On March 12, graduate student Brett Kaliner won the 2022 NCAA Division III 149-pound national title, making him the first wrestler in Stevens’ history to be named a national champion. With his 4-2 victory over Central Region champion Michael Petrella of Baldwin Wallace, five-time all-American and Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Wrestler of the Year, Kaliner closed off an undefeated season, attaining a record of 29-0. Throughout the season, Kaliner was ranked as the number one wrestler by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) in the 149-pound class. Stevens Wrestling ended the championships placing fifth as a team overall with 46.5 points.
In an email interview with The Stute, Kaliner talked about his experiences leading up to and after the championships. Kaliner stated that he had a “pretty relaxed” mindset heading into the championships. He continuously reminded himself that this would be his last time competing and that the most important part would be “enjoying [his] last go.”
“I have respect for every opponent that steps across the line,” Kaliner stated when asked about the opposing wrestlers he faced. “However my goal is the same for each opponent, and that is to score as many points as I can until the final whistle blows.”
In the semifinals, Kaliner beat The University of Chicago’s two-time University Athletic Association champion Ryan Fleck and opened with an 8-2 lead. He scored a takedown and two four-point near-falls within 48 seconds and claimed a 19-3 victory.
In the championship match, Kaliner scored the first points of the match in the opening minute with a takedown. He had a 2-1 lead to begin the second period, and with a little over a minute left in the frame, Petrella earned an escape point which evened the score. Kaliner earned an escape point shortly into the third and last period. With a minute left, Kaliner fought off Petrella’s shot attempts and gained another riding time point at the end of the match, sealing his championship title. With the win, he became the 31st Division III national champion to represent the MAC and the first at 149 pounds.
Kaliner’s method to finding success was by having confidence in his ability. He explained, “I believed I was capable of winning a national title.” Though he had confidence, he also stated that “to say I knew I would win it would be a lie.” After winning the championship match, his initial reaction was relief. “After five long years I was able to accomplish [this] elusive goal.”
Kaliner hopes that his win encourages prospective athletes to come to Stevens for wrestling. “You can and will be able to win a national championship at this school, and if you’re considering Stevens, do it.”
Kaliner spoke highly about All-American juniors Kyle Slendorn and Stefan Major, the wrestlers who went to the championship alongside him, stating, “Kyle and Stefan are two of the hardest working guys in the room day in and day out […] don’t be surprised if they’re on top of that podium next year.”
Slendorn finished in fourth place for the second time in his career, ending the season with a 29-4 record. Major competed in his first NCAA Championship and finished seventh, with a 7-4 decision victory against The State University of New York Cortland’s Demetrius Henry.
Stevens Wrestling Head Coach, Joseph Favia, was named the NWCA Southeast Region Coach of the Year for the second time since 2020 and was also named MAC Coach of the Year. At regionals, Stevens claimed the victory with 160.5 points. At the MAC Championship, Favia led the team to claim the title, winning with 134.5 points.
“It means everything to me,” Kaliner responded when discussing what his historic moment in school history meant to him. “I would never have been able to accomplish this goal without the coaching staff and teammates in that room. To be the first is an honor and something I will remember forever.”
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