STCC wrestling excels at Northeast Conference championship

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s men’s team captured its ninth consecutive National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) Northeast Conference championship, while the women’s team claimed its third conference title and first since 2020, marking a dominant showing for the college in Troy, N.Y.

This year’s title run may be one of the most impressive yet. Wrestling coach Alberto Nieves described the squad as one that started the year lacking the experience of previous wrestling lineups, but determined to excel. The wrestlers’ commitment and steady improvement propelled them to the top.

“Their work ethic and dedication were great,” Nieves said. “They were committed, and they improved every day. That’s what got us to that ninth title.”

With a strong coaching staff and a culture rooted in discipline, the team exceeded expectations. Entering the tournament, STCC had suffered losses earlier in the season and was not viewed as the favorite.

“I think we were pretty much an underdog coming in,” Nieves said. “But our students came to wrestle. They came to win.”

The result: five individual champions and six finalists, powering STCC to another conference crown.

The five wrestlers bringing home championships in their respective weight classes were Marlon Andino (125 pounds), Matthew Clayton (133), Aczel Reyes (141), Parisse Williams (197), and Dzevat Kolenovic (285).

Other place winners included:

• Derek McHahon and Trevor Early (157), 8^th place
• Spencer Miltimore, Sean McCall (165) 3^rd place
• Tim Gerry (174) 4^th place
• Tristen Stephens (184) 3^rd place
• Chris Brefo (235), 4^th place, and Ryan Eplite, 5^th place

Eplite said he was thrilled to be competing after he sustained injury last year.

“I'm just really blessed because last year I tore my meniscus,” he said. “I had to have surgery, went through physical therapy. I worked really hard this year, prayed a lot and the hard work paid off.”

The success extended to the women’s team, which re-established itself as a force in the region. Competing with a talented and determined group, the women secured four individual champions and reclaimed the conference title for the first time since 2020. They were Aidalish Cruz (103), Jerymar De Jesus (110) – voted Most Outstanding Women’s Wrestler of the conference tournament – Nevaeh Santiago (124), and Tiana Roy (180).

Their work ethic and dedication were great. They were committed, and they improved every day. That’s what got us to that ninth title. Alberto Nieves, Wrestling Coach

De Jesus said she focused and worked hard to succeed on the mat. “What I liked the most was just being there with my team and traveling with them,” De Jesus said. “I think they really helped shape me as a person. My coaches helped me so much. They pushed me and helped me during my journey with wrestling.”

STCC carried its momentum into the NCWA National Championships, competing against top programs from across the country March 26-28 in Shreveport, La.

The men’s team finished 20th in the nation, with several strong individual performances. Miltimore came within one match of earning All-American honors, falling in the highly competitive “blood round.”

The women’s team delivered an impressive showing, placing 13th nationally and producing two All-Americans. Nevaeah Santiago earned a sixth-place finish at 124 pounds, while Tiana Roy placed eighth at 180 pounds. Roy also distinguished herself in the classroom, earning Academic All-American honors.

Coach Nieves said the program emphasizes academic achievement, with four Academic All-Americans on the men’s side and one on the women’s side. To earn that distinction, student-athletes must qualify for nationals and maintain a GPA of at least 3.25.

On the men’s side, Reyes, Eplite, Nathan Tracy and Kolenovic earned Academic All-American honors, while Roy represented the women’s team.

For Nieves, the victories are about more than championships.

“When they first step onto campus, our expectations for these students are: we want you to graduate. That’s the No. 1 priority,” Nieves said. “We want to make sure you get a degree out of this, and then you have an opportunity to wrestle.”

That philosophy is embedded in the program’s guiding mantra: Serious training creates champs (STCC) – a mindset that applies equally in the classroom and in competition.

Nieves credited STCC’s administration for playing a key role in the program’s sustained success, noting the consistent backing of the college’s leadership and athletic department.

That support was evident at the championship meet, where Darcey Kemp, vice president of student affairs, was on hand to cheer on the team at the regionals.

“Watching our student-athletes compete at such a high level while representing STCC with pride and integrity is truly inspiring,” Kemp said. “This program reflects the very best of our college – commitment, perseverance and excellence both in the classroom and in competition.”

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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