Springfield, Mass. - January 15, 2022 - The Springfield College wrestling team jumped out to a 16-0 lead and never looked back as it cruised past Wesleyan, 31-12, on Saturday afternoon.
It was a historic event for the wrestling program, as it hosted what is believed to be the first-ever wrestling match in the historic Judd Gymnasia, which was built in 1894 and was where James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, taught classes and coached the school's basketball team.
Gianni Manginelli (Dumont, N.J.) battled his way to a 9-0 major decision to start off the match at 133, before Jacques St. Jean (Goffstown, N.H.) and Joseph Parsons (Waldwick, N.J.) each delivered pinfalls in 2:30 at 141 and 149 to put the Pride in control early.
After Wesleyan picked up a decision at 157, Jake Harry (Lancaster, N.Y.) responded with a 9-4 decision at 165 and Max Grzymala (Goldens Bridge, N.Y.) rallied late in the third period for a 9-7 decision at 174. Wesleyan added another decision at 184, but Sam Ware (Oakham, Mass.) put his opponent on his back in 2:01 for six more points. At 285, Tyson Jones (Albany, N.Y.) returned to the lineup and toughed out a 5-2 decision before the Pride forfeited the final bout of the match to close out the 31-12 score.
Members of the wrestling team will next compete in the Wildcat Open next Saturday.
For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Springfield "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.
Springfield 31, Wesleyan 12
133: Gianni Manginelli (SPR) defeats Max Martinez (WES) by major decision, 9-0
141: Jacques St. Jean (SPR) defeats CJ Shea (WES) by pinfall, 2:30
149: Joseph Parsons (SPR) defeats Andrew Maiorini (WES) by pinfall, 2:30
157: Aaron Goldman (WES) defeats Noah Beal Hernandez (SPR) by decision, 5-2
165: Jake Harry (SPR) defeats Jack Reusing (WES) by decision, 9-4
174: Max Grzymala (SPR) defeats Marcus Brown (WES) by decision, 9-7
184: Duncan Kreutter (WES) defeats John Summers (SPR) by decision, 5-1
197: Sam Ware (SPR) defeats Josh Khoshayev (WES) by pinfall, 2:01
285: Tyson Jones (SPR) defeats Kolton Gagnon (WES) by decision, 5-2
125: Greg Fischer (WES) wins by forfeit
