EAST STROUDSBURG, PA. — The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's wrestling team officially kicked off its 2025-26 season on Sunday, Nov. 2, at the East Stroudsburg University Open, hosted inside Koehler Fieldhouse. The Gothic Knights finished ninth out of 48 teams with 53 points, highlighted by a podium finish from sophomore Dominic Terracciano (Keansburg, N.J./Keansburg) at 125 pounds.

Terracciano led the way for NJCU with an impressive third-place finish in his weight class. The sophomore opened his tournament with a fast 22-second pin in the round of 32, followed by another fall at 6:35 in the round of 16. He advanced to the quarterfinals, earning a 9-5 decision, before dropping his semifinal match by fall. Terracciano closed his day in dominant fashion, securing bronze with an 18-second pin, finishing the tournament 4-1 overall to open his sophomore campaign.

Senior Zach Vera delivered NJCU's next-best result, finishing sixth at 149 pounds. Vera earned an 11-4 decision in his opening bout, then recorded a 3:59 fall in the round of 32 and a 9-2 decision in the round of 16. After dropping a technical fall in the quarterfinals, Vera battled through the consolation bracket before finishing sixth following a medical forfeit. He closed his senior debut with a 3-2 record.

At 133 pounds, senior Lucas Torre (Point Pleasant, N.J./Brick Memorial) also turned in a solid performance, beginning with a 16-1 technical fall in just 2:56. He narrowly dropped a 4-3 decision in the round of 16 but responded with a pin at 2:35 in the consolation bracket. Torre ended his day with a 2-2 record.

The 141-pound bracket featured both senior Dean Costantino (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) and freshman Sebastian Romero (Newark, N.J./East Side). Costantino impressed early, posting a 22-7 technical fall and an 8-0 major decision to advance to the quarterfinals. After a close loss, he rebounded with a 4-2 decision in the consolation rounds before bowing out in the consolation of four, finishing the day 3-2. Romero, making his collegiate debut, battled hard but fell in both of his matches.

Senior Andy Beras (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) competed alongside Vera in the 149-pound division, finishing 2-2 on the day. After dropping his opener by technical fall, he responded with a 4:56 pin in the consolation of 32 bracket and continued to wrestle competitively through his next two matches.

At 165 pounds, junior Jayson Candelario (Madison, N.J./Madison) opened his season with an emphatic 1:21 pin in the round of 32 before falling in his next two matches. He wrapped up the day 1-2.

Two Gothic Knights took to the mat at 174 pounds — senior Diego Viera (Belleville, N.J./Belleville) and freshman Zahier Chiles (/St. Benedict's Prepratory). Viera competed hard in his first two matches before exiting the tournament in the consolation rounds. Chiles, meanwhile, earned his first two collegiate victories, notching 12-7 and 20-16 decisions in back-to-back bouts to finish 2-2 in a strong debut performance.

Rounding out NJCU's lineup, junior Simeon Hunte (Burlington Township, N.J./Burlington Township) made his first appearance for the Green and Gold in the 285-pound heavyweight class. After dropping his opener, Hunte stormed back with a thrilling come-from-behind pin in 6:47 while trailing 11-3. His tournament concluded in the consolation of 16 round, finishing 1-2 overall.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 8, when they host a tri-match with Hunter College and Centenary University beginning at 9:00 a.m. inside the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

For the latest news, updates, and information on NJCU Athletics, visit NJCUgothicknights.com and follow the Gothic Knights on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.