The 2009-10 campaign proved to be historic for head coach John Garriques and the Centenary wrestling program. Not only did the team open its new wrestling room, the Zeitler Wrestling Facility, but Will Livingston took third-place at 133 at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships to become the program’s first-ever All-American. More success appears to be headed Centenary’s way, as everyone returns next season.

Four wrestlers won more than 20 bouts in 2009-10, including Matt Regan, who went 30-8 at 165-pounds. Dave Alsiuex won 28 bouts at 141 while Mike Hall went 21-9 at heavyweight and Jon Stillo finished 20-5 at 149. JJ Mitchell came just shy of the 20-win plateau with 19 victories at 184.

The Cyclones’ season opened with the Ithaca Invitational on Nov. 8. Although the team finished ninth out of 10, Regan took first and Hall finished fifth in their respective weight classes. The team then opened its duals action with four losses in the John Reese Duals, all to ranked teams, including No. 3 Ithaca. Centenary then competed in the Doug Parker Invitational in Springfield, Mass., and placed sixth out of 18 teams. Alsieux and Hall each finished second in their weight class to lead CC.

After opening their Metropolitan Conference slate with a hard-fought 21-18 win over King’s on Dec. 4, the team performed well in the inaugural Bob Quade Tournament at home, as eight wrestlers placed, including three who took second: Jose Vega at 125, Regan at 165 and Hall at heavyweight.

Centenary then won four of its next six duals matches, going 2-1 in Metropolitan action during that stretch. The team finished its regular season tournament schedule with the Ursinus Invitational and placed fourth out of eight, as Regan led six placewinners by taking second at 165. The Cyclones finished their season with six dual bouts, going 3-3 while falling in hard-fought matches to No. 7 TCNJ and No. 5 Delaware Valley.

In the Metropolitan Tournament, Regan fell in the championship bout at 165 while Stillo took true second at 149 after placing third and Alsieux finished fourth. Livingston was the lone Centenary representative in the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but he was enough, as he upset the second-seed, the seventh-seed and the eighth-seed on his way to a third-place finish. His only loss came to the top-seed and eventual winner, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Bebeto Yewah. Livingston was up 6-2 after the first and 8-6 after the second but fell by way of pin in the final period. Thanks to his efforts, Centenary finished the tournament ranked 27th out of 93 teams.

Off the mat, the Cyclones again showed how hard they work, finishing with the 17th-best GPA in Division III. CC posted the 22nd-best GPA in the country in 2008-09. Four wrestlers received NWCA Academic All-American accolades in Alsieux, Hall, Stillo and Regan. Last season, only one Cyclone, Stillo, was named an Academic All-American.

With a new wrestling facility and everyone returning next year, the future is indeed bright for the Centenary wrestling program. 

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (June 10, 2010) – Centenary wrestling head coach John Garriques was selected to participate in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) College Coaches Leadership Academy for the second straight year. The two-day affair took place at the Jon Davis Wrestling Center in Edwardsville, Ill, on June 8-9. Garriques is one of 30 Division I, II and III coaches to take part in the experience. Upon graduation, Garriques will be able to serve as a mentor to other coaches across the country.

“The Academy was an amazing experience,” said Garriques. “I would highly suggest it to any coach out there who is looking to build their CEO and general leadership skills. The relationships and networks that I have built from this experience will help ensure the building of our wrestling program. I would like to thank the NWCA and their sponsors for a great experience, and I look forward to participating at the annual NWCA Convention in Delray Beach, Florida.”

The following coaches served as mentors for the 2010 Leadership Academy: Dr. Dan Gould, Professor, Michigan State University, Derek van der Merwe/Sr. Associate Athletic director, Central Michigan University, Dan Gable, former head coach, University of Iowa, Rob Koll, head coach, Cornell University, Jim Miller, head coach, Wartburg College, Dan Harris, retired athletic director, Baker University, Jeff Swenson, athletic director, Augsburg College and  Jim Beichner, head coach, University of Buffalo.

The NWCA College Coaches Leadership Academy serves to teach collegiate wrestling coaches CEO and general leadership skills, including management, hiring of assistants, marketing/promotions, fundraising, communication, entrepreneurship, budgeting and creating the best practices for improving retention and graduation rates.

Garriques will receive his diploma at the graduation ceremony, which will take place between Aug. 5-8, in Delray Beach, Fla.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (March 15, 2010) – For the second consecutive year, the Centenary wrestling team has earned Scholar Academic Team honors, posting the 17th-best GPA in the country. The Cyclones finished with the 22nd-best GPA in Division III in 2008-09.

Four wrestlers received Academic All-American accolades in senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan), sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) and juniors Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) and Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton). Last season, only one Cyclone, Stillo, was named an Academic All-American.

Centenary finished the season 8-9 but received its first All-American honor as junior Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) placed third at 133 in the NCAA Wrestling Division III Championships.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (March 8, 2010) – Junior 133-pound wrestler Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) became Centenary wrestling’s first-ever All-American over the weekend, taking third-place in his weight class at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It marks the best finish for a Cyclone, and for his efforts, Livingston has been named Cyclone of the Week.

Livingston’s third-place finish moved the Cyclones into the national top-30 poll, as they are ranked No. 27. His only loss during the tournament came to the top-seed and eventual champion, Bebeto Yewah of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Livingston defeated three seeded opponents, including the second-seed, Nathan Fitzenreider from North Central. In the third-place bout, Livingston dispatched Cortland’s Aljamain Sterling, 4-3.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 6, 2010) – Junior Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) won third-place at 133-pounds in the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, which finished Saturday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His run in the tournament marks the best finish for a Centenary wrestler, as he is the first Cyclone to earn All-American status. Because of his efforts, CC finished the season ranked 27th in the country.

Livingston became an All-American on Friday when he knocked off the second-seeded Nathan Fitzenreider from North Central, 10-2, to move into the quarterfinals of wrestlebacks. On Saturday, he advanced to the semifinals of wrestlebacks by dispatching Waynesburg’s Nick Garber, 16-2, before defeating the seventh-seed, Cornell College’s Nichalos Nothern, 6-2. In the consolation championship bout, Livingston stopped Aljamain Sterling of SUNY Cortland, 4-3, to take third.

NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Brackets

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 5, 2010) – Centenary junior Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) became Centenary wrestling’s first-ever All-American, competing into the second day of action in the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, Friday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Livingston is one of the eight remaining at 133-pounds.

Livingston started his day with an upset-victory over eighth-seeded Joseph Grippi from Springfield, 4-1. He then faced the top-seeded 133-pound wrestler, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Bebeto Yewah. Livingston was up 6-2 after the first and 8-6 after the second but fell by way of pin in the final period.

In the wrestlebacks, Livingston faced second-seed Nathan Fitzenreider from North Central. The junior became an All-American with a 10-2 major decision victory. He will next take on Waynesburg’s Nick Garber on Saturday.

NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Brackets

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 4, 2010) – Centenary junior 133-pound wrestler Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) will compete in the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, starting Friday, March 5, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Livingston is the first Cyclone to compete in the NCAA Championships since current assistant coach Anthony Gummerson did so in 2007-08, also at 133.

D3wrestle.com mentions Livingston in its preview of the 133-pound bracket.

“A possible sleeper to watch is Centenary’s Will Livingston. This wrestling nomad has spent time on the mat for both Virginia Tech and Ohio State before settling at Centenary this year. He has only wrestled five times this year, but he won the Metro pretty convincingly and might be a bad first round draw for one of the seeds.”

