YORK, Pa. – The Washington and Lee University wrestling team wrapped up competition at the New Standard Invitational with a strong fourth-place finish, earning 114 points in a competitive 15-team field.
The Generals were led by standout performances, including a second-place finish from Liam Flannagan (157 lbs) and third place finishes from juniors John Santowski (197 lbs), and Colin Bridges (157 lbs). Evan Lindner (149 lbs) and Skyler Hickman (141 lbs) each secured fourth-place finishes, while first-years Carter Stack (285 lbs) and Ben Rubin (125 lbs) impressed with sixth-place finishes.
Individual Highlights
Liam Flannagan capped an exceptional tournament with a runner-up finish at 157 pounds. Flannagan opened with dominant victories, including a 10-3 decision over Caiden Talento (Johnson & Wales) and a fall at 5:27 against Tyler Venet (Stevens Tech). He followed with an 8-2 decision over Tallion Elliott (Marymount) and a 4-1 semifinal win against Andrew McDougal (Roanoke) before falling in the championship match.
John Santowski placed third at 197 pounds, showcasing his strength with three pins, including a fall at 1:48 over Aidan Murray (Delaware Valley) and another at 5:00 against Eamon Callaghan (Ithaca). After a semifinal setback, Santowski rebounded with a 12-1 major decision over Connor Fritsch (Ursinus) and a 12-0 major decision against Cam Cavins (Roanoke) to secure third place.
Colin Bridges also earned third at 157 pounds. Bridges started with back-to-back falls, including a pin at 1:51 against Logan Weaver (USMMA) and a 4:03 fall over Jason Giordano (TCNJ). Following a narrow semifinal loss, Bridges rebounded with a 4-2 decision against Andrew McDougal (Roanoke) and sealed third place with a 13-2 major decision over Tallion Elliott (Marymount).
Evan Lindner (149 lbs) and Skyler Hickman (141 lbs) delivered fourth-place finishes, contributing key team points. Lindner recorded two technical falls, including a 21-6 win over Mike Meissner (TCNJ), and earned decisions against Bailey Wilman (Roanoke) and Luke Montefusco (JWU). Hickman dominated with a 17-0 technical fall over Daniel Barra (York), a 3:18 fall against Sean O'Toole (Delaware Valley), and an 8-5 win over Jake Eckerle (JWU).
First-years Carter Stack (285 lbs) and Ben Rubin (125 lbs) impressed in their collegiate debuts, both securing sixth-place finishes.
Final Team Standings
- Roanoke College – 143.5 points
- Johnson & Wales (JWU) – 137 points
- The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) – 126.5 points
- Washington and Lee – 114 points
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) – 101.5 points
Up Next
The wrestling team will return to the mat on Friday, January 3, when it hosts the Crytzer Duals at the Class of 1969 Doremus Gymnasium. The Generals will face Washington and Jefferson College at 2 p.m., followed by McDaniel College at 3:30 p.m. The day concludes with a matchup between W&J and McDaniel at 5 p.m.
The competition continues on Saturday, January 4, with the annual Jim Crytzer Invitational beginning at 9 a.m. in Holekamp Gymnasium.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
