Williams Preview

Williams College had four wrestlers in the NEWA finals last year, but only one came away a winner.  Of those four, Ethan Cohen (the lone champ) and Dylan Rittenburg gained entry to the NCAA tournament, and both are back for 2008-2009 along with fellow runner-up Corey Paulish.  Paulish and Rittenburg are each moving up a weight, however, where they will agains challenge for spots in the 2009 NCAA tournament.  The top three from last season are all gone from 141, but Rittenburg will have to contend with the defending champ at 149.  Carl Breitenstein returns for his junior year at 157 after a 27 win season a year ago and All-New England 197 Kyle Ayer returns to improve on his 26-5 record in 2007-2008.  As for the newcomers, Ryan Malo transfers in from Boston University.  He was undefeated his senior year at St. John’s Prep and will wrestle 184 for the Ephs.  At 285, a trio of wrestlers come in, including 2x RI champ Ken Murgo and NJ qualifier Colin Curzi.  Williams placed third in New England last year and has a strong core ready to go for 2008-2009.

Team: Williams College
Head Coaches: Dan DiCenzo (Williams ’01) and Raf Vega (Edinboro ’99)
Years at School: 5

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 11-10
2007-2008 National Qualifiers: Ethan Cohen (NQ/125), Dylan Rittenburg (NQ/141)
Returning Qualifiers: Cohen and Rittenburg

Top returning wrestlers: 125 Ethan Cohen 1st NEWA NCAA Qualifier, 141 Corey Paulish 2nd NEWA (133), 149 Dylan Rittenburg 2nd NEWA NCAA Qualifier (141), 157 Carl Breitenstein 5th NEWA, 197 Kyle Ayer 4th NEWA

Top incoming wrestlers: 184 Ryan Malo (Boston University Transfer), 174 Nathaniel Kastan TN placer, 285 Ken Murgo 2x RI champ, 285 Colin Curzi  NJ state qualifier