Livingston joined the team late in the season but made his mark quickly, going 2-0 in Centenary’s last two duals matches, with a major decision and a technical fall. He was named the top seed at 133 in the Metropolitan Wrestling Championships and dominated his way through the competition. He started his day with a pin of NYU’s Steve Contino in 2:42, followed by a 7-5 win over King’s Anthony Miele to reach the championship bout. In that contest, he bested the host team’s Dan Herr, 10-2, to take first.

The Newton, N.J. native becomes the first wrestler under head coach John Garriques to win his weight class in the conference tournament and the first Cyclone to achieve the feat since Dale Rismiller won at 184 in 2001-02.

On the first day of NCAA competition, Livingston will take on eighth-seed Joseph Grippi from Springfield. Fans can follow the action via www.d3wrestle.com.

2010 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Brackets

EWING, N.J. (February 21, 2010) – Junior Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) won the championship at 133-pounds to earn a berth to the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships and the Centenary wrestling team finished in fourth-place out of nine teams, Sunday in the Metropolitan Championships, held at TCNJ in Ewing, N.J. Livingston becomes the first Cyclone to move on to the NCAA’s since current assistant coach Mike Gummerson accomplished the feat in 2007-08.

“Livingston looked awfully good with his dominate performance in the finals,” said head coach John Garriques. “We will look to regroup this week to get Will ready for the NCAA National Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Will has gone through a lot to get this opportunity to compete again. He transferred from Virginia Tech and has been working out with the team most of the year, but up until recently was not cleared to compete. He has gotten stronger with every match, and if he continues to work hard there's no telling where he will end up at the NCAA's.”

Livingston is the first wrestler under Garriques to earn a berth by winning his weight class. As a team, the Cyclones finished with 53.5 points, trailing only Elizabethtown (72.5), Wilkes (93) and TCNJ (110). Centenary placed three other wrestlers as junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) finished in second at 165, fellow classmate Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) won third at 149 and senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) took fourth at 141.

Livingston started his day with a pin of NYU’s Steve Contino in 2:42. He followed that with a 7-5 win over King’s Anthony Miele to reach the championship bout. In that contest, he bested the host team’s Dan Herr, 10-2, to take first.

At 165, Regan won all the way through to the final bout, falling there by way of fall, to TCNJ’s Kyle Packer. It marks the second consecutive year he fell in the championship bout in the conference tournament. Stillo won his first bout and then fell in his second to eventual winner Tye Boyer of Elizabethtown. In wrestlebacks, he won two consecutive 11-2 matches, including the third-place bout over TCNJ’s James Somma. Stillo was named third alternate after defeating the top seed at 149, Wilkes’ Anthony Dattolo, 5-3, to win true second. Alsieux also won his first bout before dropping his second to move to the consolation brackets. He defeated King’s Franklin Davis, 3-2, to reach the third-place contest, falling there to Hunter’s Sean Messina, 8-4.

Three Cyclones finished in the wrestleback semifinals of their respective weight classes. Sophomores Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge), JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) and Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) came just short of the third-place bout at 125, 184 and 285, respectively. For Mitchell, it marks the second consecutive year he has lost in the consolation semi’s. Sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) at 157, Mike Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) at 174 and Anthony Bachmann (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) at 197 all lost in the quarterfinals of wrestlebacks.

“I feel that the team wrestled well this weekend,” said Garriques. We had a tough season of injuries, losing four of our starters, but our backups were more than willing to step up to the plate. It was nice to be able to get Centenary's first Conference Champion with Will, but I felt that we should have had three other champs. Fortunately we are returning the entire team and will look to build on this year’s success next season.”

The NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships will take place on March 5-6 at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, hosted by Coe College, Cornell College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

2010 Metropolitan Championships

EWING, N.J. (February 19, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team will compete in the Metropolitan Wrestling Championships, to be held on Sunday, Feb. 21, on the campus of TCNJ in Ewing, N.J., starting at 9:30 a.m. Last season, CC finished in fourth-place out of nine teams. The Cyclones last sent a wrestler to the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 2007-08, when current assistant coach Mike Gummerson accomplished the feat.

The Cyclones received two top seeds in the event. Junior transfer Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) and junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) were each the No. 1 seeds of their weight class, 133 and 165, respectively. Regan went 8-0 against Metropolitan teams this season and is looking to improve on his second-place finish in the event last season. Junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) is the third seed at 149, sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) is the fourth-seed at 125 and sophomore Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) is the fifth-seed at heavyweight.

Senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) were named the sixth-seeds at 141 and 184, respectively. Sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) will be wrestling for the Cyclones at 157, while junior Mike Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) will compete at 174 and sophomore Anthony Bachmann (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) will contend at 197.

In Centenary’s fourth-place finish last season, Stillo and Alsieux each finished third in their weight class. Mitchell wrestled into the semifinals of the consolation brackets before falling. The Cyclones finished with 42 team points, trailing Wilkes, TCNJ and York.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 15, 2010) – Centenary 184-pound wrestler JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) improved his season record to 18-17 with a major decision victory over No. 5 Delaware Valley’s Jack Phillips. For his efforts, Mitchell was named Cyclone of the Week. It marks the second time this season he has earned the award.

Mitchell dominated the bout from the get go, winning handily, 14-2. His extra-point victory brought Centenary to within two against the No. 5 ranked team in the nation, at 17-15, but unfortunately Delaware Valley pulled away for the 32-15 win. Mitchell has won his last five consecutive bouts.

The Cyclones return to action on Sunday, Feb. 21, with the Metropolitan Wrestling Championships on the campus of TCNJ. The tournament will start at 9:30 a.m.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (February 11, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team (8-9) was unable to hold an 11-9 lead over No. 5 Delaware Valley (13-2), eventually falling 27-15, Thursday in Doylestown, Pa. Eight of the Cyclones’ nine losses this season have been to teams that were at one point ranked among the top 30 in 2009-10, including three squads that were top-ten when CC faced them.

Centenary found itself in an early 6-0 hole after forfeiting at 125. Junior Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) picked up his first technical fall as a Cyclone, defeating Zak Haynes 17-0 at 133 to bring CC within one, at 6-5. Senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) then put the road squad ahead 8-6 with a 10-8 overtime win over Zak Andrews at 141. After junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) dropped a tough 4-3 contest to the No. 8 ranked 149-pound wrestler, Emmanuel Ajagbe, sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) gave Centenary its final lead with a 3-2 decision over Matt Lindsay at157.

Trailing 11-9, the fifth-ranked team in the Division III won four of the last five matches to pull away for the victory. Junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) fell at 165, 11-6, and fellow classmate Mike Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) lost by technical fall, 17-1, at 174. Sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) earned a 14-2 major decision win over Jake Phillips to bring Centenary to within two, at 17-15, but the Aggies used a fall over sophomore Nick Marchiafava (Haddon Twp., N.J./Haddon Twp.) at 197 and a 22-6 major decision by the No. 2 ranked heavyweight Kyle Bilquist over sophomore Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) to come away with the 27-15 victory.

Centenary returns to action with the Metropolitan Wrestling Championships on the campus of TCNJ on Sunday, Feb. 21, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Boxscore

SCRANTON, Pa. (February 6, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team (8-8, 4-3 Metropolitan) won seven of the 10 bouts to take down Scranton (3-12, 0-3 Metropolitan), 32-15, Saturday in Scranton, Pa. The Cyclones used five extra point victories to pull away from the Royals.

