Lancaster, January 10, 2026
The University of Pennsylvania wrestling team displayed exceptional skill at the F&M Open in Lancaster, capturing three individual titles. Nationally ranked wrestlers achieved significant victories, marking a strong beginning to the season. Freshman Davis Motyka, junior Kelly Dunnigan, and senior CJ Composto all emerged victorious in their respective weight classes. These accomplishments underscore the hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit of the athletes, further solidifying Penn’s reputation in collegiate wrestling as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
Philadelphia, PA — The University of Pennsylvania wrestling team showcased its formidable talent this past Friday, January 9, 2026, at the David H. Lehman ’68 F&M Open in Lancaster, securing three individual titles. Nationally ranked grapplers Davis Motyka, CJ Composto, and Kelly Dunnigan each ascended to the top of their respective weight classes, signaling a powerful start to the 2026 season for the Quakers. Their triumphs underscore the profound benefits of rigorous training, personal perseverance, and robust competitive environments that define collegiate athletics.
These latest victories at Franklin & Marshall College follow closely on the heels of another impressive performance at the Southern Scuffle, positioning the nationally ranked Penn wrestling squad as a significant force in collegiate wrestling. The team’s consistent pursuit of excellence reflects a commitment to developing not just athletes, but individuals ready to tackle challenges on and off the mat, contributing positively to the broader Philadelphia PA sports community.
Individual Triumphs and Collective Strength at F&M Open
Dominant Performances in Lancaster
At the highly anticipated David H. Lehman ’68 F&M Open, three University of Pennsylvania wrestlers distinguished themselves by claiming individual championships. Freshman Davis Motyka, ranked #30 nationally at 125 pounds, earned his first collegiate individual crown with a perfect 5-0 performance. His path to the title included a decisive 5-2 victory over Charlie Farmer of Army in the final bout. Similarly, junior Kelly Dunnigan secured his inaugural collegiate individual championship at 149 pounds, navigating through six challenging bouts undefeated. Senior CJ Composto, ranked #6 nationally at 141 pounds, captured his first title of the current season with an unblemished 5-0 record at the tournament.
Beyond the individual champions, several other Penn grapplers demonstrated their competitive spirit, with Deven Casey (133 lbs), Wyatt Stout (157 lbs), Andy Troczynski (165 lbs), Jackson Zimmerman (197 lbs), and John Vinciguerra (285 lbs) all winning bouts during the demanding tournament. Xander Kuokkanen (184 lbs) and Matthew Cruise (285 lbs) also competed, contributing to the team’s overall presence and competitive showing in Lancaster.
Momentum Built from Challenging Competitions
A Season of Strong Performances
The success at the F&M Open builds upon a foundation of strong performances earlier in the 2025-26 campaign. Just days before the F&M Open, the University of Pennsylvania wrestling team, which was ranked #11 nationally heading into the event, made a historic debut at the 2026 Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they achieved a remarkable second-place finish as a team. The Quakers accumulated 123.5 points, placing them second only to the reigning NCAA National Champion Penn State.
Eight Penn grapplers earned podium spots at the Southern Scuffle, further illustrating the team’s depth and competitive prowess. Notably, #5 CJ Composto (141 lbs) and Caden Bellis (174 lbs) were runners-up in their respective weight classes. Third-place honors went to #13 Evan Mougalian (133 lbs), #4 Cross Wasilewski (149 lbs), #13 Jude Swisher (157 lbs), and #31 Sean Seefeldt (165 lbs). Liam Carlin secured a fifth-place finish at 174 pounds, while Kelly Dunnigan rounded out the Quakers’ impressive showing with an eighth-place finish at 149 pounds. Dunnigan also received the Gorrarian Award for the most pins in the shortest time at the Southern Scuffle, demonstrating his aggressive and decisive style.
These recent team successes complement other individual accolades from earlier in the 2025-26 season. Brian Heard claimed an individual title at the Wilkes Open in December 2025, and Cross Wasilewski led the team at the Journeymen Classic in November 2025 by winning the Hammer award [cite: Heard Wins Individual Title at Wilkes Open; Four Grapplers Earn …-Dec 19, 2025, Wasilewski Wins Hammer to Lead Wrestling at Journeymen Classic …-Nov 9, 2025]. Evan Mougalian also earned his second Ivy League Weekly Honor of the season in late December 2025, following a crucial pin that helped secure a 24-16 dual meet victory over Virginia. The team’s national ranking, which stood at #22 prior to the F&M Open, reflects their consistent performance against top collegiate programs.
Philadelphia’s Enduring Athletic Spirit and Economic Contribution
The Broader Impact of Collegiate Programs
The triumphs of the University of Pennsylvania PA athletics programs, particularly in disciplines like wrestling, are more than just athletic achievements; they contribute to the dynamic landscape of Philadelphia PA sports. These university programs play a vital role in cultivating elite athletic talent, fostering a culture of competition, and creating opportunities for young men and women to develop critical life skills.
