GRANTHAM, Pa. – Trent Mahoney and
Abdoul Akala have been crowned Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) champions at 157 and 184 pounds, respectively. The pair becomes the first MAC champions for Albright since 1965. As a team Albright finished sixth with 72.5 points in a solid showing for the programs return to the MAC Championships.
Results
Mahoney and Akala both earn First Team All-MAC honors with their victories. With Mahoney's and Akala's All-MAC honors that now gives the Lions 56 all-time All-MAC honorees in program history.
Every Albright Lion in the lineup this afternoon made their Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) debut during today's championships.
Trent Mahoney rolled through his first three bouts of the day. All three of Mahoney's first three bouts were won by pinning his opponent.
In the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) rankings, Mahoney was slotted 7
th in the country. In the 157-pound championship Mahoney was locked at 0-0 vs. Ryan Smith from Stevens after the first period. The second period was more of the same as each wrestler was feeling each other out.
In the third period, Mahoney was in complete control, controlling the bout how he wanted. With his dominance Mahoney would be the victor in the end earning a point on riding time to win the MAC Championship at 157 pounds 1-0.
Prior to the Championships beginning, Ryan Smith of Stevens received nine of the 10 first-place votes to earn the top seed. However, that proved to make no difference to Mahoney as he is now the top wrestler in the conference at 157.
Abdoul Akala made his way to the 184-championship bout. Akala earned his spot in the final with two decisions and one major decision.
In the championship, Akala got down early but was not going to go down easy. In the second period, Akala began to impose his will. After being down 4-1 going into the second frame, Akala reversed the script, scoring seven points to lead 8-4 heading into the final 2 minutes.
In the final two minutes, Akala was able to use his big second period to his advantage and ride out the remaining time to win 8-5 giving Albright their second title of the day.
Beknazar Baiyshbekov dropped his first bout of the day but would go on a run after that. Baiyshbekov would win his next four bouts earning two pins and two tech falls along the way. In the end, Baiyshbekov would take home sixth place in a solid showing.
Messiah won the team MAC title with 140 points and was followed by Stevens in second with 129.5 points and Misericordia to round out the top three with 109.5.
Up Next:
Albright will return to action next weekend on Saturday, January 24. The dual will begin at 1:00 p.m. on the campus of Arcadia.
