Providence, RI – This weekend, the Williams College Ephs competed at the 2024 NEWA Duals, where they showcased themselves against strong programs from all across New England. Placing 23rd nationally earlier in the week, with Peter Kane and Dante Gutbrod ranking 2nd and 20th in their respective weight classes, the Ephs were eager to build momentum and take down some fierce competition. During the course of the day, the Ephs overcame their vacant weight classes at 125 and 133 and earned statement victories over Norwich University and WPI.
In their first dual of the day, the Ephs grappled against Springfield College. Though this meet ended in a hard-fought loss for Williams, it was the start of impressive showings by Henry Forte and Caleb Seyfried. Forte scored a take down just 13 seconds into his bout and made quick work of his opponent, winning by fall in the first period. At 149, Caleb Seyfried also impressed with a reversal in the second period culminating in a convincing victory by fall.
In their second and third duals, the Ephs triumphed against Norwich (32-24) and WPI (27-16). Facing Norwich, the Ephs began with a 12-0 deficit by not having competitors at 125 and 133, but two victories from Tylor Stubbs and Caleb Seyfried leveled the score. The Ephs gained the upper hand as Leonardo Maiuolo scored two take downs and a series of near falls to secure a dominant victory by tech fall over his opponent. Henry Forte, William Smith, and Dante Gutbrod also defeated their opponents to ensure the Ephs came out on top.
Next, facing off against WPI, Williams had another thrilling victory. The Ephs trailed by one point, 10-9, going into the fourth match of this dual. In this bout, Forte earned a stunning victory, pinning his competitor after just 50 seconds. Following this performance, William Smith secured the Ephs lead with a controlled win by decision. Smith solidified his advantage with a take down, and a near fall in the second period, and an early escape point in the third. From this moment on, the Ephs didn't look back as they got a second successive victory of the day.
Strong performances landed the Ephs in the finals of the consolation bracket at the NEWA duals where they grappled Southern Maine University. In yet another nail-biting match, sadly, the Ephs fell short 25-21. Despite this result, today was an impressive outing for the Williams College wrestlers, including two outstanding wins in the face of difficult circumstances. There were noteworthy performances across the roster today, and the Ephs will hold their heads high as they travel back to Williamstown.
Here is what Coach Honecker had to say about his team's performance in Providence today: "I am so proud of these guys. They have been faced with very challenging conditions, and they just stay the course. The fight in this team is remarkable. We are still growing and getting better. It's not time to start thinking about anyone but ourselves. For now, it's back to the film room and the wrestling room to continue getting to our best."
Looking ahead, the Ephs will travel to New York next Saturday for their dual against Alfred State. The Ephs will hope to add to their impressive victories this weekend.
Results at the NEWA Duals:
Dual #1 Williams vs Springfield:
Williams forfeited matches at 125 and 133.
Tylor Stubbs (141) loss by 4:22 fall to Ryan Kozdra
Caleb Seyfried (149) win by 4:51 fall over Ty Stewart
Leonardo Maiuolo (157) loss by 19-3 tech fall to Lucien Perla
Henry Forte (165) win by 1:14 fall over Matthew Duquette
William Smith (174) loss by 6:34 fall to Myles Leonard
Max Hall (184) win by 1:10 fall over Oliver Parker
Wyatt Moyer (197) loss by 12-4 major decision to Nick Rogers
Thomas Goodwin (285) loss by 6:14 fall to Benjamin Katz
Dual Meet Score: 39-18 Springfield
Dual #2 Williams vs Norwich:
Williams forfeited matches at 125 and 133.
Tylor Stubbs (141) win by 1:53 fall over Nate Nagel
Caleb Seyfried (149) win by 0:54 fall over Greyson Merola
Leonardo Maiuolo (157) win by 18-0 tech fall over Will Kisatsky
Henry Forte (165) win by 19-3 tech fall over Joshua Ducharme
William Smith (174) win by 1:38 fall over Ethan Tanner
Dante Gutbrod (184) win by 11-0 major decision over Simon Taraska
Elias Chen (197) loss by 4:38 fall to Thoren Berg
Tim Brown (285) loss by 1:10 fall to Mason Sprinkel
Dual Meet Score: 32-24 Williams victory
Dual #3 Williams vs Worcester Polytechnic:
Williams forfeited their match at 125.
Tylor Stubbs (141) win by 19-4 tech fall over Mason Basara
Caleb Seyfried (149) win by 14-2 major decision over Connor Doran
Leonardo Maiuolo (157) loss by 12-4 major decision to Zach Rioux
Henry Forte (165) win by 0:50 fall over Ryan Hsu
William Smith (174) win by 11-5 decision over Ethan Edmonson
Dante Gutbrod (184) loss by 2:18 fall to Joe Tully
Max Hall (197) win by 1:27 fall over Ryan Addeche
Thomas Goodwin (285) win by 8-1 decision over Trevor Bowen
Dual Meet Score: 27-16 Williams victory
Dual #4 Williams vs Southern Maine:
Williams forfeited matches at 125 and 133.
Tylor Stubbs (141) win by 6-3 decision over Caden Frost
Caleb Seyfried (149) loss by 15-2 major decision to Colby Frost
Leonardo Maiuolo (157) loss by 4:10 fall to Kaleb Pool
Henry Forte (165) win by 7-1 decision over Tyler Hanes
William Smith (174) win by 4:42 fall over Scott Ingalls
Dante Gutbrod (184) win by 0:58 fall over Michael Sanchez
Max Hall (197) loss by 7-1 decision to Anthony Mears
Thomas Goodwin (285) win by 7-0 decision over Owen Bufagna
Dual Meet Score: 25-21 Southern Maine
