PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania wrestling team closes out its dual meet schedule on Thursday, Feb. 19, hosting Rider University for Senior Day at the Palestra. The match, set to begin at 7 p.m., will honor the team’s graduating class as the Quakers aim to finish the season strong against a formidable opponent. This Senior Day showdown marks the final home competition for a group of Penn wrestlers who have contributed to the program’s ongoing development.
Rider enters the contest with a 12-5 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in Mid-American Conference (MAC) action, while Penn holds a 6-4 record overall and a 2-3 record in Ivy League competition. The Broncs have been on a roll, securing wins against Drexel, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven in recent weeks. The Quakers, however, are looking to snap a losing streak after falling to Lehigh and Princeton on the road last weekend. Despite the losses, Penn demonstrated resilience, with several wrestlers performing well individually.
A Challenging Series History
The series between Penn and Rider has historically favored the Broncs, who hold a 5-3 advantage overall. Adding to the challenge for the Quakers, Rider has won the last five meetings, dating back to a 20-18 victory in 2018. Penn’s last win against Rider came during the 2011-12 season, when they defeated the Broncs 22-9 in Philadelphia. Overcoming this historical trend will be a key objective for the Quakers on Thursday.
Quakers Reflect on a Busy Weekend
Penn’s recent schedule was demanding, featuring dual meets against #15 Lehigh and Princeton before culminating in the Lock Haven Open II. At Lehigh, the Quakers fell 24-14, and at Princeton, they were defeated 23-14. Despite the team losses, Jude Swisher and Cross Wasilewski stood out, remaining undefeated in duals throughout the weekend. Swisher secured victories over #11 Logan Rozynski (3-1) and Rocco Camillaci (15-3), while Wasilewski topped Matt Repos (12-2) and #10 Eligh Rivera (11-2).
The Lock Haven Open II saw Nathan Taylor (141) and Xander Kuokkanen (184) achieve runner-up finishes, leading the charge for Penn. John Vinciguerra earned a third-place finish at heavyweight, and Deven Casey landed in fourth place at 133, rounding out the Quakers’ podium finishers. These individual performances highlight the depth of talent within the Penn wrestling program.
Honoring the Class of 2026
Thursday’s match will be particularly special as the University of Pennsylvania wrestling team will recognize its graduating seniors. The program will honor Evan Bennett, CJ Composto, Matthew Cruise, Kelly Dunnigan, Hunter Gandy, Kyle Hauserman, Brady Pruett, Adam Thomson, Andy Troczynski, and Lance Urbas for their dedication and contributions to the team. This Senior Day celebration adds an emotional layer to an already important competition.
Ranked Wrestlers to Watch
Penn boasts a strong lineup of nationally ranked wrestlers. Sophomore Cross Wasilewski currently holds the #5 ranking at 149 pounds. #9 CJ Composto (141), #11 Jude Swisher (157), #12 Evan Mougalian, #19 Sean Seefeldt, and #25 Davis Motyka too feature in the Intermat and FloWrestling rankings. Wasilewski, in particular, has been impressive this season, maintaining a 23-2 overall record and a 9-1 dual record.
Scouting the Broncs’ Strengths
Rider arrives in Philadelphia on a three-meet winning streak, having defeated Drexel, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven. The Broncs also feature a strong contingent of ranked wrestlers, including #14 Eli Griffin (141) and #14 Brock Zurawski. Tyler Klinsky (#15 at 125) and Dylan Layton (#33 at 149) further bolster Rider’s lineup. The Quakers will need to be prepared for a tough battle against these highly-ranked opponents.
Projected Penn Lineup
The anticipated lineup for Penn against Rider is as follows:
- 125: Brady Pruett
- 133: #12 Evan Mougalian
- 141: #9 CJ Composto
- 149: #5 Cross Wasilewski
- 157: #12 Jude Swisher
- 165: #19 Sean Seefeldt
- 174: Caden Bellis
- 184: Liam Carlin or Greyson Meak
- 197: Martin Cosgrove
- 285: John Pardo
Fans can watch the Penn vs. Rider wrestling dual live on ESPN+. The match represents a final opportunity for the Quakers to showcase their talent and send their seniors off with a memorable performance. Following Thursday’s competition, the team will seem ahead to the postseason, building on the experiences and lessons learned throughout the season.
The outcome of Thursday’s match will not only impact the Quakers’ overall record but also serve as a crucial stepping stone as they prepare for future challenges. Fans are encouraged to reach out and support the team as they honor their seniors and compete against a strong Rider squad.
Share your thoughts on the upcoming match and cheer on the Quakers in the comments below!
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