Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA

WPI- College Wrestling Final

Bridgewater State 35, WPI 9
Worcester, MA --- Ryan Cassidy (Billerica, MA) and Sean Fields (Norwalk, CT) earned key one-point decisions and Patrick Walsh (Stoughton, MA) and Jonathan Murray (Bay Shore, NY) posted pins late in the match to propel visiting Bridgewater to a 35-9 win against WPI Saturday evening in a New England Wrestling Association matchup.

The Bears move to 6-14 on the season while WPI slips to 4-10.

The visitors jumped out to a 5-0 lead when seventh-ranked Ken Francis (New Bedford, MA) tallied a 20-4 tech fall at 133 pounds. The Engineers quickly countered with a Mike Perruccio (Pelham, NH) win by decision at 141.

Fields extended the BSU advantage with an exciting 6-5 victory at 149 pounds before Matt Stott (Fall River, MA) pushed the Bears lead to 12-3 with 10-2 major decision at 157.  Zach Hartzell (Gettysburg, PA) got WPI back on the board with a first period pin at 10-4. It marked the second straight pin for the freshman at 165 pounds.

Bridgewater State then rattled off the final five wins starting with Cassidy's narrow 7-6 victory at 174 pounds and followed by seventh-ranked Michael Fenner's (Bergenfield, NJ) 10-4 triumph at 184. After Andrew Frazer (West Hartford, CT) took a forfeit at 197, Walsh and third-ranked Murray registered pins at heavyweight and 125 respectively.

WPI closes out its home schedule on Wednesday at 7pm versus Roger Williams. Bridgewater State is back on the mat on Saturday, hosting Rhode Island College at 2pm.

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
133 Ken Francis (BSU) Tech Fall Scott Carpenter (WPI) 20-4 (7:00) 5-0
141 Mike Perruccio (WPI) Dec. Dan Barker (BSU) 6-3 5-3
149 Sean Fields (BSU) Dec. Andrew Tanner (WPI) 6-5 8-3
157 Matt Stott (BSU) Major Dec. Matt Taber (WPI) 10-2 12-3
165 Zach Hartzell (WPI) Pinned Gene Michael Deary (BSU) 2:38 12-9
174 Ryan Cassidy (BSU) Dec. Duncan MacKinnon (WPI) 7-6 15-9
184 *Michael Fenner (BSU) Dec. Teddy Kostopoulos (WPI) 10-4 17-9
197 Andrew Frazer (BSU) Won by Forfeit ----- 23-9
285 Patrick Walsh (BSU) Pinned Joseph Szerszunowicz (WPI) 2:22 29-9
125 Jonathan Murray (BSU) Pinned Stephen Poppa (WPI) 4:55 35-9

* - Bridgewater State deducted one team point for misconduct at the conclusion of the 184-pound match

WPI College Wrestling Finals

Southern Maine 40, Plymouth State 9
WPI 34, Plymouth State 13
Southern Maine 30, WPI 15

Worcester, MA --- Alex Freilich (Worcester, MA) continued his strong run in 2012 with a pair of victories in WPI's home tri-match Saturday with Southern Maine and Plymouth State. Freilich recorded first period pins in a 34-13 victory over Plymouth State and a 30-15 loss to Southern Maine. The Huskies of USM went 2-0 on the day by beating Plymouth State 40-9 in the first match of the day.

The junior, ranked second at 174 pounds in the latest New England rankings, improved to 12-3 on the season and remained undefeated in 2012.

The Engineers (4-9) got off to a 15-0 lead against Plymouth State with a Scott Carpenter (Calais, ME) wi n by decision at 133 sandwiched between shutouts by Stephan Poppa (Derby, CT) and Mike Perruccio (Pelham, NH). After a pair of Panther wins, the hosts rattled off four victories in the last five bouts including pins by Freilich and heavyweight Joe Szerszunowicz (Milford, MA) and a major decision from Teddy Kostopoulos (Milford, CT) at 197 and a decision by Tom Lacroix (Salem, MA) at 165.

Against Southern Maine, the Crimson and Gray couldn't dig themselves out of an early 21-0 hole. Freshman Zach Hartzell (Gettysburg, PA) gave the hometown fans plenty to cheer about when he pinned his sixth-ranked opponent at 165 pounds. Freilich notched a pin at 1:00 at 174 and Szerszunowicz grinded out a 2-0 win at 285 to account for WPI's other victories.

Southern Maine (13-5) got double wins on the day from Michael Arangio (Wakefield, MA) at 125 pounds, seventh-ranked Cinjin Goewey (Pittsfield, ME) at 141 and Sean Fagan (Arlington, MA), once at 174, where he is ranked eighth and once at 184. Other regionally-ranked Huskies that won on their lone appearances on the mat Saturday included Jake Rasque (South Berwick, ME), wrestling up a class at 133 versus Plymouth State, Billy Cole (Madbury, NH), who notched a tech fall at 133 pounds against WPI and Dan Suarez (New Milford, NJ) at 285 versus Plymouth State.

Plymouth State (4-11) had a trio of regionally-ranked wrestlers record two wins during the tri-meet. Fifth-ranked Mike Willey (Tewksbury, MA) won a pair of tight matches at 141 pounds, including a 6-5 last-second upset of the second-ranked opponent from Southern Maine and a 4-2 sudden victory win versus WPI. Third-ranked Femi Wheeler (Mamaroneck, NY) recorded a pair of triumphs at 149, including a sudden victory matchup versus the fifth-ranked Southern Maine opponent and Rob Phillips (Brick, NJ), ranked fifth at 184, posted wins at 184 and 197.
All three squads are back in action on Saturday. The Engineers host Bridgewater State at 5pm in a match that will celebrate to 50th anniversary of WPI varsity wrestling. Southern Maine heads to Rhode Island College for a tri-match with Roger Williams while Plymouth State ventures to Wesleyan for a quad.

