Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College senior 149 lbs. Mike Trasso (Lyndhurst, NJ) was named the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Wrestler of the Week for his performance in the Anchormen’s win over Plymouth State on Nov. 30.
Trasso, who was ranked No. 2 in New England, knocked off top-ranked PSU senior Mike Willey (Tewksbury, MA), 4-3, as the Rhode Island College defeated the Panthers, 32-6. Willey was the 2011 NEWA Champion at 149 lbs.
With the Anchormen already assured of the victory and up, 29-3, Trasso and Willey took to the mat in the evening’s most anticipated bout. Willey worked a takedown in the first period to build a 2-0 lead. It was only the fourth time this season that Trasso has been taken to the mat. Trasso was able to gain an escape to cut his deficit to one point as the first stanza came to an end.
Trasso chose bottom to begin the second period and quickly scored an escape to even the bout. The two grapplers headed to the third and decisive period knotted up 2-2. With Willey on bottom, Trasso worked a two-point near-fall to take the lead and held on for the victory after a late escape.
For the season, he is 8-2 with 26 takedowns, one reversal, six escapes and six near-falls.