RECAP: #RollWolves wrestling defeats Onondaga in @NJCAAReg3 clash in final tune-up before hosting nationals Saturday@SUNYNiagara @GNN_Sports_ @TBNSports @wnywrestling https://t.co/k5GRUqx4Qq pic.twitter.com/cAc9aFIyUL
— SUNY Niagara Thunderwolves (@NCThunderwolves) January 8, 2026
In its first action in 25 days, SUNY Niagara defeated Onondaga 41-11 in a NJCAA Region III dual Wednesday in Sanborn. The Thunderwolves moved to 4-1 overall in duals and have won their last three events as a unit, dating back to wins against Garrett College (26-21) and the same Lazers program (34-24) at the Thunderwolves Duals Dec. 5 in Sanborn.
The Thunderwolves won their first seven matches and built a 35-0 lead over the Lazers.
Freshman Hamza Merrick began the event with a 13-11 decision over Mykola Fabian in the 285-pound weight class. Classmate Jaron Barrientos defeated Matt Dougherty in a 13-7 decision at 125.
Ethan Fletcher then pinned Peyton Spencer at 133 and Trevor Copes recorded a 17-2 technical fall over Michael Boyhan at 141. Moments later, Aidan Gillings pinned Lucian Mallinger at 149.
Matthew Leehan pinned Charles Caputo at 157 and Joe Cicco ended the run with a forfeit win at 165.
Bobby Ranger later recorded the Thunderwolves’ final win of the night via forfeit at 184.
NOTES:
The first-ever state champion for Wilson High School one year ago, Merrick is now 7-8 in his first season with the Thunderwolves at 285. Merrick placed second at the NYS Collegiate Championships on Dec. 14.
In his first action since the Thunderwolves Duals on Dec. 6, Barrientos recorded his fifth win in his last six matches after defeating Dougherty. The former Lewiston-Porter and Starpoint star is now 18-2 in his first year with the Thunderwolves.
Copes recorded his team-high ninth technical foul win of the season and moved his overall record to 22-2. A two-time NJCAA Region III Athlete of the Week in wrestling (Nov. 4, Dec. 16), the Delaware native became the first Thunderwolf in the program’s 52-year history (since 1973-74) to start the season with four straight tournament wins.
Formerly a five-time state qualifier for Newfane High School, Gillings recorded his team-high ninth pin of the season at 149. Gillings is 12-2 on the season and previously won first place at the Defend the Lake Open on Nov. 10.
Including the forfeit win, Cicco has been victorious in eight of his last 10 matches, dating back to a victory against Garrett College on Dec 5. The NJCAA Region III Athlete of the Week in wrestling (Dec. 10) and a Niagara Wheatfield High School graduate, Cicco is now 22-7 this season and 46-20 in his career.
SUNY Niagara hosts the NJCAA Division III national championships starting with pool play at 9 a.m. on Jan. 10 in Sanborn. Camden County College (NJ), Harper College (IL), Nassau CC, Northland Community & Technical College (MN), Onondaga CC, Rochester Community & Technical College (MN) and Union County College (NJ) are also competing.