The collective impact of private colleges and universities across Pennsylvania extends significantly to the state’s economy. In 2024, these institutions contributed an estimated $29 billion to the state economy and supported approximately 195,120 jobs. The University of Pennsylvania, as a leading institution, is a significant part of this economic engine, driving activity through employment, student spending, and attracting talent to the state. While some analyses suggest that the direct metropolitan economic impact of individual sporting events may be less substantial than often perceived, the sustained operation and success of major collegiate athletic programs contribute to the broader state economy and enrich the cultural fabric of Philadelphia. This ongoing commitment to excellence in college wrestling in Philadelphia helps to maintain a vibrant athletic scene that benefits the community at large.
Fostering Excellence Through Strategic Investment and Community Support
Beyond the Scoreboard: Private Initiative and Development
The success of Penn’s wrestling program, and indeed Penn Athletics as a whole, is significantly bolstered by strategic investment and robust community support, exemplifying the power of private initiative. As an Ivy League institution, the University of Pennsylvania does not offer athletic scholarships, meaning that support for its programs and student-athletes comes primarily through other avenues.
Private donations and endowments are crucial for sustaining competitive excellence. The Penn Champions Club manages endowment funds that provide lasting financial stability, offsetting operational costs such as travel, equipment, game day operations, nutrition, and sports performance for Penn’s 33 varsity programs. A lead gift from former University Trustee and alumnus Dave Pottruck, for instance, launched the Penn Wrestling Lasting Legacy of Excellence Campaign, which is earmarked for renovations within Weightman Hall to create a new wrestling facility. Such generous contributions from alumni and supporters underscore a shared belief in the value of competition, character development, and the pursuit of greatness that intercollegiate athletics represents. These investments enable student-athletes to train, grow, and compete at the highest levels, embodying the spirit of responsible growth and self-reliance.
The Path Forward: Sustaining Competitive Advantage
Upholding a Tradition of Achievement
With the recent individual titles at the F&M Open and the impressive team performance at the Southern Scuffle, the University of Pennsylvania wrestling team has established strong momentum early in the 2026 season. The Quakers are set to continue their challenging schedule, with an upcoming road trip on Sunday, January 11, to face Northern Colorado. Later in the month and into February, they will host crucial home matches against Columbia (January 25) and Cornell (February 8), while also traveling to compete against Brown (January 31) and Harvard (February 1).
The consistent achievements of Penn wrestling not only bring recognition to the University but also inspire the local community and elevate the profile of college wrestling in Philadelphia. As the team progresses through its challenging schedule, its journey will undoubtedly continue to showcase the dedication, skill, and disciplined effort characteristic of top-tier student-athletes. Readers are encouraged to stay engaged with the team’s progress and support University of Pennsylvania PA athletics, contributing to a proud tradition of competitive and personal excellence within the Philadelphia PA sports community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which University of Pennsylvania wrestlers claimed individual titles at the F&M Open?
A: Davis Motyka (125 lbs), CJ Composto (141 lbs), and Kelly Dunnigan (149 lbs) claimed individual titles at the F&M Open.
Q: When did the F&M Open take place?
A: The F&M Open took place on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Q: Where was the F&M Open held?
A: The F&M Open was held on the campus of Franklin & Marshall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Q: How did the University of Pennsylvania wrestling team perform at the 2026 Southern Scuffle?
A: The University of Pennsylvania wrestling team finished second as a squad with 123.5 points at the 2026 Southern Scuffle.
Q: How many Penn wrestlers earned podium spots at the Southern Scuffle?
A: Eight Penn grapplers earned podium spots at the Southern Scuffle.
Q: What was the national ranking of the Penn wrestling team prior to the F&M Open?
A: The Penn wrestling team was ranked #22 nationally prior to the F&M Open.
Q: Does the University of Pennsylvania offer athletic scholarships?
A: No, the University of Pennsylvania, like other Ivy League schools, awards need-based financial aid and does not offer scholarships based on athletic merit.
Q: What is the Penn Wrestling Lasting Legacy of Excellence Campaign?
A: The Penn Wrestling Lasting Legacy of Excellence Campaign is an initiative to fund renovations inside Weightman Hall for a new wrestling facility, launched with a lead gift from alumnus Dave Pottruck.
Q: What is the economic contribution of private colleges and universities in Pennsylvania?
A: In 2024, Pennsylvania’s 80-plus independent, private colleges and universities contributed $29 billion to the state’s economy and supported about 195,120 jobs.
University of Pennsylvania Wrestling – Recent Achievements (2025-2026 Season)
| Event | Date | Key Performance | Penn National Ranking (Team) |
|---|---|---|---|
| David H. Lehman ’68 F&M Open | January 9, 2026 | 3 Individual Titles (Motyka, Composto, Dunnigan) | #22 (prior to event) |
| 2026 Southern Scuffle | January 3-4, 2026 | 2nd Place Team Finish (123.5 points); 8 Podium Finishers | #11 (prior to event) |
| Dual Meet vs. Virginia | December 22, 2025 | 24-16 Victory; Mougalian’s pin | Not specified for this specific date |
| Wilkes Open | December 19, 2025 | Brian Heard wins Individual Title [cite: Heard Wins Individual Title at Wilkes Open; Four Grapplers Earn …-Dec 19, 2025] | Not specified for this specific date |
| Journeymen Collegiate Classic | November 9, 2025 | Cross Wasilewski wins Hammer Award [cite: Wasilewski Wins Hammer to Lead Wrestling at Journeymen Classic …-Nov 9, 2025] | Not specified for this specific date |
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