Freshman Cooper Pontelandolfo of New York University's wrestling team completed his run at the NCAA Division III Championships with a sixth-place finish in the 165-pound bracket at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, IA on Saturday afternoon.

"We're all extremely proud of Cooper. He had a heck of a tournament," said Senior Assistant Coach Corey Luce. "He lost some close matches, but found a way to the podium."

The New Jersey native won a pair of matches on Friday to secure All-America status as the top eight grapplers in each weight class garner the lofty honor. Pontelandolfo became just the second freshman All-American in program history, capping off an exceptional debut season for NYU.

"We are not surprised by him coming out here and being an All-American," Luce added. "He does everything right as a freshman, showing up to practice early, never missing a practice or lift. He does all of those little things right and that's why he is where he is."

Pontelandolfo began today by defeating Austin Lamb of RIT, 5-3, in overtime. He had the potential to finish as high as third in the bracket, but dropped his next two bouts to land a sixth-place result in his first-ever trip to Nationals.

He concludes the 2021-22 season with a 30-7 record, 13 technical falls, seven major decisions and two pins. Pontelandolfo was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Rookie of the Year after claiming first in the 165-pound bracket at the Association meet.

Teammates Matt Kelly, Jason Geyer and Trent Furman joined Pontelandolfo at Nationals as NYU sent a program-record-tying four wrestlers to the Championships.