PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The world of collegiate wrestling saw an exhilarating display of skill and determination at the Pelicano Invitational on Saturday, where the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) showcased the remarkable talent of its first-year wrestlers. Marco Rivera (149 lb.) and Zach Gerby (165 lb.) emerged victorious in their respective weight classes, adding significant accolades to the RIT wrestling program.
### Marco Rivera’s Impressive Journey
First-year wrestler Marco Rivera had a standout performance in the 149 lb. category. Rivera’s day began with an emphatic 18-1 technical fall victory over Nicholas Ewan from Alfred, setting a resolute tone for the competition. Showing resilience and strategic prowess, he secured a 10-3 win against Brandon Ribeiro from Ithaca in the quarterfinals. Rivera continued his impressive run in the semifinals with a narrow 5-4 victory over Justin Coiteux from St. John Fisher College (SJFC), demonstrating both skill and mental toughness. In a thrilling championship bout, Rivera faced teammate Luke Pires, where he showcased his dominance with an 18-10 victory.
### Zach Gerby’s Path to Championship Glory
Zach Gerby, wrestling in the 165 lb. weight class, mirrored Rivera’s excellence with his own formidable performance. Gerby’s tournament began on a high note as he pinned Jose Rodriguez just 1:48 into his opening match. He maintained the momentum, finishing Cole Kuhar from Ithaca with another pin in the quarterfinals at the 6:20 mark. The semifinals proved less dramatic for Gerby, who won decisively with a 12-1 major decision over Tristian Robinson-July from Cortland. In the championship clash, Gerby overwhelmed Rider Ludrosky from SJFC with an impressive 21-6 victory, solidifying his spot as a prominent contender in his weight class.
### Notable Achievements – Konrad Haugeto and Quincy Bonville
While Rivera and Gerby took center stage, other RIT wrestlers made significant strides at the Invitational. First-year standout Konrad Haugeto found himself in the finals of the 157 lb. category after a series of impressive matches. He began the tournament with a solid 14-6 victory over Alex Kaufmann from NYU and continued to shine by pinning Johnathan Granito from Cortland in the quarterfinals. Haugeto’s semifinal bout saw him dominate Ayden Estep from SJFC with a 21-6 victory. However, he faced a tough opponent in Aaron Nelson from Ithaca in the finals, losing 8-4, but still securing a commendable second-place finish.
Meanwhile, sophomore Quincy Bonville made his mark at 285 lb., finishing second after a series of gutsy matches. Bonville showcased his grappling prowess with a quick pin over Austin DeBolt just 1:08 into his first match and another pin against Brady Callahan in the semifinals at 1:48. Although he fell short in a hard-fought title match against Colton Hall from Alfred, Bonville’s performance reflected the depth of talent present in the RIT wrestling team.
### Additional Highlights – Pires and Henderson
The RIT wrestling team was not just represented by Rivera, Gerby, Haugeto, and Bonville. First-year wrestler Alex Brandt placed fourth in the competitive 149 lb. class, making considerable leaps throughout the tournament. Additionally, junior Cortez Henderson secured a sixth-place finish at 184 lb., contributing to the team’s overall performance.
### Looking Ahead – NCAA Mideast Regional Championship
As the excitement from the Pelicano Invitational settles, RIT’s wrestling team turns its attention to the upcoming NCAA Mideast Regional Championship in Ithaca on February 27. This event represents a critical opportunity for RIT wrestlers to qualify for the national stage and further establish the school as a competitive force in collegiate wrestling. With the confidence gained from the Invitational and the talent they showcased, the RIT wrestlers will be looking to build on their momentum and achieve even greater success in the coming weeks.