For more information, please contact WPI Sports Information Director Rusty Eggen at 508-831-5328

Southern Maine 40, Plymouth State 9

Weight            Result                                                                                      Score/Time     Running Score
125 Michael Arangio (USM) Won by Forfeit       ----- 6-0
133 Jake Rasque (USM) Major Dec. Alex Cronin (PSU)                12-4 10-0
141 Cinjin Goewey (USM) Won by Forfeit ----- 16-0
149 Mike Willey (PSU) Dec. Peter Gilman (USM) 6-5 16-3
157 Femi Wheeler (PSU) Dec. Logan Russell (USM) 3-1 (SV) 16-6
165 Jake Dipini (USM) Pinned Shawn Kavanaugh (PSU) 6:30 22-6
174 Sean Fagan (USM) Pinned Justin Demers (PSU) 1:10 28-6
184 Kyle Foyt-Bridges (USM) Pinned Zac Giavonetti (PSU) 4:00 34-6
197 Rob Phillips (PSU) Dec. Joe Chartier (USM) 5-3 34-9
285 Dan Suarez (USM) Pinned Dan Trefry (PSU) 6:02 40-9

WPI 34, Plymouth State 13

Weight            Result                                                                                      Score/Time     Running Score
125 Stephen Poppa (WPI) Won by Forfeit ----- 6-0
133 Scott Carpenter (WPI) Dec. Alex Cronin (PSU) 11-7 9-0
141 Mike Perruccio (WPI) Won by Forfeit                                   ----- 15-0
149 Mike Willey (PSU) Dec. Andrew Tanner (WPI) 4-2 (SV) 15-3
157 Femi Wheeler (PSU) Major Dec. Austin Brais (WPI) 17-4 15-7
165 Tom Lacroix (WPI) Dec. Brandon Conrad (PSU)                     5-2 18-7
174 Alex Freilich (WPI) Pinned Justin Demers (PSU)                    0:40 24-7
184 Teddy Kostopoulos (WPI) Major Dec. Zac Giavonetti (PSU) 16-8 28-7
197 Rob Phillips (PSU) Won by Forfeit                                         -----                  28-13
285 Joseph Szerszunowicz (WPI) Pinned Andy Klempa (PSU) 0:20 34-13

Southern Maine 30, WPI 15

Weight            Result                                                                                      Score/Time     Running Score
125 Michael Arangio (USM) Major Dec. Stephen Poppa (WPI) 8-0 4-0
133 Billy Cole (USM) Tech. Fall Scott Carpenter (WPI) 17-1 (6:40) 9-0
141 Cinjin Goewey (USM) Dec. Mike Perruccio (WPI) 10-5 12-0
149 Peter Gilman (USM) Dec. Andrew Tanner (WPI) 11-5 15-0
157 Logan Russell (USM) Pinned Austin Brais (WPI) 5:51 21-0
165 Zach Hartzell (WPI) Pinned Jake Dipini (USM) 4:54 21-6
174 Alex Freilich (WPI) Pinned Christian Barrett (USM)              1:00 21-12
184 Sean Fagan (USM) Dec. Duncan MacKinnon (WPI) 5-4 24-12
197 Joe Chartier (USM) Pinned Teddy Kostopoulos (WPI) 2:59 30-12
285 Joseph Szerszunowicz (WPI) Dec. Matt Bubar (USM) 2-0 30-15

Updated Records - Southern Maine (13-5), WPI (4-9) and Plymouth State (4-11)

WPI- Hartzell Tabbed New England Wrestling Association Rookie of the Week

Worcester, MA - WPI freshman wrestler Zach Hartzell (Gettysburg, PA) has been named New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sunday, December 4th. It marks the first weekly award this season for the Crimson and Gray and the first Rookie of the Week honor for the program since Alex Freilich (Worcester, MA) was recognized in late January of 2011.

Hartzell won all three of his matches on Saturday en route to winning the 157-pound weight class at the Ted Reese Invitational hosted by Southern Maine. He began with a pin of his quarterfinal opponent from NYU before defeating a pair of New England-ranked wrestlers including a 14-5 major decision over the fifth-ranked New England wrestler from Plymouth State.

The freshman is currently 8-4 on the season with three pins and a pair of victories by major decision.

Hartzell and Rhode Island College's Mike Trasso, who was named Wrestler of the Week, headline the conference's weekly release of its top ten poll. The Engineers open up their dual meet season Wednesday at home at 7pm versus second-ranked Springfield.

WPI Wrestling Registers Historic Victory at NEWA Dual Meet Championship

Bridgewater, MA --- The WPI wrestling team rallied for five wins in the last six bouts to defeat Western New England 29-16 Sunday afternoon at the NEWA Dual Meet Championships and in the process earned the program's 500th all-time victory. The win was the first collegiate coaching triumph for head coach Steve Hall and helped the Engineers finish 13th at the event hosted by Bridgewater State.

Trailing 13-6 after four matches, the Crimson and Gray turned the tide at 157 pounds when senior captain Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT) tallied his second first period pin of the day to shave the deficit to 13-12. After a Western New England win at 165, Alex Freilich (Worcester, MA) answered right back with a 4-2 victory at 174. WPI grabbed the lead for good one bout later when David Cardenas (Framingham, MA) scored a technical fall (17-2 - 7:00) at 184 and added a cushion with a 9-5 win by Joe Vanni (Hamilton, MA) at 197 and an Anthony Corbo (Port Washington, NY) forfeit at heavyweight. 

The Engineers received key points early in the march with a first period pin by Mike Perruccio (Pelham, NH) at 133 pounds. The victory avenged a 33-10 loss to the Golden Bears just eight days ago in Springfield.

WPI nearly had the historic victory one match earlier. The Engineers raced out to a 24-12 advantage on Trinity, powered by first period pins by Perruccio, Howe and Freilich and a forfeit win from Brian Jennings (Danbury, CT) at 125, only to see the Bantams rally for victories in the final three bouts to deal the Crimson and Gray a 25-24 defeat.  

The Engineers opened the day with a 31-15 loss to Johnson & Wales. Jennings started things off on a good note with a 9-0 major decision at 125 while Howe recorded a technical fall (17-0 - 4:24) at 157 and Tom Lacroix (Salem, NH) and Cardenas collected wins by decision at 165 and 184 respectively.  

