Fort Wayne, IN… The College of New Jersey wrestling team competed on day one of the NWCA National Duals Thursday. The Lions won four bouts in their opening round match-up against Concordia University Wisconsin, but fell 22-15. TCNJ rebounded in their second match against Springfield College. The Lions won five match-ups, including two by fall, to secure a 22-18 victory. In the final and largest dual of the day, TCNJ won six bouts and defeated eighth ranked Concordia College Moorhead 23-18.

The two wins by the Lions were the 699th and 700th in the history of the wrestling program.

"Earning the 700th dual meet victory is an accomplishment that reflects the unwavering support and commitment from our team members, coaches, alumni, administratration, and of course fans," said Head Coach Joe Galante '07. "Only two other Division III programs have been able to reach this milestone and being a part of this team is truly an honor. We look forward to continuing the strong tradition of excellence the wrestling program has established at Trenton State College and The College of New Jersey!"
 
Luke Balina (Long Branch, NJ / Long Branch) had a strong showing for the Lions, winning his first bout over Eli Were by decision. His second bout of the day was a hard fought decision defeat to fifth ranked Zach Joseph. Balina fought back in his final bout of the day and earned a decision victory over tenth ranked Joseph Heinz.

Dan Kilroy (Wayne, NJ / Wayne) also went 2-1 on the day winning by pin fall over his opponent from Springfield, and earning a major decision win, that clinched the team victory, against Concordia College. JT Beirne (Fanwood, NJ / Scotch Plains-Fanwwod) finished the day 1-1 earning a pin fall win against Springfield.

The Lions return to the mat tomorrow morning at 9:00 am when they take on Baldwin Wallace for a guaranteed spot in the top eight. It would be the first top eight finish since 2005, when TCNJ placed fifth.
 
Concordia University - Wisconsin 22 The College of New Jersey 15
125: Dan Ortega (TCNJ) Tech fall. 16-1 Matthew Saldana (CU-WI); TCNJ leads 5-0
133: Mike Plaska (TCNJ) Maj dec. 18-10 Ramiro Vasquez (CU-WI); TCNJ leads 9-0
141: Anthony Gagliano (TCNJ) Dec. 11-9 Joshua Curcio (CU-WI); TCNJ leads 12-0
149: Miguel Betancourt (CU-WI) Dec. 5-0 Giancarlo Crivelli (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 12-3
157: Luke Balina (TCNJ) Dec. 8-2 Eli Were (CU-WI); TCNJ leads 15-3
165: Eric Martinson (CU-WI) Overtime dec. 6-4 Marcus Sherrod (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 15-6
174: Mason Mergener (CU-WI) Maj dec. 11-1 Dan Kilroy (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 15-10
184: Mitchell Slatton (CU-WI) Dec. 6-3 Jarryd Ley (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 15-13
197: Mason Baumgartner (CU-WI) Pin 2:25 Pat Schinder (TCNJ); CU-WI leads 19-15
HWT: John Hinson (CU-WI) dec. 9-3 Alex Mirabella (TCNJ); CU-WI wins 22-15

The College of New Jersey 22 Springfield College 18
125: Dan Ortega (TCNJ) Dec. 11-6 Joel Zambrano (SPRI); TCNJ leads 3-0
133: Ryan Erwin (TCNJ) Dec. 8-3 Ian Tolotti (SPRI); TCNJ leads 6-0
141: Andrew Mastrangelo (SPRI) Dec. 6-2 Anthony Gagliano (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 6-3
149: JT Beirne (TCNJ) Pin. 5:00 Kearney Gutierrez (SPRI); TCNJ leads 12-3
157: Zach Joseph (SPRI) Dec. 10-4 Luke Balina (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 12-6
165: Kellen Whitney (TCNJ) Maj dec. 8-0 Elias Kokalis (SPRI); TCNJ leads 16-6
174: Geovanni Medina (SPRI) Dec. 4-2 Jarryd Ley (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 16-9
184: Dan Kilroy (TCNJ) Pin 2:24 Severianel Burgos (SPRI); TCNJ leads 22-9
197: Hunter Ayen (SPRI) Pin 1:05 Alex Mirabella (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 22-15
HWT: Joe Fusco (SPRI) dec. 5-3 Sigala Fosam (TCNJ); TCNJ wins 22-18

The College of New Jersey 23 #8 Concordia College - Moorhead 18
125: Nic Mele (TCNJ) Frft. ; TCNJ leads 6-0
133: Ryan Erwin (TCNJ) Maj dec. 19-6 Aaron Dick (CC-M); TCNJ leads 10-0
141: Anthony Gagliano (TCNJ) Dec. 7-3 Adam Presler (CC-M) TCNJ leads 13-0
149: Blane Tschida (CC-M) Dec. 10-4 JT Beirne (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 13-3
157: Luke Balina (TCNJ) Dec. 5-1 Joseph Heinz (CC-M); TCNJ leads 16-3
165: Nick Herring (TCNJ) Dec. 7-4 Nick Gravdahl (CC-M); TCNJ leads 19-3
174: Dan Kilroy (TCNJ) Maj dec. 9-1 Jake Johnson (CC-M); TCNJ leads 23-3
184: Dan Marquette (CC-M) Dec. 8-1 David LoCascio (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 23-6
197: Hunter Santamour (CC-M) Pin 2:42 Alex Mirabella (TCNJ); TCNJ leads 23-12
HWT: Justice Davis (CC-M) Pin 0:48 Sigala Fosam (TCNJ); TCNJ wins 23-18