"We lacked a pop early on, probably because we really worked the guys hard in practice earlier this week," said Strobel. "We were able to pick things up a little, and Troy (Letters) was really determined to get that win. Tonight was good for us though, we picked up a win and obviously it's very early in the season so there is plenty of room to grow."
The match started at 125 pounds, where sophomore Patrick Berger scored the first takedown, but Rider's Ryan Smith came back to even the match and was able to pin Berger in the second period. The Broncs' lead grew to 9-0 when Zack Cunliffe amassed over four minutes of riding time in a 5-0 blanking of Lehigh's John Stout.
The Mountain Hawks got on the scoreboard with back to back major decisions by Cory Cooperman at 141 and Matt Ciasulli in his first dual at 149. Senior Derek Zinck won by forfeit at 157 to put Lehigh ahead and then Letters took center stage.
Letters collected wins number 98 and 99 over the weekend at the Slippery Rock Open, where he forfeited his remaining matches to give himself the opportunity to crack the century mark in front of the home fans. The Shaler native and 2004 national champion did just that, building a 10-1 lead before pinning Ryan Cunningham in the second period. Letters improves to 100-4 in his career and becomes the 11th member of the 100 win club at Lehigh.
"I really wanted to do it here at Grace," Letters acknowledged afterwards. "The fans here have supported me for so long they've almost become like family. I got my first career win in the old Grace, and I wanted number 100 here as well"
The Mountain Hawks picked up wins by decision at 174 and 184 with Travis Frick edging Doug Umbehauer and then Dave Helfrich with a six point win over Joe Maroney. The Broncs would take the final two bouts as T.J. Morrison topped Matt Cassidy and then Tyler Rees used a third period escape to top Dan Murrer, who gave up nearly 90 pounds to his counterpart.
Lehigh returns to action on Sunday when the Mountain Hawks head to University Park, Pa. to take part in the second annual Pennsylvania State Dual Championships. The Mountain Hawks will face a junior college team, Williamson in the opening round, which gets underway at 10:00 am from Rec Hall.
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