Centenary found itself in a quick 6-0 hole after forfeiting at 125. But junior Will Livingston (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny) cut the lead to two with his first career victory as a Cyclone at 133, defeating Vinny Signoriello 20-8. CC then took the lead for good with consecutive pins by senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141 and junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) at 149.

After sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) fell in a tightly fought 3-2 contest at 157, Centenary reeled off three consecutive victories to put the match out of reach. Junior 165-pound wrestler Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) picked up his team-leading eighth major decision with a 14-5 win over Frank Siclari followed by decisions by junior Mike Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) at 174 and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) at 184.

Scranton’s Nicholas Genovese stopped the three-bout winning streak by pinning freshman Matt Glassford (Brick, N.J./Brick) at 197, but then sophomore Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) returned the favor with a fall of his own in the heavyweight bout.

Centenary returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 10, with a road match at No. 5 Delaware Valley at 7:00 p.m.

Boxscore

NEW YORK, N.Y. (February 3, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team split two matches in a tri-meet at Hunter, Wednesday in New York, N.Y. The Cyclones (7-8, 3-3 Metropolitan) defeated Yeshiva (0-4), 44-6, before falling to the host team (5-11, 1-4 Metropolitan), 22-16. Hunter defeated Yeshiva, 47-0, in the third match of the day.

Facing Metropolitan Conference foe Hunter, Centenary built a 10-0 lead thanks to a 5-4 decision by sophomore Craig Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) at 149, a 10-0 major decision by fellow classmate Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) at 157 and a 6-4 overtime victory by junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) at 165.

Hunter’s Emman Sarwari won at 174 over junior Mike Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park), 14-7, before sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) earned an 8-3 decision at 184 to give CC a 13-4 lead. Sophomore Tim Tomaino (Highlands, N.J./Middletown South) lost, 7-4, at 197, followed by a 2-0 win by sophomore Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) at heavyweight.

Leading 16-7, Centenary was forced to forfeit at 125 and 133, giving Hunter 12 points and a 19-16 lead. At 141, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) had a chance to give Centenary the win, but he fell in a tightly-fought contest, 5-3, and Hunter came away with the 22-16 victory.

Against Yeshiva, Centenary built a 40-0 lead thanks to three forfeits, pins by Meagher at 157, Montgomery at 174 and Tomaino at 197. Both teams forfeited at 125 and Centenary did the same at 133, making the score 40-6 in favor of the Cyclones. Alsieux won by technical fall at 141 to make the final score 45-6.

Centenary returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Metropolitan Conference foe Scranton at noon.

Yeshiva Boxscore

Hunter Boxscore

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 29, 2010) – On a day when Centenary officially opened its state-of-the-art Zeitler Wrestling Facility, the wrestling team took down McDaniel College, 34-7, Friday in Hackettstown, N.J. With the win, CC improves to 6-7 on the season while McDaniel falls to 6-6.

Centenary won eight of the 10 bouts, including four extra point victories. Sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) started off the action, earning an 8-5 overtime victory over Earl Eppard at 125. With the bout tied at five entering the fifth period, Vega escaped to take a 6-5 lead, and then held Eppard down for the full 30 seconds in the third overtime, earning near fall points with seconds remaining for the 8-5 victory.

After freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) lost a tough 10-5 decision to Tommy Goretsas at 133, Centenary won seven consecutive matches to take control of the match. Leading 3-1 entering the third period, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) held his opponent down for 1:46 to win, 4-2. Junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) followed that with a 6-1 win at 149.

CC then picked up three consecutive extra-point victories as sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) and junior Michael Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) won by fall at 157 and 174, respectively, while junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) earned a 14-5 major decision at 165.

At 184, sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) fell behind early but rallied to win, 9-5, and fellow classmate Tim Tomaino (Highlands, N.J./Middletown South) pinned his opponent at 5:29 in the 197-pound bout. Sophomore Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) finished off the match with an 11-0 major decision loss to No. 9 ranked Brock Glotfelty at heavyweight.

Centenary returns to action with a Metropolitan Conference match at Hunter on Feb. 3 at 5:00 p.m.

Boxscore

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 29, 2010) - Centenary College held the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Zeitler Wrestling Facility on Friday, Jan. 29. The 5,000 square foot addition to the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center will take Centenary’s wrestling program to new levels.

The new facility contains a wrestling room and office space, and will make the Reeves Student Recreation Center, which was renovated and expanded in 2007, an even more attractive facility for prospective student-athletes. Funding for this facility was made possible by a gift to The Campaign for Centenary College from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

The new wrestling room also includes a wrestling mat that encompasses 3,928 square feet, a cardio room with stationary bikes, treadmills, climbing ropes that will reach 15 feet in height, pull-up bars and a wrestlers’ storage area.

A 55-inch flat screen television is mounted on the wall and the room has a surround-sound stereo system as well.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 20, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team fought hard but eventually fell, 35-10, to No. 7 TCNJ, Wednesday in Hackettstown, N.J. The Cyclones dropped to 5-7 overall, 3-2 in the Metropolitan Conference, while the Lions improved to 15-2 and 6-0 in conference action.

Sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) gave CC the early lead at 125, earning a 12-0 major decision over Danny Franke. After a tough 4-2 overtime loss by freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) at 133 and a 12-2 major decision defeat of sophomore Anthony Bachmann (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) at 141, junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) stopped the two-bout losing skid with a 3-2 win over John Barnett to tie the match at seven.

TCNJ took the lead for good at 157, when No. 7 Dan DiColo pinned sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) in 4:47. At 165, junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) suffered a takedown early but came from behind to win, 9-8, bringing Centenary within three. But the Lions won the final four bouts, all extra point victories, to win 35-10.

Centenary returns to action on Friday, Jan. 29, when it faces McDaniel at 7:00 p.m. The match will take place after the Zeitler Wrestling Facility Opening Ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.

Boxscore

COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. (January 15, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team returns to action with the Ursinus Homecoming Invitational, Saturday, Jan. 16, in Collegeville, Pa.

The Cyclones last wrestled on Tuesday, Jan. 12, when it split two Metropolitan conference matches, losing to Elizabethtown, 27-6, before defeating York (Pa.), 24-10. Centenary’s last tournament competition was on Dec. 6, as CC placed eight wrestlers in the inaugural Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament.

Junior 165-pound wrestler Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) leads the team with 20 victories on the year, including an 11-3 mark in tournament action. He has placed three times, including a first-place finish at the Ithaca Invitational on Nov. 8. Senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) are tied for second on the team with 17 wins apiece at 141 and 285, respectively. Hall has placed three times and Alsieux twice.

After Saturday’s meet, Centenary returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 20, with a home match against No. 7 TCNJ at 7:00 p.m.

TRENTON, N.J. (January 12, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team split its two Metropolitan Conference duals matches, Tuesday in Trenton, N.J. The Cyclones (5-6, 3-1 Metropolitan) fell to Elizabethtown, 27-6, before defeating York (Pa.), 24-10.

Junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) won both of their matches, at 165 and 285, respectively. In Centenary’s match against Elizabethtown, they accounted for all of the Cyclones’ scoring in the 27-6 loss.

Against York, after a 5-3 loss by sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) at 125, Centenary ripped off six consecutive wins. Freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) at 133, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141, sophomore Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) at 157, Regan at 165 and junior Michael Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) at 174 all picked up decisions, while junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) pinned his opponent in 6:09.

