The TCNJ wrestling team secured a fourth-place finish at the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa, marking its best result at the event in over two decades. The Lions, ranked No. 4 nationally, faced tough competition on Saturday and narrowly lost to both top-ranked Wartburg (24-15) in the semifinals and second-ranked Augsburg (25-17) in the third-place match.
Despite facing programs that have claimed every NCAA championship since 1994, TCNJ managed to win four bouts in each dual. In their semifinal against Wartburg, the Lions took an early lead with Matthew Griffin’s technical fall at 125 pounds and Garrett Totten’s major decision at 133. However, Wartburg responded by winning four consecutive matches—three of which were decided by just one or two points. Notably, Vinnie Santaniello lost a close 2-1 match to Kade Blum at 141 pounds, while J.J. Giordano was edged out 4-2 by Caleb Olson at 149.
Jordan Ayyash nearly upset his opponent but fell short in a narrow 1-0 loss at 165 pounds. Hunter Mays put TCNJ back on track with an 8-3 victory over Mike Slade at 174 pounds, and D.J. Henry secured a decision over Cal Dorota at 197 pounds. Wartburg ultimately clinched the dual with strong performances late in the lineup.
Following the loss, TCNJ faced Augsburg for third place and again started strong. Freshman Joey DeAngelo earned a technical fall at 125 pounds, while Totten pinned Carter Freeman in just 15 seconds at 133. Santaniello added another win to give TCNJ a commanding early lead before Augsburg rallied with major decisions and technical falls of their own.
Hunter Mays continued his undefeated season with a win over Nick Alexander at 174 pounds but Augsburg finished strong to secure third place overall.
“Henry’s win over Dorota was the 50th of his career,” according to event notes from TCNJ staff.
“Mays is still unbeaten on the season, rolling along at a perfect 14-0,” they added.
Meanwhile, back east, TCNJ’s reserve squad competed in the Budd Whitehill National Duals where they finished twelfth after losses to Cortland (26-21) and MSOE (25-16). Highlights included Aidan Carmody’s pin against Wyatt Gentzel for Cortland and another technical fall versus MSOE; Ahmad Hussain picked up a victory against David Ensminger; Konnor Tubin defeated regionally ranked Joey Visciano; Ethan Dalling posted wins in both duals; Clifford Dirkes closed out against Cortland with a pin.
In summary results:
Against Wartburg: Griffin (TCNJ) won by tech fall; Totten won by major decision; Mays and Henry also posted victories.
Against Augsburg: DeAngelo had a tech fall; Totten recorded a pin; Santaniello secured a decision; Mays added another win.
In reserve action: Carmody notched multiple bonus-point wins including pins and tech falls across both duals.
