MEDINA, Ohio -- The Wrestling Raiders opened their season with a double dual hosted by Buckeye High School on Jan. 7. Rocky River split in the event, dropping a 74-6 decision to Buckeye and defeating Fairless, 48-36.

Junior John Sadiku earned a win by fall at 220 pounds to log the only points against a strong Buckeye host squad. Wins in the match against Fairless were earned by sophomore Nathan Maloney (1-2 on the night with a pin at 126 pounds), freshman Connor Scheifferle (1-1 at 132), Obaida Abazied (1-1, pin at 145), and John Bebie (1-0, pin at 182).

"Overall, our guys wrestled tough against both teams," said Head Coach Matt Sycz. "I was very pleased with our energy and intensity."

The Pirates (1-1, 0-1 Great Lakes Conference) are slated to continue their season on Thursday when they travel to Lakewood High School for a set of GLC matches against the Rangers and Parma Redmen.



by Skip Snow