After losses by sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) at 184 and sophomore Tim Tomaino (Highlands, N.J./Middletown South) at 197, Hall finished off the victory with a 9-2 decision in the heavyweight bout.

Centenary returns to action with the Ursinus Invitational, Saturday in Collegeville, Pa., before returning to duals action with a home match against No. 7 TCNJ on Jan. 20.

Elizabethtown College 27 – Centenary College 6       
125: Tyler Erdman (EC) tech fall over Jose Vega (CC), 19-1  5-0 EC
133: Marty Harnich (EC) dec. Cody Mooney (CC), 6-0   8-0 EC
141: Eric Rhoads (EC) dec. Dave Alsieux (CC), 3-2    11-0 EC
149: Tye Boyer (EC) dec. Jon Stillo (CC), 7-2    14-0 EC
157: Max Barsky (EC) dec. Garrett Meagher (CC), 7-3   17-0 EC
165: Matt Regan (CC) dec. Kyle Deeds (EC), 9-4    17-3 EC
174: Jim Gentile (EC) dec. Michael Montgomery (CC), 14-7  20-3 EC
184: Paul Connor (EC) dec. JJ Mitchell (CC), 5-3    23-3 EC
197: Bill Meaney (EC) maj. dec. Tim Tomaiano (CC), 18-6   27-3 EC
285: Mike Hall (CC) dec. Deron Sharp (CC), 5-2    27-6 EC

Centenary College 24 – York College 10        
125: Jerrid Hartman (YC) dec. Jose Vega (CC), 5-3    3-0 YC
133: Cody Mooney (CC) dec. Alex Paladino (YC), 8-6   3-3
141: Dave Alsieux (CC) dec. Chris Gugliotti (YC), 15-8   6-3 CC
149: Jon Stillo (CC) pinned Zach Tolbert (YC) in 6:09   12-3 CC
157: Garrett Meagher (CC) dec. Dylan Giandalia (YC), 7-3  15-3 CC
165: Matt Regan (CC) dec. Matt Heisey (YC), 5-3    18-3 CC
174: Michael Montgomery (CC) dec. Zach Downing (YC), 10-4  21-3 CC
184: Alex Martocello (YC) maj. dec. JJ Mitchell (CC), 13-5   21-7 CC
197: George Saliba (YC) dec. Tim Tomaino (CC), 7-0   21-10 CC
285: Mike Hall (CC) dec. Shane Cooley (YC), 9-2    24-10 CC

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 11, 2010) – Centenary senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) were named Cyclones of the Week after leading the Cyclone wrestling team to a 3-1 week. Both student-athletes went 4-0 in four duals matches as CC defeated John’s Hopkins 36-3, NYU 28-6, Gettysburg 40-4 and fell to Messiah, 20-19.

Alsieux, wrestling at 141-pounds, picked up three major decisions on the week. He leads the team with 16 victories on the season, including an 8-1 mark in duals action.

Mitchell wrestled at 184-pounds and picked up two major decisions and a fall. He improved his overall record to 11-12 and 4-5 in dual matches.

The Cyclones return to action on Tuesday with a tri-meet against Metropolitan Conference foes York and Elizabethtown in Trenton, N.J., starting at 1:00 p.m.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 7, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team (4-5) split two duals matches, Thursday in Hackettstown, N.J. The Cyclones defeated Gettysburg (0-2), 40-4, before falling to Messiah (4-1), 20-19.

In the Cyclones’ win over Gettsyburg, eight of the nine wins for the home team were extra point victories. Senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141, junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) at 149, junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) at 174 and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) at 184 all picked up major decisions while sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) pinned his opponent in 5:15 at 125. Sophomore Tim Tomaino (Highlands, N.J./Middletown South) and fellow classmate Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) won via decision at 197 and 285, respectively.

In CC’s match against Messiah, Vega opened the action with a tightly fought 9-8 loss at 125. Three straight victories for the home team, including a technical fall by freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) at 133, a 13-2 major decision by Alsieux at 141 and an 11-9 win by Stillo at 149, gave Centenary a 12-3 advantage. But Messiah bounced back, as senior Pat Bowen (Monroeville, N.J./Woodstown) was pinned at 157 and Regan fell 6-2 at 165, tying the game at 12.

David Jones put Messiah up for good in the 174-pound bout, earning a technical fall victory over Michael Montgomery (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) to give the Falcons a 17-12 advantage. Mitchell won by major decision at 184 to cut the lead to 17-16, but Tomaino fell at 197, 4-3, to make the score 20-16. In the heavyweight bout, Hall used a riding time of 1:39 to pull out the 4-3 decision, but it left Centenary one point short, 20-19.

The Cyclones return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 12, with a pair of Metropolitan Conference matches in Trenton, N.J. Centenary will face York (Pa.) at 1:00 p.m. and Elizabethtown at 3:00 p.m.

Centenary 40 – Gettysburg 4
125 – Jose Vega (CC) pins Abe Evans (GC) 5:15    6-0 CC
133 – Cody Mooney (CC) wins by forfeit     12-0 CC 
141 – Dave Alsieux (CC) 14-1 maj. dec. over Michael Slabinski (GC) 16-0 CC
149 – Jon Stillo (CC) 13-1 maj. dec. over Jack Bostrom (GC)  20-0 CC
157 – Patrick Doherty (GC) 10-1 maj. dec. over Pat Bowen (CC)   20-4 CC
165 – Michael Montgomery (CC) wins by forfeit    26-4 CC
174 – Matt Regan (CC) 15-5 maj. dec. over DJ Neri (GC)   30-4 CC
184 – JJ Mitchell (CC) 8-0 maj. dec. over Luke Mitchell (GC)  34-4 CC
197 – Tim Tomaino (CC) 5-3 dec. over Marshall Puls (GC)   37-4 CC
285 – Mike Hall (CC) 4-2 dec. over Kevin Poplaski (GC)   40-4 CC
EXH
285 – Russell Boardman (CC) pins Brandon Strohl (GC) in 3:20

Messiah 20 – Centenary 19
125 – Danny Lethbridge (MC) 9-8 dec. over Jose Vega (CC)   3-0 MC
133 – Cody Mooney (CC) 17-1 TF over Ryan Snead (MC)   5-3 CC
141 – David Alsieux (CC) 13-2 maj. dec. over Alex DeHart (MC)  9-3 CC
149 – Jon Stillo (CC) 11-9 dec. over Domineak Commodore (MC)  12-3 CC
157 – Matt Cross (MC) pins Pat Bowen (CC) in 1:12    12-9 CC
165 – Trent Zempel (MC) 6-2 dec. over Matt Regan (CC)   12-12
174 – David Jones (MC) 18-2 TF over Michael Montgomery (CC)   17-12 MC
184 – JJ Mitchell (CC) 15-4 maj. dec. over Russell Jones (MC)  17-16 MC
197 – Tim Hopkins (MC) 4-3 dec. over Tim Tomaino (CC)    20-16 MC
285 – Mike Hall (CC) 4-3 dec. over Zane Bachert (MC) 20-19 MC  
EXH
149 – Chris Hardenberg (MC) 13-8 dec. over Dan Butcher (CC)

NEW YORK, N.Y. (January 5, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team (3-4, 2-0 Metropolitan) went 2-0 in a tri-meet hosted by NYU, Tuesday in New York, N.Y. The Cyclones outscored their two opponents, 64-9, defeating John’s Hopkins (0-2), 36-3, before beating the Violets (5-4, 1-2 Metropolitan), 28-6. In the third match of the day, NYU picked up a 21-15 win over the Blue Jays.

