PROVIDENCE, RI – The New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Duals is one of the premier collegiate wrestling events in the region, showcasing top Division III programs from across New England. Established as a cornerstone of the wrestling calendar, the tournament features intense head-to-head team match-ups in a dual-meet format, where schools compete to secure regional dominance and bolster their standings ahead of postseason championships. The event highlights both individual talent and team depth, with wrestlers battling through multiple rounds in a single day, creating a high-stakes atmosphere. Over the years, the NEWA Duals has become a proving ground for rising stars and a celebration of the sport's rich tradition in New England. Today, the Ephs impressed by securing 4th place at the event with excellent performances across the weight classes.
Entering the tournament as the 5th seed, the Williams College wrestlers began the day by grappling against the 12th-seeded Rhode Island College squad. Talented first-year
Christopher Colon lost a tightly contested bout to Fred Luchs, placing Williams in a 3-point deficit.
Jack Napeloni responded with a victory, tying up the dual at 3 apiece.
Tylor Stubbs gave the Ephs' the lead with a dominant 15-6 major decision victory, but the Rhode Island Anchormen kept the contest close. Finally, at 184 pounds, Jamie Evarts stepped onto the mat for the Ephs in a key bout that would either give Williams a comfortable lead or let Rhode Island back into the contest. Evarts impressed everyone at Wildcat Center, earning a convincing win by tech fall. Despite being a first-year, Evarts has displayed the composure and consistency of a seasoned college wrestler during some of the season's most high-pressure moments. Today's win further cements his importance to the team's success this year.
After regrouping from their victory against Rhode Island, Williams faced 4th-seeded Springfield College. The Ephs got off to a strong early start as
Christopher Colon secured a pin in the dying embers of his bout at 125, earning 6 crucial points for Williams. Stubbs, Seyfried, Kane, and Stites added to this advantage with four back-to-back victories. Kane and Seyfried stood out, each scoring early first-period pins. These two juniors have been stalwarts of the Williams wrestling team, consistently delivering key performances that have built the incredible momentum the Ephs are enjoying this season. After these four successive wins, victory was out of sight for Springfield, and the Ephs notched their second win of the day.
In the final two bouts of the day, the Ephs faced the host team, Johnson & Wales—the top-ranked squad at the tournament and Coast Guard, another premier wrestling program. The Ephs battled against some of the Northeast's best wrestlers in these duals. While they came up short, their tenacity and togetherness through all four meets was a pleasure to watch.
Peter Kane, currently ranked 2nd nationally at 157 remained undefeated throughout the day. Yet another stellar performance from the junior captain showcased why he is held in such high regard nationwide. His unparalleled technique, explosiveness, and ability to control the pace of a match make him one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch right now!
Eph head coach
Scott Honecker reflected on the team's performance: "I was excited to see our guys storm to the semifinals. Putting ourselves in a class with the top three teams earned us the best matches against many of the top competitors we will see at the regionals. These wrestlers believe in themselves and one another. I'm excited to help them continue to build as we approach the postseason."
As Coach Honecker noted, the Ephs have much to look forward to as the postseason approaches. Now is the time to fine-tune the details as the Williams team gears up to make a statement across the region. Next week, the Ephs will host a quad meet in the historic Lasell Gymnasium on February 8 at noon, featuring Ithaca College, SUNY Oneonta, and Wesleyan University. Don't miss the Ephs' final home meet of this season's campaign!
Williams College Results:
Williams College vs. Rhode Island College
Christopher Colon (125) loss by 6-4 decision to Fred Luchs
Jack Napeloni (133) win by 7-4 decision over Kwesi Amoa
Tylor Stubbs (141) win by 15-6 major decision over Sebastian Armstrong
Leonardo Maiuolo (149) loss by 7-2 decision to Michael Pestana
Peter Kane (157) win by 3:31(15-0) tech fall over Cooper Lavigne
Henry Forte (165) win by 14-3 major decision over Scott Lallas
Sean Tansey (174) loss by 12-6 decision to Aidan Faria
Jamie Evarts (184) win by 6:55 (19-3) tech fall over Anthony Fernandez
Max Hall (197) loss by 3:56 (18-2) tech fall to Matthew Kelly
The Ephs forfeited their bout at 285
Final Score: Williams – 21, Rhode Island College - 20
Williams College vs. Springfield College
Christopher Colon (125) win by 7:00 fall over Jack Callahan
Jack Napeloni (133) loss by 8-7 decision to Jaden Colwell
Tylor Stubbs (141) win by 11-5 decision over Ryan Kozdra
Caleb Seyfried (149) win by 2:10 fall over Luke Temple
Peter Kane (157) win by 0:42 fall over Kayo Torres
Fisher Stites (165) win by 10-2 major decision over Jake Deguire
Henry Forte (174) loss by 6-2 decision to Nick Rogers
Zach Borzio (184) win by forfeit
Jamie Evarts (197) win by 2:22 fall over Nick Blitz
Thomas Goodwin (285) loss by 5:30 fall over Benjamin Katz
Final Score: Williams - 37, Springfield – 12
Williams College vs. Johnson & Wales
Christopher Colon (125) loss by 4:16 (23-8) tech fall to Joziah Fry
Jack Napeloni (133) loss by 4:38 (21-6) tech fall to Peyton Ellis
Donnie Morton (141) loss by 2:02 fall to Jack Eckerle
Caleb Seyfried (149) loss by 2:32 fall to Hayden Brown
Peter Kane (157) win by 1:01 fall over Zachary Weiner
Fisher Stites loss (165) by 5:55 tech fall to Jack Richardson
Sean Tansey (174) loss by 8-3 decision to Michael Schliem
Jamie Evarts (184) win by 5:46 (17-1) tech fall over Ky`ell Roper
Max Hall (197) loss by 0:58 fall to Dylan Harr
Thomas Goodwin (285) loss by 2:35 fall to Adolfo Betancur
Final Score: Williams – 11, Johnson & Wales - 43
Williams College vs. Coast Guard
Lucas Johnson (125) loss by 5:00 fall to Nikko Beato
Jack Napeloni (133) loss by 3:16 (19-4) tech fall to Chase Randall
Tylor Stubbs (141) loss by 4:19 (17-2) tech fall to Owen Woolcott
Caleb Seyfried (149) loss by 11-9 decision to Nate Fitt
Peter Kane (157) win by 11-3 major decision over Jacob Woodburn
Henry Forte (165) loss by 3-2 decision to Landon Kearns
Sean Tansey (174) loss by 3:40 fall to Caden Stout
Zach Borzio (184) loss by 6-0 decision to Gabe Monroe
Max Hall (197) loss by 18-3 tech fall to Kevin Pandorf
Thomas Goodwin (285) loss by 19-4 tech fall to Carl DiGiorgio
Final Score: Williams - 4, Coast Guard - 41