WPI is back in action next Sunday, traveling to Gorham, ME for a tri-meet with Southern Maine and Plymouth State.

NEWA Dual Meet Recap From Bridgewater State Sports Information

Wesleyan University captured the New England Wrestling Association "Headlock for Hunger" Dual Meet Championship on Sunday afternoon as the second-seeded Cardinals knocked off number five seed Plymouth State University, 24-12, in the title match.

Wesleyan won the tournament for the first time in the 11-year history of the event. Following Wesleyan and Plymouth in the standings were Springfield College in third place, Williams College in fourth and Rhode Island College in fifth. Host Bridgewater State University rounded out the top six teams.

Wesleyan went 3-0 after receiving a first round bye. The Cardinals defeated Coast Guard Academy, 37-6, in the quarterfinals and third-seeded Williams College, 28-7, in the semifinals to advance to the championship match.

The 14 Division III New England wrestling teams that competed in the tournament also held a food drive to help support three local area food pantries; the Bridgewater Food Pantry, Father Bill's and MainSpring House in Brockton and My Brother's Keeper in Easton.


Results

First Round Matches (10:00 AM)
(#1) Springfield College - Bye
(#2) Wesleyan University - Bye
(#3) Williams College 44, (#14) Norwich University 0
(#4) Johnson & Wales University 31, (#13) WPI 15
(#5) Plymouth State University 24, (#12) Trinity College 15
(#6) Bridgewater State University 34, (#11) Western New England College 3
(#7) U.S. Coast Guard Academy 23, (#10) Roger Williams University 21
(#8) Rhode Island College 33, (#9) University of Southern Maine 15

Second Round Matches (12:00 PM)
Championship Bracket Quarterfinals
Springfield College 22, Rhode Island College 16
Wesleyan University 37, U.S. Coast Guard Academy 6
Williams College 21, Bridgewater State University 19
Plymouth State University 20, Johnson & Wales University 18
Consolation Bracket Quarterfinals
University of Southern Maine - Bye
Roger Williams University - Bye
Norwich University 28, Western New England College 15
Trinity College 25, WPI 24

Third Round Matches (2:00 PM)
Championship Bracket Semifinals
Plymouth State University 24, Springfield College 16
Wesleyan University 28, Williams College 7
Semifinals for Fifth Place
Rhode Island College 24, Johnson & Wales University 12
Bridgewater State University 28, U.S. Coast Guard Academy 15
Consolation Bracket Semifinals
Trinity College 29, University of Southern Maine 12
Roger Williams University 34, Norwich University
Thirteenth Place Match
WPI 29, Western New England College 16

Fourth Round Matches (4:00 PM)
Championship Match
Wesleyan University 24, Plymouth State University 12
Third Place Match
Springfield College 21, Williams College 19
Fifth Place Match
Rhode Island College 30, Bridgewater State University 13
Seventh Place Match
Johnson & Wales University 30, U.S. Coast Guard Academy 21
Ninth Place Match
Roger Williams University 27, Trinity College 15
Eleventh Place Match
University of Southern Maine 31, Norwich University 18
Rhode Island College 31, WPI 12

Worcester, MA --- Adam Lynch (New Milford, CT) and Brendan Guarino (Lodi, NJ) each registered pins to help lift visiting Rhode Island College to a 31-12 victory over WPI in a New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) matchup on Wednesday evening. With the result, the Anchormen level their record at 4-4 while the Engineers slip to 0-6 on the season.   

The evening started out well for WPI as David Cardenas (Framingham, MA) upset his regionally-ranked opponent 5-2 at 184 pounds. Lynch quickly responded for RIC, posting a first period at 197 to give the Anchormen a lead they would not relinquish. 

Brandon Regnaul (Johnston, RI) gave the visitors their first of two tiebreaker wins, claiming a 2-1 victory at heavyweight in the first tiebreaker.  Brandon Gauthier (Lowell, MA), ranked second in New England at 125, helped the Anchormen push the advantage 12-3 with a hard-earned 4-2 triumph. 

RIC continued to rattle off wins in the middle of the match as Travis Drappi (West Orange, NY) was a 9-2 victor at 133 followed by Mike Trasso (Lyndhurst, NJ) taking a forfeit at 141.  Kevin Sutherland (Dauphin, PA) capped off the five-bout Rhode Island College streak with a 12-2 major decision at 149.

WPI's Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT) got the Crimson and Gray back in the scoring column with a first period pin at 157 pounds. It was the seventh pin of the season, who is ranked fifth in New England. After Guarino tallied a defensive pin at 8:11 of his bout at 165, Alex Freilich (Worcester, MA) closed out the scoring with a 7-6 win for the Engineers at 174 pounds.

Both teams are off until Sunday when they head to Bridgewater State for the NEWA Dual Meet Championships. The bracket for the 14-team event will be announced later in week.


Weight            Result                                                                                      Score/Time     Running Score
184 Dave Cardenas (WPI) Dec. Chris Dean (RIC) 5-2 0-3
197 Adam Lynch (RIC) Pinned Joe Vanni (WPI) 2:46 6-3
285 Brandon Regnaul (RIC) Dec. Anthony Corbo (WPI)                2-1 (TB1) 9-3
125 Brandon Gauthier (RIC) Dec. Brian Jennings (WPI)               4-2 12-3
133 Travis Drappi (RIC) Dec. Mike Perruccio (WPI) 9-2 15-3
141 Mike Trasso (RIC) Won by Forfeit ----- 21-3
149 Kevin Sutherland (RIC) Major Dec. Matt Taber (WPI) 12-2 25-3
157 Tyler Howe (WPI) Pinned Remington Alves (RIC) 2:21 25-9
165 Brendan Guarino (RIC) Pinned Tom Lacroix (WPI) 8:11 (TB1) 31-9
174 Alex Freilich (WPI) Dec. Brohen Krsuli (RIC) 13-7 31-12
Hall Tabbed as WPI Wrestling Coach

Worcester, MA --- WPI Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Dana L. Harmon announced today the hiring of Steve Hall as the Head Wrestling Coach. Hall replaces Lance Baden and Rob Polin, who served as co-head coaches this past season.

