FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2006

Martini Named Rookie of the Week

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island College sophomore wrestler Mike Martini (Cranston West/Cranston, R.I.) was recently named the Pilgrim League Rookie of the Week for his outstanding wrestling during the week ending December 3. Martini posted an individual record of 5-1, including a 4-1 mark and a third place finish in the 157-pound weight class at the RIT Invitational.

On Nov. 29, Martini shutout Ryan Schieding, 6-0, at 157-pounds as Rhode Island College edged Plymouth State, 21-20, in New England College Conference Wrestling Association (NECCWA) action. The win at Plymouth State helped the Anchormen hold steady at No. 9 in the latest edition of the New England Region rankings.     

Martini, the No. 5 seed in the 16-player bracket, upset the top-two seeds at the RIT Invitational. He defeated Cristhan Arbelaez of Johnson & Wales in the opening round, setting up a quarterfinal match with the No. 4 seed Corey Barber of Cortland State. Martini could only muster two points against the eventual champion, dropping a 7-2 decision. Unfazed by the loss, he demonstrated the ability to win the close matches in the consolation bracket. Martini ousted second-seeded Russ Tischer (2-1), Baldwin Wallace’s Joe Incorvaia (3-2), and John Carroll’s Kevin Keough (2-0) to advance to the consolation finale. He continued the upset theme with a convincing 11-3 victory over top-seeded Nate Bachman of RIT.

Through the early portion of the campaign, Martini sports an 11-5 overall record at 157-pounds. He is tied for fourth in the conference circuit with seven reversals.            

Rhode Island College returns to action at 7 p.m. on December 9, when the Anchormen travel to Wesleyan University for a NECCWA duel match.