ITHACA, N.Y- The Vermont State University Castleton wrestling team opened its 2026-27 season on Friday at the Ithaca Invitational. The Spartans are currently in second place with 54 points.

Several Spartans advanced to the championship quarterfinals in their respective weight classes. Dominick Lapier was 3-0 on the day in the 157-weight class as he had a pair of tech fall wins and a major decision victory. Gavin Bradley had a bye in the First Round at 125.  He won both of his matches by falls in under one minute. At 157, Zachary Olden won both of his matches. Connor Gregory was 2-0 at 174. Johnny Moraes won the second and third rounds at 125 to advance to his quarterfinal. Aidan Shufelt had a bye in the first round at the 141-weight class. He had an 18-1 tech fall win and a 15-5 major decision victory. Braylon Gonzalez won his second and third round matches at 157. Cahota Lafond claimed victory in his two matches in the 133-weight class. Avi Berg advanced to his quarterfinal at 125 as did Colby Celluck at 165, Dylan Vanegas at 149, Keonta Crawford at 285, Stone Farnsworth at 133, Connor Wilson at 184, Logan Frank at 197, and Joseph Baker at 184.

 At 141, Duncan Harrington started 2-0 with a tech fall and a major decision. He then lost to Jayden Duncasson from Niagara Community College in a fall in the Championship Third Round. Harrington won a consolation match by major decision. Braeden Gray won his first match by fall but lost in the second round by major decision. He recovered to defeat Jonathan Neypes from Norwich by fall in the consolation round. Jack Voute started out with two wins but lost in the third round at 141 by a 4-2 decision. Ryan Ball won two consolation matches at 157.

Blake Sastre was 2-1 at 174 winning a match in the championship and consolation rounds. Viktor Banda had a tech fall and major decision win at 141 in the consolation portion.

Spartans picking up a win in their weight classes were Chase Alloca (133), Cormac Horlbogen (197), Hunter Lines (149), Jeremy Negron (149), Andrew Pinzon (133), Jordan Sierra (165), Trey Lee (141), Walker Pilkey (165).

Competition resumes at 9:00 am on Saturday.