2018-19 Schedule | NWCA Rankings

ITHACA, N.Y. – With the calendar set to turn to November, Ithaca College Athletics is set to head full bore into the winter sports season. One of Ithaca's oldest and most decorated winter athletics programs is the IC wrestling program, which kicks off its 2018-19 campaign this coming weekend when it plays host to the 36^th Annual Ithaca Invitational inside the Athletics & Events Center's Glazer Arena on Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3.
 
IC Wrestling is set to enter its 78^th season as a varsity program on South Hill in 2018-19. Expectations could not be higher for the Bombers this year, as the program is coming off a magical run last season that netted a Third-Place Team finish at the NCAA Division III Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. Ithaca enters this season ranked second in the country by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) in the association's initial poll released this past week. The high hopes are not unfounded, as the Bombers return a deep and experienced roster, headlined by five of the team's seven national qualifiers from a season ago. With several other grapplers poised for breakouts after a year-or-two of seasoning in the program, competition for the coveted weight-class slots come the season's second half figures to be intense. That does not even mention an outstanding incoming crop of 11 first-year newcomers to the program who have already impressed in their first couple months on South Hill. The 2018-19 installment of IC Wrestling is expected to be one of the deepest and most talent-laden groups in head coach Marty Nichols' tenure with the program.
 
The Bombers wrestling dynasty truly could not be in a better place heading into the year, which will be Nichols 23^rd season at the helm of his alma mater. The 1990 Ithaca College graduate had a season to remember in 2017-18, ultimately going down as the program's finest in his two-decades-plus leading IC's grapplers. Ithaca posted a 14-2 record in dual-meet action, which included a third-place finish at the NWCA National Duals in Fort Wayne, Ind., that was the highest place the program had ever recorded since the inception of the event. The Bombers went on to capture a fifth consecutive Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference (ECWC) Team Championship later in the month of January, setting the stage for the stretch run. In the program's first season competing in the newly aligned Mideast Region, IC took first-place as a team, qualifying seven wrestlers to the National Championships in Cleveland's Public Auditorium. The extended weekend in Cleveland kicked off with Nichols being inducted into the NWCA Hall of Fame as a coach, while he was also named NWCA National Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. The good vibes continued right into competition action, as the Bombers posted five All-American finishers, which included the program's 12^th National Champion in 141-pounder Ben Brisman, en route to a Third-Place finish as a team that was the highest mark in Nichols coaching tenure. He went onto to be named Coach of the Tournament by the NCAA.
 
There is no doubt that it takes an incredible amount of effort, strength and will to make it to near the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling like the Bombers did a season ago. However, Ithaca has aspirations to reach even higher this season, as Ithaca looks poised to make a serious run for the program's fourth National Title. Standing between IC and that potential title is a five-month endurance test that will pit the program against some of the best competition in the entire country.
 
The schedule's first half includes the familiar list of events, taking the program to some of the most challenging invitational style tournaments on the East Coast prior to the Winter Break intermission. Beginning with the Ithaca Invitational this coming weekend, the Bombers will head to three other major events, which includes cross-divisional against some Division I competition at the Northeast Duals, Journeymen Collegiate Open, and the New York State Collegiate Championships. IC wraps its invitational slate with the loaded field at the New Standard Spartan Invitational at York College (Pa.) during the first weekend of December. The Bombers open dual competition up in the Oswego State Tri-Match during the second weekend of month to conclude the season's first half.
 
Ithaca kicks off the back half of its schedule during the first week of the New Year, when it travels to Louisville, Ky., for the NWCA National Duals on Friday, January 4, and Saturday, January 5. The Bombers will look to defend their five straight conference titles when they head to Brockport for the 2019 ECWC Championships on Saturday, January 19. The dual meet season heats up down the stretch, which includes a road swing to perennially strong programs in Centenary (N.J.) and Delaware Valley during the final week of January. IC then makes its long-awaited return to the Hill Center during the first weekend of February when it plays host to the Ithaca Quad, welcoming SUNY Oneonta, Wesleyan and Williams on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3). IC faces Wilkes for its final home meet on Friday, February 8, while the Bombers conclude the dual-meet slate with the annual Rumble & Tumble combined wrestling and gymnastic meet, to be held at SUNY Cortland this season, on Wednesday, February 13.
 
The NCAA Mideast Regionals bring the Bombers back to Brockport during the final weekend of February, with first-day action beginning in the afternoon on Saturday, February 23, and NCAA bids determined on Sunday, February 24. The NCAA Division III Championships head south this year, as Ferrum College plays host to the two-day event at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, Va., on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.
 
