EWING, N.J. — 15 years, 11 months and five days. That was the last ime the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) has seen two of its member institutions meet for a NCAA wrestling match.

Almost 16 years ago to the day, Jan. 26, 2006, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) defeated Montclair State University 40-3, at home in Ewing, N.J. This would be the last NJAC matchup for nearly two decades.

Fast forward 5,839 days.

The 2021-22 New Jersey City University men's wrestling team, which continues to make history with every match, competed in the first NJAC matchup in 15 years, today, Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. The Gothic Knights fell against nationally ranked #18 (wrestlestat.com dual) TCNJ, 43-0.

This matchup was not only crucial for both teams, but this clash sets up future competitions in the NJAC moving forward.

In the first two duals of the day (125 and 133 pounds), the Knights sent out their two young-core sophomore George Rivera (Teaneck, N.J./Teaneck) and freshman Andre Ruiz (Little Ferry, N.J./Ridgefield Park). For the 125 pounds clash, Rivera performed well, coming up just short in a 10-7 decision defeat. Newly ranked Ruiz (#14 wrestlestat.com) found himself with an early lead, but ultimately was defeated 10-7, as well. 

After back-to-back pins for the Lions (at 141 and 149), the squad saw junior Jeff Johnson (Middlesex, N.J./Middlesex) put up a terrific performance against nationally ranked Matt Sacco, but lost in a 9-3 decision after a late push by Sacco. Junior captain Matthew Armamento (Kenilworth, N.J./Roselle Park), who leads NJCU with 14 victories on the season, had the performance of the match at 165 pounds. Armamento held a lead in the third period, but ultimately fell in the back and forth affair, falling in a 6-3 decision.

The Gothic Knights had two new wrestlers make their season debut today. In the 184 pound match, sophomore Jaydin Mahon (New Brunswick, N.J./New Brunswick) saw his first action in Green and Gold, but was pinned (0:48). Junior Jon Mejia (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) performed well in his debut for the Knights, but fell in a exhibition match, 5-3 decision.

Up Next:
The squad will return to the mat next Saturday, Jan. 29, as it travels to another nationally ranked foe, New York University, for a matchup starting at 12:00 p.m. in Brooklyn, N.Y.