New York, N.Y.-  The Hunter College wrestling team kicked off the 2024 Homecoming festivities with a narrow 27-24 victory over New Jersey City University on Friday in the Hawks' first home match of the season. The win marked the first for Pete Jacobson as head coach, with standout performances from freshman Jayden Medina and heavyweight Dane Henry securing the victory.

The match began with an early setback for the Hawks, as NJCU's Dominic Terracciano pinned Michael D'Erasmo at 125 pounds in just 31 seconds. Hunter struggled to gain footing in the lighter weights, with Botensky Bauzile falling to Lucas Torre in a 16-9 decision at 133 pounds and a forfeit at 141 pounds giving NJCU an early lead.

Momentum shifted in the 149-pound bout when Medina delivered a pivotal pin against Dean Constantino at 2:53 in the second period, energizing the home crowd. However, NJCU's Michael Cross answered with a 19-8 major decision over Nick D'Erasmo at 165 pounds to tighten the score.

Hunter surged ahead with forfeits in the 174-, 184-, and 197-pound classes, awarded to Valentin Arakelov, Hadi Rehman, and Jevin Torres, respectively. With the match hanging in the balance, Henry clinched the win in a hard-fought 2-1 decision over Jayden Reyes at heavyweight.

The Hawks return to that mat tomorrow as they travel to Garden City, N.Y. for the Nassau Open.