Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
Black Knight Open
Wrestling Wins Four Individual Titles at Black Knight Open; 23 Wrestlers Place
November 16, 2025 | Wrestling
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Army West Point wrestling claimed four individual titles at the Black Knight Open at Christl Arena Sunday, while 23 total wrestlers earned a top six finish across their respective weight classes.
The event represented Army's first home event of the 2025-26 season, as well as the first for Class of 1972 Head Men's Wrestling Coach Troy Nickerson in his tenure.
A pair of championship bouts served as all-Army affairs. Ethan Berginc defeated Jake Crapps by technical fall in the 133 lb title, before Braden Basile knocked off Conor Collins 5-1 in the 141 lb championship immediately afterward.
All three of Berginc's wins came in bonus point fashion, with a pair of major decisions, including one over teammate Devin Ryan in the semifinals. Basile meanwhile went 4-0 on the afternoon, with two bonus point wins.
Freshmen Joseph Antonio continued his excellent start to his collegiate career with a 5-0 record on the way to a 157 lb title Sunday. He recorded a pair of pins in the opening two rounds, before posting a 9-3 win by decision in the final over Conner Harer of Rutgers.
Dave Barrett never trailed after a first period takedown in the 184 lb final, holding on to defeat USMAPS' Nash Banko 4-3.
Not counting pool competitions at the Journeyman Collegiate Classic November 9, Army wrestlers have now combined for eight tournament titles to date this year. Antonio's title Sunday was his second in 2025-26, previously coming in first at the season-opening Princeton Open November 2.
Crapps (133), Collins (141), Ryan Alvarado (165), Gage Laplante (174) and Reid Schroeder (197) each came in second Sunday.
Mason Barvitskie (149), Cooper Haase (174) and Cole Karpinski (184) took third. Austin Kohlhofer (285), Ryan (133), Arvin Khosravy (174), Frankie Florio (165) and Jackson Van Kley (197) finished in fourth.
Micah Hanau (165), Andrew Christie (174) and Chris Murphy (197) slotted in fifth, and Luke Sirianni (125), Kellen Smith (157) and BJ Russell (285) each took sixth.
Coach's Corner
Overall I think we looked pretty good today; first time at home this season. It was a pretty small competition, we had a lot of entries, and [today] helped us solidify some roster battles. Really just a good competition to be able to get us ready for next week, which is going to be a lot tougher, said Nickerson.
On competing at Christl Arena for the first time in his tenure: This place is amazing. It's a great environment, and we had good fan support here.
Cadet's Corner
Wrestling here was a great opportunity, a blessing, said Antonio. I felt a little nervous going into it, but after the first minute or two, I got my offense going and it was a great experience. My coaches were there, helping me out, my teammates on the side were too. It was a great feeling.
Next Up
Army remains home next weekend for the Black Knight Invite. Action from Christl Arena commences at 10:00 a.m.
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Players Mentioned
