LHU Men’s Wrestling edges Bucknell, 17-15

LOCK HAVEN – Gavin Hoffman sealed a dual victory with an 8-1 decision as the Lock Haven men’s wrestling team topped Bucknell, 17-15, at home on Thursday, Jan. 30.

With the win, Lock Haven moves to 10-5 and remains a perfect 4-0 at home.

Before the match, Lock Haven honored its 2024 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Champions; Anthony Noto (125), Gable Strickland (133), and Wyatt Henson (141).

Noto was honored for hitting his 100th career victory at Lock Haven. The Bald Eagle recorded a 21-5 tech fall in a 19-17 win over George Mason on Sunday (Jan. 26).

Branden Wentzel, No. 17 Wyatt Henson, No. 32 Lucas Kapusta, Nick Stampoulos, and No. 17 Gavin Hoffman picked up wins for The Haven.

At 125, Wentzel topped Chris Nucifora 6-4 for his first win in Bald Eagle colors.

Henson and Kapusta posted back-to-back major decisions.

Henson put on a clinic at 141 downing No. 15 Dylan Chappell 9-1. Trailing 1-0 heading to the final period, Henson scored eight points in the final period. The Bald Eagle scored an escape before earning a takedown for a 4-1 lead. With just a handful of seconds left, Henson scored four-nearfall points. The win was pushed to a major with ride time.

Kapusta majored Braden Bower 13-3 at 149 pounds.

Stampoulos (157) downed Cade Wirnsberger 2-0 to give the Bald Eagles a 14-3 lead at the break.

Bucknell built a 15-14 lead with one match remaining. At heavyweight, Gavin Hoffman downed Logan Shepherd 8-1. The Haven have now won six straight.

No. 31 Avery Bassett was edged 6-3 by No. 19 Myles Takats at 174.

Bout-by-bout Results / Team Score by Bout

125: Branden Wentzel (Lock Haven) dec Chris Nucifora (Bucknell) 6-4 / Lock Haven 3-0

133: #30 Kurt Phipps (Bucknell) dec #16 Anthony Noto (Lock Haven) 4-1 / TIED 3-3

141: #17 Wyatt Henson (Lock Haven) major dec #15 Dylan Chappell (Bucknell) 9-1 / Lock Haven 7-3

149: #32 Lucas Kapusta (Lock Haven) major dec Braden Bower (Bucknell) 13-3 / Lock Haven 11-3

157: Nick Stampoulos (Lock Haven) dec Cade Wirnsberger (Bucknell) 2-0 / Lock Haven 14-3

165: Noah Mulvaney (Bucknell) dec Caden Dobbins (Lock Haven) 3-1 / Lock Haven 14-6

174: #19 Myles Takats (Bucknell) dec #31 Avery Bassett (Lock Haven) 6-3 / Lock Haven 14-9

184: Logan Deacetis (Bucknell) dec #23 Colin Fegley (Lock Haven) 9-3 / Lock Haven 14-12

197: #19 Dillon Bechtold (Bucknell) dec #27 Tucker Hogan (Lock Haven) 5-2 / Bucknell 15-14

285: #17 Gavin Hoffman (Lock Haven) dec Nolan Springer (Bucknell) 8-1 / FINAL, Lock Haven 17-15

Attendance: 943

Up Next:

The Bald Eagles will return to action next week when they host Rider in MAC action on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. The match will serve as Lock Haven’s annual Community Night.