WILKES-BARRE, PA (February 16, 2024) -- The King's College wrestling team hosted their final regular season meet against cross town rival Wilkes University on Friday evening. The Monarchs fell 34-7 to the Colonels (8-6) in McGrane Gymnasium. King's finished up the season 9-6 overall with a win percentage of .600 to make it the best season in 14 years.
 
At 125, Patrick Horvath (So.) had a close matchup with Connor Kerwin and came up short with a 4-3 decision loss. Cole Anderson (So.) frustrated Michael Richardson through three periods at 133 but was defeated in a 2-0 decision. Noah Clawson (Jr.) suffered an 8-0 major decision loss against Jack Bauer at 141. MJ Turi (Fy.) put the Monarchs on the board after creating two takedowns in the final period to take a 12-4 major decision win over Ben Grater in the 149-weight class.
 
At 157, Bret Murphy (Jr.) was up one before falling to Jaryn Hartranft in 2:29. Cameron Leslie (Sr.) held on through two periods but ultimately lost in a 16-1 technical fall against Colton Thorpe at 165. Xavian Ramos (So.) created momentum for himself during the 174 bout with a final takedown in the third period to celebrate a 5-1 decision win over Trevor DuBoff. Jacob Hachtmann was dropped by Christopher Nuss in an 11-3 major decision. Richard Fronheiser (Jr.) battled hard against Cameron Butka but succumbed to a 10-4 decision loss to the 10^th nationally ranked wrestler at 197. In the final match of the night, Bill Grace (Gr.) fell to Caleb Burkhart at heavy weight in 1:36. King's lost 34-7.
 
The Monarchs hosted three exhibition matches against Wilkes. Nick Germano (Jr.) controlled his match in each period with two takedowns and one near fall to take a 12-0 major decision win over Jackson Brady at 141. Alex Ballantyne (So.) fell to Melquan Warren in 5:13 at 165. Nick Valenzano (So.) put up a hard fight against Trevor Gitski but lost in a 2-0 decision.
 
King's will have a two week break before traveling to Williamsport, PA for the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships hosted by Lycoming College at Keiper Recreation Center on March 1^st-2^nd. Championships are set for 11 a.m. on both days.