STCC Wrestling Places 4th in National Competition in Puerto Rico

SPRINGFIELD, MA | SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE | March 22, 2023 – Springfield Technical Community College wrestling team won fourth place at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships at the Puerto Rico Convention Center with eight studentathletes returning as All-Americans.

Student James Lunt said he was proud to be crowned a champion and capture first place in his weight class. “It was awesome. I had the tournament of my life there,” he said.

But he was quick to add that he loved the experience of traveling to Puerto Rico for the first time. “That’s what I was most excited for – the food!” he said. Other wrestlers, some of whom have Puerto Rican roots, said they enjoyed visiting the island, experiencing the culture and soaking up the sun in addition to having the chance to compete in the nationals.

“I was there once for a family vacation,” said Davyn Peterson, who is Puerto Rican and Black. “To go there for a wrestling tournament was really fun.” Coach Alberto Nieves said he was proud of the team for their hard work all season.

“I’m thankful to the administration at STCC who made this possible,” Nieves said. “This was a special and unforgettable experience for the team. They were able to see how people live in Puerto Rico. They worked out with students at the University of Puerto Rico. They visited some beautiful beaches and enjoyed authentic Puerto Rican food.”

STCC secured fourth place with 133.5 team points at the national tournament held March 9-11 in San Juan. They advanced to the nationals after winning the NCWA Northeast Conference Championships title on Feb. 25. Three student wrestlers were named to the National Wrestling Coaches

Association All-Academic Team for 2022-2023: Ryan Williams and brothers Ricardo and Stephano Magny.

STCC Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp said she was proud of the team’s accomplishment and thrilled they had an opportunity to experience Puerto Rico.

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“I applaud them for their hard work and determination this year,” Kemp said. “We encourage our students to get involved, which opens the door to exciting opportunities like competing at the national level in Puerto Rico. Congratulations to Coach Nieves and his team for a job well done!”

Student Dylan Beddow of Agawam said he overcame injuries this season to compete in the nationals. “You can physically and mentally give your all to wrestling,” he said. “People show their heart for the sport, which is the best thing to see.”

Here are the STCC wrestlers and where they finished in their weight classes at the tournament:

• Dylan Beddow, 125 pounds, 4th

• Michael Gonzalez, 133 pounds 6th

• Kalil Shabazz, 141 pounds, 6th

• James Lunt, 157 pounds, Champion, 1st

• Jolan Martori, 165 pounds, 4th

• Stephano Magny, 184 pounds, 7th

• Davyn Peterson, 197 pounds, 8th

• Shawn Conniff, 235 pounds, 5th

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.