Centenary Welcomes Women's Wrestling to Campus

Centenary University has introduced women’s wrestling as a club sport, beginning in the 2024-25 winter season. Coach John Garriques is serving in dual capacity as both men’s and women’s wrestling head coach.

“Women’s wrestling is the fastest-growing sport in high school,” said Coach Garriques. “Since Centenary is the second school in New Jersey to offer women’s wrestling, it is a great advantage to our athletic department.”

“The addition of a women’s wrestling team would bring a lot more wrestlers to the school,” said junior wrestler Miguel Lopez.

The women’s wrestling roster consists of seven freshmen: Carmelarose Fowler, Elif Kosker, Autumn Livingston, Jenna Magrino, Zaria Moore, Kierstin Piontkowski, and Autumn Thane-Knox.

Although the individual bios for each member have not yet been released, the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) designates ten weight classes, ranging from 101 lbs to 191 lbs. The WCWA uses freestyle rules and is part of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

Freestyle wrestling is one of the amateur forms of wrestling. It allows the wrestler to use her or her opponent’s legs in offense and defense.

"It’s an honor to start the first women’s wrestling team for Centenary University,” said freshman Elizabeth Galladay. “I hope, in the future, we are able to recruit more women to expand the team.”

"I’m so grateful to be a part of the first women’s wrestling match,” said Magrino. “I am honored to pave the way for the future of women’s wrestling [at Centenary].”

“This year will be a transitional year,” added Coach Garriques. “We will focus on getting better and building our foundations. Once we get numbers, we will be ready to take the women’s team to the top!”

Public eliminations took place at the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., and the first official match occurred at East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA, on Sunday, Nov. 3. Unfortunately, there was no team scoring for both matches.

There will be three additional matches this season. The next match took place on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Shorty Hitchcock Open in Millersville, PA. On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Cyclones will host the Bob Quade Open, which is dedicated to Robert Quade, who passed away in 2012 and was responsible for the wrestling and cross country programs here at Centenary University. The match will begin with an 11 a.m. match time at John M. Reeves Gymnasium. The final match is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13, at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, PA.

The Cyclone Chronicle wishes Coach Garriques and the women’s wrestling team great success this season! We look forward to featuring the team in our future publications.