Sophomore Cedrick Stevens dominates a Williams college wrestler in 12-0 major decision victory.
Photo courtesy of Castletonsports.com 

The Spartans hosted Williams College on Feb. 9 for senior night, eventually falling to the Ephs 23-21 in what was a competitive battle.

“We had our opportunities and we just didn’t capitalize,” said second year head coach Scott Legacy.

Senior co-captain Jared Costa and senior manager Kimberly Jackson were recognized for their contributions to the wrestling program before the match.

In two years, Costa has recorded a 49-16 overall record for the Spartans. Although Friday night did not go as planned for the senior from Danvers, Massachusetts, Costa showed key characteristics of a Spartan throughout his match.

“Hard work, grit, never giving up and trying your hardest even when you’re facing adversity. Coach always preaches that,” said Costa.

“He definitely tries to lead by example,” said teammate Mitchell Laflam. “He goes out, wrestles tough and works hard in the room. It’s tough to see someone who has worked so hard these past two years be graduating but, I think he’s done a good job by being a good role model for everybody on the team.”

After a 10-2 major decision loss for Ryan Cabezas, sophomores Nick Camacho and Max Tempel got the ball rolling for Castleton with back to back victories. Tempel, a native of Averill Park, New York, was recently named the Wrestler of the Week by the New England Wrestling Association. Tempel delivered a 3-0 performance on Feb. 3, featuring a 6-4 win over nationally ranked All-American Joe Ferinde of Johnson & Wales. The number one ranked 141-pound wrestler in the NEWA received some high praise from coach Legacy following his team high 41st win on the season.

“Max is an extremely hard worker,” Legacy said. “He wrestles his style, he dictates his pace, so he’s been fun to watch.”

Tempel’s match on Feb. 9 was indeed fun to watch for Castleton fans at Glenbrook Gymnasium. Following an explosion of emotion from Williams College head coach Scott Honecker, the Spartan’s fans, wrestlers, and even coaches joined together clapping and chanting “Let’s go Tempel!”

However, following Tempels match, three consecutive Ephs victories proved to be too much for the Spartans to overcome, despite wins from junior Mitchell Laflam, sophomore Cedrick Stephens and junior Jesse Webb via forfeit.

The wrestling team hosted a home quad match on Feb. 3, going 1-2 on the day, with a win against Plymouth State and losses to Springfield College and nationally ranked Johnson & Wales. The Spartans matchup against the Norwich Cadets on Feb. 7, was cancelled due to snow, and will not be made up.

The Spartans will travel to WPI for Feb. 24 & 25 for the NEWA Regional tournament. The top three finishers of each weight class will move on to Nationals in Cleveland, Ohio.