CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Wilkes University wrestling standout Nicholas Racanelli (West Creek, NJ/Southern Regional) concluded his run in the NCAA Championship Tournament falling in both his matches during the afternoon session in day one of the event.
 
Racanelli sees his sophomore campaign end with a 24-11 overall record, including a second place finish at the Mideast Regional and his first appearance in the NCAA Championships.
 
He began the day with a tough 10-8 decision loss against NYU's Raymond Jazikoff. Jazikoff avenged an earlier defeat to Racanelli in a dual match between the two squads where Racanelli took a thrilling 7-6 decision.
 
Racanelli then wrestled Brandon Arteaga of Wisconsin-Whitewater in a wrestle back matchup of the consolation bracket falling 4-2 to end his championship run. Arteaga took an early 2-0 lead on a takedown then added an escape in the second period to lead 3-0. Racanelli was awarded a penalty point to cut the deficit to 3-1 before escaping in the third period to inch closer at 3-2. With riding time behind Arteaga, Racanelli was unable to claim a takedown to tie the match before the final horn sounded.
 
Racanelli's appearance at the 2016 NCAA Championships marks the tenth straight season Wilkes has sent a wrestler to the national event.