UCNJ Owls Wrestle to 1-0 & Coach Rinaldi Claims Career Win Number One

West Long Branch, N.J. – UCNJ Owls took the turnpike south to Monmouth University defeating the Hawks, 36-16, on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

The Owls collected five falls in their first dual match of the season.

UCNJ Owls was trailing 10-6 after the first four weight classes, before rattling off three straight pins from Noryorky Jean (157), Griffin Jones (165), and Christian Ramos (174). The Owls then closed the book on the Hawks with back-to-back falls from Ryan Creary (197) and Brian Moyer Jr. (285).

The win also marks Coach Alex Rinaldi’s first career win as the program’s new Head Coach. Before the 2023 year ends, the Owls return to the mat this Friday, December 22, as they compete in the “The Rose Bowl of Wrestling” at the 90th Wilkes Open at Wilkes University. 

Below are the final results from the match against Monmouth University: 

Union College 36, Monmouth University 16

December 17, 2023 / Boylan Gym / Long Branch, N.J.

125: John Dooley (MU) over Naci Robinson (UC): 14-4 MD

133: Double Forfeit

141: Justin Vahdot (MU) over Forfeit

149: Jack Higuera Justo (UC) over Forfeit

157: Noryorky Jean (UC) over Novel Gill (MU): Fall (3:59)

165: Griffin Jones (UC) over Ryan Long (MU): Fall (1:09)

174: Christian Ramos (UC) over Yvemmanuel Nicolas (MU): Fall (1:26)

184: Luke Petaccia (MU) over Michael Nwosu (UC): Fall (4:14)

197: Ryan Creary (UC) over Matteo Casalinvovo (MU): Fall (2:32)

285: Brian Moyer Jr. (UC) over Nikko Polycandriotis (MU): Fall (1:31)