Williamson Hosts 2025 NCWA MEC Conference Dual Championships
After being asked to host the 2024 National Collegiate Wrestling Association Mid East Conference Dual championships in their new Wesley Student Center in 2024, Williamson did such a great job of hosting that the conference asked them to once again host the event. After a great event in 2024, 2025's event proved to be even more special.
Starting earlier due to the impending snow, eleven teams took part in this year's event. Kicking off the event in grand fashion were seniors Robert Kellam, Victory Valentine and Michaeljames Branca, who sand the national anthem acapella style.
"They were incredible. You literally could have heard a pin drop. What a wonderful way to kick off the event," shared Williamson Director of Athletics Dale Plummer.
As far as the action went, a banged-up Williamson squad started off slowly, dropping matches to Rowan University 38-13 and Slippery Rock University 41-16, before they came roaring back to down Rutgers University 39-13 and the University of Maryland 34-15.
Leading the way for Williamson on the day was senior Michael Kling and returning All-American junior Alexander Gamble Williams, who missed the entire first semester due to an injury. Both wrestlers were outstanding on the day, as they both went 4-0. Fellow junior Liam Kernan had a solid day, as he went 3-1.
"All the credit in the world goes to Coaches Paul Louth, Ron Frank, Joe Silvestri in setting things up and making sur everything went as smoothly as it did. Paul does an incredible amount of work behind the scenes, more than anyone can imagine. We never could have pulled it off without him.
"We also want to thank MEC Commissioner Kurt Paroly for his faith in us and allowing us to host again. Additionally, we simply cannot thank the members of our Artisans singing group who ran the concessions and the gate. Their advisor, Mrs. Sherre Gaertner was beyond incredible to work with and we also could not have pulled it off without her help," closed Plummer.
Williamson moves to 8-4 on the year. They host Rowan on February 19 at 7:00 P.M. in a Senior Night match.
