After 10th-seeded wrestler reaches NCAA final, N.J. program appears ready to take huge step
Joe Dubuque just coached his first All-American as head coach and feels it will be a springboard for the program.
CLEVELAND - Marc-Anthony McGowan’s run to the NCAA 125-pound final might be the spark that ignites the Princeton University wrestling team back to national prominence. Princeton’s third-year coach Joe Dubuque looked at McGowan’s second-place finish as a result that could invigorate a program which was already looking up after some challenges the last few years. The Tigers won just four matches this season but saw five of their potential starters - including McGowan - suffer injuries that kept them out for extended time.
They also lost several close matches including one on a controversial thrown headgear call . The two previous seasons when the Tigers finished around . 500, several assistant coaches left either before or during the season, leaving Dubuque’s staff short-handed as he tried to replace the greatest senior class in school history that graduated in 2023.
But looking at next season, the Tigers should be one of the country’s most improved teams. They return nine of their 10 starters - with heavyweight Sebastian Garibaldi the only wrestler to move on. In addition to McGowan, freshman Matthew Martino (141 pounds), juniors Eligh Rivera (149) and Ty Whalen (165) and sophomore Holden Garcia (174) were all national qualifiers this season.
Princeton will also welcome back former national qualifier Kohl Muhlhauser (197) and Tyler Vazquez (157) from season-ending injuries. Vincenzo LaValle, a multiple-time New Jersey state finalist, is in greyshirt but should be an impact wrestler at 184 pounds. The Tigers also have a strong incoming recruiting class including Faith Christian (Pa.
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