From NYU Athletics
The New York University wrestling team used a fast start to turn back the United States Merchant Marine Academy, 32-16, on Friday evening, December 15 at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. Following the match, NYU honored its six seniors with a short ceremony.
"What a great setting for a collegiate wrestling match," said NYU Senior Assistant Coach Corey Luce. "We are all thankful for the work our athletic department staff put in to provide our team, and especially our seniors, such a memorable evening."
Jacob Donato, one of the squad's seniors, set the tone for the win with a second-period victory by fall to put the hosts ahead 6-0. The bout was the first of the season for Donato, who has qualified for a pair of NCAA Championships during his career.
Eighth-ranked (National Wrestling Coaches Association poll) Matt Noble and Anthony Calvano, another senior, followed up Donato's win with pins of their own and helped NYU increase its lead to 18-0.
A pair of senior captains, Matthew Coppola and seventh-ranked Raymond Jazikoff, picked up from there as each won their bouts via major decision to put NYU ahead 26-0.
Third-ranked Blaise Benderoth was NYU's final winner of the evening, earning a victory by fall late in the first period.
NYU improved to 5-3 on the season with the win, while the Mariners saw their overall record fall to 1-3.
NOTES:
- In addition to Donato, Calvano, Coppola and Jazikoff, seniors Austin Day and Troy Edwards were also honored as part of the Senior Night ceremony. Edwards earned a victory in an exhibition match as he pinned his 157-pound opponent.
"I'm thrilled that each of our seniors who took the mat won their bouts tonight," added Luce. "This is a great bunch of seniors and I'm excited to watch them succeed the rest of this season and going forward in life."
- Jazikoff's win was his 20th of the season. The South Plainfield, NJ, native has now won at least 20 matches in each of his four seasons at NYU.
- Calvano and Noble's pins ocurred in the first period.