STCC wrestling team wins 6th conference title, advances to nationals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s wrestling team continued its winning streak, capturing the sixth consecutive conference title on Feb. 25.

STCC won first place at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) Northeast Conference Championship (NEC). Shawn Conniff was voted Outstanding Wrestler of the NEC championship. He and six other STCC wrestlers were crowned conference champions for their weight classes.

Seventeen STCC wrestlers will compete March 9-11 at the 2023 NCWA National Championship in Puerto Rico.

"It feels amazing that STCC has won the conference for the sixth time,” said Conniff, who is studying criminal justice at STCC. “This is my second time winning, and it's a big accomplishment. I worked hard and thank the coaches for inspiring us. I also would like to thank the college administration for supporting the team to go to Puerto Rico and compete at the nationals.”

STCC, which hosted the event, earned 189 points, placing No. 1 out of 11 teams. Ranking in second and third place behind STCC were teams from the University of Connecticut (134.5 points) and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, (100.5 points).

STCC Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp said, “Congratulations to our coaches and student athletes on a fantastic season. Heading to nationals is well deserved. I'm thrilled that our students have this opportunity to compete at the national level."

STCC wrestling coach Alberto Nieves said he was proud of the team for putting in the work required to succeed.

“I always go back to our motto, ‘Serious Training Creates Champions,’ or ‘STCC,’” Nieves said. “The guys had a great work ethic this year. We had a 12-4 team record, and it paid off with the conference title. We’re hoping to place in the top 5 in the country with the national championship coming up in Puerto Rico.”

Nieves noted the STCC wrestling team has won six conference titles in a row since 2017. (There was no competition in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

The following 17 STCC wrestlers are NCWA National qualifiers: 

• 125 pounds - Dylan Beddow, 1^st place, (defended his NEC title) 
• 125 pounds - Mark Zavatkay, 2^nd place
• 133 pounds - Michael Gonzalez, 1^st place (defended his NEC title)
• 133 pounds - Matthew Clayton, 2^nd place
• 141 pounds - Kalil Shabazz, 1^st place
• 149 pounds - Joe Podolak, 5^th place
• 149 pounds - Ryan Williams, 6^th place
• 157 pounds - Jame Lunt, 1^st place
• 165 pounds - Jolan Martori, 2^nd place
• 174 pounds - Ricardo Magny, 1st place, (defended his NEC title)
• 184 pounds - Stephano Magny, 2^nd place
• 197 pounds - Johnny Andre, 2^nd place
• 197 pounds - Davyn Peterson, 4^th place
• 235 pounds - Shawn Conniff, 1^st place (defended his NEC title and was voted Outstanding Wrestler)
• 235 pounds - Ryan Eplite, 8^th place
• 285 pounds - Jacob Gariepy, 1^st place
• 285 pounds - Ramell Acquah, 4^th place

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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