Roanoke College Wrestling dominated at the Kenneth Ober Invitational on Saturday, January 27th, emerging victorious with a team score of 165.5 points; hosted at the Bowers Center by Elizabethtown College. The event proved to be a showcase of Roanoke’s wrestling prowess as the team crowned three individual champions and placed 16 wrestlers overall. Leading the charge for Roanoke was senior Josh Noble, who captured the individual title at 125 pounds. Noble displayed a relentless style throughout the day, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record, which included two major decisions and a technical fall. His dominant performance helped set the tone for the rest of the Maroons. At 174 pounds, sophomore Xavier Preston was equally impressive, winning his weight class with a flawless 5-0 record. Preston’s four technical falls were a testament to his precision and control, as he outclassed his opponents on his way to the title. The Maroons’ success didn’t stop there, as junior Nicholas Cook triumphed in the heavyweight division at 285 pounds. Cook, who went 5-0, showcased his strength with two pins and two major decisions, although his toughest challenge came in the semifinals. In a dramatic sudden victory match, Cook narrowly defeated his teammate, Brady Elswick, in an exciting way that set the stage for his eventual championship win. Roanoke also saw strong finishes from several other wrestlers. Jarrod Pominville, who took second place at 157 pounds, battled his way through a competitive field, earning recognition for his tough and determined effort. Michael Policarpio and Andru Boyd each claimed third-place finishes at 133 and 165 pounds, respectively, adding further depth to the Maroons’ impressive team performance. Altogether, the Roanoke College Wrestling team’s 16-place finishes highlighted both individual skill and depth, making a strong statement in a tournament that featured some of the region’s top talent. With the team continuing to build momentum, the Maroons appear to be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses. For Roanoke, it was a day to remember—one marked by individual excellence and a collective effort that earned them a well-deserved first-place finish at the D. Kenneth Ober Invitational.
Mariana Hanlin
Staff Reporter