Hall was standout heavyweight wrestler in the mid-1980's for Hall of Fame coach Phil Grebinar. He totaled a career record of 54-4-2 (.902 winning percentage) and is tied for fourth in dual-meet wins. The 296 team points he amassed places him second all-time while his 22 career pins is good enough for seventh. Hall belongs to a rare group of WPI wrestlers who garnered four All-New England honors and he was a key part of WPI's first two New England championship teams in 1985 and 1987. He was inducted into the WPI Athletics Hall of Fame in September of 2008.

"Our wrestling program is fortunate to have Steve Hall as our coach," said Harmon. "As an undergraduate and wrestler at WPI, Steve learned to succeed and that has carried through in his business, personal life and in coaching. His passion for WPI wrestling is undeniable and I look forward to his leadership of our program in the coming years."

After graduation Hall served as an assistant coach under Grebinar for four years. During that time, he coached All-Americans Brian Glatz and John Roy, a total of five New England champions and 33 New England placewinners. He has remained extremely active in various youth football, wrestling, and lacrosse organizations including serving as founder of the non-profit Nashoba Area Wrestling Association and president of the non-profit Lincoln-Sudbury Lacrosse Association.  

"I am thrilled about the opportunity to take over the program that has been such an important part of so many lives within the WPI Wrestling Family," stated Hall. " My focus will be on ensuring that all of the current and future members of the program have the opportunity to experience what the tradition of WPI Wrestling really means. I am also very excited about the possibility of providing a unique perspective to the recruiting process at WPI. I am living proof of what a WPI education and the WPI wrestling experience can provide you."

Hall has been involved at some level with the sport of wrestling for 35 years and arrived at WPI after a impressive career at Unatego High School in upstate New York. He was a Section Four champion and third at the all-divisions New York State Championships. He wrestled for National Wrestling Hall of Fame coach Dan Wickham and helped the Spartans win the Section Four title and earn a final ranking of seventh amongst all divisions within New York.

While at WPI, Hall also enjoyed success out of the classroom as he was named a Academic All-American following the 1986-87 season. He graduated from WPI with a degree in mechanical engineering design and has had a successful professional career starting and running companies. Hall is currently the owner of Federation Sports and Consulting, a corporate management consulting and sports management firm.

Steve and his wife, Michelle (WPI '85), reside in Sudbury with their two sons, Connor and Matthew.
Baden and Polin Resign as WPI Co-Head Wrestling Coaches

Worcester, MA --- WPI Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Dana L. Harmon announced today the resignation of co-head wrestling coaches Lance Baden and Rob Polin. Baden had been the head coach the past three years while Polin, after two stints as an assistant coach, joined him as a co-head coach in the fall of 2009.

Baden, a two-time New England Champion and Hall of Fame wrestler for the Engineers, also served six years with the program as an assistant coach before taking over prior to the 2007-2008 campaign.  Polin was also a standout wrester for the Crimson and Gray, garnering a pair of All-New England awards.

WPI finished the 2009-2010 season with a 2-17-1 dual meet record. The Engineers placed 12th at the conference championship meet with senior Carl Anderson (Billerica, MA) finishing second at 125 pounds and junior Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT) placing fifth at 149 pounds.
Bridgewater State 27, WPI 18

Worcester, MA --- Bridgewater State rallied from an early 15-0 deficit by winning six straight bouts to defeat host WPI 27-18 in a New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) matchup on Saturday afternoon. With the result, Bridgewater improves to 6-10 on the season while the Engineers dip to 2-17-1.

Nationally-ranked John Marsh (New Bedford, MA) jump-started the Bears with a hard-fought win at 149 pounds. Marsh, ranked #1 in New England and No. 4 nationally, took a 11-7 decision from Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT), who was ranked third regionally at 157.

BSC quickly gained momentum with pins from Frank Cammisa (Danbury, CT) and Ethan Raymond (Middlebury, VT) at 157 and 165 pounds before getting decision victories by Zachary Bates (Leyden, MA) and Steven Ciaccio (West Milford, NJ) at 174 and 184.  Michael Aiken (Leyden, MA) then provided what proved to be the winning margin at 197 pound. The junior, who is ranked regionally at 184 pounds, bumped up and notched a pin late in the second period that gave the Bears an insurmountable lead.   

WPI had jumped out to an early advantage when Dan Gilman (Framingham, MA) opened the match with a pin at 125 pounds, Matthew Poppa (Derby, CT) won by forfeit at 133 and Carl Anderson (Billerica, MA) won a tight 4-3 decision at 141. Heavyweight Joe Pasquerelli (Pittsfield, MA) closed out the match with a 2-1 victory at 285.

Both teams close out regular season action next week. WPI travels to Roger Williams on Wednesday at 6pm for a tri-meet with Bryant, while Bridgewater State heads to Hartford, CT on Friday for quad match against host Trinity, Rhode Island College and AIC.

Weight            Result             Score/Time     Running Score
125 Dan Gilman (WPI) Pinned Dan Palmer (BSC)             2:13 0-6
133 Stephen Poppa (WPI) Won by Forfeit ----- 0-12
141 Carl Anderson (WPI) Dec. Derek Grant (BSC) 4-3 0-15
149 Tyler Howe (BSC) Dec. Tyler Howe (WPI) 12-7 3-15
157 Frank Cammisa (BSC) Pinned Kenny Adams (WPI) 3:35 9-15
165 Ethan Raymond (BSC) Pinned Michael Ducey (WPI) 0:35 15-15
174 Zachary Bates (BSC) Dec. Chris Spinelli (WPI) 13-7 18-15
184 Steven Ciaccio (BSC) Dec. Dave Cardenas (WPI) 5-1 21-15
197 Michael Aiken (BSC) Pinned Dylan Billings (WPI) 4:55 27-15
285 Joe Pasquerelli (WPI) Dec. Samuel Fritz (BSC)                     2-1 27-18
WPI 23, Coast Guard 23

Worcester, MA --- WPI rallied in dramatic fashion to win the final three bouts to force a 23-23 tie with New England Wresting Association (NEWA) rival Coast Guard on Tuesday evening.