Keep reading to get a weight-class breakdown of the Bombers heading into the 2018-19 season.
 
125 LB
The Bombers look to be well-stocked at the lightest weight-class with all three of their upperclassmen returning this season. Headlining the way is the obvious return of senior standout Ferdinand Mase, while the brother tandem of Anthony Stramiello and Johnny Stramiello should also provide some needed depth in the class in 2018-19.
 
Building on a solid run towards the end of his sophomore campaign, Mase broke out on the national stage a season ago. He amassed an excellent record of 32-7 on the year with over half of his victories coming with bonus points. On the cusp of the national rankings throughout the season, Mase turned in one of the great surprises of the first day of the NCAA Division III Championships when he best top-seed CJ Pestano of Central in one of the first matches of the day. Although his un-seeded run was stymied in his third match of the day, he rallied for two victories in the wrestle-backs to earn a seventh-place finish and his first career NCAA All-America honor.
 
The expectations are ramped up for Mase, one of Ithaca's three senior captains, this coming season. He enters the year tabbed fourth in the nation in 125-pound weight-class in the initial rankings release by the NWCA. Mase stands to be major contender this season.
 
The Stramiello brothers saw limited action a season ago, appearing in just six bouts between the pair. Injuries were the main culprit limiting the duo, but the pair have shown well during the preseason and should provide a nice boost behind Mase this season now that they are back to full strength.
 
133 LB
One of the deepest and most interesting weight-classes for Ithaca this season is at 133-pounds. Ithaca has as many as eight grapplers that could factor in at the weight, making for some challenging decisions to be made when NCAA competition comes calling at the end of the season.
 
The discussion would figure to start with Tito Colom, one of IC's five returners that made an appearance at the National Championships this past March. Colom had a great sophomore season, posting an overall record of 30-16. However, he really seemed to flourish as the stakes rose towards the end of last season. The second-year talent had a fantastic run in the NCAA Mideast Regionals, scoring two victories in the wrestle-back to qualify for his first NCAA Nationals trip. Colom also posted a nice result in the first day of the competition, defeating a seeded wrestler in Johns Hopkins' Ricky Cavallo in the opening round. Although his run was stymied following that victory, it was a promising first appearance for Colom.
 
Four other IC grapplers saw action at the weight a season ago. William Escobar had a promising rookie campaign with a 5-8 record, while classmate Jeremy Puente also appeared in 13 bouts, going 3-10. Nate Hansen and Matt Kelley also appeared sparingly, posting records of 2-4 and 4-6, respectively. Expect to see some of these names really break out in their second years with the program.
 
Another second-year talent that was held out of competition due to injury a season ago is Ray Wetzel, who looks poised to insert his name in the mix this winter. Wetzel has been getting rave reviews from the program this year and could turn into a major cog at the weight.
 
Additionally, first-year newcomer Logan Ninos will look to make the jump to the collegiate level after a strong prep career at Northampton. Ninos has considerable credentials, earning status as a PIAA State Qualifier and a four-year letterwinner for the program.
 
141 LB
The 141-pound weight class is not quite as stocked as its predecessors at 133, but the weight boasts a considerable group of talent as well, headlined by IC's returning National Champion in Ben Brisman.
 
The 2017-18 campaign was a magical one for Brisman, as his second year in the program witnessed him breakout into one perhaps the story of the season for IC. The special season began from the start, as Brisman rolled strong performances at the Journeyman and New York State Championships into a consistent Top-10 rank that he held throughout the season. He posted a 37-5 overall record for the year, which included victories over the Top-2 seeds at the NCAA Championships in Cleveland. Brisman earned IC's 12^th individual National Championship with a 10-7 decision over top-seed Brett Kaliner of Stevens, avenging two defeats to Kaliner during the year.
 
Once again, 141-pounds looks to be a battle between IC and Stevens, as Troy Stanich makes the bump to 141-pounds after competing at 133 a season ago. Brisman enters the year as the top-ranked grappler at the weight class, while Stanich sits in second.
 
Behind Brisman, the Bombers have a few other returners at the weight in Joe Rorick, Alex Brutcher, as well as Chris Wymer. Wymer is the most experienced of the group, appearing in 17 bouts a season ago and posting a 10-7 record. He returns for his final season of eligibility and could make an impact either a 141-pounds or 149-pounds. Rorick made 13 appearances last year, posting a 6-7 overall record, while Brutcher made seven appearances in his sophomore season.
 
