In a heartfelt ceremony before their regular season finale against Cornell, the Duke wrestling program took a moment to honor seven dedicated seniors. Among them, Connor Barket shone brightly, delivering an impressive 18-4 major decision victory in the heavyweight class. Despite Barket's standout performance, Duke faced a tough day overall, falling to Cornell with a 42-4 team score.
How It Unfolded
In the heavyweight showdown, Connor Barket faced off against Cornell's Cy Kruse. The first period was a stalemate, but Barket, hailing from West Lafayette, Indiana, seized control in the second, establishing an 8-1 lead. He didn't stop there, adding another 10 points in the third period to secure his dominant 18-4 victory.
At 174 pounds, Duke's 23rd-ranked Aidan Wallace took on the formidable Simon Ruiz, ranked second nationally. Ruiz quickly gained the upper hand with a first-period takedown, leading 3-0. Wallace managed an escape in the third period but ultimately fell 8-1.
Duke's redshirt freshman, Owen McGrory, battled hard against Cornell's Carson Crace. After two scoreless periods, Crace edged ahead with an escape in the third, securing a 2-0 decision with an additional riding time point.
Senior Day Notes
Before the match, Duke celebrated seniors Nick Tattini, Gaetano Console, Connor Barket, Cameron Morgan, Natty Lapinski, Tyler O'Boyle, and Aurelius Dunbar. The team may have dropped to a 6-13 record, with an 0-6 mark in the ACC, but the contributions of these seniors have been invaluable.
Connor Barket's performance was a highlight, moving him to a 20-5 season record, including 14-3 in dual matches. His 20 wins this season place him seventh in Duke's heavyweight history for single-season victories, marking back-to-back 20-win seasons for the standout wrestler.
Looking Ahead
Duke now sets its sights on the ACC Championship, scheduled for Sunday, March 9, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Fans can keep up with the Blue Devils wrestling team on social media by searching "DukeWRES."
Match Results
- 125: Greg Diakomihalis (Cornell) def. Spencer von Savoye (Duke) 19-4 tech fall (2:55)
- 133: Joe Sciarrone (Cornell) def. Duke by forfeit
- 141: #6 Vince Cornella (Cornell) def. Raymond Adams (Duke) 15-0 tech fall (3:29)
- 149: #2 Jaxon Joy (Cornell) def. Dylan Ross (Duke) fall (3:54)
- 157: #2 Meyer Shapiro (Cornell) def. Mikey Boulanger (Duke) 7-2 tech fall (3:16)
- 165: Benny Rogers (Cornell) def. Logan Fite (Duke) 15-0 tech fall (2:36)
- 174: #2 Simon Ruiz (Cornell) def. #23 Aidan Wallace (Duke) 8-1 decision
- 184: Louie Cerchio (Cornell) def. David Hussey (Duke) 15-3 major decision
- 197: Carson Crace (Cornell) def. Owen McGrory (Duke) 2-0 decision
- HWT: #20 Connor Barket (Duke) def. Cy Kruse (Cornell) 18-4 major decision