Trailing 23-8 after seven matches, WPI received a first-period pin from freshman Joe Pasquerelli (Pittsfield, MA) at 285 pounds and a forfeit victory from classmate Matthew Poppa (Derby, CT) at 125 to slice the deficit to 23-20. That set the stage for Carl Anderson (Billerica, MA), WPI's lone senior, who bumped up to 133. Anderson rallied from a third period deficit to win the bout 5-4 in the final 10 seconds.

The match was officially recorded as a draw, as tiebreaking criteria is only applied to dual-meet tournaments.

Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT) was an early winner for WPI with a tech fall at 149 pounds and David Cardenas (Framingham, MA) notched important points for the Crimson and Gray at 174 when he rallied from his back and eventually won by decision in the waning seconds.

Coast Guard jumped out to a 13-5 lead behind major decision victories from Fred Green (Harwood, MD) at 141, Andy Snyder (Tamaqua, PA) at 157 and a tech fall by Matt Leisy (Miami, FL) at 165. After Cardenas' win at 174, the Bears received a major decision from Dan Pereia (Lake Rankonkoma, NY) at 184 and a pin by Troy Robison (Yuba City, CA).

The tie leaves WPI (2-16-1) one win short of the 500th victory in the storied history of the Engineer program. Coast Guard is now 1-11-1 on the season.

Both squads return to the mat on Saturday. WPI hosts Bridgewater State at noon while Coast Guard ventures to Annapolis, MD where they will participate in the All-Academy Championships hosted by Navy. Action is slated to begin at 10am.

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
141 Fred Green (USCGA) Major Dec. Alex Pittera (WPI) 10-2 0-4
149 Tyler Howe (WPI) Tech Fall Curtis Hayes (USCGA) 15-0 (7:00) 5-4
157 Andy Snyder (USCGA) Major Dec. Kenny Adams (WPI) 12-0 5-8
165 Matt Leisy (USCGA) Tech Fall Michael Ducey (WPI) 20-4 (5:18) 5-13
174 Dave Cardenas (WPI) Dec. Will Stark (USCGA) 7-6 8-13
184 Dan Pereia (USCGA) Major Dec. Chris Spinelli (WPI) 14-4 8-17
197 Troy Robison (USCGA) Pinned Dylan Billings (WPI) 2:56 8-23
285 Joe Pasquerelli (WPI) Pinned Paul Hohn-Rauch (USCGA) 1:26 14-23
125 Matthew Poppa (WPI) Won by Forfeit ----- 20-23
133 Carl Anderson (WPI) Dec. Andrew Armstrong (USCGA) 5-4 23-23
Western New England 26, WPI 15

Worcester, MA --- Western New England College used a major decision and a pin late in the match to defeat host WPI 26-15 in a matchup between New England Wresting Association (NEWA) rivals on Saturday afternoon. With the result, the Golden Bears run their dual meet record to 2-1 while WPI falls to 1-10 on the season.

Clinging to a 16-12 advantage after WPI had taken two of three bouts in the middleweights, the visitors received a major decision from Matt Mangelli (Miller Place, NY) at 184 pounds before regionally-ranked (#8) David Baldyga (Terryville, CT) collected a pin at 197 to secure the victory.

WPI opened the match with a 12-7 victory by fourth-ranked Carl Anderson (Billerica, MA) at 125 pounds. The Golden Bears answered back quickly as seventh-ranked Anthony Medina (Springfield, MA) took home a major decision at 133, Nik Moreschi (Meriden, CT) won by decision at 141 and Nick Watson (West Granby, CT) notched a pin at 149.

The Engineers crept back into the match as fourth-ranked Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT) improved to 16-4 on the year with his seventh pin at 157 pounds. After Western New England's  Matt Rahman (Meriden, CT) won 9-6 at 165, WPI's David Cardenas (Framingham, MA) responded with a 9-4 victory at 174.

Heavyweight Anthony Corbo (Port Washington, NY) closed out the match with a 4-0 shutout for WPI at 285 pounds.

Both teams are off until Sunday, January 24th, when they head to Springfield College for the NEWA duals. Seedings and pairing for the 14-team event will be announced early next week.

Weight            Result             Score/Time     Running Score
125 Carl Anderson (WPI) Dec. Robby Ferrante (WNEC) 12-7 0-3
133 Anthony Medina (WNEC) Major Dec. Dan Gilman (WPI) 10-2 4-3
141 Nik Moreschi (WNEC) Dec. Alex Pittera (WPI) 8-6 7-3
149 Nick Watson (WNEC) Pinned Kenny Adams (WPI) 3:30 13-3
157 Tyler Howe (WPI) Pinned Tom Caliento (WNEC) 4:28 13-9
165 Matt Rahman (WNEC) Dec. Chris Spinelli (WPI) 9-6 16-9
174 David Cardenas (WPI) Dec. Travone Logan (WNEC) 9-4 16-12
184 Matt Mangelli (WNEC) Major Dec. Michael Ducey (WPI) 14-3 20-12
197 David Baldyga (WNEC) Pinned Sean Donnelly (WPI) 3:52 26-12
285 Anthony Corbo (WPI) Dec. Victor Rivera (WNEC)                         4-0 26-15
Quad Match with WPI, Johnson & Wales, Oneonta State and Williams

College Wrestling Finals

Round #1
Johnson & Wales 41, WPI 6
Williams 31, Oneonta State 15

Round #2
Oneonta State 30, WPI 9
Williams 20, Johnson & Wales 17

Round #3
Williams 41, WPI 9
Johnson & Wales 27, Oneonta State 9

Worcester, MA --- Sophomore Tyler Howe's (Danbury, CT) three wins highlighted WPI's performance Saturday afternoon in a home quad meet with Johnson & Wales, Oneonta State and Williams. Howe, ranked #2 in New England at 157 pounds, pinned his opponents from Johnson & Wales and Williams en route to running his record to 13-2 on the season.

Other WPI winners on the day included David Cardenas (Framingham, MA), who tasted victory at 174 pounds against Oneonta and Williams and Carl Anderson (Billerica, MA) who posted a win at 125 pounds in the match against Oneonta State.

