The TCNJ wrestling team advanced to the semifinals of the NWCA National Duals for the first time in at least 20 years, following victories over Millikin and Loras at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The Lions, ranked fourth nationally, began their run by defeating Millikin 30-15. Millikin entered the matchup undefeated after upsetting No. 15 Baldwin-Wallace but suffered their first dual loss of the season against TCNJ. Key performances included Matthew Griffin’s major decision at 125 pounds and Garrett Totten’s early pin at 133. Vinnie Santaniello and J.J. Giordano also contributed major decisions, while Hunter Mays posted a technical fall at 174. D.J. Henry secured a win over a nationally ranked opponent at 197 pounds, and Matt Coon finished with a major decision at heavyweight.
In their quarterfinal match, TCNJ edged fifth-ranked Loras 22-18. Griffin again started strong with a win at 125 pounds. Totten and Santaniello followed with major decisions to give TCNJ an early lead. After Loras closed the gap with wins in the middle weights, Jordan Ayyash delivered an important victory at 165 pounds to keep TCNJ ahead. Mays won a high-profile bout between two top-ranked wrestlers at 174 pounds, and Henry clinched the semifinal berth with a technical fall at 197.
As a result of these wins, TCNJ will face top-ranked Wartburg on Saturday for a spot in the finals.
While the main squad competed in Iowa, TCNJ’s reserves participated in Lycoming College’s Budd Whitehill National Duals in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The reserves finished the first day with one win and two losses, highlighted by a 29-18 victory over Wilkes University.
Earlier matches saw TCNJ fall to No. 11 Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Ithaca College. Against Wilkes, Aidan Carmody led off with his second technical fall of the day at 125 pounds; Luke Reitter followed suit at 133 pounds. Colin Menier contributed an important decision at 149 pounds before Konnor Tubin regained the team lead with a major decision at 174 pounds. Ethan Dalling picked up his first collegiate win by injury default at 184 pounds, and Clifford Dirkes sealed victory for TCNJ by pinning his opponent just over one minute into their heavyweight match.
