Wrestling to Celebrate Past Champions Against Bucknell

Saturday, February 7

Philadelphia, Pa.

6 p.m.

Drexel University

Bucknell

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Wrestling to Celebrate Past Champions Against Bucknell

2/6/2026 10:29:00 AM | Wrestling

Match Info:
Saturday, February 7 - 6 p.m.
Location: Daskalakis Athletic Center
FloWrestling | Live Results | Tickets

Social Media
@DrexelWrestling | @DrexelDragons

PHILADELPHIA — The No. 30 Drexel wrestling team is set to battle Bucknell tomorrow night in the DAC, with action slated for 6 p.m. The Dragons will honor past champions during the halftime break. Drexel enters the matchup at 12-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in EIWA competition. Mert '67 and Joanne '69 Hill Head Coach of Wrestling Matt Azevedo is one win shy of matching his career-high mark for victories in a season.

Last Time Out
The Dragons picked up a pair of EIWA victories last weekend, opening with a 30-11 win over Franklin & Marshall before following up with a 26-13 victory against Hofstra.

Eight Dragons earned wins against the Diplomats on Saturday, including four bonus-point victories. The dual was highlighted by Deon Pleasant's come-from-behind win at 149 pounds, as he secured a decisive takedown in the closing seconds to defeat Pat Phillips.

DU returned to the DAC on Sunday for a hard-fought battle with Hofstra. After the Dragons jumped out to an 8-4 lead, the Pride rattled off three straight wins to take a 13-8 advantage. Drexel responded with four consecutive victories of its own, highlighted by bonus-point performances from Jasiah Queen, Ethan Wilson and Nate Schon.

Cody Walsh leads the team with 20 wins this season and has been a steady presence at 165 pounds, posting a 9-4 record in dual competition. Desmond Pleasant owns the longest active winning streak on the roster, riding an eight-match streak.

Honoring the Past
Drexel will honor past champions during a special halftime celebration at Saturday's bout, recognizing those who helped build the tradition and excellence of the program.

Fred Ulmer (Heavyweight) — 1955 & 1957
David Mentzer (137lbs) — 1967 & 1968
David Dietrich (157lbs) — 2000
Kevin Devoy (133lbs) — 2015
Matt Cimato (149lbs) — 2016
Mickey O'Malley (174lbs) — 2022

National Recognition
Drexel was named in the InterMAt poll for the second consecutive week, coming in at No. 30 this week. The Dragons have already tested themselves against three Big Ten opponents and four nationally ranked teams overall, highlighted by a win over No. 25 Purdue in the DAC.

Additionally, six Dragons were named to the first NCAA DI Coaches' Rankings of the season. Desmond Pleasant, Kyle Waterman, Jordan Soriano, Luke Nichter, Jasiah Queen and Nate Schon all earned a spot in their respective weight classes.

NCAA Division I Coaches Rankings
Desmond Pleasant (125lbs) — 28th
Kyle Waterman (133lbs) — 31st
Jordan Soriano (141lbs) — 33rd
Luke Nichter (157lbs) — 24th
Jasiah Queen (174lbs) — 21st
Nate Schon (285lbs) — 21st

Projected Lineups
Drexel
125: No. 33/30 Desmond Pleasant
133: Kyle Waterman
141: Jordan Soriano
149: Deon Pleasant
157: Luke Nichter
165: Cody Walsh or Dom Findora
174: No. 21/20 Jasiah Queen
184: Ethan Wilson
197: Ibrahim Ameer
285: No. 24/24 Nate Schon

Bucknell
125: Kade Davidheiser
133: Bryce Manera
141: No. 29/30 Dylan Chappell
149: Braden Bower
157: Cade Wirnsberger
165: No. 26/21 Noah Mulvaney
174: No. 19/21 Myles Takats
184: No. NR/31 Tyler Bienus
197: No. 27/27 Billon Bechtold
285: No. 32/30 Lucas Lawler

All rankings coming via FloWrestling/InterMat

The Series
The Dragons hold a 21-12 advantage in the all-time series with the Bison. Drexel took down Bucknell last season in Lewisburg, 20-13. Mickey O'Malley recorded a huge victory over No. 28 Dillon Bechtold to secure the overall victory.

On the Mic
Drexel will feature a new voice on the mic for the 2025–26 wrestling season, as Nick Kosko takes over play-by-play duties on FloWrestling. A former Broadcaster of the Year honoree by the National Wrestling Media Association, Kosko brings extensive experience to the Dragons' coverage, having previously called matches for Rutgers, Penn, Princeton and others.

Looking Ahead
The Dragons return to the DAC next weekend for a pair of home matchups. Drexel will host Rider on Saturday, Feb. 14, as part of Spirit Day. The regular-season finale follows on Sunday, Feb. 15, when the Dragons welcome LIU and celebrate Senior Day.