A pair of rookies also complement the group in Dylan Earl and Brandon Judge. Earl continues IC's pipeline into Monroe Woodbury, as he was a two-time place-winner at the New York State Championships. Judge arrives from the Scranton area of Pennsylvania where he was also a two-time PIAA State Qualifier.
 
149 LB
The 149-pound weight class will be an interesting one for the Bombers, as the group boasts several familiar faces heading into the year. Expect this group to be an evolving story as the season continues.
 
A season ago, the slot at 149-pounds looked to be a potential point-scoring spot for the Bombers heading into the NCAA Championships. With Sammy Schneider returning following a fantastic freshman campaign, the Bombers figured to have a potential National Title contender. Unfortunately, Schneider's season came to an abrupt end at the NWCA National Duals, as he suffered a significant injury in the semifinal dual against Wartburg that kept him out of action for the remainder of the season. Schneider continues his recovery from the unfortunate injury and it is unclear whether he will be able to return to full strength in time to be a contributor this season.
 
Current seniors Demetri D'Orsaneo and Jawan Jones both stepped in admirably for Schneider down the stretch and the duo along with the potential for Wymer, provide significant and talented depth at the slot. D'Orsaneo got the nod for the NCAA Mideast Regionals and nearly earned his first career NCAA Championship qualification, falling just short in the third-place match. He finished the year with a 15-12 overall record. Jones also made 24 appearances a season ago, posting a 10-13 record between 157-pounds and 149-pounds. He went 2-2 down the stretch at 149.
 
Joining the group this season is Anthony Palmiotto, a local talent from Ithaca High School. He was a part of the IHS wrestling program for four years, which included being named a captain each of his final two seasons. He earned All-League and All-Section honors during those years. First-year Colin Murphy may also factor in at this weight or may push at 157-pounds as well. He had a strong prep career at Stroudburg in Pennsylvania and will try to make an impact in his initial jump to the collegiate level.
 
157 LB
The 157-pound class is another stocked group that boasts considerable experience. Three senior upperclassmen seem to lead the way here in Anthony Fano, Greg Lee, and Austin Whitney.
 
Whitney was the primary grappler at this weight a season ago. Transferring from rival SUNY Cortland, Whitney thrived immediately upon his arrival on South Hill. On the periphery of the national rankings throughout the year, he finished the season with a 22-7 mark on the year. Fueling his fire this offseason has been how the year concluded for the standout grappler. Expected to be in contention for NCAA National qualification, Whitney suffered an injury in the Mideast Regionals that clearly had an impact as the event continued. Whitney's bid fell just short at the event; however, he has come back stronger than ever and looks in form to be a significant challenger at the weight.
 
Lee and Fano have been long-time contributors for the Bombers over the past three seasons. Fano wrestled most of last season at 165, but may bounce between the two weights this season. He posted a 10-7 mark on the year. Lee also has two-way ability, but stayed at 157 most of last season, posting a 4-7 record in 11 bouts.
 
165 LB
The first of two weight classes that figure have a big new look this season is 165-pounds, as the Bombers graduate one of the program's all-time winningest grapplers in Nick Velez. Although he is still with the program as an assistant coach, the squad will miss the services of the two-time All-American and 2018 National Runner-Up at the weight.
 
The group coming in this year has a nice blend of talent and upside. Potentially leading the way at the weight is another transfer in Steven Rice, who wrestled at 174 a season ago in his first season at IC, but will be looking to make an impact a weight class lighter this season. The Muhlenberg College transfer posted a solid 15-13 record in a complementary role a season ago and will look to grow that impact in year two with the program.
 
Alec Corrao also figures to have a say at this weight after turning in a promising freshman campaign last season. He finished with a 12-8 record and easily would have had more appearances if not for a nagging injury that kept him in-and-out of the lineup.
 
Al Ciccitto also returns to the group following a one-year hiatus from the program. Like Corrao, Ciccitto had a promising freshman campaign that featured a 12-12 record with seven of those wins coming by way of pin.
 
This class also has an impressive first-year newcomer joining the ranks in Tristen Schiafo. The rookie posted over 100 victories during his prep career at Red Hook and was a five-time Section IX finalist. As a senior, he earned a Section IX Championships as well as qualification to the New York State Championships.
 
174 LB
The 174-pound weight class will also need to identify a new go-to option, as two-time NCAA Championships qualifier Jaison White also completed his final year of eligibility in 2017-18. Like Velez, he still works with the program in the training room, but it will be new faces making the impact on the mat this year.
 
