MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Competing at home for the first time this season, the Wesleyan wrestling team overcame a 10-0 deficit to defeat the Anchormen of Rhode Island College by a score of 23-20. The Cardinals (7-6) defeat RIC (9-9) for the second time in six days as Wesleyan won the consolation title match at the New England Wrestling Association Dual Championships 30-21 over the Anchormen.

• RESULTS

Wesleyan left themselves in an early hole, losing the first three bouts of the night, two of which by decision. Thomas Malone kept the early pressure going for RIC as he came up with a takedown with under 20 seconds left to defeat Kellen Horst '26 at 141, putting RIC ahead 10-0.
 
The Cardinals' comeback started with a tech fall at 149, with CJ Shea '25 landing a dominating 16-1 victory to cut the deficit in half. Aaron Goldman '23 avenged his 8-5 defeat at the hands of Eric Zane last weekend with a 7-2 victory at home, landing a crucial takedown early to make Zane go on the offensive looking for scores.
 
Jack Reusing '25 then fell to Nate Lackman by major decision, 11-2, limiting the damage to only four points on the board for RIC as Lackman is the reigning NCAA Champion at 165.
 
The match-defining run came in the next three weight classes as Marco Gaita '23 landed a big pin of Chris McCarthy to tie the score at 14 apiece. Aris Dashiell '25 then came up with a last-second takedown to pick up a crucial extra point, going from a decision to a major decision with a 15-6 victory.
 
Needing a victory at 197 to seal the match, Dean Omirly '25 did so in a big way, landing a 16-1 tech fall win over Jack Reiter to secure the dual win for the Cardinals.
 
Wesleyan is back at home next weekend with a quad meet featuring Williams, Ithaca, and Oneonta on Saturday, February 4 starting at 1 PM in the Bacon Field House.