Tuesday, Nov 7, 2017
by Rider Sports Information
The Rider University Wrestling team had two wrestlers bring home victories Sunday in the 2017 NWCA All-Star Classic, hosted by Princeton University. Seniors B.J. Clagon and Chad Walsh each defeated their opponents in the prestigious NCAA All-Star kickoff match.
"B.J. and Chad have developed themselves into two of the best wrestlers in the entire country at their respective weight classes," Rider Head Coach John Hangey says. "They deserve so much credit for their preparation and performances."
Clagon competed at 157 pounds and defeated Alec Pantaleo of the University of Michigan by a score of 10-4. Ranked between fifth and seventh nationally by a variety of publications, Pantaleo is coming off a redshirt but was an All-American when he last competed in 2016. Clagon is returning after making it to the round of 12 at the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
Walsh defeated Jonathan Schleifer of host Princeton University, 4-3, to close out the Broncs' back-to-back victories. Walsh returns this season looking to become Rider's first three-time All-American, placing fifth and seventh in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
"It was a great day for B.J., Chad and the wrestling program as a whole," Hangey says. "We truly appreciate the opportunity from the NWCA."
Rider was one of only six schools in the country to have multiple representatives at this year's All-Star Classic, and the University is now 4-3 in its history at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Clagon has now won twice at the prestigious event, defeating All-American Lenny Richardson of Old Dominion in 2015.
The Broncs next compete on Nov. 19, when the University of Pennsylvania hosts the 2017 Keystone Classic.