LHU Men’s Wrestling kicks off season with strong showing at the Princeton Open

PRINCETON – The Lock Haven men’s wrestling team opened its 2025-26 season with a strong showing at the Princeton Open in New Jersey. The Bald Eagles secured eight placewinners, led by a third-place finish by Lucas Kapusta at 149 pounds.

Kapusta won bronze at 149 Ibs. after racking up four wins, including a tech fall, to headline the day.

Wyatt Henson (141 Ibs.), ranked No. 14 nationally, started the day 2-0 to earn a trip to the third-place bout, before falling to Lorenzo Frezza (Columbia) by way of a 6-4 decision to place fourth.

No. 24 Avery Bassett (174 Ibs.), No. 21 Gable Strickland (133 Ibs.), Hunter Gould (141 Ibs.) and Cole Bartram (184 Ibs.), Kade Sottolano all finished fifth at their respective weight classes.

Strickland, Gould and Bassett all won five matches on the day, while Bassett and Strickland picked up two major decisions and a tech fall each. Batram and Sottolano finished 4-2, while Sottolano secured a fall (1:36).

Sam Gautreau joined Basset in the 174 pound fifth-place final and finished the afternoon in sixth place after picking up three wins, including two major decisions.

Lock Haven entered the season ranked No. 3 in the Middle-Atlantic Conference (MAC) preseason poll.

Next Up
The Bald Eagles return to the mat on Saturday, Nov. 8 and will compete in the Journeymen Wrangle Mania against LIU and Indiana.