The 2021 University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship was canceled due to Covid.

Returning in 2022, the format was different but the results were the same as the New York University Wrestling Team again captured the title. The Violets (136.5 points) outscored the University of Chicago (105.5) and host Case Western Reserve University (33) to win their eighth title in the last 10 competitions and their 12th overall under Head Coach Bruce Haberli.

The Championship was held on Saturday, February 12, in Cleveland, OH.

For the first time, the UAA Championship was not contested as a team vs. team event. Rather, it was determined by points accumulated by the wrestlers in each bracket, and five NYU wrestlers won their individual weight classes.

"The new format presented a challenge to all 15 of our wrestlers, and every guy we brought contributed to this championship," said Senior Assistant Coach Corey Luce. "We stressed to our team that bonus points were going to be the deciding factor to separate us from the field, and they all went out there and wrestled aggressively and put points on the score board."

At 125 pounds, Tyler Crew and Benny Bautista each won their two bouts and recorded a fall, with Crew being declared the bracket champion. 

At 141, Danny Lightfoot went 2-0 with a fall and major decision to earn the title.

At 165, Cooper Pontelandolfo recorded technical falls in all three of his bouts and won the bracket. He was named UAA Rookie of the Year for his effort, while NYU earned Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

"Cooper has been consistent all season for us," Luce revealed. "He works hard everyday in the room, so there is little surprise to his success."

At 197, Matt Kelly earned the #1 spot by defeating his two opponents by technical fall and decision. 

At heavyweight, Will Ortman's major decision and decision lifted him to the title.   

"It felt great to compete today," Lightfoot said. "Everyone wrestled hard. We're one step closer to regionals and getting better by the day."

The team is back in action on Saturday, February 19, for a tri-meet at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. The NCAA Northeast Regionals will be held on Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 26-27, at Springfield College in Springfield, MA.