Williamsport, PA – The College of New Jersey wrestling team rounded out a busy two days at the 24^th Annual Budd Whitehill Division III Wrestling Duals on Saturday splitting a pair of matches. The Lions started the day with a 29-16 setback against ninth-ranked York (PA) College, but finished off the tournament on a winning note topping Williams College, 33-16.
 
TCNJ finished went 3-2 over the course of the two days and moved its season mark to 7-4.
 
Against York, the Lions had a number of strong performances, including a pair of exciting wins in two of the lighter weight classes.  Sophomore PJ Schmidt (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) pulled out an 8-7 win at 133 while, while junior Dan Herr (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Knolls) pinned York's Chris Albright in 1:37. Albright entered the match ranked second nationally in that weight class.
 
TCNJ's other wins against York came at 157 and 165. Junior John Darling (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) posted an 11-0 major decision at 157, while sophomore KC Murphy (Hamburg, NJ/Wallkill Valley) posted a 4-0 triumph at 165.
 
Schmidt capped his banner tournament with a 16-1 technical fall against his 133-pound counterpart from Williams as he finished the two days with a perfect 5-0 record. Sophomore Omar Akel (Long Branch, NJ/Long Branch) added a win by fall at 174 pounds, while Murphy posted a major decision at 165. The Lions also won two bouts by forfeit with Joey DiCarlo (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) receiving one at 125 and Denver another at 184. Denver had a strong tournament winning all four of his bouts.
 
The Lions have a well-deserved break in the schedule as they are idle until Saturday, January 21 when they head to the Messiah College Open.