New Baltimore witnessed a significant shift in the MAC Red Division wrestling landscape on March 15, 2024, as the Romeo Bulldogs achieved a commanding victory over both defending champions Macomb Dakota and Warren Woods-Tower. With a decisive win of **47-29** against Dakota and a dominant **67-6** performance against Woods-Tower, Romeo established itself as the sole undefeated team in the MAC Red standings.
Romeo’s success did not come without its challenges. The Bulldogs faced a robust squad in Dakota, which had dominated the division the previous year, finishing undefeated. In a series of matches that showcased their strength, Romeo won seven contests by pinfall, significantly contributing to their overall score against Dakota. Key victories came from wrestlers such as **Tommy Jaynes** (190 lbs), **Owen Perry** (160 lbs), **Anthony Yuquilima** (157 lbs), **Noah Bonett** (132 lbs), **Eric Miller** (126 lbs), **Nico Adamo** (120 lbs), and **Aaron Moskwa** (106 lbs).
Coach **James Cali**, reflecting on the matches, emphasized the importance of this performance for his team. “This does put us in the driver’s seat at least for today,” he stated. “We have three more league duals next week and a lot more to go. We haven’t won anything yet.” Cali noted the strategic decision to insert a talented freshman into the lineup against Dakota, which proved beneficial as the Bulldogs adjusted their weight classes effectively.
In the match against Woods-Tower, Romeo quickly established a **19-0** lead and maintained control, ultimately winning **12 of the 14 weight classes**. The Bulldogs’ ability to dominate early set the tone for a confident performance throughout the evening.
Dakota rebounded in their second match against Anchor Bay, securing a **66-9** victory. Coach **Ed Skowneski** recognized the challenges faced against Romeo but praised his team’s resilience. “They are just solid all the way through their lineup and were better than us today,” Skowneski remarked. His team saw strong performances from **Carl Nihranz** and **Lucas Harper**, both of whom achieved victories by technical falls in their matches.
Warren Woods-Tower, with a current record of **10-5** and **3-1** in the league, faced a setback against Romeo, marking their first league loss of the season. Coach **Greg Mayer** acknowledged the youth of his team and the learning curve that comes with competing against stronger opponents. “With a young team, you don’t always know how they’ll perform against some of the better teams,” Mayer noted.
Anchor Bay, currently holding a record of **7-7** and **0-2** in the MAC Red, is also navigating a challenging season with an inexperienced roster. Coach **Travis Wrickerson** recognized the potential for growth among his young athletes, stating, “We only have three seniors. We hope by the time we have a lot of seniors down the road that we’ll be the team at the top.”
The results of this quad meet have significant implications for the MAC Red Division, as teams continue to vie for the top position. With Romeo now firmly in control, their upcoming matches will be critical in determining the division champion. The Bulldogs’ performance highlights the depth of their roster and their potential to reclaim the title, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