Williams was the big winner on the day, winning three matches including a tight 20-17 win over Johnson & Wales in a contest that featured two of the top three squads in New England. The Wildcats finished the day 2-1, Oneonta State 1-2 and WPI concluded action at 0-3.

The Ephs had three wrestlers go 3-0 on the day; Ryan Malo (Georgetown, MA) at 197 pounds, Carl Breitenstein (Delanson, NY) at 157 and 165 and Corey Paulish (Ridgefield, CT) at 149.

Johnson & Wales had Colin Lenhardt (Hayes, VA) and Brennan Ward (Waterford, CT) sport perfect 3-0 marks at 174 and 184 pounds respectively. Ward, ranked #1 in New England and #6 nationally, defeated the #2 ranked opponent regionally from Williams and the #10 ranked nationally from Oneonta State.

Oneonta State's lone multi bout winner was James Lamonica (Staten Island, NY) at 285 pounds. The junior had a pin against WPI and a win over Johnson & Wales

With Saturday's results, Williams improves to 3-0, Johnson & Wales moves to 5-2, Oneonta State drops to 5-2 and WPI slips to 0-5

WPI is off until Saturday January 9th when they travel to Southern Maine for a quad meet with Plymouth State and Trinity. Johnson and Wales is back in action next Sunday, December 20th at the Florida Duals. Williams returns to the mat on Monday, December 28th at the Wilkes Open while Oneonta State heads to the Citrus Invitational in Florida on Tuesday, December 29th.

For more information, please contact WPI Sports Information Director Rusty Eggen at 508-831-5328

Round #1 - Quad Match with WPI, Johnson & Wales, Oneonta State and Williams

Johnson & Wales 41, WPI 6

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
174 Colin Lenhardt (JWU) Pinned David Cardenas (WPI) 2:04 6-0
184 Brennan Ward (JWU) Pinned Mike Ducey (WPI) 0:12 12-0
197 William Mulligan (JWU) Dec. Garrett Yablonski (WPI) 10-4 15-0
285 Humphrey Swift (JWU) Pinned Anthony Corbo (WPI) 2:27 21-0
125 Brian Conley (JWU) Dec. Carl Anderson (WPI) 5-3 24-0
133 James Soprano (JWU) Major Dec. Eric Metcalf (WPI) 20-7 28-0  
141 John Donaleski (JWU) Dec. Alex Pittera (WPI) 7-5 31-0
149 Andrew Van Dyk (JWU) Major Dec. Joseph Pellegrine (WPI)16-7 35-0
157 Tyler Howe (WPI) Pinned Anthony Pierro (JWU) 4:41 35-6
165 Alex Shea (JWU) Pinned Kenny Adams (WPI) 4:44 41-6


Williams 31, Oneonta State 15

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
174 Chris Wade (OS) Dec. George Sullivan (WC) 13-8 0-3
184 Nathan Shippee (WC) Major Dec. Josh Wake (OS) 10-1 4-3
197 Ryan Malo (WC) Pinned Wala Canario (OS) 2:25 10-3
285 Tom Foote (WC) Dec. James Lamonica (OS) 7-6 13-3
125 Josh Mattana (WC) Dec. Derek Conant (OS) 5-2 16-3
133 Kaison Tanabe (WC) Pinned Richard Benigno (OS) 1:00 22-3
141 Zach Crain (OS) Pinned Dylan Rittenburg (WC) 7:37 (SV) 22-9
149 Corey Paulish (WC) Dec Matt Eberlein (OS) 11-4 25-9
157 Carl Breitenstein (WC) Pinned Jonathan Rocha (OS) 6:01 31-9
165 Eric Simmons (OS) Injury Default Robert Brackup (WC) ----- 31-15

Round #2 - Quad Match with WPI, Johnson & Wales, Oneonta State and Williams

Oneonta State 30, WPI 9

Weight            Result             Score/Time     Running Score
174 David Cardenas (WPI) Dec. James Dewey (OS) 5-4 0-3
184 Josh Wake (OS) Pinned Mike Ducey (WPI)             0:34 6-3
197 Wala Canario (OS) Won by Forfeit ---- 12-3
285 James Lamonica (OS) Pinned Anthony Corbo (WPI) 6:10 18-3
125 Carl Anderson (WPI) Dec. Andrew Cabibbo (OS) 9-3 18-6
133 Richard Benigno (OS) Dec. Dan Metcalf (WPI) 7-2 21-6
141 Joey Hauser (OS) Dec. Alex Pittera (WPI)             9-5 24-6
149 JP Sala (OS) Dec. Joseph Pellegrine (WPI) 5-4 27-6
157 Tyler Howe (WPI) Dec. David Staulters (OS) 6-2 27-9
165 John Rocha (OS) Dec. Kenny Adams (WPI) 3-2 30-9


Williams 20, Johnson & Wales 17

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
174 Colin Lenhardt (JWU) Dec. George Sullivan (WC) 10-6 0-3
184 Brennan Ward (JWU) Major Dec. Nathan Shippee (WC) 12-4 0-7
197 Ryan Malo (WC) Pinned Patrick McCrohan (JWU) 3:07 6-7
285 Tom Foote (WC) Dec. Humphrey Swift (JWU) 5-2 9-7
125 Michael Bastante (JWU) Dec. Josh Mattana (WC) 8-5 9-10
133 Nicholas Cucciniello (JWU) Dec. Cesare Antista (WC)           7-1 9-13
141 Dylan Rittenburg (WC) Dec. John Donaleski (JWU) 3-0 12-13
149 Corey Paulish (WC) Tech Fall Andrew Van Dyk (JWU) 20-4 (5:36) 17-13
157 Carl Breitenstein (WC) Dec. Anthony Pierro (JWU) 6-1 20-13
165 Jordan Corona (JWU) Major Dec. Zeb Levine (WC) 14-5 20-17

