Two wrestlers will be representing New York University at the NCAA Division III National Championships, hosted by Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, on Friday and Saturday, March 14-15. The event will take place at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

The event is comprised of four sessions, as the wrestlers compete for individual national championship in each of the 10 weight classes. Along with individual championships, the event will also crown a team champion on Saturday night.

"We always look forward to Nationals, which is the culmination of a successful season," said Associate Head Coach Corey Luce. "Having it come back to the East coast makes travel much more enjoyable. And, as they say, the 'Hay is in the Barn' and both our guys are ready to compete."

The Violets' two representatives at the tournament are Jacob Venezia (133) and Cooper Pontelandolfo (157).

Venezia makes his debut at the NCAA Championships after a second-place finish at the regionals where he lost in the finals to Garett Totten from The College of New Jersey, who is ranked #3 nationally. Venezia heads into the tournament with a 22-9 record. 

"Jacob has been working very hard to get here. He is a perfect example of a guy who earned his bid," said Head Coach Bruce Haberli. "He is a consistently hard worker, which is accompanied with a great attitude. I couldn't be happier for him."

Venezia will face the bracket's #2-ranked wrestler, Peyton Ellis (28-2) of host Johnson & Wales. 

"It's a tough draw," Haberli added. "But, you wouldn't know it by speaking with Jacob. He's ready to wrestle anyone."

Pontelandolfo heads to his fourth National Championship after capturing the 157 title at regionals with a major decision (17-8) victory over Jason Rezac of Alvernia University. Pontelandolfo's first opponent on Friday will be Rhenzo Augusto of Elmhurst University.

A three-time All-American, Pontelandolfo is currently the #3-ranked wrestler in his weight class with an undefeated record of 31-0. In his previous berths at Nationals, Pontelandolfo finished sixth twice and third in last year's championships. There are currently two wrestler ranked above him at 157, Peter Kane of Williams College (#2, 37-0) and two-time National Champion Michael Petrella of Baldwin Wallace University (#1, 36-0). 

"I haven't had a wrestler more deserving of success than Cooper," Haberli suggested. "Cooper has his mind set on one thing, and that's winning this tournament. He is seeded third, but that doesn't seem to matter to him. Cooper lost to Kane in last year's NCAA Championships and they could easily see each other again in the semifinals. The number one seed has won two national titles already, so Cooper's work is cut out for him. But, we know he is more than game for this challenge."

NYU's first and only wrestling national champion was Nathan Pike, who won the 133-pound title in 2017.

Pontelandolfo and Venezia will attempt to reach that same height this year. 

"Whatever the outcome is, we are proud of both these guys," Haberli said.