Eph wrestlers ranked 1st in N.E. & 14th Nationally

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Defending New England champion Williams has been tabbed as the team to beat again this year by the region’s coaches.

“We’re excited about the preseason NEWA Coaches rankings because we feel we had a great season in 2008-2009 and we have a bunch of talented student-athletes back, but also we realize they are only rankings,” said Eph head coach Dan DiCenzo. “We return six All-New England wrestlers in Josh Mattana (125), Dylan Rittenburg (141), Corey Paulish (149), Carl Breitenstein (157), Jon Foster (165), and Ryan Malo (197).” The Ephs also return eight of 10 starters, have a strong group of upperclassmen returning, as well as a solid first year class.

"The thing I am most impressed with as a coach, is that after the success we had last year and making great strides on a national level, the group of returning wrestlers continued to work hard and made great gains in the off season getting stronger, faster, and continuing to wrestle,” stated DiCenzo. “The team’s dedication has been outstanding and that work ethic becomes contagious and sets a great example for our first year class."

Coming off a year that saw the Ephs win the New England title and finish 10th nationally, while earning a second straight National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American Team award this year’s Ephs will be challenged to continue their success. “We have high expectations and goals for our team this year and we have really challenged ourselves with a very competitive schedule,” noted DiCenzo. “We know there are some tough challenges out there, and there might be some bumps along the way, but that is going to make our team stronger and more prepared to compete come the New England Championship Tournament and the NCAA Championships.

DiCenzo’s Ephs are ranked 14th nationally and the only New England team in the top twenty-five. Three Ephs are ranked in the top 10 in their weight class. Ryan Malo is second at 197; Corey Paulish is 4th at 149 and Dylan Rittenburg is 7th at 141.

National team rankings are here and the national individual rankings are here.

The Ephs will open the 2009-10 season on the road at the Doug Parker Tournament where they will field a partial squad with some of their key competitors not available due to a commitment to football.

New England Division III Poll: (First Place Votes in Parentheses)

1. Williams College  (9) -- 98

2. Rhode Island College -- 87

3. Johnson & Wales University (1) -- 81                          

4. Wesleyan University -- 72

5. Springfield College -- 60

6. Plymouth State University -- 35

7. University of Southern Maine -- 34

8. Roger Williams University -- 33

9. Bridgewater State College -- 30

10. WPI -- 14

Others receiving votes: Norwich and Trinity

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.