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Silas Murray becomes RIC Wrestling’s 14th all-American taking 7th at NCAA’s
Murray brothers both take home accolades from Cedar Rapids Two Anchormen qualified for the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at Cedar Rapids, IA. Senior Silas Murray finished his historic season on the national podium going 3-2 on the weekend at the 133 pound weight class. Brother Jonathan went 1-2 losing a close overtime match to end defending national champ Anderson (Billerica, MA) of Wartburg and Myzar Mendoza of Wilkes.
the season. Jonathan is a junior and earned scholar allAmerican honors with a 3.45 GPA on top of being a national qualifier. The road was not easy for Silas after dropping his first contest. “I felt like I was thinking too much after I gained the early lead; I needed to keep wrestling,” said Silas who lost to Weinmann from WisconsinLaCrosse after being up 4-1. But Silas would bounce back in a hurry defeating Trine University’s Brandon Preston 10-3. Meanwhile, the quarterfinal loser cross bracketing to Silas between
Silas Murray in command of Mendoza from Wilkes to earn all-American. Silas would almost major him 9-2.
defending national champ Anderson (Billerica, MA) of Wartburg and Myzar Mendoza of Wilkes. Mendoza led the whole way until Anderson reversed him with :20 left in the third to pull it out. Silas knew the scouting report, but you could throw it out the window as the Anchormen senior simply stepped up and took it to Mendoza in the all-American round beating him in all phases. It was a great moment for Silas and the program, “I am so proud of Silas for stepping up in that moment,” said Coach Jones. “He took command from the beginning defending Mendoza’s Russian attack and counter-shot perfectly; it was his match from the opening whistle.” The winner would reach the podium, and the loser would be out of the tournament.
Silas Murray and Coach embrace the moment in Cedar Rapids Silas would have another challenge on Saturday morning as the winner would guarantee top 6 and the loser would drop to 7th or 8th. Silas was a little flat and dropped a 6-4 decision to Concordia-Moorehead (MN) wrestler Bergeron. This led to a third and final showdown between Silas and Coast Guard all-American Nate Giorgio (4th in NCAA as freshman in 2012 at 125). Silas won the previous two battles this year, but it is never easy to beat a quality opponent three times. The RIC senior never allowed Giorgio to get going and dominated him for a 3rd time this time 8-2.
Murray would finish the year in 7th place in the nation and achieve his goal of being an NCAA all-American. Silas finished 27-3 overall and help set the tone for future Anchormen as the program expectations continue to rise. Jonathan Murray wrestled tough at 125 despite receiving a tough draw. Jonathan drew the number one seed Bewak from John’s Hopkins in a pigtail, which meant that he would have a longer road back with a loss. After a tough first loss, Jonathan beat Rivera of Dubuque (IA) 7-3 in dominating fashion. Murray lost a tough 3-1overtime decision to Santos of North Central (IL). The junior earned a cumulative GPA of 3.45, combined with placing at the NCAA Northeast regional earned him Scholar all-American for the 2nd straight year at RIC.
RIC Wrestlers earn New England Wrestling Association post-season honors For the first time ever, the New England Wrestling Association named all-conference honors as a result of not having an individual tournament deciding placewinners. Historically, earning a top-six place in the New England tournament would automatically render a wrestler all-New England status. Now coaches decide the all-conference award winners based on the studentathlete’s body of work. This can work both positively and negatively. One could have had a good day and earned all-New England in the past, but now someone who has achieved all year can work into award status even if falling short at the end. Conversely an athlete can make a run at the end pushing him into all-New England status. Here is the first group of Anchormen to earn all-New England under the new format.
Rhode Island College Wrestlers named to all-New England Team 2014 Jonathan Murray – 125 – 1st Team Silas Murray – 133 – 1st Team Ricondo Cole – 141 – 2nd Team Brandon Conrad – 165 – Honorable Mention Brian Nicoll – 285 – Honorable Mention
RIC Wrestling Great Wayne Griffin enshrined in the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame Captain and New England Finalist Wayne Griffin of the Anchormen’s first of five New England Championships was inducted into Rhode Island Wrestling’s Hall of Fame on April 5. “Coach Griff” has been mat side coaching wrestling for over 26 years, including the past 16 at the helm in North Attleboro. Griff was also a successful head coach at Barrington before moving to a teaching and coaching position just over the RI border. Griff was a standout for long time RIC assistant Bob Smith when he was back coaching the Oakers of Coventry on their amazing run. Griff played a huge part in state and New England Championships there. Griff’s RIC wrestling career includes being a 4-time all-New England wrestler and helping to engineer the beginning of an amazing era in Anchormen wrestling by reaching the New England finals and helping guide the Anchormen to their first ever team title in 1988 as the captain. His leadership didn’t end on the mat. Griff was the first ever Scholar All-American wrestler for Rhode Island College. The program now boasts over 20. Coach Griff has also received tremendous coaching honors over the years. Most recently being named the MIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2013. He was also named the Boston Globe Coach of the Year in 2007. Griff’s North Attleboro program has won and impressive12 sectional titles in 16 years, been runner-up in MA states twice, and in the dual states final four 5 times. Coach Griff has also received tremendous coaching honors over the years. Most recently being named the MIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2013. He was also named the Boston Globe Coach of the Year in 2007. Griff’s North Attleboro program has won and impressive12 sectional titles in 16 years, been runner-up in MA states twice, and in the dual states final four 5 times.
While at Barrington, his 1997 team took 5th in New England, and won several league championships, and 5time runner-up in sectionals. He has amassed 315 wins as a high school head coach, and Griff has served in various wrestling executive leadership positions.
Coach Wayne Griffin receives his Hall of Fame trophy along side his long time mentor from Coventry and RIC Coach Bob Smith, and current RIC Coach Jones who introduced Griff on Hall of Fame night; the two were a tandem coaching together at Barrington.
Brandon Gauthier named the Rhode Island College Hetherman Award Winner for 2014 Rhode Island College’s Award for the graduating Senior named as the school’s best studentathlete goes to Wrestler Brandon Gauthier for 2014. During his outstanding career as an Anchormen, Gauthier joined only wrestlers James Barbera and Michael Bonora as the only athletes in school history in any sport to earn both All-American honors as an athlete and Scholar AllAmerican in the same season (bonora did it twice). Gauthier was known for his lateral drop throw, which very few in the nation could stop. As a junior Gauthier threw his way to an impressive New England Championship at
Gauthier with his AllAmerican trophy from 2011.
Trinity College before going on to the University of WisconsinLaCrosse, where he took 7th in the NCAA Championships earning all-American status. Gauthier perennially led his teams in wins and pins. As a senior he qualified for nationals once again falling one match shy of being a 2x allAmerican. Brandon is double majoring in Health and physical Education. He is currently finishing his student-teaching and is coaching at Roger Williams University. Gauthier will receive the Hetherman award at the annual cap and gown convocation on the RIC Campus on April 30.
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