The leading candidates to push for appearances are Isaiah Mayes and Eze Chukwuezi. Mayes enters his second year with the program, but did not make any appearances a season ago. Chukwuezi is on campus for his first semester as a collegian after an excellent prep career in Fredricksburg, Va. He posted a third-place finish at the State Championships as a junior, before returning to win a State Championship as a senior.
 
Don't be surprised to see some other names factor in here as the season continues.
 
184 LB
The Bombers look well positioned to have a National Title contender at 184-pounds, as Jake Ashcraft looks to complete some unfinished business from a season ago in his final year of collegiate eligibility. He leads the way at this class by a wide margin.
 
Ashcraft had been on the national radar heading into his junior campaign, but the 2017-18 season witnessed the Glenville, N.Y., native evolve into one of the most feared grapplers in the country. He had a simply phenomenal season, posting a 41-4 record and recording an otherworldly 28 pins. He was named the country's Most Dominant Wrestler by the NCAA, a statistic used by tracking points per bout. Coasting to ECWC and NCAA Mideast Regional Championships, Ashcraft looked poised for a showdown with two-time National Champion Jordan Newman in the final. Unfortunately, everyone was robbed of that epic showdown when Ashcraft suffered a stunning defeat to Western New England's John Boyle in the Second Round. IC's main man rebounded with three pins in the wrestle-backs, finished off his third-place All-America run with some revenge in a tech fall over Boyle.
 
Ashcraft enters the year on a mission to complete what he started a season ago. He is the odds on favorite at the weight entering the season, ranking first at 184-pounds in the NWCA's initial release.
 
Junior Dalton Elias also figures to provide some excellent depth at the position. Elias registered a 15-12 record between 184-pounds and 197-pounds a season ago. Look for him to assert his role now as an upperclassman with two years under his belt in the program.
 
A couple rookies that may also see time at the weight are Graden Alpert and Tyler Sobel. Alpert registered over 150 career wins at Spencer Van-Etten during his prep career, while Sobel was a two-time All-Area Honorable Mention during his prep career in Pennington, N.J. Both will look to make a successful jump to the collegiate level this winter.
 
197 LB
The 197-pound weight class looks to be an intriguing one for the Bombers. Of the higher weights, this class in particular looks to be loaded with quality options and will look to identify some national challengers. IC was never fully able to find the right fit for the weight a season ago with the graduation of 2017 National Runner-Up Carlos Toribio. However, this season looks promising, as the group has an intriguing blend of experience and young talent that should make it a potential scoring group for the Bombers this year.
 
Dymir Davis-Carruth saw the most action at the weight a season ago, turning in a 12-11 record during his first year as a collegian. Highlighting his year were solid showings at the NWCA National Duals and the NCAA Mideast Regional; however, he seems poised to make a big jump in his development this winter.
 
Tanner Nielsen also returns for his third year with the program. He posted a 6-6 record in limited action this year, but could be poised to push for a bigger role in 2018-19.
 
Excitement will also be provided by Dane Harter and Elijah Rodriguez who have turned some heads in their first season with the program.
 
Harter arrives to South Hill from Baton Rouge, La., where he was a four-year standout at St. Michael's. He was a two-time LHSAA State Championships place-winner during his prep career; however, his real talent was shown on the Greco-Roman circuit. He was named an All-American and posted a third-place finish at the US Open at the UWW Junior Greco-Roman National Tournament.
 
Rodriguez was a three-time All-Nassau County Champion during his final three years at Long Beach. He also was a New York State Champion as a senior. Rodriguez may also see some time at 285-pounds this season.
 
285 LB
The Bombers final NCAA Qualifier and lone two-time All-American returning to the squad this season is at 285-pounds, as Jake O'Brien returns for one final shot at a National Title.
 
O'Brien had another dynamite year as a junior, posting a 29-7 record en route to his second consecutive All-America nod. Ranked in the Top-5 throughout the season, he advanced to the Quarterfinal Round, before getting worn down by some of his bigger opposition at the heavyweight division. O'Brien rallied to take fifth-place at the NCAA Championships in Cleveland, a three-slot improvement from the previous season, however he knows that more is definitely within reach entering 2018-19.
 
O'Brien enters the year ranked third in the country in the NWCA's initial poll and will be quite familiar with the opposition ahead of him in ECWC rival James Bethel from SUNY Oneonta and defending 2018 National Champion Jake Evans from Waynesburg.
 
First-year newcomer Bailey Paster provides depth at the position. He was a four-year letterwinner at Demarest High School in New Jersey, where he was a two-time State Championships qualifier. Rodriguez may also see time at the slot this season.