“Officials, you may now begin your bouts!” As those words were broadcasted over the loudspeakers at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, the crowd erupted. The 2018 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Tournament was underway. This year’s tournament, running March 3-4, was the 114th running of the event, but the first time Hofstra had hosted the competition. 

The Hofstra wrestling team reached 10 dual victories for the first time in six seasons on Saturday, as the Pride edged out Brown University 24-18 before dropping the season finale to Harvard University by a 25-9 score.

The senior day spotlight shone bright on the storied career of Michael Hughes, who pinned his opponent in 37 seconds to help the Hofstra wrestling team outmuscle Sacred Heart 45-3 on Sunday afternoon at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center. 

Sage Heller and Michael Hughes recorded Pride pins, but they were unable to help Hofstra roar back from its deep deficit as the wrestling team fell 31-12 to the fire-breathing Drexel Dragons. The Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) match took place at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center on Saturday afternoon.