EWING – The College of New Jersey wrestling team is getting its long-awaited rematch against Stevens Institute of Technology September 10th, in Packer Hall.
The Lions 21-20 loss to the Ducks in Hoboken was a year ago to the day yesterday, but the narrow decision loss still sits fresh on the minds of Lions’ wrestlers. There was great agony in this loss but it has only made the team hungrier for the win in 2017.
Senior heavyweight Kyle Cocozza was watching this match on the sidelines last year in Hoboken when he was out of the lineup due to knee injury.
“This loss really sucked.” Cocozza said.
His replacement at heavyweight, Pat Schnider, was pinned that day late by Stevens’ Pete Andrich who secured them a one-point lead to close it out. At the mercy of his injury, there was nothing that he could do to help his team.
However, he has since recovered from his injuries and is expected to make the heavyweight start this Friday in search of redemption.
“This meet is more personal than the others, even though we try not to bring emotions into our sport, securing this early win at home would be a big confidence boost and settling the score from last year would feel good.” Cocozza said. “It’s a bitter rivalry where there can only be one winner. We’re both strong teams – we were only separated by one point last year. It’s gonna be a war, but I’m excited to see what happens.”
The 2016 Matchup – Stevens 21 TCNJ 20 – From tcnjathletics.com
125: Dan Ortega (TCNJ) dec. 8-5 Rob Murray (SIT); TCNJ leads 3-0
133: Troy Stanich (SIT) dec. 11-4 James Goldschmidt (TCNJ); 3-3
141: Eric Friedman (TCNJ) dec. 3-1 Dylan Van Sickell (SIT); TCNJ leads 6-3
149: Zach Wilhelm (SIT) dec. 4-0 Giancarlo Crivelli (TCNJ); 6-6
157: Thomas Poklikuha (SIT) maj. 16-5 Daniel Hedden (TCNJ); Stevens leads 10-6
165: Colin Navickas (SIT) tech. 18-2 Marcus Sherrod (TCNJ); Stevens leads 15-6
174: Kellen Whitney (TCNJ) maj. 13-4 Josh Smith (SIT); Stevens leads 15-10
184: Dan Kilroy (TCNJ) maj. 10-4 Danny Moore (SIT); Stevens leads 15-14
197: Alex Mirabella (TCNJ) fall 2:20 Shane Triantos (SIT); TCNJ leads 20-15
HWT: Pete Andrich (SIT) pin 3:36 Pat Schnider (TCNJ); Stevens leads 21-20
The constant lead changes created some real drama, and if this rematch is to be anything like the match from last year, fans are certainly in for a treat. Expect high action when TCNJ will try to redeem itself in a very interesting in-state New Jersey matchup.
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