In Centenary’s first match, the Cyclones won the first eight matches, including extra point victories by sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) at 125, junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) at 149, senior Pat Bowen (Monroeville, N.J./Woodstown) at 157, junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) at 165 and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) at 184.

Against the host-team, Centenary won eight of the 10 bouts, including extra-point victories by freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) at 133 and senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141. 

Centenary has now won three consecutive duals matches, going into a home tri-meet on Thursday with Gettysburg and Messiah, starting at 4:00 p.m.

Centenary def. Johns Hopkins, 36-3
Exhibition 141 – Dan Butcher (CC) dec. Matt Nelson (JH), 8-6
125 – Jose Vega (CC) maj. dec. Adam Stevens (JH), 13-5 (CC 4-0)
133 – Cody Mooney (CC) dec. Paul Marcello (JH), 9-3 (CC 7-0)
141 – David Alsieux (CC) dec. Rocky Barilla (JH), 4-0 (CC 10-0)
149 – Jon Stillo (CC) maj. dec. Ben Kauffman (JH), 11-2 (CC 14-0)
157 – Pat Bowen (CC) fall Robert Nelbor-Gross (JH), 3:47 (CC 20-0)
165 – Matt Regan (CC) maj. dec. Eric Levenseller (JH), 16-6 (CC 24-0)
174 – Jionni LaValle (CC) dec. Dylan Meade (JH), 8-4 (CC 27-0)
184 – J.J. Mitchell (CC) fall Patrick Stanley (JH). 4:56 (CC 33-0)
197 – Reid Mosquera (JH) dec. Tim Tomaino (CC), 7-5 (CC 33-3)
285 – Mike Hall (CC) dec. Richard Danilkowicz (JH), 4-2 (CC 36-3)

Centenary def. NYU, 28-6
125 – Jose Vega (CC) dec. Kyle Christensen (NY), 9-3 (CC 3-0)
133 – Cody Mooney (CC) fall Adlee Fayyaz (NY), 2:48 (CC 9-0)
141 – David Alsieux (CC) maj. dec. Clement Bommier (NY), 18-5 (CC 13-0)
149 – Jon Stillo (CC) dec. Gregg Martino (NY), 2-1 OT (CC 16-0)
157 – James Cariddi (NY) dec. Pat Bowen (CC), 10-4 (CC 16-3)
165 – Matt Regan (CC) dec. Sean Connors (NY), 7-4 (CC 19-3)
174 – Mike Montgomery (CC) dec. Steve Massey (NY), 13-9 (CC 22-3)
184 – J.J. Mitchell (CC) dec. Sabino Galassi (NY), 4-2 (CC 25-3)
197 – Jamie Myers (NY) dec. Tim Tomaino (CC), 5-0 (CC 25-6)
285 – Russell Boardman (CC) dec. Michael Cunningham (NY), 2-1 (CC 28-6)
Exhibition 149 - James Valcius (CC) dec. Elliot Smith (NY), 6-3

NYU def. Johns Hopkins, 21-15
125 – Kyle Christensen (NY) maj. dec. Adam Stevens (JH), 8-0 (NY 4-0)
133 – Paul Marcello (JH) fall Adlee Fayyaz (NY), 4:58 (JH 6-4)
141 – Rocky Barilla (JH) dec. Clement Bommier (NY), 5-2 (JH 9-4)
149 - Gregg Martino (NY) dec. Ben Kauffman (JH), 8-4 (JH 9-7)
157 – James Cariddi (NY) dec. Robert Nedbar-Gross, 6-3 (NY 10-9)
165 – Eric Levenseller (JH) dec. Jakub Pawlowski (NY), 3-2 (JH 12-10)
174 – Steve Massey (NY) dec. Dylan Meade (JH), 7-4 (NY 13-12)
184 – Sean Connors (NY) win by forfeit (NY 19-12)
197 – Reid Mosquera (JH) dec. Sabino Galassi (NY), 3-2 (NY 18-15*)
285 – Jamie Myers (NY) dec. Richard Danilkowicz (JH), 6-2 (NY 21-15)
* NYU was deducted one team point for post-match unsportsmanlike conduct

NEW YORK, N.Y. (January 5, 2010) – The Centenary wrestling team returns to action with a pair of duals matches, against Metropolitan Conference opponent NYU and non-conference foe John’s Hopkins, Tuesday in New York, N.Y. The action will kick off at 4:00 p.m., at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.

Centenary is 1-4 in duals action, with its lone victory coming over fellow Metropolitan Conference team King’s, 21-18 at home on Dec. 4. The Cyclones’ four losses came in the John Reese duals on Dec. 14 in Wilkes, Pa., as CC fell to No. 13 Cortland, No. 29 Oneonta, No. 4 Ithaca and No. 15 Wilkes.

In the latest D3wrestle.com national rankings, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) is an Honorable Mention at 141, junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) is an Honorable Mention at 165 and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) is an Honorable Mention at heavyweight.

In the latest Metropolitan Conference poll, Alsieux is the No. 4 ranked wrestler at 141, junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) is No. 4 at 149, Regan is No. 2 at 165 and Hall is No. 4 at 285.

NYU is 5-3 in duals action and has won its last three duals matches. The Violets are 1-1 in Metropolitan action, with a loss to No. 6 TCNJ, 31-6 on Nov. 19, and a win over Hunter College, 20-18 on Dec. 4. NYU and Centenary have two common opponents in Wilkes and King’s (Pa.). Both fell to Wilkes in the John Reese Duals, Centenary by a score of 31-9 and NYU by a score of 31-6. NYU fell to King’s, 19-12, while Centenary defeated the Monarchs, 21-18.

John’s Hopkins is 0-1 on the season, having lost to Elizabethtown, 30-9, on Dec. 9.

After Tuesday’s matches, Centenary returns to action on Thursday with home-duals action against Gettysburg and Messiah, starting at 4:00 p.m.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (December 29, 2009) – Three members of the Centenary wrestling team are ranked in the latest national polls.

In the D3wrestle.com national rankings, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) is an Honorable Mention at 141, junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) is an Honorable Mention at 165 and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) is an Honorable Mention at heavyweight.

In the latest Metropolitan Conference poll, Alsieux is the No. 4 ranked wrestler at 141, junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) is No. 4 at 149, Regan is No. 2 at 165 and Hall is No. 4 at 285.

Centenary returns to action on Tuesday, Jan.5, when it faces NYU and Johns Hopkins in New York, N.Y.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (December 20, 2009) – Although the snow canceled Centenary wrestling’s match against Muhlenberg on Saturday, it didn't stop the Cyclones from doing some community service.

The wrestling team woke up early Sunday morning to shovel out the school as well as the surrounding community. They spent three hours cleaning out driveways, sidewalks and porches. Many of the local community members asked if they could donate to the program or to the team, but the Cyclones refused and just asked for their support.

This is the second consecutive year that Centenary wrestling has performed this community service, and the Hackettstown residents are extremely happy to have the team in their neighborhoods.

