The New York University wrestling team opened its 2025-26 season by winning the Ned McGinley Invitational on Saturday, November 1, at King's College in Willkes-Barre, PA.

It was the third consecutive first-place finish for NYU at the invitational.

The Violets produced seven top-three finishes in totaling 160.5 team points to win the title. Rochester Institute of Technology placed second with 151.5 points in the 12-team competition.

Two NYU wrestlers won their brackets: Alexander Diaz (125) and Jacob Venezia (133). 

Diaz produced one fall and three technical falls, including a 15-0 win over Jacob Delvecchio of York College in the finals.

Venezia posted five victories to win his weight class, three by fall, one by technical fall, and a 14-10 decision over Rocco Futia of SUNY Cortland in the final.   

Cristian Gioia (174) and James Carlock (141) both finished runner-up in their respective weight classes.

John Mairano (141), Nathan Faxon (285) and Nicky Bell (174) all took third place. 

"Good opening tournament for our wrestlers," said NYU Associate Head Coach Corey Luce. "Happy to see some of our younger guys have the success they had today. This should give us a lot of momentum heading into next week."

NYU will be back on the mat for the Racich Rumble, hosted by Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA, on Saturday, November 8.