Princeton Dominates Columbia in Ivy Opener, 34-3

Sunday, January 26

New York, N.Y.

2:00 PM

Princeton University

Columbia

Photo by: Lisa Elfstrum

January 26, 2025 | Wrestling

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Making a statement in it's first Ivy dual of the season, the Princeton wrestling team earned a dominant victory over Columbia on the road in New York City on Sunday.

Drew Heethius earned a fall victory in the dual, while Luke Stout earned his fifth tech fall this season.

"Really happy with the way the team responded after the performance on Friday night. This was a good win against a tough, well-coached team. We were aggressive from the jump and good things happen when you're aggressive." - Head Coach Joe Dubuque

Marc-Anthony McGowan got things started, earning a chippy 4-1 decision over Columbia's Sulayman Bah to open Princeton's Ivy season.

Heethius was able to build on that momentum, as the freshman was looking at an MD before he flipped the Lions' Connor Smith onto his back and went for the pin. The win is Heethius's second fall victory of the season.

Eligh Rivera found himself down three points by the end of the first period, but immediately got to work in the second period and began climbing his way back with a series of takedowns. Being smart defensively while pushing offensively, Rivera gutted his way up to a 16-7, ultimately taking the major decision despite his initial deficit.

Jake Mann's bout with Rawson Iwanicki was gritty, as the two remained neck-and-neck with the score 4-3 in Mann's favor heading into the third period. Staying strong on defense, Mann was able to run the clock down to get the decision and add to Princeton's lead.

Blaine Bergey also found himself in a close match, tied up at five apiece with Jaden Le late into the third period. With just 10 seconds remaining, Bergey brought Le to the mat, earning the three-point takedown to avoid overtime and earn himself the decision.

Kole Mulhauser battled through a tough bout with #31/32 Nick Fine, who was ranked #27 in the first NCAA coaches' poll. Mulhauser used a takedown and a near-fall to take an early lead, before Fine ramped up the pressure and started to climb back. Earning several reversals and keeping control of the match by riding Fine out, Mulhauser was able to strong-arm his way to a major decision, 17-9, over his ranked opponent.

Stout dominated his bout, earning a 20-3 tech fall over #32 Joe Curtis. The victory marks back-to-back techs for Stout, who got a TF in Princeton's dual with Rider on Friday. Stout has now earned techs in five matches this season.

Sebastian Garibaldi closed out the dual, making a series of strong takedowns to maintain a lead over Vincent Mueller, ultimately taking the decision 12-7.

Up Next
Princeton will return to the mat next weekend, with a dual on the road at Drexel on Saturday and a home doubleheader against Brown and Harvard on Sunday. The action will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday in Philly, while the home duals against Brown and Harvard will start at noon and 5 p.m., respectively.

Full Results
125: Marc-Anthony McGowan (PRIN) over Sulayman Bah (COL) (Dec 4-1)
133: Drew Heethuis (PRIN) over Connor Smith (COL) (Fall 4:15)
141: Eligh rivera (PRIN) over Kai Owen (COL) (MD 16-7)
149: Ty Whalen (PRIN) over Richard Fedalen (COL) (Dec 6-0)
157: Jacob mann (PRIN) over Rawson Iwanicki (COL) (Dec 4-3)
165: Blaine Bergey (PRIN) over Jaden Le (COL) (Dec 8-5)
174: Jack McGill (COL) over Xavier Giles (PRIN) (Dec 2-0)
184: Kole Mulhauser (PRIN) over Nick Fine (COL) (MD 17-9)
197: Luke Stout (PRIN) over Joseph Curtis (COL) (TF 20-3 4:05)
285: Sebastian Garibaldi (PRIN) over Vincent Mueller (COL) (Dec 12-7)