Davis Gym saw a good crowd of 312 attendees for senior night this past Friday to watch the Bison wrestling team face off against the visiting Princeton Tigers. This was the Bison’s final dual match of the 2023 season. 

Last year, Princeton came in third at the EIWA Championships and placed 16 in the NCAA tournament.  

Bucknell’s Kurt Phipps ’24 (133) and Nolan Springer ’25 (197) both won their matchups, but overall Princeton prevailed with a final score of 22-12.  

The Bison put up a strong fight and took time prior to the match to celebrate their six seniors: Darren Miller, Sam Barnes, Mason McCready, Luke Niemeyer, Vincent Andreano and Chris Lanciano.

Phipps had a particularly impressive day, defeating his Princeton opponent 4-0 to tie it up 3-3 between the Bison and the Tigers. This brings Phipp’s season-long record 9-1 in the EIWA and 28 total wins–a team best. 

Miller had a standout moment, pinning a Princeton wrestler during the first period and bringing his personal totals to 61 wins and 28 dual wins during his time as a Bison.  

Two of the other matches came within one point. Bucknell’s Dylan Chappell ’25 fell just 5-4 to his opponent. Similarly, Nick Delp ’24 fell to Princeton with a narrow score of 6-5.  

Bucknell Wrestling has two weeks off to practice and prepare for the 2023 EIWA championships, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 4 and 5.