Plymouth State University Results

The New York University wrestling team placed second of eight teams at the Plymouth State University Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 11, in Plymouth., NH.

NYU compiled 152.5 points, second only to Wesleyan University's 189.

Host Plymouth State finished third with 133 points.

NYU co-captain Naum Shuminov, seeded #2, burrowed his way through the competition at 174 pounds.  The reigning University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week pinned each of his first three opponents before winning a 5-2 decision over top-seeded Greg Hurd of Wesleyan in the final.

"This is a big milestone for Naum," said assistant coach Corey Luce.  "Hurd is ranked tenth in the country.  I believe that this tournament will help Naum with his confidence.  He's beaten a lot of good wrestlers this year."

There was great drama in the 141-pound weight class, as NYU teammates Gregg Martino and Calvin Hawkes each won their first two bouts and met in the championship final.  In an intensely-contested match, the #2-seeded Martino edged the top-seeded Hawkes 3-2 and "escaped" to a sudden-victory decision.

"You can really look at this in two ways," Luce explained.  "We're fortunate to have two tough wrestlers in the same weight class.  But, it's also unfortunate because only one of them can start.  But these guys  really cleaned house in this tournament and had the most exciting final we saw."

NYU was also well-represented in several other brackets, as well, as Kyle Christensen (125 pounds), John Dack (149 pounds) and Jamie Myers (197 pounds) all placed second in their respective weight classes, while Steve Contino (133), Sean Connors (174) and Alex Chianurashvili (197) all produced third-place finishes.

"As a whole, with the guys we had we did really well considering we left three starters home," Luce said.  "It was nice to see our other guys step up."

The wrestlers return to action next weekend when they compete at the New York State Championships in Oswego, NY