Hokie ClubPHILADELPHIA – Defending champion Caleb Henson advanced to the semifinals for the second time in his career as his title defense run continues in the City of Brotherly Love. Joining Henson in the semifinals for the first time is Eddie Ventresca whose incredible comeback season continues.
All-Americans Once Again
The returning champion No. 1 Caleb Henson has made it a trademark to win the tight ones and finding ways to win and that’s just what he did in a workmanlike performance against No. 8 Jordan Williams of Little Rock. Takedowns and two escapes were exchanged by both wrestlers to tie the score at 5 at the end of regulation. Henson would impose his signature handfight and eventually secure a bodylock for an 8-5 decision to send him into his second straight semifinal appearance. He became the program’s seventh three-time All-American with his win on Friday afternoon and will look to become just the second two-time finalist for the Hokies (Mekhi Lewis; 2019, 2022).
The Eddie Ventresca comeback arc continues with his second All-America honor and first semifinal appearance. Holding a 2-7 record before sitting out the rest of last season due to injury, Ventresca entered the year unranked and has stormed the country with a conference title, a 21-3 record, and the No. 3 seed entering his second NCAA Championships. Ventresca stood opposite of West Virginia’s Big 12 champion No. 6 Jett Strickenberger in the quarterfinals with the winner securing All-American honors and a spot in the semifinals. Ventresca was offensive early but just couldn’t finish an attack thus sending the bout to sudden victory tied at 1 at the end of regulation. The Hokie displayed quick, stingy defense on the edge to prevent a near takedown by the Mountaineer and would then respond with the match winning takedown to punch his ticket into Friday night’s semifinal and become just the second two-time All-American at 125-pounds for the Hokies.
Blood Round Battle Ready
After both falling in the quarterfinals, Connor McGonagle and returning All-American Lennox Wolak find themselves in the Round of 12 – otherwise known by wrestling world as the “blood round” – for a chance at a podium finish. McGonagle dropped his match to Wisconsin’s Zan Fugitt via first period fall while Wolak fell to No. 1 Keegan O’Toole of Missouri, 1-13.
Session Four begins at 8 p.m. ET live on ESPN 2. Follow Hokies Wrestling on X, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates and news.
Semifinals
125: No. 3 Eddie Ventresca (VT) vs No. 7 Troy Spratley (OKST)
149: No. 1 Caleb Henson (VT) vs No. 13 Dylan D’Emilio (OHST)
Round of 12 Consolations
133: No. 6 Connor McGonagle (VT) vs No. 10 Dylan Shawver (RUT)
174: No. 24 Lennox Wolak (VT) vs No. 14 Matty Singleton (NCST)
Quarterfinals
125: No. 3 Eddie Ventresca (VT) DEC No. 6 Jett Strickenberger (WVU), 4-1 SV
133: No. 6 Connor McGonagle (VT) loss No. 14 Zan Fugitt (WIS), 2:30
149: No. 1 Caleb Henson (VT) DEC No. 8 Jordan Williams (UALR), 8-5 SV
174: No. 24 Lennox Wolak (VT) loss No. 1 Keegan O’Toole (MIZ), 1-13
Consolations Round 2
157: No. 4 Rafael Hipolito (VT) loss No. 19 Cobe Seibrecht (SDSU), 4:47
165: No. 28 Mac Church (VT) loss No. 11 Braeden Scoles (ILL), 1-10
197: No. 19 Andy Smith (VT) loss No. 20 Camden McDanel (NEB), 1-4
285: No. 11 Jimmy Mullen (VT) loss No. 12 Nick Feldman (OHST), 1-12