Army beats Navy in Annual Star Match

Army beats Navy in Annual Star Match

By Austin Sommer, EIWA Sports Information Director

 

The annual Star Match between Army and Navy occurred on Sunday. Army took this bout 22-10. Last year's dual result was a one-point margin, in favor of Army. The Black Knights have now won two in a row over their rivals. This comes after Navy won the previous three bouts between the two. I asked Army West Point's Head Coach, Kevin Ward, about the two-match win streak. His response explained the rivalry to perfection, "Last year had no impact on this year. Every year has its own legacy. Every time we wrestle, it's going to be competitive." Ward continued, "This match was very close, even if the final score makes you think otherwise. There were about seven bouts where the final minute was the deciding factor."

Army won three of the first five bouts heading into the intermission. Each team had a bonus point win, courtesy of Charlie Farmer, of Army at 125lbs, and Josh Koderhandt, of Navy at 141lbs. With a 10-7 lead at half, Coach Ward seemed calm and trusted his team. "I do not like to coach too much in the moment. I feel that's not a good thing, and it makes us feel unprepared. I like to take a minimalist approach." Then, Ward chuckled a bit, "I actually didn't see them at halftime, I was busy doing something else."

That something else was a pretty big deal. During the intermission, the class of 1972 presented a check for $1Million to the wrestling program. Ward was blessed by the generosity stating "It shows eternal support and sustainability for the program. It's amazing the class of 1972 (both wrestlers and non-wrestlers) chipped in to make this happen. There was not one large donation, it was a group effort." This was an endeavor that was five, plus years in the making. "It's remarkable that this class remembers the impact fifty years later and want to show their gratitude to the current program." Ward said.

This is the direction the sport is heading due to the new NCAA buy-in rules. The need to secure an endowment has added another important aspect needed to be a successful head coach and to build a strong wrestling program. Many programs at smaller schools will need endowments to help help them compete with schools in the "Power Conferences. Regarding the topic, Ward mentioned that "It should be a top priority for all schools. It takes hard, steady work. It doesn't happen overnight." 

Another reason why this dual meet is great, is that it "really matters," as Coach Ward described. He elaborated, "The sport prioritizes three days in a five-month season. Success is measured different at the academies. We have two very important institutions looking to outcompete the other. One on one. It's a special thing." The entire Army West Point coaching staff are advocates for elevating the importance dual meets. The sport, as a whole, no longer emphasizes duals as the focal point. Many argue it's the best way to increase viewership to casual fans and attract new ones.  

Ward loves this dual specifically because all the athletes are committed to something bigger than wrestling. His next point is another great one. "Another thing you'll notice about this dual is that there are zero transfers here. Athletes on both sides committed to the lifestyle and stuck to it. It's rare to find nowadays. It's so fun to be part of." You can't argue with him there. The current college athletics scene is filled with transfers, numerous commitments by one athlete, and unbelievable NIL deals. These two programs are an outlier in today's NCAA landscape.

The atmosphere of this dual is top notch every year. If you cannot attend in person, there is no downside to stay home and hear to the commentary done by Nikolai Busko. Nikolai does numerous sports for the academy. Coach Ward's thoughts on Nikolai mimic what others have said on social media. "He's not a wrestling 'X's and O's' guy, but he loves the sport and his passion to learn is unmatched. He truly prides himself on the prep work. We need more people like him in the sport in terms on commitment and bringing the energy. We appreciate him so much." Commentators tend to take themselves too seriously and may get too involved with the techniques, which may bore the audience. Nikolai has the passion, competence, and wittiness to make the product better overall for those at home. His one-liners are fantastic and make you want to really listen for his next one.

Although Navy has dominated this dual with a 52-12-5 record all time, the momentum has swung Army West Point's way over the past two seasons. Coach Ward's final statement on the rivalry, "I have so much respect for this rivalry and what it means to both sides. I'm glad I get to compete in it." Not to mention, a win makes it that much sweeter.

Match Results: Army 22 – Navy 10

125: Charlie Farmer (Army) maj.dec Nick Treaster (Navy) 14-2

133: Ethan Berginc (Army) dec Brendan Ferretti (Navy) 5-0

141: Josh Koderhandt (Navy) maj.dec Richard Treanor (Army) 16-4

149: Trae McDaniel (Army) dec Kaemen Smith (Navy) 7-2

157: Jonathan Ley (Navy) dec Dakota Morris (Army) 7-2

165: Gunner Filipowicz (Army) dec Dylan Elmore (Navy) 2-0

174: Danny Wask (Navy) dec Dalton Harkins (Army) 7-4

184: Jake Gilfoil (Army) dec Daniel Williams (Navy) 2-0

197: Wolfgang Frable (Army) dec Payton Thomas (Navy) 7-2

285: Lucas Stoddard (Army) dec Jacob Lucas (Navy) 1-0