La Crosse, WI… The College of New Jersey wrestling team concluded competition for the year from the NCAA Division III National Championships. The Lions had one competitor in action today, freshman Dan Kilroy (Wayne, NJ / Wayne Hills).

Kilroy had already guaranteed himself All-American status after winning back-to-back matches on day one, following an opening round loss. Kilroy got off to good start, earning a takedown in the first period to take a 2-1 lead into the second period. His opponent, Sonnieboy Blanco of Washington & Jefferson, chose bottom to begin the second frame and earned the escape to even the match. However, Kilroy had amassed over one minute of riding time at that point, which would have earned him a bonus point at the matches end. The Lions chose an even stance to start the third period and Blanco was able to perform two take downs as the grapplers scrambled over the final two minutes to defeat Kilroy 6-4.

In the seventh place match, Kilroy matched up with Mike Labell of Johnson & Wales. Labell struck early, using a takedown and a near fall to take a 6-1 lead after the first period. Labell extended the lead in the second period, using a reversal and near fall to push the advantage to 10-1. Labell earned an escape point and Kilroy added a tally for riding time for the 11-2 final score.

Kilroy became the second straight Lion to finish in eighth place in the 174-pound weight class joining senior Doug Hamann (Jackson, NJ / Jackson Memorial). "My season has been about dreaming big, working hard, and taking advantage of opportunities" said Kilroy, "I have countless people to thank for helping me to be successful. It is an amazing feeling to achieve my goal." Kilroy closes out his freshman year leading TCNJ in both wins with 29 and pins with 12. The Lions have now had a wrestler earn All-American honors for the 47^th consecutive year.

As a team the Lions finish with 8.5 points, good enough for 35^th place in the 68 team field. "Our team fought hard all season." Claimed head coach Joe Galante, "Having a freshman All-American is important to the growth of our program. Our seniors battled all the way to the end and will know they left their best effort on the mat." TCNJ closed out the dual meet season with a 12-13 record.