SPRINGFIELD, MA – The NEWA Futures Tournament is a staple of New England collegiate wrestling, providing a platform for developing wrestlers to showcase their skills. Unlike the NEWA Duals, which highlight top varsity competitors in a team-based format, the Futures Tournament focuses on individual performances, enabling wrestlers to gain valuable experience. Held annually, the event features wrestlers from across the region, fostering competition and growth within the sport.
This year, Williams College sent a determined squad to the mat, looking to make their mark against tough opposition. The Ephs ranked 10th overall in the competition, highlighted by top-five finishes from
Lucas Johnson,
John Schneider, and
Sean Tansey.
At 125, junior
Lucas Johnson impressed with a 4th-place finish. He began the day with a 7-0 victory by decision over Dan Hickey of Roger Williams. That win punched his ticket to the quarterfinals, where he grappled with Ben Fournier of Norwich in an action-packed bout lasting only two minutes. Johnson took an early lead with a take down in the first 30 seconds, but Fournier responded quickly, earning an escape and securing a take down of his own. Despite Fournier's efforts, Johnson kept his composure and regained control of the match, registering another take down. He maintained relentless pressure, scoring three near-fall points before ending the bout with a pin. Johnson's compelling performance in the quarterfinals propelled him to the semifinals, where he ultimately secured 4th place overall against strong competition from across the Northeast.
First year
John Schneider racked up several wins throughout the day, earning himself a 4th-place finish as well. Schneider opened his campaign with a technical fall victory against Robert Allcroft of Castleton. He carried this momentum into his next match, facing Noah Lim of Wesleyan University. Lim controlled the first period, notching a take down and three near-fall points, but Schneider was undeterred. Starting the second period in the bottom position, Schneider wrestled tough for a minute and a half before securing a reversal, cutting the deficit to four points. Though still trailing, he managed to score a critical take down in the final period. Sensing his opponent was in trouble, he capitalized, pinning Lim and advancing to the next round. Schneider continued to notch victories throughout the day, including a 10-6 decision over Hunter Lundberg of Rhode Island College, where he once again came back from behind. It was a successful outing for the first- year standout, who has shown exciting promise for the future of the Williams College Wrestling Team.
Sean Tansey delivered immense performances as well, securing 5th place at 174. Tansey earned two impressive technical fall victories over his opponents, setting up a match up against Darius Mangiafico of Castleton for a shot in the 5th place bout. Squaring off against Mangiafico was sure to be a challenge, but the sophomore wrestler was ready. The match was evenly contested through the first two periods, with both wrestlers exchanging take downs. However, once the third period began, Tansey pulled away, scoring two take downs and extending his lead to a comfortable 11-5. In the end, Tansey claimed 5th place, capping off another strong performance in Williams purple and gold.
Next up, the Ephs will compete in the NCAA Northeast Regionals at Wesleyan University on March 1st and 2nd. The premier wrestling talent from across the region will come together, battling for coveted spots in the NCAA Championships. The Ephs have been preparing all year for this moment, and the stage is set for an exciting showdown.
Ephs Results Today:
125:
Lucas Johnson win by 7-0 decision over Dan Hickey of Roger Williams
Lucas Johnson win by 2:06 fall over Ben Fournier of Norwich
Lucas Johnson loss by 13-10 decision to Robby Lyons of Norwich
Lucas Johnson loss by 0:45 fall to Robert Stone of Rhode Island College
Johnson earned a 4
th place finish.
141:
John Schneider win by 15-0 (3:00) tech fall over Robert Allcroft of Castleton
John Schneider win by 6:07 fall over Noah Lim of Wesleyan
John Schneider loss by 11-5 decision to Stone Farnsworth of Castleton
John Schneider win by 15-3 major decision over Trey Lee of Castleton
John Schneider win by 10-6 decision over Hunter Lundberg of Rhode Island College
John Schneider win by No Contest over Elijah Farias of Castleton
Schneider earned a 4
th place finish.
Donnie Morton loss by 19-3 (4:39) tech fall to Tylik Epps of Castleton
Donnie Morton win by 1:54 fall over Connell Paxton of Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Donnie Morton loss by 3:55 fall to Elijah Farias of Castleton
149:
Leonardo Maiuolo loss by 19-2 (3:21) tech fall to Ryan Currier of Johnson & Wales
Leonardo Maiuolo win by 12-4 major decision over Zachary Schonoff of Western New England
Leonardo Maiuolo loss by 17-1 (3:51) tech fall to Michael Harrington of Castleton
174:
Sean Tansey loss by 20-3 (5:29) tech fall to Colby Celuck of Castleton
Sean Tansey win by 11-0 major decision over Scott Ingalls of Southern Maine
Sean Tansey win by 17-1 (3:19) tech fall over Gavin Luciano of Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Sean Tansey win by 18-2 (6:02) tech fall over John-Michael Economos Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Sean Tansey win by 11-5 decision over Darius Mangiafico of Castleton
Sean Tansey loss by 0:16 fall Joshua Nieroda of Roger Williams
Tansey earned a 5
th place finish.
