ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — The New Jersey City University men's wrestling team this season has been nothing short of historic. In the first full season for the squad, the Gothic Knights have competed against multiple Division I teams, won its first home match in program history and had multiple wrestlers ranked inside the top-30 in their respective weight class for Division III (wrestlestat.com).

Today, Saturday, Feb. 26, was no different for the Green and Gold. 

For the first time in NJCU men's wrestling's brief history, the Gothic Knights competed in the NCAA Division III Mideast Regionals, hosted by Elizabethtown College. Jersey City had seven different wrestlers capture victories, including four different grapplers who secured at least two victories to move on to day-two of regionals. Junior 157-pounder Jeff Johnson (Middlesex, N.J./Middlesex) was the only Green and Gold member to not record a loss, moving into the winners bracket and the best chance to qualify for nationals.

Freshmen 133-pounder Andre Ruiz (Little Ferry, N.J./Ridgefield Park) and 125-pounder Damienlee Torres (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) and junior co-captain Matthew Armamento (Kenilworth, N.J./Roselle Park) all remain in the hunt for a third-place finish in their respective consolation brackets to lead them into the NCAA Division III Men's Wrestling Championship after all going 2-1 on the day.

Torres, who fell in his first matchup due to disqualification via an illegal takedown, came out strong in his next two matches of the day, picking up victories in both. In the first, Torres dominated from start to finish, winning a 12-4 major decision. Following his dominant performance, Torres was pushed to his limit in the second win of the day, but ultimately came up with a late take-down, finishing with the 5-4 decision victory. The young Gothic Knight will need to finish his day 3-0 tomorrow to advance to the NCAA tournament.

Another freshman standout for the squad, Ruiz, started his day with an early first-round victory via an 8-5 decision. After falling in his second match of the day, Ruiz came back looking for revenge and did just that. The grappler hit the mat with vengeance, finishing with a 7-4 decision to advance into the consolation quarterfinals. The road won't be easy, but if the freshman can capture three straight wins tomorrow, he will find himself competing at Cedar Rapids, Ia., for the 133-pound title in a few weeks. 

After the freshmen finished up their work, the junior's got to work, as Johnson began his title-hunt with a dominate 11-1 major decision victory. After his impressive performance, Johnson came back with another victory, this time by 7-4 decision, moving him into the semifinals of the 157 pound Mideast Regional Crown. The junior leader has had a remarkable run to the Regionals, moving to 14-1 in his last 15 bouts. Johnson is looking to become the first-ever NJCU wrestler to earn the trip to Iowa.

If you we're wondering what the match-of-the-day was, look no further, as Armamento delivered. The junior co-captain matched up against the No. 4 ranked 165 pound wrestler in the bracket, Tyler Brazinski of SUNY Oneonta. Armamento had the Bowers Center on its feet after an escape and takedown three-point swing in the final 10 seconds, giving him the 8-6  thrilling decision victory. He fell in quarterfinal match, but picked up medical forfeit win on the consolation side of things to advance to tomorrow's consolation quarters. Armamento will have to take the same course as Torres and Ruiz, winning three-straight matches to move onto the NCAA Division III Championships.

Senior co-captain Kyle Hillermeier (Howell, N.J./Freehold Township), junior Jon Mejia (Roselle Park, N.J./Roselle Park) and sophomore Ty Bailey (Point Pleasant, N.J./Point Pleasant Boro) all recorded victories on the day for the squad. All three grapplers we're defeated twice, ending their remarkable 2021-22' season. 

Up Next:
Tune in tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. on Trackwrestle.com to watch four Gothic Knights take on the opportunity for a trip to the NCAA Division III Men's Wrestling Championship.