Mitchell LaFlam Named NEWA Rookie Wrestler of Week

2017 Jan 19

After finishing third at the Jim Aguiar Invitational, his third top-three finish in as many tournaments this season, freshman Mitchell LaFlam has been named the New England Wrestling Association Rookie Wrestler of the Week, announced Thursday by the organization.

In a dual match in Worcester, Mass., on Jan. 11, LaFlam defeated Dan Wensley of WPI in a 3-2 decision to bring Castleton within four points of the Engineers, one of the top teams in New England.

LaFlam started Saturday with decision victories over James Brescia of AIC (6-0) and Kevin Ford of nationally ranked NYU (5-2). After a loss in the semifinals, he defeated teammate Jacob Woodside in the consolation semifinal, and then earned an overtime victory over NYU's Jackson Kligerman, 3-1 (SV-1), to pick up third place in the bracket.

LaFlam is 20-7 overall this season, including 12-3 in his last 15 matches. Previously, he won five matches to finish in third place at the Ted Reese Invitational in Gorham, Maine, Dec. 3, and he finished in second place at the Williams College Open Jan. 7.