Junior Willy Girard became the wrestling team's first Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) Champion since 2014 when he defeated Lock Haven's Luke Werner, 9-8, in the second tiebreaker to claim the title at 125 pounds as the Huskies competed at the final EWL Tournament on Saturday at George Mason University. With Girard's victory, he punches his ticket to the NCAA Division I National Championships – also becoming the program's first NCAA qualifier since 2014.
The junior started the day with an injury default victory over Clarion's Gavin Park in the quarterfinal round. Girard had a 2-0 advantage before Park had to pull out of the match. In the semifinals, Girard was pitted against Rider's Jonathan Tropea who had defeated the Huskies' junior during the regular season. Tropea jumped out to a quick lead before Girard bounced back and took control, eventually building a 14-5 advantage late in the third period. On his final move, Girard was able to get Tropea on his back and earn the pinfall with six seconds left in regulation to advance to the finals.
Â
Girard will take a 23-11 overall record into the NCAA tournament which will be held at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh from March 21 to March 23.