Round #3 - Quad Match with WPI, Johnson & Wales, Oneonta State and Williams

Williams 41, WPI 9

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
174 David Cardenas (WPI) Dec. Andrew Gatewood (WC) 5-0 0-3
184 Nathan Shippee (WC) Pinned Mike Ducey (WPI) 1:34 6-3
197 Ryan Malo (WC) Pinned Kenny Adams (WPI) 0:44 12-3
285 Nikola Mirkovic (WC) Dec. Joe Pasquerelli (WPI) 5-2 15-3
125 Josh Mattana (WC) Pinned Carl Anderson (WPI) 6:13 21-3
133 KaisonTanabe (WC) Pinned Dan Metcalf (WPI) 1:28 27-3
141 Cesare Antista (WC) Dec. Alex Pittera (WPI) 4-3 30-3
149 Corey Paulish (WC) Tech Fall Joseph Pellegrine (WPI) 17-1 (6:22) 35-3
157 Tyler Howe (WPI) Pinned Scott Sanderson (WC) 0:52 35-9
165 Carl Breitenstein (WC) Won by Forfeit ----- 41-9


Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
174 Colin Lenhardt (JWU) Dec. Chris Wade (OS) 5-3 3-0
184 Brennan Ward (JWU) Dec. Josh Wake (OS) 13-6 6-0
197 William Mulligan (JWU) Dec. Brian Kramer (OS) 5-2 9-0
285 James Lamonica (OS) Dec. Humphrey Swift (JWU) 5-4 9-3
125 Michael Bastante (JWU) Dec. Derek Conant (OS) 3-2 12-3
133 Nicholas Cucciniello (JWU) Pinned Richard Benigno (OS) 1:26 18-3
141 Erik Johnson (OS) Dec. John Donaleski (JWU) 5-3 18-6
149 Andrew Van Dyk (JWU) Pinned Toby Reese (OS) 4:47 24-6
157 David Staulters (OS) Dec. Anthony Pierro (JWU) 8-3 24-9
165 Jordan Corona (JWU) Dec. Eric Simmons (OS) 2-1 27-9
Springfield 29, WPI 15

Worcester, MA --- Springfield won four straight bouts after falling behind early 3-0, and defeated host WPI 29-15 in a New England Wresting Association (NEWA) contest on Tuesday evening. The Pride was wrestling in its first dual meet of the season and is now 1-0, while WPI dropped to 0-2.

Carl Anderson (Framingham, MA), the second-ranked wrestler in New England at 125 pounds (6th nationally in Division III)  started the night off well for the Engineers with an 8-6 decision that gave the hosts the early edge.

The Pride then went on a key winning streak, winning the next four matches in convincing fashion. Gary DiPietro (Oxford, CT) took a 14-2 major decision at 133 to give the Pride the lead at 4-3. Then, Blaze Chatham (Walkill, NY) won by pin in 3:49 followed by back-to-back major decisions for Steve Flathers (Stratford, CT) at 159 and John Archambeau (Ludlow, MA) at 157 as Springfield raced ahead 18-3 over the Engineers.

Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT), also ranked second in New England at 157 pounds, wrestled up at 165 and broke the Springfield streak with a 6-0 decision that cut the lead to 18-6. The momentum was short lived however, as Springfield's Michael Fish (Middletown, NY) responded with a pin in 1:23 at 174 pounds to push the Pride's advantage to 24-6. The Pride's Jeremy Burns (Hoosick Falls, NY) followed with a 17-0 tech fall at 184 pounds for a 29-6 lead.

The Engineers were able to end the meet on a high note, as they closed out the evening with two straight victories. Garrett Yablonski (Mt. Sinai, NY) earned a hard-fought victory at 197, picking up a 2-1 decision after two overtimes. Anthony Corbo (Port Washington, NY) followed the strong effort with one of his own with a pin in 2:28, making the final score 29-15 in favor of the Pride.

WPI is back in action on Saturday at noon when it continues its home schedule versus Johnson and Wales, Oneonta State and Williams. Springfield is off until Thursday, January 14th when they will compete in the Budd Whitehill Duals in Williamsport, PA.

Weight            Result                                                                                     Score/Time     Running Score
125 Carl Anderson (WPI) Dec. Michael Rose (SC) 8-6 0-3
133 Gary DiPietro (SC) Major Dec. Stephen Poppa (WPI) 14-2 4-3
141 Blaze Chatham (SC) Pinned Alex Pittera (WPI) 3:49 10-3
149 Steve Flathers (SC) Major Dec. Joseph Pellegrine (WPI) 14-3 14-3
157 John Archambeau (SC) Major Dec. Kenny Adams (WPI) 11-0 18-3
165 Tyler Howe (WPI) Dec. Tim Vollaro (SC) 6-0 18-6
174 Michael Fish (SC) Pinned David Cardenas (WPI) 1:23 24-6
184 Jeremy Burns (SC) Tech Fall Michael Ducey (WPI) 17-0 (5:47) 29-6
197 Connor O'Rourke (SC) Dec. Garrett Yablonski (WPI) 2-1 (2 OT) 29-9
285 Anthony Corbo (WPI) Pinned Richard Wiggglesworth (SC) 2:28 29-15
Rob Polin Elevated to Co-Head Wrestling Coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA --- WPI Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Dana L. Harmon announced today that Rob Polin has been elevated to co-head wrestling coach.  Polin joins former teammate Lance Baden at the helm of the Engineer program.

Polin was a standout wrestler for Hall of Fame head coach Phil Grebinar in the late 1990's, earning a pair of All-New England honors for the Crimson and Gray.  In 1997 he earned the honor at 134 pounds before turning the trick a year later as a senior captain at 125 pounds. Polin has served two different stints as an assistant coach at WPI, including last winter under Baden.

"Rob Polin has been an important member of the WPI wrestling family as a wrestler, assistant coach and now taking on more leadership as co-head coach," said Harmon. "Lance and Rob have always had a strong partnership going back to their days as wrestlers and we look forward to their joint leadership of our wrestling program."    

"I am honored and excited to be named co-head coach," commented Polin. "While I was at WPI, there was always a family-type atmosphere within the wrestling room, as well as, with the alumni.  I consider Lance Baden like a brother, so when he approached me with the opportunity to join him as co-head coach, I couldn't say no.  I will do everything in my power to make this team succeed and still maintain the WPI family tradition."  

