If you are a follower of Roadrunner Wrestling, you can't help but notice the program's steady success heading into the mid point of the 2025-26 season. And you can thank a talented group of freshmen who have set high standards each and every time they compete.
As the Runners prep for Sunday's Bob Quade Open at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ, the Runners appear poised to make their mark heading into the upcoming postseason GSAC and District meets.
"Everyone knows what needs to be done to stay successful," head coach Paul Toppin said. "Keep working hard, make adjustments as needed, and be prepared for battle.
"We are working hard to be successful."
In the Electric City Duals in Scranton, PA, the Runners scored a big win over GSAC rival Bergen CC. First year wrestler Kaiem Uthman scored a key victory in the match coming from behind to score a win and change the momentum of the match. Uthman's win set up a dramatic conclusion where the Roadrunners built a lead behind a powerful performance by Max Adelizzi, who battled to a close win at 184 pounds.
Following that bout, Jordan Payne had a tall task moving up in weight to fill the 197lb slot. Payne not only filled the spot but came away with a hard fought victory with a takedown in the final seconds of the third period to clinch the win.
In the Scotty Wood Invitational at Muhlenberg College in late November, Roadrunner freshman Charles Perrin compiled a 4-2 record at 149 pounds highlighted by a fall in 2:05 over Marymount's Daries Smith in the round of 32. Perrin also recorded a tech fall over Messiah's Abel Brunk, 17-2, 6:12 in the consolation round.
Perrin, who wrestled in Delaware while in high school, has his eyes set on a bigger prize down the road.
"I'm working harder here than I did in high school," said Perrin. "It's a big jump from high school to college, but the hard work is paying off so far.
"My personal goal is to get better with an end goal of winning a national championship," Perrin said. "Honestly, most wrestlers in our lineup have the ability to become All-Americans, and we are setting our standards high."
Roadrunners are looking forward to the return of Aiden Rhea from injury soon who will add depth and competitive spirit. Quinn Wiesmer has been a solid newcower as well and should be in the starting lineup for the rest of the season.
Another wrestler who has enjoyed consistent success is sophomore Stephen Dmytryk who competed in the NJCAA National Championship meet a year ago. The Archbishop Wood (PA) graduate hopes to qualify again for nationals as he looks ahead to the postseason.
"I feel I'm definitely on a good track and I look forward to getting back to nationals," he commented. "Hopefully, I can reach All-American status this year and help the team do well at the same time."
The GSAC Championships are set for January 31 while the Eastern District Championships follow on February 14th.