“I am a big believer in giving back to your community,” said head coach John Garriques. “Since I was born here in Hackettstown and our guys reside here on campus, we all wish to give back whenever we can. Our team also helps out two nights a week at the local Tiger Wrestling club helping the Novice, Junior Varsity and Varsity Midget program. All we hope to get in return is the community’s support for Centenary College.” 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (December 6, 2009) – The inaugural Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament was a success, as close to 100 wrestlers showed up to compete in the event, Sunday in Hackettstown, N.J. There were no team scores, but eight Cyclones placed in the competition, led by sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge), junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison), as each finished second at 125, 165 and 285, respectively.

Four Cyclones placed third in their weight class: freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) at 133, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141, junior Jon Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) at 149 and senior Pat Bowen (Monroeville, N.J./Woodstown) at 157. Sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) finished in fourth-place at 184-pounds.

Former Cyclone and current Centenary assistant coach Mike Gummerson took first at 133 and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler after a vote by the coaches.

The Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament is named for Professor Robert Quade, an adjunct faculty member and Centenary’s Director of Life Learning. He also serves as the school’s NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. Quade founded the school’s wrestling program, served as its first head coach and has remained close to the program to this day.

Brackets

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (November 24, 2009) – Centenary College will host the inaugural Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament, Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Folkner Family Gymnasium in Hackettstown, N.J. The tournament will begin at 9:00 a.m. Admission is five dollars for adults, three dollars for children ages 10-18 and free for children under the age of 10 and anyone with a valid Centenary ID.

Approximately 100 wrestlers are expected to compete in the one-day event. Besides Centenary, other schools expected to wrestle are Delaware Valley, Gloucester, Nassau and Johnson and Whales.

Student-athletes who plan on competing in the event should register by clicking here. Simply click the “Register” link next to the Centenary College Open and fill out the form. For more information on the tournament, click here.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (December 4, 2009) – Sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) won his heavyweight bout, 5-3, to give the Centenary wrestling team (1-4, 1-0 Metropolitan)  a 21-18 victory over Metropolitan Wrestling Conference foe King’s (Pa.) (2-7, 0-2 Metropolitan), Friday night in Hackettstown, N.J. With the score knotted at 18, a takedown by Hall in the final minute of the third period proved to be the difference in the match.

Centenary opened the contest with four straight wins, as sophomore Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) at 125, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141 and junior Jonathan Stillo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) at 149 all won by decision, while freshman Cody Mooney (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) pinned his opponent in 4:27 at 133-pounds.

But the Monarchs bounced back, winning four of the next five bouts with Centenary’s lone victory in that stretch a 6-2 decision by junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton). KC picked up two extra-point wins as Taylor Green at 157 and Dave Foley at 174 pinned freshman Glen Cannici (Saddle Brook, N.J./Queen of Peace) and senior Charles Cannella (Kunkletown, Pa./Pleasant Valley), respectively.

Sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) fought hard against the No. 7 ranked 184-pound wrestler, Mike Reilly, but fell by way of decision, 5-0. Sophomore Tim Tomaino’s (Highlands, N.J./Middletown South) 5-2 loss at 197 tied the score at 18, giving Hall the opportunity to win the match for his team.

Centenary returns to action on Sunday, Dec. 6, when it hosts the inaugural Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament, which will start at 9:00 a.m.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (December 4, 2009) – The Centenary wrestling team has a busy home weekend ahead, as the Cyclones will take on Metropolitan Conference foe King’s (Pa.) on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:00 p.m., before hosting the inaugural Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament on Sunday, Dec. 6. More than 100 wrestlers are expected to compete in the invitational, which will get underway at 9:00 a.m.

The Bob Quade Wrestling Tournament is named for Professor Robert Quade, an adjunct faculty member and Centenary’s Director of Life Learning. He also serves as the school’s NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. Quade founded the school’s wrestling program, served as its first head coach and has remained close to the program to this day.

Centenary last wrestled in the Doug Parker Invitational on Nov. 21 in Springfield, Mass. The Cyclones finished with 92.5 points to take sixth out of 18 teams, ahead of No. 11 USMMA, which tallied 91 team points, and No. 29 Roger Williams, which finished with 77. Four Cyclones placed in the tournament, led by second-place finishes from senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141 and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) at heavyweight. Junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) took fourth at 165 and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) placed sixth at 184. Regan leads the team with 11 victories on the season.

In duals action, Centenary is 0-4, with all four losses coming to ranked teams. In the John Reese Duals on Nov. 14, the Cyclones dropped hard-fought matches to No. 3 Ithaca, 29-6, No. 16 Cortland, 30-6, No. 18 Wilkes, 31-9 and No. 29 Oneonta, 25-14.

King’s comes in with a duals record of 2-6, 0-1 in the Metropolitan Conference. The Monarchs last wrestled against league foe and No. 11 ranked TCNJ, falling 38-3. Junior Mike Reilly was the lone winner for King’s, wrestling at 184-pounds. He has yet to lose this season (12-0) and is No. 7 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III Brute - Adidas Individual Ranking and No. 1 in the latest Metropolitan Wrestling Conference individual ranking.

Friday’s match will be streamed live on PennAtlantic.com. To watch, click here.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 21, 2009) – The Centenary wrestling team placed sixth out of 18 teams in the Doug Parker Invitational, Saturday in Springfield, Mass. The Cyclones finished with 92.5 points, ahead of No. 11 USMMA, which tallied 91 team points, and No. 29 Roger Williams, which finished with 77. No. 15 ranked Williams placed first with 136 points, followed by Brockport (133.5), No. 24 Wesleyan (124.5), Springfield (119) and Rhode Island College (111.5).

Four Cyclones placed in the tournament, led by second-place finishes from senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141 and sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) at heavyweight. Junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) took fourth at 165 and sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) placed sixth at 184. Sophomore Dan Butcher (Westwood, N.J./Westwood) finished in the quarterfinals of wrestlebacks at 141, as did fellow classmate Garrett Meagher (North Warren, N.J./North Warren) at 149-pounds.

“We are a very young team and it showed the first two events of the year,” said head coach John Garriques. “In the Doug Parker Invitational, the team showed the potential that we have when we wrestle with intensity. We improved from two weekends ago when we wrestled at the Ithaca Invitational, moving ahead of Roger Williams and Oswego. Overall, I was impressed with the turnaround from the entire team. We look forward to going back to the drawing boards Monday and to continue to improve throughout the year.”

Centenary returns to action on Friday, Dec. 4, with its home opener, against King’s. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.

Team Scores

Brackets 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 20, 2009) – The Centenary wrestling team will compete in the Doug Parker Invitational, Saturday, Nov. 21, on the campus of Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. The event will start at 10:00 a.m.

The Cyclones last wrestled in the John Reese Duals, Nov. 14 in Wilkes, Pa., as they took on four teams ranked in the top-30 in Division III. CC acquitted itself well, dropping hard-fought matches to No. 3 Ithaca, 29-6, No. 16 Cortland, 30-6, No. 18 Wilkes, 31-9 and No. 29 Oneonta, 25-14. Junior 165-pound wrestler Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) and senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141 both finished 3-1 on the day to lead Centenary.

In their last tournament appearance, the Cyclones finished ninth out of 10 teams in the Ithaca Invitational, Nov. 7-8 in Ithaca, N.Y. Regan took first at 165-pounds, defeating NYU’s Matthew Magill 3-1 in the championship bout. Sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) placed fifth in the heavyweight class, winning his final bout 8-4 over Oswego’s Eric Leusch.

