MILLERSVILLE, PA (November 16, 2024) – In an event that saw some of the best Division I, II, and III wrestling programs in the region under one roof, the Sussex County Community College Skylanders finished 39th overall at the Shorty Hitchcock Memorial Open hosted by Millersville University Saturday afternoon.

With that much talent on display, it was a battle for the Skylanders but three were able to get their hand raised; Roman Citro, Mike VanderMeulen, and Aidan Hallowich. 

Citro won his match in the 125lbs bracket in the first round of wrestlebacks by technical fall 17-2 over Julian Zaragosa after losing by major decision 12-0 to Alvernia’s Keito Shaw in the opening round. Roman jumped out to a 14-2 lead in the first against Zaragosa thanks to an early takedown and racked up 11 back points in the period. He finished the match with another takedown in the second. Citro lost in the next round to Bucknell’s Grayson McLellan via 13-6 decision but was happy with his performance overall.

“I think I wrestled pretty good in all my matches,” Citro said. It’s good to go down there and be competitive with the guys in top Division I and II programs in the country. It really prepares me and the team for the rest of the season and see what positions we have to improve on.”

VanderMeulen also won in the wrestleback round in the 141lbs bracket by fall over East Stroudsburg’s Caden Herb after losing his first match to Millersville’s Elias Smith by technical fall 16-0. Hallowich won his match by medical forfeit in the second round of wrestlebacks in the 165 weight class.

The other five wrestlers who suited up for the Skylanders were Carson Citro, Chris Casale, Carlos Delgado, Jose Alvarenga Giron, and Shawn Pawlowski. 

In total Sussex County scored eight points as a team. The Skylanders will return to action on Nov. 23 for their first home wrestling matches of the season. They’ll be taking on Felician University, Union County College, and Camden Community in a quad match starting at 11:30 a.m.