The Wilkes University men’s wrestling team is preparing to compete in the 2026 NCAA Division III Region II Championships this Friday and Saturday, February 27th and 28th, hosted by Ithaca College at Glazer Arena in Ithaca, New York.
Ten Wilkes wrestlers will participate in the regional event, alongside athletes from 19 other schools, including Alfred State, Centenary, Elmira, Ithaca, Kean, Keystone, Lycoming, New Jersey City, Penn State Behrend, Penn College, RIT, St. John Fisher, Stevens, Brockport State, Cortland State, Oneonta State, Oswego State, Pitt-Bradford and Hunter.
Three Wilkes wrestlers enter the tournament ranked in the top-seven of their respective weight classes. Senior Jaryn Hartranft, competing at 157-pounds, boasts a 33-8 overall record this season and recently achieved his 100th career win. He is currently ranked fourth in the region and was a regional runner-up in 2024, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament that year.
Ryan Santiago, a junior at 141-pounds, holds a 20-5 record and is ranked sixth in the region. He finished sixth at the regional championships last season and is aiming for his first NCAA qualification. First-year wrestler Ashton Romberger is too competing at 141-pounds and is ranked seventh in the region with a 17-11 record.
The Colonels’ projected lineup includes G. Smith at 125-pounds (18-13), C. Kerwin at 133-pounds (11-19), A. Romberger at 141-pounds (17-11), R. Santiago at 149-pounds (20-5), J. Hartranft at 157-pounds (33-8), C. Thorpe at 165-pounds (11-15), S. Diarra at 174-pounds (5-12), L. Miller at 184-pounds (8-8), E. Black at 197-pounds (8-19) and T. Gitski at 285-pounds (13-15).
The top three finishers in each weight class will advance to the NCAA Championship Tournament, scheduled for March 13-14 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Tickets for the regional championships are available for purchase at Glazer Arena, with single-day passes priced at $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, and free for children two-and-under. Ithaca College Dining Services will provide concessions on-site, and parking is available in M Lot adjacent to the Athletics & Events Center. Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to other events occurring on campus.
