Let the Good Times Roll - NYU Athletics (2024)

Following a fall sports season in which four New York University varsity teams advanced to NCAA Championshippostseason competition, including a National Runner-up performance by the women's cross country team, the Violets' winter teams have kept the mojo going.

Headlining the current wave of success is NYU's women's basketball team. Head Coach Meg Barber's squad has produced an unblemished 9-0 record and ranks #1 atop both the WBCA/NCAA Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll and the D3hoops.com Women's Top 25 Poll. The Violets have outscored their nine opponents by an average of 28.9 points per game and have not won a game by less than 13 points.

The Violets return to action when they compete at the UC Santa Cruz Tournament in Santa Cruz, CA, on Friday and Saturday, December 29-30. NYU will face host UC Santa Cruz on Friday and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Saturday.

"We have really enjoyed the opportunity to have our fellow students, alums, families and friends support our journey in our new home at the Paulson Center," Barber said. "As the dust has settled on first semester, to be recognized as the top team in the country is undoubtedly an honor. It speaks to the strong tradition that has been built within our program and the effort of this current group to come together and put the 'we' over the 'me' in finding our own team identity. We have a lot of exciting basketball ahead in an already memorable season!"

The NYU men's basketball team is having a strong start to the season, as well, with the Violets currently ranking #9in the most recent D3hoops.com Men's Top 25 Poll. The squad has only dropped one of its nine contest, and that one by a single point on a buzzer-beating three-pointer against SwarthmoreCollege on November 12. The Violets have already set program records for most assists (34) and most three-pointers (24) in a game, with both being established on December 9 in a 111-66 win over Brooklyn College.

The Violets will swing back into action on December 29-20 when they host the NYU Holiday Tournament at the Paulson Center. NYU faces SUNY-Canton on the 29th and either SUNY-Oneonta or Maritime College on the 30th.

"We are extremely pleased where we are at heading into the winter break," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. "We challenged our squad with a formidable non-conference schedule and they responded. The group is playing unselfish and inspired basketball. The secondsemester will get even harder, but this is a group excited for whatever challenge is put in front of them."

Both NYU's men's and women's swimming & diving teams are ranked among the top-five in the nation by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). In the latest Division III Top-25 Polls, the men are ranked #3, while the women check in at #4.

The men have won both of their dual meets thus far, including a victory over NCAA Division II Westchester University of Pennsylvania on October 14. The Violets also finished first at both the NYU Invitational and the Phoenix Fall Classic, where they upended University Athletic Association (UAA) rival (and host) University of Chicago as well as squads representing NCAA Division I and II.

The women have also won both of theirdual meets, while finishing first at the NYU Invitational and placing a close second to Chicago atthe Phoenix Fall Classic.

The men have already set seven team records, while the women have established one new one overall and three pool records at their Palladium Athletic Facility Natatorium.

Both squads return to action at home for Senior Day on Saturday, January 13, when they host Stevens Institute of Technology.

"I am impressed with the teams' fall performances," said Head Coach Trevor Miele. "The athletes' accomplishments underscore their consistent and dedicated efforts day in and day out. This semester's results serve as a testament to the high standard of excellence we uphold at NYU, both in and out of the pool, and I am looking forward to seeing how we perform when Championship season rolls around."

The NYU fencing teams are also off to great starts, with both the men and women ranked #1 in NCAA Division III by the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA). Both teams sport 3-2 match records, with their two victories coming against NCAA Division I squads from Sacred Heart University and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Both teams were also victorious overtheir lone NCAA Division III opponent, Vassar College.

The fencers opened their seasons at the Coach Nikki Franke Classic, hosted by Temple University, on November 4-5. Though there was no team scoring at the mostly-Division I competition, sophom*ore Jerry Pan earned the bronze medal in men's saber and senior captain Maria Stamos finished fifth in women's foil.

After the break, the teams resume competition at the Philadelphia Invitational, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, on Saturday and Sunday, January 20-21.

"Both teams have set strong tones for the season thus far," said Head Coach Ben Bratton. "With a strong start at the Temple Open and a winning record following the first invitational event at Sacred Heart, their success reflects not only their medal-worthy performances, but also the dedication and spirit that drive their pursuit of excellence. We're excited to see how the remainder of the season unfolds."

Another team sporting an unblemished record is the NYU wrestlers, who have gone 5-0 in dual meets and are #14 in NCAA Division III in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Dual Team Rankings. The Violets, who have won each of their dual meets by at least 21 points, have also excelled in tournament competition, winning both the Ned McGinley Invitational (first of 13 teams) and the Racich Rumble (first of 14 teams).

The squad has been relying on strength in numbers, as five wrestlers are ranked nationally among the top 15 in their respective weight classes. Leading the charge is two-time All-American, junior Cooper Pontelandolfo, who ranks #3 at 157 pounds. Graduate student Jason Geyer, who has gone undefeated so far this season (9-0), is ranked #8 nationally at 174 pounds.

The wrestlers return to the mat for the UAA vs OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference) Challenge on Saturday, January 6, in Cleveland, OH.

"We have a very good team and the wrestlers expect a lot from themselves," said Head Coach Bruce Haberli. "We have many individuals who really help with our overall success, but I feel that the majority of our team's strength comes from their commitment to each other to work hard and work together. Their desire to succeed shows in their day-to-day efforts to hone in on their technique, work together and help one another. That's a sure way to grow as a team and create an enjoyable season."

It has, indeed, been an enjoyable season for NYU's winter teams, with all looking for continued success in 2024.

Happy Holidays to all from the NYU Department of Athletics!