The New York University wrestling team captured its 13th University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship, defeating the University of Chicago and Case Western Reserve University on Saturday, February 17, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

The Violets, currently #10 in the most recent NCAA Division III Tournament Rankings, totaled 146.5 team points. Chicago placed second with 118.5 points, while Case Western Reserve took third place with 45.5.

The victory today marked the second UAA title captured by NYU teams on consecutive days, as the Violets' women's basketball team earned their UAA Championship on Friday night with a victory over Washington University in St. Louis.

NYU produced seven individual winners.

Benny Bautista earned the UAA title in the 125-pound bracket, defeating both of his opponents by major decision. Thomas Fischer took third, recording a loss in the first round and then a victory by fall in his final bout.

At 133, Jacob Venezia bested all three of his opponents, recording technical falls over Jacob Lachs of Chicago and Jacob Gregory of Case Western Reserve, before pinning Michael Valerino of Case in his final bout.

Anthony Chavez defeated Calvin Cai of Case (9-2) and Brenden Connolly of Chicago (9-6) to take the title in the 149-pound bracket. Teammate Vincenzo Napolitana took third in the weight class, also recording two regular-decision victories.

At 157, NYU's two-time All-American Cooper Pontelandolfo defeated both Marty Landes of CWRU and Thomas Wagner of Chicago by technical fall before defeating Drew Vlasnik of Chicago by major decision to earn his second UAA Championship title.

Jason Geyer won his second straight UAA Championship at 174, defeating his final opponent, Sean Bishop of Case by technical fall (16-0). Geyer also recorded victories by technical fall and fall.

Trent Furman took the individual title at 184 after pinning Chicago's Wyatt Haynes in 0:34. Fellow Violet Nicky Bell placed second in the three-person weight class, recording a major decision over Haynes.

Sophomore Evan Anderson recorded falls in each of his three bouts today to capture his second consecutive UAA Championship at 285 pounds.

 "It's very satisfying after a rough championship last year. It's been a long year waiting for this," said Head Coach Bruce Haberli. "I feel we wrestled very well today, but I think we're capable of wrestling even better." 

In addition to the individual champions, awards were presented for UAA Most Outstanding Wrestler (Pontelandolfo), UAA Rookie of the Year (Simon Bishop of Case Western Reserve), and UAA Coaching Staff of the Year (University of Chicago, headed by Leo Kocher).

Members of the team will return to action next Sunday, February 25, when they travel to Ewing, NJ, to compete in The College of New Jersey's Futures Tournament.