RIT Tigers Excel at 2026 NCAA Region 2 Championships
Overview of the Championships
The atmosphere was electric in Ithaca, New York, as the RIT Tigers put forth an impressive display at the 2026 NCAA Region 2 Championships, securing a commendable fourth-place finish. The event, held over the course of two days, showcased high-level collegiate wrestling, as competitors from various institutions clashed on the mat in pursuit of glory and qualification for the NCAA Division III Championships.
Star Performers
Josh Harkless: A Seasoned Competitor
Leading the charge for RIT was senior Josh Harkless, a formidable heavyweights competitor in the 285 lb. class. Ranked third nationally and first in the region, Harkless demonstrated his mastery of the sport, cruising through the competition with a series of pivotal victories. This year marks Harkless’s fourth qualification for the NCAA Championships, further solidifying his status as a two-time All-American and a seasoned veteran on the mat.
In his opening bout, Harkless wasted no time, pinning Trevor Gitski from Wilkes just 1:28 in. He continued his assault by pinning Michael Sipps from Lycoming and later taking down No. 8 Noah Berlin-Langston from Stevens in the quarterfinals. The semifinals and championship bout saw Harkless maintain his momentum with two more swift pins, solidifying his place in the NCAA Championships.
Jack Lamson: Rising to the Occasion
Sophomore Jack Lamson also made headlines in the 174 lb. class, representing the Tigers with tenacity and skill. As the No. 3 seed, Lamson kicked off his tournament with a resounding 17-2 technical fall victory over Cache Littrell from Elmira. His prowess continued as he secured a 10-0 win against No. 19 Souleymane Diarra from Wilkes and edged out No. 6 Jeremy Devine from SJFC in a close quarterfinal match, winning 5-4.
Despite a setback against No. 2 Nolen Ziegler from Lycoming in the semifinals, Lamson rebounded, defeating No. 12 Reece Smith of Centenary and clinching third place with a 5-3 victory against No. 4 Ian Flanagan from Stevens, marking his first NCAA Championship appearance.
Additional Contributions from the Team
RIT’s team effort was underscored by several other wrestlers, each contributing to the overall success of the program. Sophomore Josh Warland in the 157 lb. category faced early adversity but demonstrated resilience by rallying back after an initial loss. Warland notched four consecutive wins, including a decisive 6-3 decision over Colton Havens from Cortland. However, his pursuit of a higher place ended with a 5-1 defeat to Jaryn Hartranft from Wilkes in the third-place match.
Other Notable Performances
In the 141 lb. class, junior Isaiah Shafer, seeded No. 3, finished in fifth place, showing grit throughout the competition. Additionally, sophomores Max Watson at 149 lb. and Nick Smith at 184 lb. each finished the championships with eighth-place standings, providing valuable points and experience for the Tigers.
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
The performance at the NCAA Region 2 Championships has laid a solid foundation for the RIT Tigers as they eye the upcoming NCAA Division III Championships, particularly with Harkless and Lamson ready to showcase their skills on a national platform. The spirit and determination exhibited by the entire team underline the potential for further success in the wrestling program. With such a strong showing, the future looks promising for RIT wrestling as they continue to build on this latest achievement.
