From NYU Athletics
The New York University wrestling team has completed day one of the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championships, which are being hosted by Rhode Island College in Providence, RI, on Saturday and Sunday, February 29-March 1.
Seven NYU wrestlers have advanced to Sunday's semifinals, guaranteeing them All-Region honors and at least sixth-place finishes. The top three finishers in each bracket will qualify for the NCAA National Championships.
In the team scoring, NYU is currently in second place with 83 points, only one-and-a-half behind leader Johnson & Wales University (84.5).
Overall, NYU wrestlers went 18-6 on day one.
"I'm proud of the effort today from our guys to keep us in this and give us a shot at the title," remarked Head Coach Corey Luce. "We asked for bonus points in the earlier rounds and they delivered."
First up for NYU was Tyler Crew (St. Marys, GA/Camden County) in the 125-pound bracket. Crew recorded a fall in the opening round and a 6-2 decision in the quarterfinals to punch his ticket to the semis.
Next was Trent Furman (Washington Township, NJ/Westwood Regional), who won both his matches in the 133-pound bracket with a couple of quick falls.
Evan Drill (Neshanic Station, NJ/Somerville) competed in the 149-pound bracket and advanced following a 10-3 decision in the first round and a technical fall in the second.
Sean Lyons (Sewell, NJ/St. Joseph's Prep) also advanced after recording two falls in the 167-pound bracket.
Izaake Zuckerman (Fairfield, CT/Fairfield Warde) was next up in the 174-pound bracket where he recorded a fall in just 30 seconds followed by an 8-2 decision.
In the 197-pound bracket, Jack La Corte (Monmouth Beach, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy) also won by recording two falls, the first of which occured in only 48 seconds.
Lastly, Will Ortman (Hopewell Valley, NJ/Hopewell Valley Central) closed out competition in the 285-pound bracket with a 58-second fall in the first round and a 5-4 sudden victory in overtime in the second.
"Now we need to quickly turn the page, focus on tomorrow and get our guys to Cedar Rapids for the NCAA Championships," concluded Luce.
The competition continues on Sunday morning.