10/30/2026 10:45:00 AM | Wrestling
Millersville finished last season with a 3-7 overall record and a 1-5 mark in conference duals, finishing fifth in a three-way tie with East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) standings. The Marauders opened conference competition with a victory over Shippensburg but struggled to find their footing in the remainder of the season, coming within a match or two of securing additional victories on multiple occasions.
Injuries played a significant role in the Marauders' struggles last season. Several notable starters from the previous year were either limited by injuries or unable to compete, forcing underclassmen into starting roles and accelerating their development earlier than anticipated.
"Anytime a season culminates, as a coaching staff, we want to evaluate everything we do, positive and negative," stated Boland. "Last year, we had some unfortunate injuries, some weird injuries. It seemed like we couldn't catch any breaks, which wasn't the best recipe for a team that was as young as it was."
Experience will be a significant advantage for Millersville heading into the upcoming campaign. However, experience alone will not guarantee success in a PSAC that consistently produces some of the top teams and individual wrestlers in Division II. Boland understands the challenges ahead but believes his team has the opportunity to compete if it remains committed to its daily preparation.
"The PSAC's a tough conference. If you have a heavy senior class, it's not hard to reload in this region. That's what a lot of our schools have done," said Boland. "We're not sitting here thinking like anything's going to come to us just because we have experience. The other schools in our conference are going to be good. We're going to have our work cut out for us. But we can only control what we can control, and that's working hard every day, doing the right things and living that lifestyle to see our guys be successful."
Among the notable returners for the Marauders are Gavin Boland, Nick Cottone, Chase Bish, Nick Bennett, Richie DeFulvio, Cole Dubois, Jack Weldon, Avery Aurand and Jaxon Townsend. Each competed in a starting role at some point last season, giving Millersville a solid foundation of returning talent. With multiple wrestlers gaining postseason experience at the Super Region 1 Championships, the team's motivation is higher than ever as it looks to secure more spots at nationals.
"I think our guys are just motivated. Like I said, to win each day and be the best they can each day," said Boland. "They all have goals to be national qualifiers, All-Americans and national champions. Every day, we are looking to do the right things to prepare as we look to achieve our goals."
DeFulvio was Millersville's lone national qualifier last season after earning a second-place finish at the Super Region 1 Championships. The junior battled through two decision victories before an injury forced him to withdraw from the championship match. He then traveled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the NCAA Division II National Championships, where he competed in three matches and finished with a 1-2 record.
Despite earning his first trip to nationals, DeFulvio has higher expectations heading into his junior campaign.
"Richie, who's been there, is not satisfied with just getting there and winning a match. His goal is to be on the podium," said Boland.
Boland also believes the experience gained by DeFulvio and the returning roster, combined with contributions from younger wrestlers and newcomers, could make the Marauders a team to watch this season.
"He's good enough to get on the podium, and we're looking to do the right things to put everything in line," said Boland. "Some of the younger guys and a couple of new guys in the lineup are going to surprise some people. Ultimately, the goal is to get 10 guys to nationals."
Millersville will also have the opportunity to compete on its home mat when it hosts the Super Region 1 Championships in February at Pucillo Gymnasium. The NCAA awarded the Marauders hosting rights after the program submitted a bid last year, giving Millersville an opportunity to compete in front of its home crowd during one of the most important weekends of the season.
The opportunity carries additional significance for seniors Cottone, Dubois and Bennett, who will have the chance to compete in Pucillo Gymnasium one final time during their collegiate careers.
"It's exciting for our guys to have this opportunity. Seniors like Cottone, Dubois and Bennett have frequently competed throughout the years in other gyms. To now host in our own gym is exciting for us and our alumni to have something like this and to come back and support the current guys. It's just exciting and good for our program," said Boland.
The Marauders open the season Sunday at the Glenville Open before beginning dual-meet competition against York on Nov. 13. Millersville will then open PSAC competition on Thursday, Dec. 3, when it welcomes East Stroudsburg to Pucillo Gymnasium.
