Case Western Reserve University Wrestling Team Looks to Break Through on the National Level

Strategic Insights -

The Case Western Reserve University wrestling team is entering its third season under head coach David Shapiro, looking to make a significant impact on the national level in the 2025-26 campaign. The team had a strong year last season, with three members advancing to the second day of the NCAA Division III Region V Tournament, helping the team place 11th out of 17 schools in the region. The Spartans have a strong returning lineup, including seniors Art Martinez (133 pounds) and Thomas Wagner (157 pounds), who both placed in the top six at the region tournament last year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The team has a strong returning lineup, with seniors Art Martinez (133 pounds) and Thomas Wagner (157 pounds) leading the way.
  • Martinez has an overall record of 104-32, the 12th most wins in program history, and was ranked 13th nationally at 133 pounds by the NWCA in its preseason poll.
  • Wagner was ranked third in the region at 157 pounds and senior E.J. Alizio (63-53 career record) adds solid experience at 125 pounds.
  • The team added 10 new wrestlers to the roster, including Christopher Bezzeg (157 pounds), Nate Boyd (197 pounds), and Alexander Goldman (197 pounds).
  • The Spartans will face a challenging schedule, including dual matches against Adrian and Manchester, as well as several invitational tournaments.
  • The team will celebrate its seniors on January 23 with a Friday night match against Washington & Jefferson inside Horsburgh Gymnasium.
  • The NCAA Region V Tournament will be held on February 27 and 28, with any wrestler placing in the top three of their weight class qualifying for the 2025 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships.

Statistics:

  • Martinez has an overall record of 104-32, the 12th most wins in program history.
  • Wagner was ranked third in the region at 157 pounds and senior E.J. Alizio (63-53 career record) adds solid experience at 125 pounds.
  • The team added 10 new wrestlers to the roster.
  • The Spartans will face 17 opponents in invitational tournaments.
  • The team will qualify for the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships if any of its wrestlers place in the top three of their weight class.

Sources:

  • Case Western Reserve University (no date)
  • National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) (no date)
  • NCAA Division III Wrestling (no date)