Hofstra got off to a great start to the 2014-2015 season, edging Lock Haven under new head coach Dennis Papadatos. The Pride won the first match with Jahlani Callender scoring a 5-3 decision at 157, then Lock Haven showed their strength over the next few matches building up a 13-3 lead.

     Hofstra heavyweight Mike Hughes sparked a dramatic comeback after intermission with the Pride winning 4 of the last 5 bouts. Jamel Hudson scored a series of takedowns and a final near fall to secure a tech fall at 141 setting the stage for the 149 pound finale as Cody Ruggirello battled Dan Neff, Lock Haven's top wrestler. Ruggirello came away with a 4-2 decision as Hofstra sealed their opening win 17-16.

Hofstra's Mike Hughes got the Hofstra back in the match winning at heavyweight as the Pride won 4 of the last 5 bouts.

 Jamel Hudson

Travis Passaro

 Jahlani  Callender lifts Lock Haven's Elia Biddle to open up the meet with a 5-3 victory at 157 pounds.

Hofstra's Cody Ruggirello works to hold down Lock Haven's Dan Neff in the final bout. Ruggirello won the 149 pound bout 4-2 to clinch the win for the Pride.

125- Travis Passaro (Hof) dec. Kaleb LeMaire (Lock) 3-1

133- Cody Wheeler (Lock) dec. Maverick Passaro 2-1

141- Jamel Hudson (Hof) tech fall Bobby Rehm (Lock) 21-6

149- Cody Ruggirello (Hof) dec. Dan Neff (Lock) 4-2

157- Jahlani Callender (Hof) dec. Elias Biddle 5-3

165- Aaron McKinney (Lock) dec. Nick Terdick 4-1

174-Tyler Wood (Lock) dec. Frank Affronti 4-2

184- Fred Garcia (Lock) maj.dec. Jermaine John 10-0

197- Phil Sprenkle (Lock) dec. Michael Oxley 5-0

285- Mike Hughes (Hof) dec. Brad Emerick 3-0

Mat Notes:

   Pride first-year coach Dennis Papadatos (Island Trees HS) is the 12th head wrestling coach in Hofstra history. He was a former assistant coach at Binghamton. Sports Information Director Jim Sheehan enters his 27th year at Hofstra. Since 2001-02, the Pride is 150-93-6 in dual matches. The only nationally ranked grappler is Cody Ruggirello (Valley Central HS), he is rated 19th by Amateur Wrestling News. Next up for the Pride is an away match vs Lehigh on Nov. 6th and then they travel to Rutgers on Sunday, Nov. 16th @ 6:00 PM.

HOFSTRA EDGES LOCK HAVEN IN OPENING THRILLER 17-16