Ashnault and Zannetti Named Rutgers' Most Valuable Wrestlers
May 07 | Wrestling
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (May 7, 2012) - The Rutgers wrestling team held its annual awards banquet on Sunday, May 6 at the Rutgers Visitor Center on Busch Campus, recognizing senior 141-pounder Billy Ashnault (South Plainfield, N.J.) and junior 174-pounder Greg Zannetti (Edison, N.J.) as Ted Petty Most Valuable Wrestler Award co-winners. Ashnault came within one victory of All-America status at the 2012 NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Mo., ending his final campaign with a 27-16 record. Zannetti led the team in wins with his 31-6 record and was additionally named the Nist-Sachsel Most Improved Wrestler and Dual Meet Scoring Champion.
Senior 133-pounder Mike DeMarco (Lyndhurst, N.J.) was honored as the Wilfred-Cann Most Inspirational Athlete. The Scarlet Knight suffered a leg injury midway through his final RU season and returned to represent the team at the EIWA Championships. DeMarco had his best season at Rutgers in 2011-12, recording a 19-11 mark.
Sophomore 197-pounder Michael Wagner (South Plainfield, N.J.) was honored as the team's Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Anthony Perrotti (Roseland, N.J.) was named Freshman of the Year. Perrotti compiled an 18-14 record between the 141-pound, 149-pound and 157-pound weight classes.
The outgoing senior class of Ashnault, DeMarco and heavyweight Dan Hopkins (Jackson, N.J.) were recognized for their contributions to the program during their Scarlet Knight careers.
The following members of head coach Scott Goodale's squad earned letters: Vincent Dellefave (Toms River, N.J.), Joe Langel (Howell, N.J.), Luke Rigoglioso (Wayne, N.J.), Dave Seidenberg (Red Bank, N.J.), Anthony Volpe (Miller Place, N.Y.), Scott Winston (Jackson, N.J.), Doug Hamann (Jackson, N.J.), Zannetti, Evan Brewer (Flemington, N.J.), Dan Seidenberg (Red Bank, N.J.) and Dan Rinaldi (Lodi, N.J.).
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