Hokies open season with five champions in Salem - Virginia Tech Athletics

Virginia Tech Opens 2026-27 Wrestling Campaign with Five Titles in Salem

Virginia Tech officially launched its 2026-27 wrestling season on Sunday, Nov. 1, securing five individual titles and twelve total podium finishes at the Southeast Open in Salem, Virginia. Competing against a deep field of collegiate programs, the Hokies established early-season dominance across multiple weight classes, collecting four runner-up finishes alongside their championship performances.

The program’s success in Salem highlights a strong foundation as the squad looks toward the grueling dual-meet schedule ahead. While early-season tournaments traditionally serve as proving grounds for incoming freshmen and returning starters alike, Virginia Tech converted high expectations into tangible hardware.

Open Division Champions Set the Pace

Leading the charge for Tech in the Open division were Aaron Seidel at 133 pounds, Mac Church at 165 pounds, Ryan Burton at 174 pounds, and Jim Mullen at 285 pounds. Each captured an individual title in commanding fashion.

Seidel put together a flawless 4-0 run at 133 pounds, securing bonus-point victories in every match. His tournament opened with an 18-0 technical fall over Ohio’s Prestyn Parks before culminating in a 15-0 technical fall against West Virginia’s Gunner Andrick in the finals.

At 165 pounds, Church navigated a 4-0 tournament that included two major decisions. He ultimately faced teammate Noah Nininger in the championship bout, claiming a 4-1 decision to secure the top spot while Nininger earned the runner-up finish.

Burton added another title at 174 pounds, finishing 4-0 with two technical falls and a medical forfeit victory before defeating Illinois’ Colin Kelly 7-2 in the title match. Heavyweight Jim Mullen completed the Open division sweep for the upper weights, going 4-0 with a pin, two technical falls, and an 8-0 major decision over West Virginia’s Max Vanadia.

Freshman Standouts and Podiums Showcase Depth

In the freshman/sophomore division, newcomer Alex Rozas made an immediate splash by claiming the 125-pound title. Rozas went 5-0 on the day, opening with three consecutive technical falls before defeating NC State’s Lander Bosh 6-3 in the semifinals and pinning NC State’s Dom Deputy in the championship.

Hokies open season with five champions in Salem - Virginia Tech Athletics — Photo: bvmsports.com

Additional freshman/sophomore competitors reaching the finals as runners-up included Mitchell Faglioni at 157 pounds, Kyle Scott at 184 pounds, and Jonathan Rocha at 197 pounds. Rocha notably racked up bonus-point victories in all three of his wins, highlighted by a 20-3 technical fall over West Virginia’s Aiden Bliss.

Rounding out the podium placements in the Open division, Jaden Bullock secured third place at 184 pounds by defeating teammate Sergio Desiante 6-3 in the consolation bracket, leaving Desiante in fourth place.