Doug Parker is a former head wrestling coach at Springfeld College. A 1951 SC graduate, he spent 41 years at his alma mater, including 35 years as the head wrestling coach, compiling an overall record of 485-159-11. He never had a losing season. In February of 2009, he was recognized as the New England Wrestling Association "Man of the Year" during the NEWA Tournament held at Springfield College.

After Saturday’s tournament, Centenary returns to action on Friday, Dec. 4, with its home opener, against King’s (Pa.) at 7:00 p.m. 

WILKES, Pa. (November 14, 2009) – The Centenary wrestling team (0-4, 0-1 Metropolitan) faced four teams ranked in the top-30 in the nation, Saturday in the John Reese Duals, held on the campus of Wilkes University in Wilkes, Pa. The Cyclones dropped hard-fought matches to No. 3 Ithaca, 29-6, No. 16 Cortland, 30-6, No. 18 Wilkes, 31-9 and No. 29 Oneonta, 25-14.

Junior 165-pound wrestler Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) and senior David Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) at 141 both finished 3-1 on the day to lead Centenary. A trio of sophomores all picked up a victory apiece for the Cyclones in Jose Vega (Moonachie, N.J./Wood-Ridge) at 125, Owen Vernon (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) at 157 and Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) in the heavyweight class. For Vega, it was the first victory of his Centenary career.

In CC’s first bout, against No. 16 Cortland, the team wrestled hard, as six of Centenary’s losses came by decision. Vega and Alsiuex both won for Centenary to give them six points. Against No. 29 Oneonta, the Cyclones pulled ahead, 14-7, thanks to a pin by Vega at 125 and major decisions by Alsieux at 141 and Vernon at 165. But Oneonta won the final five bouts to win the match by 11.

In their next match against Ithaca, the No. 3 ranked team in the country, the Cyclones dropped five bouts by decision while getting wins from Alsieux at 141 and Regan at 165. In its final contest of the day, against conference foe and host-team No. 18 Wilkes, Centenary got wins by Regan and Hall to account for its nine points. Five of the Cyclones’ losses came by decision in the hard-fought loss.

Centenary returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Springfield College.

John Reese Duals Results

ITHACA, N.Y. (November 8, 2009) – Centenary junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) took first at 165-pounds as the team finished ninth out of 10 schools with 49 points in the Ithaca Invitational, Saturday and Sunday in Ithaca, N.Y., Regan was one of two Cyclone placewinners, defeating  NYU’s Matthew Magill 3-1 in the championship bout. Sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) won the fifth-place bout in the heavyweight class, 8-4 over Oswego’s Eric Leusch.

Regan, the top seed at 165, received two byes to get to the quarterfinals. There, he defeated the home team’s Antonio Doldo, 12-5, before beating the eighth-seed, Springfield’s Ronald Thompson, 3-1 in overtime. In the semifinals, Regan took out the fifth-seed, Kyle Rodgers of Roger Williams, by a score of 8-5, before winning the championship.

Hall started as the fourth-seed in the heavyweight class and won his first three bouts, two by fall. His first loss came in the semifinals, moving him to the semifinals of wrestlebacks. He lost his first consolation match to move to the fifth-place bout, where he won to finish 4-2 on the day.

Senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) lost in the consolation quarterfinals at 141, dropping a tough 3-1 overtime loss to Cortland’s Joey Widrick, who went on to take sixth. At 157-pounds, sophomore Owen Vernon (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) also lost in the consolation quarterfinals to the eventual sixth-place winner, 12-8 to Michael Monson of Roger Williams University. Teammate Glen Cannici (Saddle Brook, N.J./Queen of Peace) finished just shy of the 157-pound consolation quarterfinals because of a medical forfeit.

At 197, sophomore Nick Marchiafava (Haddon Twp., N.J./Haddon Twp.) lost his first bout before winning three in a row to reach the consolation quarterfinals. There, he was pinned by the eventual sixth-place winner, Hunter’s Robert Klotz.

Centenary returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 14, when it will compete in the John Reese Duals on the campus of Wilkes University, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Final Brackets

ITHACA, N.Y. (November 7, 2009) – The Centenary wrestling team stands in ninth-place with 20.5 team points after day one of the Ithaca Invitational, Saturday in Ithaca, N.Y. Twelve Cyclones are still alive after the first day of action.

Four Cyclones have a chance at a championship in their weight class. At 141, senior Dave Alsieux (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan) received two byes before facing his first competition, which he won, 13-4, to reach the quarterfinals. At 157, sophomore Owen Vernon (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown) also received two byes before his taking on his first competition. He won a tightly contested 13-11 bout to reach the quarterfinals.

Junior Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton), the top seed at 165-pounds, won his first bout 12-5 to reach the semifinals. In the heavyweight class, sophomore Mike Hall (Madison, N.J./Madison) used a pair of pins to reach the quarterfinals.

Eight other Cyclones are still alive in wrestlebacks. Freshman Ryan Clarke (East Lyme, Conn./East Lyme) defeated teammate James Valcius (Orange, N.J./Orange) in the 141-pound consolation round to stay alive and sophomore Dan Butcher (Westwood, N.J./Westwood) is still alive in the consolation round at 149-pounds.

In the 157-pound consolation bracket, three Cyclones will wrestle on Sunday as senior Pat Bowen (Monroeville, N.J./Woodstown), freshman Brian Heaney (Ocean Gate, N.J./Monsignor Donovan) and freshman Glen Cannici (Saddle Brook, N.J./Queen of Peace) are all still alive. Sophomore JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) is still wrestling in the wrestlebacks at 184 and fellow classmate Tim Tomaino (Highlands, N.J./Middletown South) is as well in the 197-pound class.

Also at 197, sophomore Nick Marchiafava (Haddon Twp., N.J./Haddon Twp.) eliminated teammate Matt Glassford (Brick, N.J./Brick) to remain alive. In the heavyweight consolation bracket, freshman Russell Boardman (Madison, N.J./Madison) dropped his collegiate bout, 8-2, but won in the first round of wrestlebacks, 9-3.

The second day of action will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the consolations. Fans can follow the action by clicking here.

Day One Brackets

ITHACA, N.Y. (November 6, 2009) – The Centenary wrestling team will open its 2009-10 season with the Ithaca Invitational, Saturday, starting at 10:00 a.m., in Ithaca, N.Y. The Cyclones placed eighth in last year’s tournament and look to improve on that finish this season.

Centenary returns a pair of 20 match winners in senior David Alsiuex (Belmar, N.J./Manasquan), who won 20 at 141-pounds, and sophomore Owen Vernon (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown), who led the team with 24 victories while wrestling at 157-pounds. Sophomore 184-pounder JJ Mitchell (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) and junior 165-pound wrestler Matt Regan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) both came just shy of the 20-match plateau as each finished with 19.

In last year’s Ithaca Invitational, Centenary placed in three weight classes with a pair of fifth-place finishes and one sixth. Vernon took fifth at 157-pounds and Mitchell placed fifth at 184. Wrestling at 133-pounds, Alsieux finished in sixth.

For updates on the Ithaca Invitational, click here.

After Saturday’s action, Centenary returns to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Wilkes.

Centenary College wrestling set a program record with 10 duals victories last year and fourth-year head coach John Garriques believes the team can do even better in 2009-10. With the return of three Metropolitan Conference Tournament placewinners, a class of 16 recruits and a new wrestling facility set to be ready in January of 2010, this season could be one of the best ever for Centenary wrestling.

