Middletown, CT – Today, the Ephs traveled to Wesleyan University to compete in the first day of the NCAA DIII Northeast Regional. This competition brings together the best wrestling talent in the Northeast from the regular season to compete for places at the NCAA Championships and gain national recognition. By the end of the weekend, the top three performers in each weight class will punch their ticket to Providence, RI, to compete in the NCAA Championships. Today, 10 members of the Williams College wrestling squad, one per weight class, took to the mat in a day filled with pins, tech falls, and standout performances. Eight of the Ephs have already secured podium finishes, and the entire team currently sits in fourth place overall out of 18 teams.
Two Ephs stood out this afternoon, going undefeated against fierce competition. Junior captain
Peter Kane and first-year Jamie Evarts each won two matches, securing spots in tomorrow's semifinals.
Kane continued his impeccable form this campaign. His dedication and consistency has set the standard for what it takes to be a top level wrestler in Region 1. Today, he dominated his first bout against Tyler Russ of Norwich, scoring three take downs on his way to a convincing 12-0 major decision. In his second match, he faced Ronnie Christolin of Wesleyan. Just one minute into the first period, Kane secured a take down and went on to win by fall at the 1:34 mark.
Evarts began his first NCAA regional match with a swift victory, pinning Michael Sanchez of Southern Maine in just 36 seconds. His quarterfinal bout was much closer, going the distance against Michael Forte of Roger Williams. After a scoreless first period, Evarts earned an early escape point in the second. However, after Forte notched a take down, Evarts found himself in a 3-1 deficit. In the third period, Forte extended his lead with an escape point, making it 4-1. Undeterred, Evarts stayed composed under pressure. With 25 seconds remaining, he scored a decisive take down, seizing a 5-4 lead and securing the win.
Strong performances came from across the Williams wrestling roster. Stalwart seniors
Jack Napeloni and
Thomas Goodwin each notched multiple wins. Their victories are a testament to the hard work and progress this team has made all year.
Tylor Stubbs,
Caleb Seyfried,
Fisher Stites, and
Henry Forte also contributed with wins. Stubbs ended the day with two consecutive victories by fall, adding to his momentum for the crucial matches tomorrow. Seyfried impressed with a dominant 9-3 decision, controlling the first period with two take downs. Stites and Forte also secured multiple wins at 165 and 174 pounds, further showcasing the depth of this roster.
Here is what Head Coach
Scott Honecker had to say, reflecting on the day's action: "Great start. Time to refocus and prepare for the pivotal matches tomorrow. Our compete level has been very high, so it will be important to get some rest and strive to repeat our level of effort and intensity tomorrow."
Looking ahead, expect more nail-biting action tomorrow! Many of the Ephs have positioned themselves well for podium finishes. Stay tuned to see what the postseason has in store for this outstanding wrestling team.
Ephs Results:
125:
Christopher Colon loss 11-1 major decision to Gavin Bradley of Castleton
Christopher Colon win by 1:08 fall over TJ Monahan of Utica
Christopher Colon loss by SV-1 (6-3) to Alexander Schaeublin of Trinity
133:
Jack Napeloni win by 13-3 major decision over Shaun McLaughlin of Roger Williams
Jack Napeloni loss by 3:40 fall to Chase Randall of Coast Guard
Jack Napeloni win by 7-2 decision over Kwesi Amoa of Rhode Island College
141:
Tylor Stubbs loss by 2:31 fall to Jake Eckerle of Johnson & Wales (RI)
Tylor Stubbs win by 17-2 (2:37) tech fall over Billy Burke of Norwich
Tylor Stubbs win by 0:23 fall over Cameron Monahan of Plymouth State
Tylor Stubbs win by 4:03 fall over Ryan Kozdra of Springfield
149:
Caleb Seyfried win by 5:00 fall over Michael Pestana of Rhode Island College
Caleb Seyfried loss by 10-2 major decision to Elijah Cyr of Castleton
Caleb Seyfried win by 9-3 decision over Michael Follo of New England College
157:
Peter Kane win by 12-0 major decision over Tyler Russ of Norwich
Peter Kane win by 1:34 fall over Ronnie Christolin of Wesleyan
165:
Fisher Stites win by 9-3 decision over Gordon Murray of Roger Williams
Fisher Stites loss by 2-2 2OT loss to Jake Deguire of Springfield
Fisher Stites win by 9-6 decision over CJ Glaropoulos of Western New England
174:
Henry Forte win by 20-5 (5:22) tech fall over Tucker Vician of Trinity
Henry Forte loss by 7-6 decision over Cam Hines of Western New England
Henry Forte win by 18-9 major decision over Michael Schliem of Johnson & Wales
184:
Jamie Evarts win by 0:36 fall over Michael Sanchez of Southern Maine
Jamie Evarts win by 5-4 decision over Michael Forte of Roger Williams
197:
Zach Borzio win by 5:44 fall over Nicolas LeSieur of Worcester Polytechnic
Zach Borzio loss by 1:40 fall to Matthew Kelly of Rhode Island College
Zach Borzio loss by 2:04 fall to Oliver Parker Springfield
285:
Thomas Goodwin win by 0:20 fall over Colin Hile of Plymouth State
Thomas Goodwin loss by 1:47 fall to Adolfo Betancur of Johnson & Wales
Thomas Goodwin win by 2:10 fall over Rory Nolan of Norwich
