TCNJ Claims Fourth Straight Mideast Region Title
SOURCE: tcnjathletics.com
March 02, 2024

 


ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The TCNJ wrestling team proved their dominance over the rest of the Mideast Region on Saturday as they hoisted up their fourth straight NCAA region title. The Lions had four wrestlers punch their ticket to the NCAA Championships as well as other place winners.

Nick Sacco (165) and Mike Conklin (149) earned themselves individual championships while Peter Wersinger (285) and Matthew Griffin (125) finished second and third in their respective weight classes.

Nationally No. 2 ranked Sacco had two methodical decision wins to earn his way to the NCAA Championships. In the semifinal, he beat Ursinus' Shawn Marchesano by a score of 2-1 and then shutout Elizabethtown's Brian Schneider in a 2-0 Championship bout. This is the second consecutive individual Region title for Sacco at 165 lbs.

Previously an All-American in 2022, Conklin will get another crack at it in 2024 as he was masterful in his two bouts. After a pin in the semifinal, Conklin was ahead of RIT's Mike Glynn by a score of 5-0 before Glynn forfeited the Region title.

Although Wersinger did not repeat as individual heavyweight champ, he was still able to punch his ticket to NCAA's with his semifinal win over Ursinus' Jake Ahmand in a 4-0 decision. In the final, he fell to Elizabethtown's Dylan Waller by a score of 4-0.

Griffin kept his stellar season afloat as he was the last Lion to make it to the NCAA tournament. Following a 4-0 semifinal loss to Elizabethtown's Ethan Liptzin, he rattled off two wins in a row by tech. fall and major decision to claim third.

The other place winners who unfortunately did not qualify for nationals include Reid Colella (4th at 184), Ryan Datz (5th at 157), James Romaine (5th at 174) and Sam Kotch (7th at 141).

TCNJ wrestling now will prep for the NCAA Championships in Lacrosse, WI. on Friday, March 1st starting at 11:00 AM.


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