No. 22 Lehigh University secured a 21-16 victory over Bucknell University in an EIWA wrestling dual held Saturday at Grace Hall. The outcome was decided in the final heavyweight match, where Nathan Taylor defeated Lucas Lawler 9-5, ensuring the win for the Mountain Hawks.
Lehigh’s win marks its eighth consecutive dual victory and completes their EIWA schedule with a perfect 5-0 record. The team now holds an overall record of 11-6.
Before the matches began, Lehigh honored its seniors: Carter Bailey, Max Brignola, JT Davis, Keegan Gagnon, Dontae Hoose, Zac Martin, Sheldon Seymour, and Jack Wilt.
Sheldon Seymour started strong for Lehigh at 125 pounds with a technical fall over Kade Davidheiser. “This headlock for 7 set the tone for Sheldon,” according to Lehigh Men’s Wrestling on X/Twitter.
Bucknell responded at 133 pounds when Bryce Manera won by injury default against Mason Ziegler after Ziegler was unable to continue due to injury.
First-year wrestler Seamus Mack gave Lehigh an 8-6 lead at 141 pounds by defeating Dylan Chappell. “Came through here like a Mack truck!” posted Lehigh Men’s Wrestling on social media.
At 149 pounds, Bucknell’s Braden Bower regained the lead for his team by beating Carter Bailey. Logan Rozynski then edged out Cade Wirnsberger at 157 pounds for Lehigh with riding time proving decisive.
Max Brignola continued his winning streak at 165 pounds with a major decision over Noah Mulvaney. Bucknell’s Myles Takats narrowed the gap again at 174 pounds with a major decision against Brady Collins.
Rylan Rogers provided another key win for Lehigh at 184 pounds before Dillon Bechtold of Bucknell took the match at 197 pounds against JT Davis in tiebreaker time based on riding time advantage.
The final bout saw Nathan Taylor secure victory for Lehigh in front of an attendance of 1,087 spectators. With this result, Lehigh will conclude its dual season next Saturday against Arizona State in Tempe.
The current wrestling season is presented by Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
“Rogers finds a way late!” shared Lehigh Men’s Wrestling following Rylan Rogers’ performance.