FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec 2, 2006

Bonora and Martini Place at RIT

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The Rhode Island College wrestling team placed 10th out of 15 teams in a highly competitive field this past weekend at the Rochester Institute of Technology Invitational. Junior Mike Bonora (Nutley/Nutley, N.J.) and sophomore Mike Martini (Cranston West/Cranston, R.I.) represented the Anchormen on the podium with a pair of third place finishes at 141 and 157-pounds, respectively.

            Bonora, a take-down specialist, entered the pairings ranked as the second seed in the 141-pound weight class. He showcased his dominance in two early round matches, winning by pin fall at 5:03 against Coast Guard Academy and 17-3 against Johnson & Wales. Bonora advanced to the semifinals with an 8-3 decision over the seventh-seed from RIT. He suffered his lone defeat of the afternoon, losing a one-point decision to the third seed from Case Western. Unfazed by the loss, Bonora won a pair of consolation matches to earn third place.

            Seeded-fifth at 157 pounds, Martini won by a major decision in his opening round match against an opponent from Johnson & Wales, before bowing out to the eventual champion in the quarterfinals. Undeterred by the loss, he won his next two matches by one-point each to advance to the consolation semifinals. Martini continued his stifling defensive attack, earning the lone takedown without giving up a point to win 2-0. Martini upset the top-seed in the consolation finals, coasting to an 11-3 victory. 

           Rhode Island College returns to action at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, when the Anchormen travel to Wesleyan University (Conn.). Rhode Island College is ranked ninth in the latest New England Region poll, while the Cardinals are seventh.