Williamstown, MA – Back in action for the first time since December 11
th, the Williams College Ephs hosted Norwich, Roger Williams, Wesleyan, and Western New England at historic Lasell Gymnasium today for the annual Williams Invitational.
Several Ephs delivered stand-out performances, including two first, three second, and two third place finishes.
Albert Xing continued to impress, putting together three consecutive wins (2:15 fall, 1:28 fall, and 5-4 decision) to claim the top spot at 157.
Dante Gutbrod followed suit, winning at 174 courtesy of two wins (6-1 decision, 2:43 fall).
David Yeh took second at 125, winning his first two matches convincingly (6:31 fall, 1:00 injury) before falling in the title bout. Like Yeh,
Thomas Goodwin won his first two matches (1:18 fall, 6-0 decision) but was unable to prevail in his final bout of the day at 285.
William Smith won a hard-fought semifinal match at 184, but like Yeh and Goodwin, was unable to take home a win in the championship bout.
Jack Napeloni and
Elias Chen reached their first collegiate podiums with each securing third place finishes in their respective divisions (141, 184). Napeloni lost his first match by a 6-0 decision but rebounded with an impressive 10-1 major decision to claim third. Chen was pinned in his first match but recovered well with a win by medical forfeit and a 30 second pin in the third-place bout.
Reflecting on his team's performance today, Head Coach
Scott Honecker had this to say: "Everyone wrestled great today. These guys have been up against things with returning to campus after the holiday with some of the limitations they've had on their training. They demonstrated great professionalism in their preparation for this event. Coach Foote and I are excited to dig into the development with everyone. Getting back on the mat was a victory today considering our pause last weekend. The fact that we made the finals at seven weights was a great accomplishment. Now it's full steam ahead for the next few weeks. Our best wrestling is still ahead of us, after some solid time in the room as we wrap up this January developmental period."
Williams will be back in action at home a week from today in a dual meet against the Bridgewater State Bears slated to kick-off at noon.
Wrestling unattached from the College today, seniors
Joseph Rossetti and
Brendan Kiernan brought home first place finishes at 141 and 165 respectively.
