Drosos almost wrestled Brown's Chris Tokarski to a 1-1 standoff in regulation. But with three seconds remaining, Drosos finally achieved victory--a takedown--to win the decision 3-1. Unfortunately, that was not enough. The current format only promises national championships berths to the top two wrestlers from each weight class. As a third place finisher, Drosos's fate was determined--and unfairly ruined--through a vote by the tournament's coaches.

Drosos responded well to the decision--the best one can do under the circumstances.

He was very satisfied because he saved his best for last. "This was one of the best tournaments I have ever wrestled," he said. "It was a very deep weight class."

Even more indicative of his positive attitude, Drosos pointed to the importance of the team's performance to the future.

"I'm really happy with this weekend. We proved ourselves," Drosos said. "It gives us a lot to go on [for] next year."

The Easterns also marked the last collegiate appearance for Co-Captain Chris Sanzone, who courageously participated in the tournament despite a less than-healthy knee.

"I have a lot of respect for him," Drosos said.

Drosos is not alone.