Senior Insert
 
EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey wrestling team extended its winning streak to 16 straight matches defeating Messiah College 34-7 on Senior Night Saturday. With the victory, the Lions (16-1) snapped a six match losing streak against the Falcons (15-6). Prior to the match, TCNJ honored its five outgoing senior members, JT Beirne, Ryan Budzek, Mark Gerstacker, Kyle McIntyre, and Alex Mirabella.
 
After 10^th-ranked Josiah Gehr gave the Falcons an early 4-0 lead, Jake Giordano earned a four-point near fall as the final buzzer sounded, turning a major decision into a technical fall. The bonus point gave the Lions their first lead of the match.
 
At 141, Anthony Rua scored early and often earning a major decision. The win is the 21^st of the season for the sophomore. Budzek punctuated his career in Packer Hall win a dominant victory. A takedown early in the third period secured Budzek's sixth technical fall of the season.
 
Beirne was in a tight bout at 157 when he secured a takedown in the waning moments of the second period to extend his advantage to 4-1. With a takedown and riding time added in the third period, Beirne secured the victory.
 
John Garda fought to overtime at 165, but his opponent scored the takedown to earn the sudden victory decision.
 
Dan Kilroy earned a bonus point at 174, racking up nearly four minutes of control to earn the major decision. Daniel Surich ensured the Lions would take the team victory, securing a major decision of his own.
 
Mirabella ensured the seniors would close out the night 3-0 using over four minutes of riding time to help earn a 5-0 decision. Steven Giannios ended the night with a bang, securing a first round pin for the final score.
 
The Lions will compete at the futures tournament hosted by Muhlenberg College on Feb. 17 as a final tune-up before NCAA Regionals.
 
#13 The College of New Jersey 34, Messiah College 7
125 – Josiah Gehr (MESS) Maj. Christian Deehan 17-4      Messiah Leads 4-0
133 – Jake Giordano (TCNJ) T.F. Dalton Daugherty 18-1 7:00          TCNJ Leads 5-4
141 – Anthony Rua (TCNJ) Maj. Nick Nunez 15-2 TCNJ Leads 9-4
149 – Ryan Budzek (TCNJ) T.F. Michael Bellerose 18-1 5:25            TCNJ Leads 14-4
157 – JT Beirne (TCNJ) Dec. Kevin Edwards 7-2     TCNJ Leads 17-4
165 – David Stevens (MESS) Dec. John Garda 6-4 SV-1     TCNJ Leads 17-7
174 – Dan Kilroy (TCNJ) Maj. Brian Shermeyer 13-3           TCNJ Leads 21-7
184 – Daniel Surich (TCNJ) Maj. Spencer Clements 11-2   TCNJ Leads 25-7
197 – Alex Mirabella (TCNJ) Dec. Karrington Washington 5-0         TCNJ Leads 28-7
HWT – Steven Giannios (TCNJ) Pin Dennis Karas 2:49        TCNJ Wins 34-7