Joe Stolfi ’15 has reached 20 (in pins that is). With a 28-6 overall record for the 2013-2014 season, Stolfi rarely leaves the match without destroying his opponent, normally within minutes. His victorious bouts often seal the win for the Bison, making him a valuable asset to the men’s wrestling team as a part of the 285 weight class.

“Joe is very aggressive and is always looking for the pin, and that is a big reason for his success,” head coach Dan Wirnsberger said.

Stolfi began his career with the Orange and Blue in the 2011-2012 season, showing promise with two victories before suffering an injury in late November that ended his time on the mat. In his short season, however, he managed to finish in third place for the 285 weight class at the Navy Classic, winning back-to-back matches. He also began his legacy of pins at the Navy Classic, forcing his first fall over an unfortunate Navy wrestler.

For his next season, Stolfi returned for more success, recording a 26-16 record in his 2012-2013 season. Among his impressive accolades for the year, he ranked No. 5 at the EIWA Championships, posting a 5-1 record. He also earned a team-best record of 6-1 in the EIWA duals. His success at EIWA with a third place finish in the 285 class gained him an automatic bid into the NCAA Championships. With this bid, Stolfi became the first heavyweight Bison to qualify for NCAA Championships since 1984. He was triumphant at NCAAs, registering a 3-2 record. Finishing up the season, Stolfi was named the winner of the team’s William A. Graham IV Outstanding Wrestler Award, earning the title of the team’s MVP.

Continuing into his third year as a Bison, Stolfi was named team captain for the 2013-2014 season. In the team’s most recent 36-9 victory over VMI on Feb. 15, Stolfi improved his overall season record to 28-6, after his 1:56 fall over his VMI opponent. In EIWA conference duals, he has pulled in a 8-0 record, bringing his career record for EWIA duals to 14-1. Now at the end of the regular season, Stolfi holds a 56-27 career record, and is a confident leader for the team as they finish their regular season against Binghamton tonight in Vestal N.Y. After this match, they’ll head into the EIWA Championships that begin on March 8 in Philadelphia. Hopefully Stolfi will be able to pin a few more opponents so that the team can wrap up a successful season.

“Joe continues to improve every week and every competition,” Wirnsberger said. “He remains consistent through the week with his preparation and that provides him with the confidence in the competition arena.”

Bison Profile:

Weight: 285

Hometown: Harleysville, Pa.

High School: Souderton

Stats:

Overall Record: 56-27

Overall 2013-2014 Record: 28-6

Overall EIWA Dual record: 14-1

EIWA Dual Record 2013-2014: 8-0

Fall W-L Record 2013-2014: 20-0

Fall W-L Overall Record: 29-3