HOUSTON, Texas -- After falling in double overtime of the championship semifinals, Mercyhurst 157-pounder
Andy Lamancusa felt he had something to prove.
“I know what I’m capable of,” said Lamancusa. “I should have been in the finals. After that loss, I just wanted to prove to everyone and myself that I deserved to be in the finals.”
The junior and three-time national qualifier did just that as he defeated regional-rival Mitch Smith of West Liberty St. 8-6 to claim third place, his highest national finish yet, and claim his second All-America certificate.
Lamancusa advanced to the third-place match after defeating No. 4 Chase Walker of Mesa St., 11-4, and closes out the 2008-09 campaign with a 37-10 overall record.
He closes out the 2008-09 campaign as the Laker leader in single-season victories, as well as major decisions (12), and became the all-time leader in that category with 21. He is also the only Laker to earn multiple regional championships, having won the 157-pound title every year. He also broke into the top 10 in career victories, compiling an 80-35 mark in three seasons with the Lakers to rank ninth. Entering his senior season, Lamancusa is 22 matches away from owning third-place all-time and 30 wins away from the all-time mark of 109 wins set by Zack Shafer.
Third-Place
157: No. 6
Andy Lamancusa (MC) dec. Mitch Smith (WLSU), 8-6
Consolation Championships
157: No. 6
Andy Lamancusa (MC) dec. No. 4 Chase Walker (MSU), 11-4