Polin returned to Boynton Hill in 2001 and assisted Grebinar for four years before departing for a two-year run at Bridgewater State.  He came back to WPI as an assistant for the 2008-2009 campaign.  In his seven years as an assistant, Polin coached eight New England champions, 15 finalists, 37 All-New England athletes and nine NCAA qualifiers. 

He also enjoyed success at the high school level, coaching at Randolph and Canton High Schools.  He helped Canton to three top-10 Massachusetts finishes, including third place in 2003. 

Polin, a native of Randolph, MA, graduated from WPI in 1998 with a degree in mechanical engineering.  He is currently employed as an electrical engineer for Independent Electric Supply in Somerville.

 
Rusty Eggen
WPI Athletics
Email - rusty@wpi.edu
Website - http://www.wpi.edu/athletics
(O) - 508-831-5328
(F) - 508-831-5775

Tri-Match with WPI, Roger Williams and Bryant College Wrestling Finals

Roger Williams 28, WPI 12
Roger Williams 25, Bryant 0
WPI 24, Bryant 3

Worcester, MA --- Roger Williams captured the last five bouts of the match to rally to defeat host WPI 28-12 in NEWA wrestling action on Wednesday evening. Later in the evening, WPI defeated Bryant by a score of 24-3, while Roger Williams also knocked off Bryant 25-0.

Trailing 12-8, Roger Williams picked up a win at 165 pounds by Robbie Crothers (Medford, NY) before 174-pounder Kenneth Ford (Meriden, CT) notched a tech fall to give the Hawks a lead they would not relinquish. After back-to-back wins from twin brothers James Woods (Demarest, NJ) and Dan Woods (Demarest, NJ) at 184 and 197, the visitors closed out the scoring with a forfeit at heavyweight.

Roger Williams had opened the match with major decisions by Mike Trayser (Dublin, OH) and  Jeremiah Mooney (Madison, CT) at 125 and 133. WPI then stormed backed with three consecutive victories, including decisions by Alex LaBeef (Pomfret, CT) and Matt Wainwright (North Attleboro, MA) at 141 and 149, followed by a pin by 157-pound Tyler Howe (Danbury, CT). Howe's win, his tenth of the season by pin, improves his record to 22-6 on the year.

WPI then stormed out of the gates versus Bryant, tallying pins in first three contested bouts.  Dan Metcalf (Westerly, RI) at 125 pounds, Wainwright at 149 and Howe at 157 gave the Engineers an insurmountable 18-0 edge. After Bryant's Jaret Grossman picked up a hard-earned 3-2 decision at 197 pounds, WPI's Scott Guzman (Acton, ME) wrestling up a class at heavyweight, concluded the match with a pin.

Roger Williams won all five of the contested bouts versus Bryant en route to a 25-0 victory.  Dustin Conner (Glen Rock, PA), Chris Nadeau (Granby, CT) and Phil Kelly (Quincy, MA) racked up pins at 157, 165 and 285 respectively while 125-pounder Jonathan Lemoine (Trumbull, CT) and 197-pounder Diller Lawler (Verona, NJ) tacked on wins by decision.

The tri-meet marked the end of the regular season for both WPI (10-8) and Roger Williams (16-8). Both teams will compete next weekend at the NEWA Championships. The two-day event, hosted by Springfield, begins on Saturday, February 21st.

Story written by Ray Cotrufo '98 - WPI Athletics Department

For more information, please contact WPI Sports Information Director Rusty Eggen at 508-831-5328

Roger Williams 28, WPI
12
Weight
Match Winner
School
Result
Match Loser
School
Score
Running Score
125
Mike Trayser
RWU
Major Dec.
Dan Metcalf
WPI
16-3
4-0
133
Jeremiah Mahoney
RWU
Major Dec.
Stephen Poppa
WPI
10-2
8-0
141
Alex LaBeef
WPI
Dec.
Chris O'Shea
RWU
8-1
8-3
149
Matt Wainwright
WPI
Dec.
Kyle D'Urso
RWU
10-4
8-6
157
Tyler Howe
WPI
Pin
Alex Roth-Honigfeld
RWU
3:34
8-12
165
Robbie Crothers
RWU
Dec.
Joe Vanni
WPI
9-4
11-12
174
Kenneth Ford
RWU
Tech Fall
Kenneth Adams
WPI
16-0
16-12
184
James Woods
RWU
Dec.
Garrett Yablonski
WPI
6-3
19-12
197
Dan Woods
RWU
Dec.
Scott Guzman
WPI
5-3
22-12
HWT
Phil Kelly
RWU
Win by Forfeit
----
28-12


RWU 25, Bryant 0
Weight
Match Winner
School
Result
Match Loser
School
Score
Running Score
125
Jonathan Lemoine
RWU
Dec.
Matt Moore
BRY
12-2
4-0
133
No Contest
----
141
No Contest
----
149
No Contest
----
157
Dustin Conner
RWU
Pinned
Joe Becker
BRY
1:57
10-0
165
Chris Nadeau
RWU
Pinned
Colin Clark
BRY
3:36
16-0
171
No Contest
----
184
No Contest
----
197
Dillon Lawler
RWU
Dec.
Jaret Grossmen
BRY
8-5
19-0
HWT
Phil Kelly
RWU
Pinned
Josh Labosier
BRY
1:23
25-0



WPI 24, Bryant 3
Weight
Match Winner
School
Result
Match Loser
School
Score
Running Score
125
Dan Metcalf
WPI
Pinned
Matt Moore
BRY
3:59
6-0
133
No Contest
----
141
No Contest
----
149
Matt Wainwright
WPI
Pinned
Joe Becker
BRY
1:00
12-0
157
No Contest
----
165
Tyler Howe
WPI
Pinned
Colin Clark
BRY
1:18
18-0
174
No Contest
----
184
No Contest
----
197
Jaret Grossmen
BRY
Dec.
Garrett Yablonski
BRY
3-2
18-3
HWT
Scott Guzman
WPI
Pinned
Josh Labosier
BRY
1:12
24-3