From NYU Athletics

The New York University wrestling team won matches against Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University, respectively, on Saturday, January 31, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan on Senior Day.

NYU, ranked #24 by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), first defeated Gettysburg, 24-15, before beating Johns Hopkins, 32-6. With the wins, the squad improved to 12-3 on the season. 

Prior to the matches, NYU honored its six graduating seniors: DJ Albonico, Matt DiGiovanni, Sam Friedfeld, Jon Guarino, Brandon Jones, Patrick Sheehan. 

"We had a great day today," said Senior Assistant Coach Corey Luce. "I'm especially proud of our seniors. They are an extremely tough group.

Six different NYU wrestlers earned two wins on the day to help lead the squad past the Bullets and Blue Jays.

Highlights:

- Nathan Pike (133) won a pair of bouts by technical fall and major decision, respectively, to improve to 12-5 this season. 

- Jones (141), currently ranked #3 nationally by the NWCA, also won both of his bouts. The senior captain is now 11-3.

- Another senior captain, DiGiovanni (157), also was victorious twice on Saturday with a major decision win and a 6-0 shutout.

- John Messinger (165) improved to 19-8 with two decision wins, one a major.

- Sheehan (184), ranked #10 nationally by the NWCA, continued his successful season with a pair of wins. The senior captain improved to 16-3 overall this season and 16-2 at 184 pounds. 

- The sixth NYU grappler to win two matches on Saturday was William Gockel-Figge (197). 

- Raymond Jazikoff bumped up two weight classes to 174 pounds to earn his team-best 25th victory this season.

"Starting today through next Saturday, we have eight matches," added Luce. "Our guys are going to have to battle through it and keep working hard."