In last season’s Metropolitan Championships, senior David Alsieux took third at 141, sophomore Owen Vernon finished third at 157 and was named a second alternate to the NCAA Wrestling Championships and junior Matt Regan lost in the 165-pound championship to place second. All three return, as do two sophomores who finished in the semifinals of wrestlebacks, JJ Mitchell at 184 and Tim Tomaino in the heavyweight class.

Garriques and his coaching staff also brought in 16 new wrestlers, many of whom will be expected to contribute right away. The group includes four New Jersey State qualifiers, two placewinners and three wrestlers who won more than 110 matches through their scholastic career.

The new wrestlers also include a pair of transfers, Jose Vega and Dan Butcher. Vega was a four-time District Champion and NJ State Qualifier at Wood-Ridge High School, compiling a career record of 133-18. He did not wrestle last season while at St. Peters College, but he is excited to step back on the mat and Garriques hopes he can step in right away at 125. Butcher wrestled at 141-pounds for St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., and finished the year with 11 victories, two pins, two technical falls and one major decision.

“This year is definitely our best recruiting class so far,” said Garriqes. “We brought in 16 new wrestlers, compiling eight State Qualifiers and seven state placewinners, from both New Jersey and Connecticut. We are looking to all of them to contribute right away.”

Along with their success on the mat, the 2008-09 Cyclones achieved the academic honor of having the 22nd-best GPA in Division III, earning a Scholar Team Award.

“I tell my guys all the time that they are living a fairy tale,” said Garriques. “One of our mottos is ‘rags to riches.’ The team is buying into it. When I first came here in the Fall of 2006, I saw a team that was struggling to keep their heads above water. In three years, we have been nationally ranked, had two NCAA National Qualifiers, had the 22nd-best GPA in the country and are now coming off our best season ever. We will be in our brand new state-of-the-art wrestling facility in January, and look for that to help take us to the top. I tell all of our recruits, if you want to become a building block for a strong academic and wrestling tradition, then Centenary may be the place for you.”

Coach Garriques Breaks Down Each Weight Class:

125 – Transfer Jose Vega from St. Peters College looks to step back on the mat after taking a year off from wrestling. Vega was a four-time District Champion and a four-time New Jersey State Qualifier at Wood-Ridge High School, compiling a career record of 133-18.

133 – This looks to be a very competitive weight class for us, with Anthony Bachmann making the transition to 133 from 125 last year. Sophomore Garrett Meagher, a transfer from the University of Arizona, will also look to earn the starting spot here.

Junior Josh Knerr from Belvidere High School will once again take a crack at the starting position, this time at 133-pounds. Two years ago he wrestled for us at 141. Freshman Cody Mooney from Raritan High School will look to turn some heads this year. He was a two-time District Champion during his impressive high school career and compiled a career record of 107-32.

141 – This will be another tough weight class. Metropolitan Conference third-place winner David Alsieux returns; he finished 2008-09 with a season record of 20-10. Transfer Dan Butcher is looking to make a direct impact coming from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C. Dan was a two-time District Champion at Westwood High School, a one-time Region champ and a two-time NJSIAA State Qualifier, including a sixth-place finish. His career high school record was 136-18. Also competing for the starting position will be James Valcius, who competed in some varsity matches last year.

149 – This weight class has a lot of depth with three freshman wrestlers who have seen their share of success. Ryan Clarke, from East Lynn, Conn., looks to improve on his stellar high school career. At East Lynn High School, Ryan was a three-time State Qualifier, placing sixth, second and third, on his way to a 158-26 career record. Another rookie looking to step up to the plate will be freshman Nick Bach from Parsippany High School. Bach was a three-time District Champion and a two-time region champ. He placed fourth and fifth at the NJSIAA State Championships on his way to a career record of 128-17.

Freshman Glen Cannici from Queen of Peace High School looks to make a name for himself. Cannici is also coming off of a very impressive high school career, where he was a District Champion, Region Champ and a three time NJSIAA State qualifier. He placed fifth in the New Jersey State Championships his sophomore year. Glen’s career high school record stands at 115-11. Also competing for this weight class will be senior Pat Bowen, who saw some success on the mat for the Cyclones during the 2007-2008 season.

157 – Sophomore tri-captain Owen Vernon looks to continue on last year’s success. He placed third in the Metropolitan Conference, won his true second match and was named second alternate to the NCAA Wrestling Champions. He led our team with a season record of 24-8. Owen wrestled for Hackettstown High School where he was a District Champion, Region Champion and placed third in New Jersey States. Junior Michael Montgomery from Roselle Park, another New Jersey State Qualifier, is looking to challenge Vernon for this spot.

165 – Junior tri-captain Matt Regan returns from last year’s team, bringing along with him a Metropolitan Conference second-place finish and a season record of 19-11. Brian Heaney, a freshman from Monsignor Donovan High School, will also challenge at this spot.

174 – Junior tri-captain Charles Cannella will look to jump into this spot after competing at 157-pounds last season. He won 10 matches for us last year and has 17 wins during his Centenary career, but with Vernon settled in at 157, Charles made the move to 174 and we expect that he will be successful.

184 – Sophomore JJ Mitchell, who wrestled locally at Hackettstown High School, looks to defend his starting position after being a Metropolitan Conference competitor last season. He finished in the semifinals of wrestlebacks in the Metropolitan Championships and looks to improve on that finish this season. He won 19 matches last year as a freshman and we expect him to do even better this season.

197 – Sophomore Tim Tomaino will drop down a weight class from being a starter and Metropolitan Conference competitor last year in the heavyweight class. He finished the season with an 8-7 record, but we feel he will be a force at 197. Freshman Matt Glassford, from Brick Memorial High School, will also look to challenge for the starting position at 197.

285 – We have a pair of former high school teammates who will battle all year to start at the heavyweight for us. Sophomore Mike Hall, a Madison, N.J. native, will look to regain his starting position after sustaining a season-ending injury last season. Russell Boardman, who competed with Mike at Madison High School, was a New Jersey State Qualifier and will keep Mike on his toes this season. 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (July 15, 2009) – Centenary wrestling head coach John Garriques has been selected as one of only 30 college coaches around the country to participate in the first-ever College Coaches Leadership Academy in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., between Aug. 4-6. The Academy will take place immediately prior to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Convention, with runs from Aug. 6-9.

The College Coaches Leadership Academy has been created by the NWCA to help selected coaches achieve success in the coaching profession. Garriques was recommended to the Academy’s Leadership Team and will be able to participate in quality seminars on leadership, goal setting and building successful programs.

The purpose of this focus group is to utilize peer group discussion among college coaches, athletic administrators and CEOs to develop the best practices for protecting and strengthening intercollegiate wrestling programs through this challenging economy. Specifically, the NWCA would like to help coaches strengthen their CEO skills and better align their programs with educational values. 

Nationally renowned coaching development expert, Dr. Dan Gould from Michigan State University, will be facilitating the discussions. In addition, he will be collaborating with some of our nation’s top athletic administrators, coaches and CEOs (with wrestling backgrounds) to begin the develop of faculty who will serve as facilitators at regional “Coaching Leadership” workshops around the nation once the training program is fully functional. 

Garriques led Centenary wrestling to its most successful season to date in 2008-09, compiling a 10-6 record in duals action. The team also triumphed off the mat, posting the 22nd-best GPA in Division III to earn a Scholar Team Award. The Cyclones boasted a team-GPA of 3.209.