Millersville University
Franklin and Marshall
Marauders unable to secure win in final dual
2/15/2026 4:30:00 PM | Wrestling
Millersville welcomed Franklin & Marshall from neighboring Lancaster to compete for the annual Rupp Cup in the final dual of the season. Prior to the start of competition, the Marauders recognized four seniors from the Class of 2026 - Dom Flatt, Colin Higgins, Taylor Robinson, and Elias Smith - for their contributions to the wrestling program.
The Marauders began the afternoon at a disadvantage after forfeiting the 125 and 174-pound bouts, putting them behind 12–0 to start the dual. Higgins opened the day for Millersville at 133 pounds, but his match was cut short as he fell by technical fall in the first period. Nick Cottone competed at 141 pounds and struggled to gain momentum, ultimately dropping his match by technical fall in the third period.
At 149 pounds, Robinson entered the dual following a strong performance at the Messiah Open. However, like Higgins, his day ended early with a technical fall loss. Fellow senior Smith made his dual debut this season at 157 pounds. He competed well in the opening period, but a reversal early in the second period put the Delaware native on his back, where he was pinned.
Junior Nick Bennet wrestled at 165 pounds, carrying momentum from his five technical falls at the Messiah Open. The New Jersey native competed hard through all three periods but ultimately fell by major decision.
Messiah Open champion Avery Aurand returned to the mat at 184 pounds following his successful weekend. Aurand faced a tough challenge against the No. 5-ranked wrestler in Division I for the Diplomats. He surrendered multiple takedowns in the opening period but managed several escapes. With 30 seconds remaining in the period, Aurand was pinned after battling heavily against his nationally ranked opponent.
Jaxon Townsend provided the highlight of the afternoon for the Marauders at 197 pounds. The redshirt freshman secured an opening-period takedown to take an early lead and added another later in the match to build a comfortable advantage. The Diplomats responded with two takedowns in the final period, but Townsend answered with one of his own after escaping. With 30 seconds remaining, Townsend put his opponent on his back and secured a pin to put Millersville on the board.
"Today wasn't an effort thing. We were outmatched by a better team," said head coach Jerry Boland. "Sometimes that's the way it goes. I don't like it, but that's how it went. We liked the matchup at 197 and felt like Jaxon's style could create a mismatch. He kept the pressure on throughout the match and was able to get the fall."
Kurt Scheuerman closed the afternoon for Millersville at 285 pounds. The sophomore surrendered an early takedown in the first period and struggled to find momentum. He battled in the second period to limit the damage but was ultimately pinned in the third. The Diplomats retained the Rupp Cup for another year with the 49-6 victory.
"We wrestled a crazy tough schedule this year," Boland said. "We have two weeks to prepare for the most important tournament of the season. We have to use that time appropriately to get healthy, continue to train hard, and understand how this type of competition prepares us for that moment. We will be ready."
Millersville will host the SR Futures Tournament next Sunday at 10 a.m. for its final event before heading to the Super Region I Championships on Saturday, February 1.
Players Mentioned
