #13 Mickey O'Malley (RJr.) 13-2 or Riley Onorato (So.) 2-5
- 184 - Bryan McLaughlin (RSr.) 9-4 or Josh Stillings (RJr.) 4-8
- 197 - Santino Morina (RSo.) 2-5
- HWT - Eli Anthony (Fr.) 0-7 or Liam Deitrich (Fr.) 1-7
- *Rankings from NCAA Coaches Panel
Season Tickets on Sale Now -- Save Big
- Cheer loud and proud for the AU Wrestling team in Bender Arena with friends, family, and colleagues by purchasing your season ticket to all home duals!
- Adult: $45
- Youth (17 and below): $20
- Senior (65+): $20
- Pricing subject to 6% DC sales tax
- Click here to purchase your tickets online at AUeagles.com/TIckets
- Require Accessible Seating? Interested in group tickets of 10+, or renting out the Bender Arena Skybox to watch a match in style? Email clawed@american.edu or call 202.885.TIXX.
Not in the DMV or Can't Make all the Matches?
- Purchase a season ticket to support the wrestling program and return any unwanted tickets back to the ticket office and we will donate your ticket(s) to a local youth wrestling club or organization.
- This program will allow the youth wrestlers of the DMV to experience high-quality Division-I wrestling in person.
- For questions on this community give-back program please email clawed@american.edu.
How to Watch ESPN+
- A subscription to ESPN+ is available for purchase via ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com, or the ESPN App. Fans can access ESPN+ content only after they have subscribed. To subscribe, click here. It costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year.
- On the call for Sunday's dual will be Jason Grimes and Jeric Kasunic.
Stay Connected
- For more information on AU Wrestling, follow the team on Twitter @AU_Wrestling, Instagram @au_wrestling and Facebook @AU.Wrestling.
- To receive email updates, home dual previews and special offers from AU Wrestling throughout the season, please fill out this interest form.
